October 16th, 2008

October 16, 2008
 
The School Board of District 261 met in regular session on October 16, 2008 in the Media Center of the School.  Chairman J. Rylander called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with members Graham, LaRue, Risbrudt, D. Rylander, J. Rylander, and Wing present.  Absent:  Nelson.   Also present were Allan Jensen, Tom Otte, Renee Melby, Katie Jo Johnson, and Heidi Kent.
 
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
 
Mrs. Wing moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Mr. D. Rylander.  MCU.
 
Mr. LaRue moved to approve the following consent agenda:

• Approval of September 18, 2008 minutes.
• YTD Financial Report.
• Approval of bills:  September Pre-paid: $41,521.38, September Wire Transfers: $36,722.88, and October bills: $36,740.95.

Mrs. Graham seconded.  MCU.
 
Communication/Delegations
None.
 
Board Reports
Mr. Risbrudt presented some information regarding supplying water to the Softball Field and Baseball Dugout. 
 
Mrs. Wing gave a report on the Special Ed Coop Meeting.
 
Principal’s Report
Mr. Otte reported on the following:

• Mr. Otte and Mrs. Sturgeon attended a School Crisis and Communication Workshop in Morris.
• A presentation regarding bullying is being presented to the high school by grade.
• On-line College courses are being taken by 2 students Fall Semester.  The 2 students will continue to take courses Spring Semester.
• The 8th Grade Art Field Trip to the Terry Redlin Museum will be October 23rd.
• The Anatomy Class recently took a field trip to a human body display.
• The Quarter ends on October 31st.  Teacher workshop will be held November 3rd which will include Bloodborne Pathogen training, Defibrillator Training, and Goals Workshop follow up.
• Parent Teacher Conferences were well attended.
• The Auditorium will be used for Elections on November 4th.
• The Career Fair will be held November 11th, 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm.
• Ashby will host an ACT Conference on November 14th.
• There will be a seminar at the School entitled 1 2 3 College which is information on how to prepare families for college financially.  The dates are October 21, November 18, and December 18.
• ASVAB Testing for Grade 11 will be November 20th.
• The first round of teacher observations for non-tenured teachers have been completed as well as observations of some tenured staff.
• Mr. Steenblock has requested approval for FFA Fruit Sales fundraiser.

 
Mr. LaRue made a motion to approve the FFA Fruit Sales fundraiser.  Mrs. Graham seconded.  MCU.
 

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

• He attended the MASA Conference October 6-7.  The upcoming MSBA Conference will be January 15-16.
• The meat slicer in the kitchen needs to be replaced.
• There have been some roof problems which have been repaired.  There will be a need for some additional repair in the Spring.
• The 2003 International Bus has been repaired.
• New regulations for 403(b) Tax Sheltered Annuities need to be implemented which include developing a District Plan and Information Sharing Agreements with Vendors.  A proposal from Educator Benefits Consulting has been received.
• There is a vacancy for a part time Custodian and advertising has been done.  There will also be a vacancy for a bus driver in late Winter.
• Type III Vehicle Driver Requirements were presented and the process to comply has been started. 
• The 2008 Payable 2009 Levy Adjustments were presented.
• Reminder of the November 5th meeting to canvas the election results.

 
Katie Jo Johnson gave a report Spanish and requested approval to take students to the Concordia Language Village in Bemidji.  The Students will do some fundraising to pay the fee.
 
Mr. LaRue made a motion to approve the Concordia Language Village event and fundraising.  Mrs. Wing seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. Nelson joined the meeting at 8:00 pm.
 
Discussion Items
Discussion on the cost savings measures continued from the previous meeting. 
 
Brian Jacobson from Carlson Highland & Co. LLP presented the 2007-2008 Audit Report.
 
Property/Casualty, Liability, and Vehicle Insurance Quotes were presented. 
 
Lakes Country Service Coop Board of Directors nomination was presented.  There was no interest by any members to be nominated.
 
Action Items
Mr. LaRue made a motion to accept the quote from Vaaler Insurance with Indiana Insurance.  Mr. Nelson seconded.  MCU.
 
The acceptance of the 2007-2008 Audit Report was tabled until the November meeting.
 
Mr. Risbrudt made a motion to accept the resignation of Mike Maunamaki as Part-time Custodian.  Mr. Nelson seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. Nelson handed out his Region I report. 
 
Mr. LaRue made a motion to adjourn at 9:35 pm.  Mr. Risbrudt seconded.  MCU.
                                                                                   
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