January 24th, 2008

​January 24, 2008
 
The School Board of District 261 met in regular session on January 24, 2008 in the Media Center of the School.  Chairman Rylander called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with members Graham, LaRue, Risbrudt, Rylander, and Wing present.  Absent:  Bestul, Nelson.   Also present were Allan Jensen, Tom Otte, Renee Melby, and Perry Butler.
 
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
 
Mr. Risbrudt moved to approve the amended agenda, seconded by Mrs. Graham  MCU.
 
Mr. Nelson had submitted a written motion to nominate Mr. LaRue as Board Chair.  Mr. LaRue nominated Mr. Rylander.  Discussion followed.  Mr. LaRue withdrew his name from the nominations.  There were no more nominations.  MCU.  Mrs. Graham made a motion to nominate Mr. LaRue as Vice Chair.  Mr. Risbrudt made a motion to cease nominations and cast a unanimous ballot.  Mrs. Wing seconded.  MCU.  Mr. LaRue made a motion to nominate Mr. Nelson as Clerk and to cease nominations and cast a unanimous ballot.  Mrs. Wing seconded.  MCU.  Mrs. Graham made a motion to nominate Mr. Risbrudt as Treasurer and to cease nominations and cast a unanimous ballot.  Mr. LaRue seconded.  MCU.  Suzanne Wing was appointed as Special Education representative.  Wayne Risbrudt was appointed as MSHSL representative.  Scott LaRue was appointed as Legislative Liaison.  Mr. LaRue, Mrs. Wing, Mr. Rylander, and Mrs. Graham were appointed as the Negotiations Committee.  Mrs. Wing made a motion for the Official School Information as follows:  Official Depository – First State Bank of Ashby, Official Newspaper – Ashby Dalton Post, Official Meeting time and place – 3rd Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm, Ashby School Media Center, Board Compensation to remain the same.  Mrs. Graham seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. LaRue moved to approve the following consent agenda:

• Approval of December 20, 2007 minutes.
• YTD Financial Report.
• Approval of bills:  December Hand-payables: $40,777.24, December Wire Transfers: $33,459.46, and January bills: $489,168.42.

Mr. Risbrudt  seconded.  MCU.
 
Communication/Delegations
None
 
Board Reports
Mr. Risbrudt gave a report on the MSBA Leadership Conference.
 
Mrs. Wing gave a report on the MSBA Leadership Conference, Special Ed Coop Meeting, and Ashby Education Foundation meeting.
 
Mr. Rylander gave a report on the MSBA Leadership Conference.
 
Mr. Nelson’s handwritten report on Region I was distributed.  It was noted that Ashby ISD is moving forward with plans to implement Genesis, a web based student information system hosted by Region I.
 
Principal’s Report

• Mr. Otte presented some information on the EDUSS Learning System vs. Study Island.
• Mrs. Koefod and Mr. Otte observed the DIBELS reading assessment tool at the Brandon School.
• A wish list from the coaches was presented with recommendations of items to be purchased by the Letterwinners and the District. 

 
Mr. LaRue made a motion to purchase items from the list in the amount of $8,170.00 from the Building Fund.  Mrs. Graham seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. Nelson joined the meeting at 8:15 pm.
 

• Snow Week will be February 11 – 15.
• The High School schedule for next year is in the process of being developed which should have more flexibility.
• Monday was the beginning of a new semester.
• Elementary Teachers attended observations of the Trail Blazer Math Curriculum at the Dassel/Cokato School.
• Lifetime Fitness will be going on a ski trip.
• Grades 4, 5, and 6 will be going on a ski trip.
• Grant County Family Fun Festival will be hosted in Ashby this April.
• Spelling Bee will be held February 1st.
• An Ag Advisory Committee is being organized.
• Thank you to QLogic for the donated furniture and Excel Plastics for providing the trucking.

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

• The HVAC computer system should be up and running properly next week.
• One bus is not starting and is being worked on.
• The March Board Meeting is Easter week and it can be decided in February if the date needs to be changed.
• The 2008-2009 calendar is being worked on.
• This week is Paraprofessional Week.  The Ashby students benefit greatly from the outstanding work our paras do.
• Mr. Steenblock was awarded the Outstanding Young Ag Educator Award at the Region III Ag Teachers Conference in St. Cloud.
• The copy machine in the office will need to be replaced soon.

 
Discussion Items
 
Action Items
Mr. LaRue introduced resolution No. 08.02 directing the administration to recommend program/personnel adjustments due to declining enrollment and diminishing revenue.  Mrs. Wing seconded.  Roll call vote: Nelson – yes;  Risbrudt – yes;  Graham – yes;  LaRue – yes;  Wing – yes;  Rylander – yes.  Absent – Bestul.  The resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
 
Mr. Risbrudt made motion to accept the gift of $5,000.00 for softball dugouts from an anonymous donor and the office furniture from QLogic with thanks.  Mr. Nelson seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. Nelson made a motion to approve Dr. Lundstrom’s 2007-2008 contract.  Mr. LaRue seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. Risbrudt made a motion to accept the resignation of Alden Thompson.  Mrs. Graham seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. LaRue made a motion to accept the work agreement with Michael Maunumaki.  Mrs. Graham seconded.  MCU.
 
Mrs. Wing made a motion to appoint a surrogate parent to make educational decisions for a student with a disability.  Mr. LaRue seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. LaRue introduced resolution No. 08.03 providing for the sale of general obligation school building refunding bonds, series 2007A.  Mrs. Graham seconded.  Roll call vote:  Nelson – yes; Risbrudt – yes;  Graham– yes;  LaRue – yes;  Wing – yes;  Rylander – yes.  Absent – Bestul.  The resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
 
Mr. LaRue made a motion to adjourn at 8:58 pm.  Mr. Risbrudt seconded.  MCU.
 
                                                                                    ______________________________
                                                                                    Warren Nelson, Clerk