Ashby School Board Minutes

The School Board of District 261 met in regular session on January 22, 2020 in the Media Center of the School.  Chair Wing called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM with members Anderson, Hoff, B. Johnson, C. Johnson, Rylander, Spangler, and Wing present. Absent:  None.  Also present were Superintendent Niemann, Principal Moore, Business Manager Renee Melby, Peter Nelson, Noelle Kratzke, Andy Peterson, Amelia Barry, Halle Dahlen, and Brain Johnson.
 
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
 
B. Johnson moved to approve the amended agenda.  Spangler seconded.  MCU.
 
Board Reorganization:  Anderson nominated Wing for Chairperson.  Nominations were closed and Wing was declared elected by acclamation.  Rylander nominated C. Johnson for Vice Chairperson.  Nominations were closed and C. Johnson was declared elected by acclamation.  Hoff nominated Anderson for Clerk.  Nominations were closed and Anderson was declared elected by acclamation.  B. Johnson nominated Rylander for Treasurer.  Nominations were closed and Rylander was declared elected by acclamation.
 
Senior Class Representatives Amelia Barry and Halle Dahlen presented their Senior Class Trip plans to Lake Okoboji, Iowa and fund raising events of Crush Can sale, and Bake Sale.  Rylander made a motion to approve the Senior Class Trip and Fundraisers.  Anderson seconded.  MCU.
 
Andy Peterson requested approval for the 9th Grade ALF Fundraiser – Flower Sales for Valentines Day.  Spangler made a motion to approve.  B. Johnson seconded.  MCU.
 
Athletic Director’s Report
Mr. Peterson reported on the following:

• Meeting was held with Spring Coaches.  Additional coaches have been requested for Baseball and Softball.  No action was taken.

 
C. Johnson moved to approve the following consent agenda:

• Approval of December 18, 2019 minutes.
• Financial Reports for December 2019.
• Approval of bills:  December Handpayables: $9,915.39, December Wire Payments:  $107,820.10, Student Activity December payments $6,916.35, and January bills:  $564,248.18.

• Acknowledge Donations:  Ashby Legacy Fund Classroom Grants $15,159, NFPA Education and Technology $500 Fluid Power Grant, Your Cause donation of $286 to Ashby Legacy Fund from Chris Larson, Anonymous donation of $50 to 7th-12th Lunches, Memory of Charlotte Moen for School Lunches $2,500, Memory of Sandra Barry for School Lunches $2,385

Rylander seconded.  MCU.
 
Board Reports
Hoff reported on School Board Convention.
 
Anderson reported on School Board Convention.
 
C. Johnson reported on School Board Convention.
 
Wing reported on Fergus Falls Special Ed Coop Meeting, Lakes Country Service Coop Board Meeting, School Board Convention, and MN Service Coop Meeting.
 
Principal’s Report
Mr. Moore reported on the following:

• Community Connection:  Community Candy Cane Handout, 2020 Grant County Fund Fest and Expo
• School and Home Connection
• Communications including ClassDojo and Social Media
• Behavior Management, Attendance, Grading, Student Support, Class Offerings
• Full Staff Day on January 20th
• Observations
• New Teacher Mentorship Program
• Teacher and Employee Relations
• Notables from Classrooms and Clubs
• Assessment and Data
• Looking at new Math Curriculum for K-5th Grade
• Furniture for the Commons Area has been delivered
• February is I Love to Read Month with activities being planned
• Upcoming Author Visit from Kevin Lovegreen
• 2020-2021 lower Elementary Grades proposal

 
Superintendent’s Report
Mr. Niemann reported on the following:

• Bus updates
• Enrollment update
• Started the process of ordering a mini bus
• Progress has been made on collection of negative lunch balances
• No luck with hiring attempts for bus driver or cleaning person

 
Peter Nelson reported on Health and Physical Education
 
Noelle Kratzke reported on High School Math and Student Council.
 
Discussion Items
Otter Tail Power Company Solar Electricity (Private Sub-Contractor).
 
Action Items
Network Security and Privacy Liability Cyber Insurance – no action taken.
 
C. Johnson introduced Resolution No. 20.05 Directing Administration to Recommend Program/Personnel Adjustments Due to Declining Enrollment and Diminishing Revenue.  Hoff seconded.  Roll call vote:  B. Johnson-yes, Spangler-yes, Hoff-yes, Anderson-yes, Rylander-yes, C. Johnson-yes, Wing-yes.  MCU.
 
C. Johnson made a motion to name Official Depository as Viking Bank, Ashby and Official Newspaper as Ashby Dalton Post.  B. Johnson seconded.  MCU.
 
C. Johnson made a motion to set the following:
            Board Meetings:   Day – 3rd Wednesday each month
                                          Time – 6:00 pm
                                          Place – Ashby Public School Media Center
Board Compensation:  $50/regular or special meeting, Chairperson stipend: $25/month
Rylander seconded.  MCU.
 
C. Johnson made a motion to approve the Junior Class ALF Fundraiser – Jamboree with the Juniors for February 8, 2020, 1st and 2nd Grade ALF Fundraiser – Art Show for March 14, 2020, and Class of 2025 Arrow Clothing Fundraiser.  B. Johnson seconded.  MCU.
 
C. Johnson made a motion to approve the 2020-21 School Calendar.  Spangler seconded.  MCU.
 
Discussion on splitting 2nd Grade for 2020-21.  The Board gave consensus to move forward with the planning.
 
Hoff made a motion to adjourn.  Spangler seconded.  MCU.  Chair Wing called the meeting adjourned at pm 8:26 pm.
 
                                                                                                            Leslie Anderson, Clerk