December 18th, 2008

​December 18, 2008
 
The School Board of District 261 met in regular session on December 18, 2008 in the Media Center of the School.  Vice-Chairman LaRue called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with members Graham, LaRue, Nelson, Risbrudt, D. Rylander, J. Rylander, and Wing present.  Also present were Superintendent Allan Jensen, Principal Tom Otte, Renee Melby, Kirby Spangler, Corey Johnson, Ryan Bartosiewski, and Cindy Welch.
 
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
 
 Mrs. Graham moved to approve the amended agenda, seconded by Mr. D. Rylander.  MCU.
 
 Mr. Rylander moved to approve the following consent agenda:

• Approval of November 20, 2008 minutes.
• YTD Financial Report.
• Approval of bills:  November Pre-paid: $29,522.89, November Wire Transfers: $58,869.17, and December bills: $60,285.40.

Mrs. Wing seconded.  MCU.
 
Communication/Delegations
Mrs. Wing will be recognized at the MN School Board Assoc. Leadership Conference with a certificate for 100+ hours of leadership training.
 
Outgoing Board Members Sharyn Graham, Wayne Risbrudt, and Jim Rylander were presented with Reward of Excellence Bells for their years of service to the School Board.
 
An Oath of Office Ceremony was held for new elected members Corey Johnson, Warren Nelson, and Kirby Spangler.  Absent Peter Hoff.
 
Board Reports
Mrs. Wing gave a report on Ashby Education Foundation.
 
Mr. Nelson gave a report on Region I.
 
Principal’s Report
Mr. Otte reported on the following:

• Math Grad testing of Juniors will be embedded in the MCA II this spring.
• Ashby has been randomly selected to be part of a study on the Graduation portion of the test.
• Mr. Otte, Linda Saari, and Helen Etnier have written a grant application to Education Minnesota for $3,000 for a Pre-School/Kindergarten outdoor area and day care bins.
• Mr. Otte is looking at other upcoming grant opportunities.
• The Florida music trip cost will be $865 per student which includes 2 instructors and 4 chaperones.
• A School Crisis Communication Team is being established.  Warren Nelson and Scott LaRue will represent the Board.
• Reading Curriculum review with best practices training will be held in January along with Battle Lake.
• MSCTC has received a College Readiness Grant that Ashby will participate in.
• December 22 is the K-12 Christmas Concert.
• Snow week is tentatively set for the 1st week in February.

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

• Cold weather related issues have been minimal.
• Financial outlook for 2009 and beyond and budget implications
• A School Board Orientation Meeting and a Budget Planning meeting will be scheduled after the January meeting.  The discussion on the cost saving measures has been tabled until the February meeting.

 
Mrs. Welch gave a report on Kindergarten.
 
Mr. Bartosiewski gave a report on Phy Ed and Health.
 
Discussion Items
Region I Board ballots were cast.
 
Mrs. Wing made a motion to not renew the billboard contract.  Mr. Nelson seconded.  MCU.
 
Action Items
Mrs. Graham made a motion to adopt the 2008-2009 Ashby ISD 261 Seniority List.  Mrs. Wing seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. Risbrudt made a motion to approve the final Levy 08 Payable 09 Certification of $720,468.26.  Mr. Nelson seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. LaRue made a motion to change the January meeting date to January 22, 2009.  Mrs. Wing seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. Nelson made motion to approve the work agreement with Aaron Rasmussen.  Mr. D. Rylander seconded.  MCU.
 
Mrs. Wing made a motion to approve the 2009 Early Childhood Screening Contract with Stevens Traverse Grant Public Health.  Mrs. Graham seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. Nelson made a motion to set the storm day replacement schedule as presented.  Mr. D. Rylander seconded.  MCU.
 
 Mr. Risbrudt made a motion to adjourn at 9:20 pm.   Mr. J. Rylander seconded.  MCU.
                                                                                   
                                                                                    ______________________________
                                                                                    Warren Nelson, Clerk