January 2021

The School Board of District 261 met in regular session on January 20, 2021 in the Media Center of the School.  Chair Wing called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM with members Anderson-via Zoom, Hoff-via Zoom, B. Johnson-via Zoom, C. Johnson-via Zoom, Rylander-via Zoom, Spangler-via Zoom, and Wing present. Absent:  None.  Also present were Superintendent Niemann, Principal Moore, Business Manager Renee Melby, Andy Peterson, Tracy Westrom-via Zoom, Cole Ellison-via Zoom, Heidi Kent-via Zoom, Heather Dewey-via Zoom, Laura Pettit-via Zoom, Brenda Johnson-via Zoom, and Jon Hansen-via Zoom.
 
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
 
Hoff moved to approve the agenda.   B. Johnson seconded.  Roll call vote:  B. Johnson-yes, Spangler-yes, Hoff-yes, Anderson-yes, Rylander-yes, C. Johnson-yes, Wing-yes.  MCU.
 
Board Reorganization:  Spangler nominated Wing for Chairperson.  Nominations were closed and Wing was declared elected by acclamation.  Spangler 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.  Anderson nominated Rylander for Treasurer.  Nominations were closed and Rylander was declared elected by acclamation.
 
Committees were assignments as follows:
     Special Ed Coop Board:  Wing
     MSHSL Rep:  Hoff
     Legislative Liaison:  C. Johnson
     Negotiations:  Wing, C. Johnson, Anderson
     Finance and Disbursement Review:  Rylander, Hoff, B. Johnson
     Building & Grounds Committee:  C. Johnson, B. Johnson, Spangler
     Planning:  Wing, C. Johnson, Rylander
     Policy Committee:  Anderson, C. Johnson, Wing
     Wellness:  Anderson
 
B. Johnson moved to approve the following consent agenda:

• Approval of December 16, 2020 minutes.
• Financial Reports for December 2020.
• Approval of bills:  December Handpayables: $66,666.45, December Wire Payments:  $117,197.13, and January bills:  $590,547.30
• Approve Maternity Leave for Emily Nelson
• Approve Laura Pettit as Jr. High Boys Basketball Coach
• Approve Resignation of Superintendent Al Niemann effective June 30, 2021
• Approve Resignation of Paraprofessional Jennifer Huseth

• Acknowledge Donations:  Ashby Legacy Fund Classroom Grants $5,364.72
• Approve Senior Class ALF Fundraiser
• Approve Sophomore Class ALF Fundraiser

Anderson seconded.  Roll call vote:  B. Johnson-yes, Spangler-yes, Hoff-yes, Anderson-yes, Rylander-yes, C. Johnson-yes, Wing-yes.  MCU.
 
Board Reports
Anderson reported on Region 1 Board.
 
Wing reported on Fergus Falls Special Ed Coop Meeting and Lakes Country Service Coop Board Meeting.
 
Principal’s Report
Mr. Moore reported on the following:

• Communication to Families
• School and Home Connection
• Student/Family Support
• Attendance
• COVID-19 Statistics
• Learning Model change effective January 25th
• Game Attendance policy was presented by Activities Director Andy Peterson
• Possible Schedule Structure for 2021-22
• Workshop Day on January 18th
• Thank you to ALF for the lunch provided to Staff
• Assessment and Data
• Curriculum
• Administrative Professional Development

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

• Legislative Update
• Bus Updates
• COVID Status Update:  Grades 7-12 returning to in-person Monday-Thursday effective January 25th, bi-weekly COVID testing, COVID Vaccinations

 
Mrs. Kent reported on Knowledge Bowl and Middle School Science.
 
Discussion Items
Administrative Realignment.
 
Shelby McQuay from Ehlers and Associates joined the meeting via Zoom at 7:12 pm.
 
Review Timeline for an August Special Election.
 
Building Project Update.
 
Third Coach request for Baseball and Softball.
 
Action Items
2021-22 School Calendar was tabled.
 
Spangler made a motion to approve the Pay Equity Report.  B. Johnson seconded.  Roll call vote:  B. Johnson-yes, Spangler-yes, Hoff-yes, Anderson-yes, Rylander-yes, C. Johnson-yes, Wing-yes.  MCU.
 
Hoff introduced Resolution No. 21.03 Directing Administration to Recommend Program/Personnel Adjustments Due to Declining Enrollment and Diminishing Revenue.  Rylander seconded.  Roll call vote:  B. Johnson-yes, Spangler-yes, Hoff-yes, Anderson-yes, Rylander-yes, C. Johnson-yes, Wing-yes.  MCU.
 
Hoff made a motion to name Official Depository as Viking Bank of Ashby and Official Newspaper as Battle Lake Review/Ashby Dalton Post.   B. Johnson seconded.  Roll call vote:  B. Johnson-yes, Spangler-yes, Hoff-yes, Anderson-yes, Rylander-yes, C. Johnson-yes, Wing-yes.  MCU.
 
Anderson made a motion to set the following:
            Board Meetings:   Day – 3rd Wednesday each month
                                          Time – 6:00 pm
                                          Place – Ashby Public School Media Center
Rylander seconded.  MCU.  Roll call vote:  B. Johnson-yes, Spangler-yes, Hoff-yes, Anderson-yes, Rylander-yes, C. Johnson-yes, Wing-yes.  MCU.
 
B. Johnson made a motion to set the following:
Board Compensation:  $50/regular or special meeting, Chairperson stipend: $25/month
Spangler seconded.  Roll call vote:  B. Johnson-yes, Spangler-yes, Hoff-yes, Anderson-yes, Rylander-yes, C. Johnson-yes, Wing-yes.  MCU.
 
B. Johnson made a motion to approve Resolution No. 21.04 to Extend Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) to March 31, 2021.  C. Johnson seconded.  Roll call vote:  B. Johnson-yes, Spangler-yes, Hoff-yes, Anderson-yes, Rylander-yes, C. Johnson-yes, Wing-yes.  MCU.
 
Hoff made a motion to adjourn.  Spangler seconded.  MCU.  Chair Wing called the meeting adjourned at pm 8:16 pm.
                                                                                                            Leslie Anderson, Clerk