January 11th, 2010

​January 11, 2010
 
The School Board of District 261 met in regular session on January 11, 2010 in the Media Center of the School.  Chairman LaRue called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM with members Hoff, Johnson, LaRue, Nelson, Rylander, Spangler, and Wing present.  Also present were Superintendent Allan Jensen, Principal Tom Otte, Renee Melby, Lisa Wigdahl, and Lori Risbrudt.
 
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
 
 Rylander moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Wing.  MCU.
 
Johnson made a motion to move forward with current officers, committee assignments, and official district information for 2010.  Nelson seconded.  MCU.
 
 Rylander moved to approve the following consent agenda:

• Approval of December 21, 2009 minutes.
• YTD Financial Report.
• Approval of bills:  December Hand-payables: $30,657.15, December Wire Transfers:  $43,244.89, and January bills: $468,998.60.

  Nelson seconded.  MCU.
 
Communication/Delegations
None
 
Board Reports
Wing gave a report on Ashby Education Foundation and Fergus Falls Special Ed Coop.
 
Mrs. Risbrudt gave a report on the Music Department.
 
Mrs. Wigdahl gave a demonstration on SmartBoard.
 
Principal’s Report
Mr. Otte reported on the following:

• Snow Week will be February 15-19 including J-Term activities.  Coronation will be February 15th at 7:00 PM
• Para Professional Week is next week.
• January 27th Workshop day will include a Fetal Alcohol Syndrome presentation, English curriculum review, Emergency Crisis Plan review, and a new fractal for High School.
• Spelling Bee for Grades 4-8 will be January 26th at 9:00 AM
• Geography Bee was held last week.
• Pop Music Concert will be February 11th.
• Online media membership has been switched to Learn 360 through Lakes Country Service Coop with a cost savings from what was previously utilized.

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

• The Operating Levy has been submitted to the MN Department of Education and the County Auditors at approximately 75% of the maximum.
• The lighting project has had a slow start.  Equipment will be in this week.
• Politics and school funding issues being considered by the State Legislature.
• Bus vendors have indicated that Spring of 2010 might be a better time to buy a new bus rather than Summer or Fall however with the possibility of our State funding being withheld it is not a good time for the district for cash flow purposes.
• The Tech Audit is scheduled for February 18th.

 
Action Items
Nelson introduced resolution No.10.06 directing the Administration to make recommendations for reductions in programs and positions and reasons therefore.  Johnson seconded.  Roll call vote:  Rylander-yes, Nelson-yes, Johnson-yes, Spangler-yes, Wing-yes, Hoff-yes, LaRue-yes.  MCU.
 
Spangler made a motion for intent to participate in Race to the Top and to work collaboratively with Ashby Education Association to implement the agreement.  Nelson seconded.  MCU.
 
Johnson made a motion to approve the 2009-2011 Master Agreement.  Rylander seconded.  MCU.
 
Wage adjustment for non-teaching staff was tabled until the next meeting.
 
Chairman LaRue adjourned the meeting at 8:17 PM.
                                                                                   
                                                                                    ______________________
                                                                                    Warren Nelson, Clerk