Ashby Public School Board Minutes

March 23, 2006
 
The School Board of District 261 met in regular session on March 23, 2006 in the Media Center of the School.  Vice Chair Sharyn Graham called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with members Bestul, LaRue, Risbrudt, Wing, and Graham present.   Absent:  Nelson, Rylander.  Also present were Allan Jensen, Roger Jansen, and Renee Melby.
 
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
 
Mr. Risbrudt moved to approve the agenda as amended, seconded by Mr. LaRue.  MCU.
 
Mr. LaRue moved to approve the following consent agenda:

• Approval of February 23, 2006 minutes.
• YTD Financial Report.
• Approval of bills:  February Hand-payables: $44,610.19, February Wire Transfers: $29,360.09, and March bills: $57,924.23.

Mrs. Wing seconded.  MCU.
 
Principal’s Report
Mr. Jansen reported that Wednesday, March 29, 2006 the Glende-Nilson Funeral Homes will be sponsoring a B’s or better breakfast for Grades 6, 7, 8.  The Science Fair will be Monday, March 27, 2006.  The third quarter ended today and tomorrow is a Staff Workshop Day.  The Elementary teachers will be working on Math Curriculum and the High School Teachers will be working on next years’ schedule.  Music Contests have been attended and the High School Pop Concert was held on March 21st.  February was I Love to Read Month and was observed by the Elementary classrooms as well as Drop Everything and Read.  Mr. Jansen noted that Kindergarten through 6th grade read 877 books.  Spring sports are underway with good participation.  Mr. Jansen reported that Tim Christianson was named Little 8 Conference Boys Basketball Coach of the Year and John Kent was named both Little 8 Conference Girls Basketball Coach of the Year and Section 5A Girls Basketball Coach of the Year.  Congratulations to Mr. Kent and Mr. Christianson.
 
Mr. Jansen reported that an invitation has been received to participate in the Challenge Academy in Alexandria.  Creative Study at the University of MN Morris will again be available to Ashby Students as well.  Mr. Bestul made a motion to offer the Creative Study in Morris and the Challenge Academy in Alexandria.  Mr. LaRue seconded.  MCU.
 
Superintendent’s Report
Mr. Jensen noted the Fund Balance guideline that was approved in January 2004.  The new computers have been installed in the High School Computer Lab.  The purchase of the 2003 Chevrolet Venture van and a 3 year warranty has been completed.  The 2000 Blue Bird bus is experiencing transmission problems.  Mr. Jensen attended the MASA Conference and reported on items that are being discussed at the Legislature. Support Staff salaries for 2005-2006 are in place.
 
Discussion Items
The 2005-2006 calendar adjustments for the storm days were discussed.  Mr. LaRue made a motion to amend the calendar for May 31st as a Teacher Workshop Day.  Mrs. Wing seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. Jensen presented three methods for Superintendent evaluations that are available for the Chairman to look at.
 
Mr. Risbrudt made a motion to hold a special meeting on April 6, 2006, 7:00 pm for the purpose of discussing program and position adjustments.  Mr. Bestul seconded.  MCU.
 
Action Items
Mr. Risbrudt made a motion to approve the Health and Safety Contract with Lakes Country Service Coop for 2006-07 and 2007-08.  Mrs. Graham seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. LaRue made a motion to call for propane bids at the April 20, 2006 meeting.  Mrs. Wing seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. Nelson joined the meeting at 8:20 pm.
 
Heidi Kent joined the meeting at 8:21 pm.
 
Mr. LaRue made a motion to purchase a 2007 Thomas/Freightliner Bus through the State Bid process.  Mr. Bestul seconded.  MCU.
 
Nancy Neiman has requested a 5 year leave of absence starting with the 2006-2007 school year.  Mr. Nelson made a motion to grant Ms. Neiman’s 5 year leave of absence.   Mrs. Graham seconded.  MCU.
 
Mrs. Wing made a motion to approve the Fergus Falls Area Special Ed Coop Joint Powers Agreement for 2006-2007.  Mr. Nelson seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. LaRue made a motion to approve the Facility Use Agreement with the Stevens Travers Grant Public Health.  Mr. Bestul seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. Risbrudt made a motion to accept the gifts of $300.00 for the Science Fair and $375.00 for a taxidermy mount for the Science Department from the Ashby Legion.  Mr. Nelson seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. Nelson gave a report on the Region I Board Meeting.
 
Mrs. Wing made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Mr. LaRue seconded.  MCU.  The meeting was adjourned by Vice Chair Graham at 8:40  pm.
 
 
                                                                                    ______________________________
                                                                                    Warren Nelson, Clerk