October 19th, 2009

​October 19, 2009
 
The School Board of District 261 met in regular session on October 19, 2009 in the Media Center of the School.  Vice-Chair Wing called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM with members Hoff, Johnson, Nelson, Rylander, Spangler, and Wing present.  Absent:  LaRue.  Also present were Superintendent Allan Jensen, Principal Tom Otte, Renee Melby, and John Kent
 
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
 
Spangler moved to approve the amended agenda, Rylander seconded by.  MCU.
 
Rylander moved to approve the following consent agenda:

• Approval of September 21, 2009 minutes.
• YTD Financial Report.
• Approval of bills:  September Hand-payables: $27,567.87, September Wire Transfers:  $42,189.66, and October bills: $83,640.29.

Nelson seconded.  MCU.
 
Communication/Delegations
None
 
Board Reports
Nelson gave a report on Region I.
 
Wing gave a report on Fergus Falls Special Ed Coop and Vote-Yes Committee.
 
Principal’s Report
Mr. Otte reported on the following:

• MSHSL has completed a Listening to Students Survey.
• MSHSL article “Anyone Can Save A Life” emphasizes the importance of access to Defibrillators.  There was a discussion on Ashby’s need for another defibrillator to be located outdoors.
• There has been a parent request to waive the 10th Grade Phy Ed requirement.  No action taken.
• Parent Teacher Conferences were very well attended.
• ECFE will have a kick off for “FRED”  Fathers Reading Every Day on October 20th.
• Teachers Observations are being conducted.
• A Leadership Team has been formed that meets one hour once a month.
• The County wide attendance policy will be finalized soon.

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

• All busses and vehicles have passed the Minnesota Highway Patrol inspection as required.
• Discussions are on going regarding H1N1.  The decision process to determine when school closing is necessary will be based on an educational standpoint.
• Both Mr. Jensen and Mr. Otte have been speaking at meetings in the Community on the upcoming Operating Levy vote.  There will be a public informational meeting on October 29, 2009 in the Auditorium of the Ashby School at 7:00 pm.

 
Mr. Kent gave a report on Nano technology and the electron microscope being accessed by the Science Department.
 
Discussion Items
Information was presented on an Energy Audit completed by Otter Tail Power.  Johnson made a motion to write specs and call for bids for a lighting project to replace ballasts, fixtures, and bulbs.  Nelson seconded. MCU.
 
Lori Risbrudt reported on the progress of the auditorium sound system improvements and the plan to move forward as approved at the August 17, 2009 Board Meeting.
 
Concession Stand(s) Compliance and Licensing Issues were discussed.
 
Action Items
Johnson made a motion to set the date to canvass election results as November 4, 2009, 6:00 pm.  Spangler seconded.  MCU.
 
Nelson made a motion to appoint a surrogate parent for a student.  Johnson seconded.  MCU.
 
Nelson made a motion to adjourn at 8:02 pm.   Johnson seconded.  MCU.
                                                                                   
                                                                                    ______________________
                                                                                    Warren Nelson, Clerk