October 22nd, 2012

October 22, 2012


The School Board of District 261 met in regular session on October 22, 2012 in the Media Center of the School.  Chair Wing called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM with members Hoff, Johnson, Rylander, Spangler, and Wing present.  Absent:  Nelson.  Also present were Superintendent Allan Jensen, Principal Shane Tappe, Renee Melby, Ruth Umlauf, Jeremy Knick, Jessie Simon, and Heather Johnson.


The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.


Rylander moved to approve the amended agenda.   Spangler seconded.  MCU.


Johnson moved to approve the following consent agenda:

• Approval of September 17, 2012 and September 27, 2012 minutes.
• YTD Financial Report.
• Approval of bills:  September Handpayables: $44,963.82, September Wire Transfers:  $46,472.13 and October bills: $88,179.40

Rylander seconded.  MCU.


Communications/Delgations
Superintendent Jensen read the Proclamation from Governor Dayton proclaiming the month of October 2012 as Principals Month.  Superintendent Jensen thanked Mr. Tappe for his leadership.
 
Board Reports
Wing gave a report on Fergus Falls Special Ed Coop.


Nelson’s hand written report on Lakes Country Service Coop and Region I was distributed.


Principal’s Report
Mr. Tappe reported on the following:

•  Fergus Falls Walmart recognized 20 Ashby K-8 teachers for their work and awarded each with a $50 gift card to be used within the classroom.
• MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) testing is being looked into with NWEA Testing.  More information will be brought to the Board on the cost and how the results/data will be used.
• The Continuous Improvement Plan committee has had 4 meetings and the committee is on track for the plan to be completed by November 15th.
• Mr. Tappe attended a School Law Seminar on October 11th sponsored by MN Assocation of Secondary School Principals.
• Parent Teacher Conferences held on October 15th were well attended.
• There will be a Teacher/Principal Evaluation Process meeting on November 2nd and will be attended by Mr. Tappe, Suzanne Wing, Jeremy Knick, and Dustin Steenblock.
• The 7-12th Graders will be attending a motivational lyceum at West Central Area Schools on November 6th entitled “Painting Hope” by Eric Samuel.
• The Crisis Plan will be updated to accommodate different types of lockdowns.

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

• Bus #4 has a cracked transmission housing and will be replaced with a remanufactured transmission.
• The automated door locking system has been faulting and the problem has hopefully been resolved.
• A water bottle filling attachment has been added to the drinking fountain near the gym.  It works well and plans are to install one in the upper elementary hallway and one in the lower level.
• The security camera in the cafeteria needs to be replaced.
• There are ongoing issues with HVAC motors and compressors.
• The Netbook initiatives have all been rolled out with the Juniors and Seniors each receiving one and the netbook cart is being used in the 7th/8th grade classroom.  The iPad cart is in use in the 1st and 2nd grade rooms.
• The mandatory student bus safety training has been completed.
• A Federal Civil Rights Compliance Review is scheduled for November 14th.
• Lakes Country Service Cooperative is advertising for board member candidates.
• The property and casualty renewal information has been received showing a slight premium increase over the prior year.
• The heating season started October 10th and both boilers are in good working condition. 

 
Mrs. Simon gave a report on 4th and 5th Grade Math and Science.


Mr. Knick gave a report on 1st Grade.


Mrs. Umlauf presented information on an opportunity for the Pep Band to perform at a Timberwolves game.  Johnson made a motion to approve the trip.  Spangler seconded.  MCU.


Mrs. Umlauf presented information on a Christmas Wreath Fundraiser for the Music Department.  Spangler made a motion to approve the fundraiser.  Rylander seconded.  MCU.
 
Discussion Items
Heather Johnson from Carlson Highland & Co., L.L.P. presented the FY 2012 Financial Audit.


The method of filling a vacant School Board Director position was discussed.  Consensus was to have board members solicit interested persons for selection and appointment in November.


Action Items
Johnson made a motion to accept the resignation of Chad Koep from Assistant Girls Basketball Coaching.  Rylander seconded.  MCU.


Rylander made a motion to accept the resignation of Kathy Van Santen from the Ashby School Board.  Johnson seconded.  MCU.


Johnson made a motion to accept the FY13 Work Agreements with the Classified and Appendix III Staff.  Spangler seconded.  MCU.


Rylander made a motion to accept the donation of two iPads to the Special Ed Department from the Community Health Care Auxiliary in Elbow Lake.  Spangler seconded.  MCU.


Johnson made a motion to approve the teacher contract with Angie Baker.  Rylander seconded.  MCU.


Johnson made a motion to set the date, time, and place for the Election Canvass Meeting as Tuesday, November 13, 2012, 6:00 PM, in the Ashby School Media Center to be followed by a Board Work Session.  Spangler seconded.  MCU.


Chair Wing called the meeting adjourned at 8:31 pm.


                                                                                    ______________________
                                                                                    Warren Nelson, Clerk