School Board Minutes

The School Board of District 261 met in regular session on December 21, 2016 in the Media Center of the School.  Chair Wing called the Truth in Taxation meeting to order at 6:01 PM with members Anderson, B. Johnson, C. Johnson, Nelson, Rylander, Spangler, and Wing present.  Absent:  none. Also present were Superintendent Al Niemann, Principal Nate Meissner, Renee Melby, John Kent, Peter Nelson, and Noelle Kratzke.
 
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
 
Superintendent Niemann presented the Truth and Taxation information.
 
Chair Wing called the regular meeting to order at 6:14 pm.
 
Nelson moved to approve the agenda, Rylander seconded.  MCU.
 
Superintendent Niemann thanked Warren Nelson for his years of service on the School Board and presented him with a card and gift of appreciation.
 
Johnson moved to approve the following consent agenda:

• Approval of November 16, 2016 minutes.
• Financial Report for November 2016.
• Approval of bills:  November Handpayables: $19,635.00, November Wire Transfers:  $48,533.82, and December bills:  $113,867.83.
• Acknowledge donations:  $500 NFPA Fluid Power Challenge Grant, $168 American Legion Ribfest for Summer Rec ($100) and the Science Department ($68)

 
Spangler seconded.  MCU.
 
Communications/Delegations
An update was given on the upcoming MSBA Leadership Conference.
 
Upcoming Negotiations Seminar was discussed.
 
Athletic Director John Kent reported on:

• All Fall 2016 Coaches will be returning for the Fall 2017 Season
• Thank you to Coach Kevin Fick for the fundraising efforts through the Elementary Football
• There will be no Boys JV team this season.
• Girls Basketball has low numbers and he noted that the Junior High numbers are good.
• A donation will be coming from a Memorial that has given for the outdoor batting cage.
• There is a need for additional agri lime on the baseball fields in the fall.
• Laura Pettit will be the Assistant Softball Coach.
• New Volleyball uniforms are scheduled for FY18.
• New Volleyball standards and net are needed for FY18.

 
Board Reports
Nelson reported on Region 1 and Lakes Country Service Coop.
 
Anderson reported on Region 1 Board meeting and will be attending the Business Conference in February.
 
Wing reported on Lakes Country Service Coop and Fergus Falls Special Ed Executive Board Meeting.
 
Principal’s Report
Mr. Meissner reported on the following:

• The field trip to Park Square Theatre for Juniors and Seniors has been postponed twice due to weather.  The trip will be rescheduled for spring.
• Students from Alexandria High School along with their teacher Marceia Andreasen visited Ashby High School.
• John Baylor Prep has been ordered which includes test preparation materials for ACT/SAT/PSAT and helps students prepare for testing.  A District goal is to improve ACT Scores.
• There is a need for a Special Education Paraprofessional in the Kindergarten Classroom and the position has been posted.
• Christmas Concert was a success.
• January 18-20, 2017 Mr. Meissner will attend the MASSP Principal Conference.
• A new student has enrolled which brings enrollment to 270 students.

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

• School went into a Soft Lock Down on December 16, 2016.  Thank you to the Grant County Sheriff Department for their professional assistance.  Mr. Niemann also thanked Mr. Meissner, Teachers, Staff, and Students for its’ success.
• No major bus issues at this time.
• The search for an additional Kindgergarten Teacher continues.
• Thank you to the Students and Staff for the Christmas Concert.
• John Baylor Prep initiative will be used moving forward.
• Information was given on the 18 Online Program through Lakes Country Service Coop.  Ashby has three teachers involved.

 
Mrs. Kratzke gave a report on High School Math and test score progress.
 
Mr. Nelson gave a report on Phy Ed and the Wellness Committee.
 
Discussion Items
The country school land parcel was discussed.
 
Action Items
Ballots were cast for the Region 1 Joint Powers Board.
 
Ballot was cast for the 2017 MREA Board of Directors.
 
Rylander made a motion to certify the Final Property Tax Levy 16 Payable 17 at $995,000.  Nelson seconded.  MCU.
 
Chair Wing called the meeting adjourned at 7:23 pm.
                                                                                                             
                                                                                                            Leslie Anderson, Clerk