March 25th, 2013

March 25, 2013


The School Board of District 261 met in regular session on March 25, 2013 in the Media Center of the School.  Chair Wing 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 Shane Tappe, Renee Melby, Marcy Andreasen, Kris Roley, and Chris VanKempen.


The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.


LaRue moved to approve the amended agenda, Spangler seconded.  MCU.


LaRue moved to approve the following consent agenda:

• Approval of February 20, 2013 minutes.
• YTD Financial Report.
• Approval of bills:  February Handpayables: $21,038.65, February Wire Transfers:  $52,213.95 and March bills: $19,554.25.

Nelson seconded.  MCU.


Communications/Delegations
A letter of intent to Negotiate the 2013-2015 contract from the Ashby Education Association was read.  Nelson made a motion to acknowledge the receipt of the letter.  Rylander seconded.  MCU.


 
Board Reports
Wing gave a report on the Fergus Falls Special Ed Coop, Ashby Education Foundation, and the Board work session on March 11, 2103. 


Athletic Director’s Report
Mrs. Andreasen reported on the following:

• Girls Basketball awards will be April 8th.
• Boys Basketball awards date has not been set.
• Destiny Academy is in the process of determining which sports they wish to continue the cooperative arrangement. 
• A coaching packet has been developed and distributed starting in the Spring 2013 which includes coaches code of ethics and coaching guidelines.
• A Summer Speed and Strength Program is being pursued.
• The Head Volleyball and Head Football Coaching positions are open and have been posted.
• Snow removal has been done on the softball and baseball fields.
• Little Eight Conference changes will include basketball game start times will be 6:00 pm, 2nd place trophies will be eliminated, and rescheduling guidelines.
• Section realignment has no impact on Ashby.
• Spring Sports participation numbers are:  Track 49 (18 from Ashby), Softball 25, Golf 14, and Baseball 22.
• A revised Multiple Spring Sports Policy was presented to better meet the goal of students being able to participate in 2 sports.  Johnson made a motion to accept the revised policy.  Rylander seconded.  MCU.

Mrs. Roley and Mrs. VanKempen gave reports on Special Education.
 
Principal’s Report
Mr. Tappe reported on the following:

• Ashby has applied for and been awarded MN Reading Corps for 2013-14.  It is a full time position for PreK – 3 programs.
• Ashby has applied for and been awarded MN Math Corps for 2013-14.  This new position is a part time position and they are currently advertising the position.
• Student Handbook additions regarding the Senior Class Trip for 2013-14 were discussed and the Board directed Mr. Tappe to write a policy.
• Mr. Tappe, Mr. Knick, and Mr. Steenblock attended a Teacher/Principal Evaluation work session.
• The Math teaching position has been posted and an interview committee will be formed after the Easter break.
• The Phy Ed / Health position has been posted.
• A schedule has been formulated for spring MCA and NWEA testing.
• Ashby has received the Four Star Parent Aware Rating from the Minnesota Department of Education for the Early Childhood and Early Learner Program.  This can be viewed at www.parentawareratings.org.
• Ashby is hosting the Grant County Fun Fest and Expo on April 27th, 9:00 am – 12:00 noon.
• Mr. Tappe expressed the need for additional time in the school calendar for the new Teacher evaluation legislation and time for the Professional Learning Community.

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

• Clarification was given on the pricing structure for Evansville Automotive part markup formula.
• The laminator has been repaired and is back in use.
• The district has agreed to pay fuel costs only for the snow removal on the Softball and Baseball fields.
• The Legion held a round table discussion group on school security.  Mr. Jensen noted that Lock Bloks have been installed on most classroom doors which enable the door to be locked without going out of the room.
• The Affordable Health Care Act and the possible impact on the district was discussed. 
• Ashby will host the Jim Klobuchar Bike tour on June 8, 2013.  The Football field will be used as a camp ground and the bikers will have access to the School Building for bathrooms and showers.
• Congratulations were given to Mr. and Mrs. Kent and the students on the successful Science Fair.
• Congratulations were given to Mrs. Umlauf and the choir students on their high level of performance at music contest.

 
Discussion Items
The budget impacts of Sequestration and Legislation was discussed.


The 2012-13 School Calendar options due to weather changes were discussed.  Rylander made a motion to revise the calendar changing May 28 and 29 to student days and May 30 and 31 to staff workshop days.  Nelson seconded.  MCU.


Action Items
Nelson made a motion to approve work agreements for:  Kandace Norby Head Softball Coach, Chad Koep Assistant Softball Coach, Lisa Wigdahl Head Golf Coach, Jen Froemming Head Track Coach, Chris VanKempen Assistant Track Coach, Tom Olson/Blaine Berry Head Baseball Co-coaches, Jeremy Knick Assistant Baseball Coach, Kollyn Malecha Evening Custodian/Kitchen Aide.  Rylander seconded.  MCU.


LaRue made a motion to approve termination of work agreement with Denette Larson due to decline in Special Ed pupil numbers.  Hoff seconded.  MCU.


Nelson made a motion to approve the track team fundraiser.  LaRue seconded.  MCU.


LaRue made a motion to amend the motion from the January 14, 2013 meeting to include a minimal fee payment for Dustin Steenblock as School Representative on the Trap Coaching Staff.   Nelson seconded.  MCU.                                    


LaRue made a motion to accept the resignation of Sean Stevens as van driver.  Spangler seconded.  MCU.


Chair Wing called the meeting adjourned at 7:55 pm.


                                                                                    ______________________
                                                                                    Warren Nelson, Clerk