December 17th, 2012

Unofficial Minutes
December 17, 2012


The School Board of District 261 met in regular session on December 17, 2012 in the Media Center of the School.  Chair Wing called the meeting to order at 4:00 PM with members Hoff, Johnson, LaRue,  Nelson, Rylander, and Wing present.  Absent:  Spangler.  Also present were Superintendent Allan Jensen, Principal Shane Tappe, Renee Melby, Heidi Kent, Dustin Steenblock, and Craig Koefod.


The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.


Nelson moved to approve the amended agenda.  LaRue seconded.  MCU.


Nelson moved to approve the following consent agenda:

• Approval of November 19, 2012 minutes.
• YTD Financial Report.
• Approval of bills:  November Handpayables: $25,078.08, November Wire Transfers:  $54,815.49 and December bills: $47,189.76.

 LaRue seconded.  MCU.


Communications/Delgations
Dustin Steenblock and Craig Koefod presented information on a Trap Shoot League newly sanctioned by the MN State High School League.  The Board gave support to continue to pursue additional information.


Val Martin and George Jordan joined the meeting at 4:20 pm.


Val Martin and George Jordan representing the City of Ashby provided information to the Board on a Safe Routes to School Grant asking for the School to be a partner.   The Board gave support to the partnership.  They also presented information on their plan to implement a School Speed Zone on County Road 4 next to the School.  The Board and Administration will provide letters of support to the project.


Kirby Spangler joined the meeting at 4:30 pm.


Region 1 Board election ballots were distributed and ballots were cast.


Board Reports
Nelson gave a report on Region 1 and Lakes Country Service Coop.


Wing gave a report on Fergus Falls Special Ed Coop.


Principal’s Report
Mr. Tappe reported on the following:

• A moment of silence was observed this morning by staff and students in respect to the Newtown Connecticut incident. 
• Snow Week will be held January 21-25 with various events being planned.  Monday afternoon will be the Coronation and Pep Fest.  Tuesday afternoon  J-Term activities will be held.  Other activities planned are a Lip Sync Competition and the week will conclude with a Dance on Friday evening following the basketball game.
• NWEA Map Testing is ready for the Staff Training this Friday.  Testing will begin after the Holiday Break.
• Mr. Tappe plans to attend the MASSP Winter Conference January 30 – February 1.
• The Teacher In-service day scheduled for January 18th will include looking at data and working in the Professional Learning Community Groups.
• The new social worker JoAnn Larson’s first day was December 17th.
• January 29th the Ashby team for the Teacher Principal Evaluation Process will attend a workshop at Lakes Country Service Coop.
• Mr. Tappe attended a County Truancy Meeting in Otter Tail County with the next meeting to be held on January 15th.
• Mrs. Andreasen will be taking students to Sneak A Peak at Alexandria Technical Community College on January 8th.
• The K-12 Christmas Concert will be held later this evening.
• A letter was received from Darla Ellingson with some recommendations on sound system and lighting needs in the Auditorium that were identified by working recently with the school musical.

Superintendent’s Report

• Mr. Jensen reported on the following:
• The 2012 29 passenger bus is scheduled to arrive this Friday.  He also reported on other bus maintenance issues that have been resolved.
• It is anticipated that the district will use more LP this winter due to the electric boiler being cycled more frequently this winter according to information received from Otter Tail Power Company.
• All affidavits of acceptance and oath of office have been completed by the newly elected Board Members.
• MN School Board Association  Leadership Conference will be held January 16 – 18.  Four board members plan to attend along with Mr. Jensen.
• The State of Minnesota has brought the shift back to 82.5%.  This will not impact the budget or fund balance but will improve cash flow.

LaRue made a motion to recess the meeting at 6:00 pm to hold the Truth and Taxation Meeting.  Rylander seconded.  MCU.


The Truth and Taxation Meeting was held at 6:05 pm.


The meeting returned to regular session at 6:25 pm.


Mrs. Kent gave a report on 7th and 8th Grade.


Mr. Steenblock gave a report on Agriculture and Industrial Ed and FFA.
 
Discussion Items
A formal request has been received from the Elementary Staff to have a second copier in the building.  Nelson made a motion to purchase a copier from Liberty Business.  Rylander seconded.  MCU.


Action Items
LaRue made a motion to approve the Stevens Traverse Grant Public Health Early Childhood Screening Contract.  Hoff seconded.  MCU.


Nelson made a motion to approve the work agreement for JoAnn Larson, School Social Worker.  Hoff seconded.  MCU.


Johnson made a motion to approve the Otter Tail County Interagency Collaborative Agreement.  Spangler seconded.  MCU.


Johnson made a motion to approve the long term substitute teacher contract with Helen Etnier.  Nelson seconded.   MCU.


Johnson made a motion to approve the proposed Final Levy 12 Payable 13 Certification.  LaRue seconded.  MCU.


Nelson made a motion to approve the Football Fundraiser Pancake Breakfast to be held in January.  Spangler seconded.  MCU.


Chair Wing adjourned the meeting at 6:38 pm.


                                                                                    ______________________
                                                                                    Warren Nelson, Clerk