School Board Minutes

The School Board of District 261 met in regular session on November 16, 2016 in the Media Center of the School.  Chair Wing called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM with members Anderson, B. Johnson, C. Johnson, Nelson, Rylander, and Wing present.  Absent:  Spangler.   Also present were Superintendent Al Niemann, Principal Nate Meissner, Renee Melby, Heidi Hoff, and Andy Peterson.
 
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
 
Nelson moved to approve the agenda, Rylander seconded.  MCU.
 
Anderson moved to approve the following consent agenda:

• Approval of October 26, 2016 minutes.
• Financial Report for October 2016.
• Approval of bills:  October Handpayables: $24,147.68, October Wire Transfers:  $62,302.33, and November bills:  $38,237.34.
• Personnel changes:  Accept resignation of Drivers Ed Instructor Lisa Burrington
• Acknowledge donations:  Land O’Lakes $500 to Class of 2021 Recycling Project, Thrivent $250 for Girls Basketball Fundraiser

 
B. Johnson seconded.  MCU.
 
Communications/Delegations
An update was given on the MSBA Leadership Conference.
 
Board Reports
Nelson reported on Region 1 and Lakes Country Service Coop.
 
Wing reported on Fergus Falls Special Ed Coop.
 
Principal’s Report
Mr. Meissner reported on the following:

• The Scholastic book fair was a success.
• The 8th Grade took an Art field trip to the Terry Redlin Museum.
• The Juniors and Seniors will be going on a field trip to the Park Center Minnesota Institute of Art and attend a play at Park Square Theater.
• Marcia Andreasen will be bringing a group of Alexandria students that are interested in becoming educators to Ashby on November 21st to get a feel of a small school atmosphere.
• The following has been added to the Student Handbook regarding cell use: Recording someone or taking pictures of someone without their permission is prohibited.  Nelson made a motion to approve the change.  B. Johnson seconded.  MCU.
• 9th Grade Ag Engineering credits were discussed.
• The Girls Basketball Team will be doing a lefse fundraiser November 19th and a December date to be determined.
• There will be a School Safety Assessment done through Grant County on January 24, 2017.
• Seven new students have enrolled.
•  In January there will be Response to Intervention Training at Lakes County Service Coop.
• The Winter Principals Conference is January 18th 19th and 20th.
• An update was given on the open Elementary teacher position.

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

• The Consent Agenda Policy No. 203.6 was reviewed.
• The signage for the front entrance is in production.
• Thank you was expressed to Warren Nelson for his work on the Region 1 and Lakes Country Service Coop Boards.

 
Mr. Peterson gave a report on various school functions that he is involved in.
 
Action Items
Nelson made a motion to appoint Leslie Anderson to replace Warren Nelson as the Region 1 Board Member.  Rylander seconded.  MCU.
 
Rylander made a motion to approve the Volunteer Release and Waiver Form.  Anderson seconded.  MCU.
 
Anderson made a motion to approve the results of the School Board Election as follows:
Heidi Hoff                        644
Corey Johnson                  629
Kirby Spangler                  636
Benjamin Johnson             657
Write-in votes                     35
Nelson seconded.  MCU.
 
C. Johnson made a motion to accept the Insurance Package for Commercial Property, General Liability, Directors & Officers, Commercial Auto from Continental Western and Workers Compensation from RAM Mutual.  B. Johnson seconded.  Rylander abstained from voting. Motion carried.
 
Nelson made a motion to approve the FY16 Financial Audit from Clifton Larson Allen LLP.  B. Johnson seconded.  MCU.
 
Ballots were cast for the Lakes Country Service Coop Board of Directors.
 
Chair Wing called the meeting adjourned at 7:32 pm.
                                                                                                             
                                                                                                            Leslie Anderson, Clerk