November 16th, 2009

​November 16, 2009
 
The School Board of District 261 met in regular session on November 16, 2009 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, Perry Butler, and Brian Jacobson.
 
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
 
Spangler moved to approve the amended agenda, seconded by Nelson.  MCU.
 
Rylander moved to approve the following consent agenda:

• Approval of October 19, 2009, November 4, 2009, and November 10, 2009 minutes.
• YTD Financial Report.
• Approval of bills:  October Hand-payables: $23,789.71, October Wire Transfers:  $43,428.29, and November bills: $44,583.38.

 Wing seconded.  MCU.
 
Communication/Delegations
None
 
Brian Jacobson from Carlson Highland & Co. LLP presented the 2008-2009 Audit Report.
 
Board Reports
Nelson gave a report on Region I.
 
Wing gave a report on Fergus Falls Special Ed Coop.
 
Principal’s Report
Mr. Otte reported on the following:

• Twelve students have retaken the Graduation test for Math and six have passed.  Remediation sessions had been and will be conducted by Mrs. Wigdahl.
• Mr. Otte, Mr. Kent, and Mrs. Wigdahl attended a follow up to the Minnesota Department of Education Data Retreat at Lakes Country Service Coop.  The entire HS staff is targeting a reading comprehension improvement goal for the next 6 weeks in all classes.
• A Grant has been submitted for funding for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Reading Program with hopes of starting the program in the Spring of 2010.
• A dinner was held to gather input on Minnesota’s application for federal Race to the Top funding. The Race to the Top Fund is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) and provides competitive grants to states that are engaged in education innovation and reform.
• The beverage vending contract has been renewed with Pepsi.
• Due to high absences in the High School on the day before hunting season Mr. Otte asked the board to consider a school calendar that is friendly to the area life style.
• Ms. Johnson requested a pie sales fundraiser for the upcoming Spanish Trip.
• High School Students and Staff will attend a Carl Randall lyceum on decision making on November 19th at the Evansville School.
• Targeted Services for K-2 will begin on November 17th with individual meetings with the students and their parents.  Targeted Services is a year round program that is a activity based reading program and character leadership and is hoped to be expanded up to 6th Grade.
• The Musical will be held November 20th, 21st, and 22nd.
• Revised Elementary and High School Attendance Policies were presented.

 
Nelson made a motion to approve the changes to the Student Handbook with the updated Attendance Policies.  Hoff seconded.  MCU.
 
Superintendent’s Report
Mr. Jensen reported on the following:

• Boiler issues have been resolved with repairs being made.
• Maintenance on the 2003 International Bus circuit boards has been completed.

 
Mr. Butler gave a report on Business Classes and Technology.
 
 Discussion Items
MSBA Leadership Conference is January 13-15, 2010 in Minneapolis.
 
Bus Driver shortage was discussed.  Current staff members will be encouraged to pursue a bus license endorsement.
 
Operating Levy Election status was discussed.
 
Lakes Country Service Coop Board of Directors ballots were cast by the Ashby School Board.
 
Action Items
Bid from Brenefur Electric for the energy efficient lighting upgrade was opened.  Johnson made a motion to reject the bid and re-open the bid process.  Rylander seconded.  MCU.
 
Wing moved to adopt resolution 10.06 giving Ashby School Board support to the Athletic Director’s grant application to the Minnesota State High School League Foundation for $5,000 to defray expenses associated with purchase and installation of two Automated External Defibrillators.  Seconded by Nelson.  Roll call vote:  Nelson-yes;  Spangler-yes;  Hoff-yes;  Rylander-yes;  Wing-yes;  Johnson-yes;  LaRue-yes. MCU.
 
Nelson made a motion to accept a donation of $500 given anonymously.  Johnson seconded.  MCU.
 
Wing made a motion to approve the ECSE Contract with Stevens Traverse Grant Public Health.  Spangler seconded.  MCU.
 
The Board acknowledged the gift of $250 for the 2nd grade class and $250 for the 3rd grade class given by Mr. and Mrs. Heinrich.
 
 Rylander made a motion to adjourn at 9:10 pm.  Nelson seconded.  MCU.
                                                                                   
                                                                                    ______________________
                                                                                    Warren Nelson, Clerk
 
December 14, 2009
 
The School Board of District 261 met in special session on December 14, 2009 in the Media Center of the School.  Chairman LaRue called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with members Hoff, Johnson, LaRue, Nelson, Rylander, Spangler, and Wing present.  Also present were Superintendent Allan Jensen, Principal Tom Otte, and Renee Melby.
 
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
 
Wing moved to approve the amended agenda, seconded by Nelson.  MCU.
 
Bids received for Energy Efficient Lighting:
        Driggins Electric                 $19,967.46
        Double E Electric               $27,400.00
        Anderson Electric              $20,892.00
        Brendefur Electric              $33,842.00
        Christenson Electric           $19,994.00
        Fergus  Electric                  $26,710.00
        Vinco Electric                    $25,608.00
Nelson made a motion to accept the bid from Driggins Electric contingent on rebates being available.  Wing seconded.  MCU.
 
Discussion Items
Nelson made a motion to move forward with a Technology Audit.  Spangler seconded.  MCU.
 
FY10 Budget was discussed.
 
FY11 Budget was discussed.
 
Board Reports
LaRue gave a Negotiations Committee update.
 
Nelson gave an update on the Referendum Levy Court proceedings.
 
Superintendent’s Report
Mr. Jensen reported on the following:

• The levy can be certified with the referendum based on the Judge’s decision unless there is an injunction.
• Race to the Top Regional Meeting will be held December 15th.  A team consisting of Superintendent Jensen, Principal Otte, Board Member Nelson, and Teacher Carol Koefod will attend.

 
Spangler made a motion to adjourn at 9:50 pm.  Wing seconded.  MCU.
                                                                                   
                                                                                    ______________________
                                                                                    Warren Nelson, Clerk