February 21st, 2008

​February 21, 2008
 
The School Board of District 261 met in regular session on February 21, 2008 in the Media Center of the School.  Chairman Rylander called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with members Graham, Nelson, Risbrudt, and Rylander present.  Absent:  Bestul, LaRue, Wing.   Also present were Allan Jensen, Tom Otte, Renee Melby, Lori Risbrudt, Ryan Bartosiewski, and Chad VanSanten.
 
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
 
Mr. Nelson moved to approve the amended agenda, seconded by Mrs. Graham.  MCU.
 
Mrs. Graham moved to approve the following consent agenda:

• Approval of January 24, 2008 minutes.
• YTD Financial Report.
• Approval of bills:  January Hand-payables: $40,141.21, January Wire Transfers: $29,263.05, and February bills: $37,391.53.

Mr. Nelson  seconded.  MCU.
 
Communication/Delegations
Mr. Jensen presented School Board Member Recognition Certificates to the Board.
 
Board Reports
Mr. Nelson gave a report on Region I.
 
Mr. Risbrudt made an inquiry regarding the walk behind sweeper.
 
Mrs. Risbrudt gave a report on the High School English Department.
 
Mr. Bartosiewski gave a report on K-3 Elementary Phy Ed, High School Health, and High School Phy Ed.  The Phy Ed Department is the recipient of a grant from the Ashby Education Foundation for fifteen heart rate monitors.
 
Principal’s Report

• February is I Love to Read month with the elementary classes setting goals.  The High School Students will read to the Elementary students for Read Across America on March 3rd.  The elementary students will be attending a play/musical and the Science Museum.
• Girls Basketball playoffs begin next week with Boys the following week.  Spring Sports will begin on March 10th and 17th.
• Snow Week activities were successful with positive feedback on the J Term activities.
• High School Music Concert will be held March 11th.  Band Contest will be March 12th.  Choir Contest will be March 19th.
• 8th and 9th Grades will be attending Youth Health Day.
• Parent Teacher Conferences had low turnout.
• The 2008-2009 schedule is being worked on.
• ACT scores and high potential students were goals chosen by staff at the January workshop.
• Mr. Otte attended the ACT State Conference.

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

• There were some minor weather related issues with busses which are being resolved.
• The West Central Area Schools are leaving the Fergus Falls Special Ed Coop which will have an impact on the remaining schools in the Coop.  Ashby will feel a slight impact.
• The HVAC system is working properly.
• The purchase of a new copy machine will be made soon.
• Sharing ventures with neighboring districts was discussed.

 
Discussion Items
Preliminary 2007-2008 and 2009-2009 Budget forecasts were presented.
 
Action Items
Mr. Nelson introduced resolution No. 08.04 declaring a vacancy on the Ashby School Board due to the absence for at least 90 days of a member and moved its’ adoption.  Mrs. Graham seconded.  Roll call vote: Nelson – yes;  Graham – yes;  Risbrudt – yes;  Rylander – yes.  Absent – Bestul, LaRue, Wing.  The resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
 
Appointment of a member to the board to fill a vacancy was tabled until the next meeting.
 
The meeting went into closed session at 9:20 pm to consider a student issue.
 
Mrs. Graham made a motion to return to regular session.  Mr. Rylander seconded.  MCU.  The meeting reopened at 9:55 pm.
 
Mr. Nelson made a motion to adjourn at 9:56 pm.  Mr. Risbrudt seconded.  MCU.
 
                                                                                    ______________________________
                                                                                    Warren Nelson, Clerk