September 18th, 2008

​September 18, 2008
 
The School Board of District 261 met in regular session on September 18, 2008 in the Media Center of the School.  Chairman J. Rylander called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with members Graham, LaRue, Nelson, Risbrudt, D. Rylander, J. Rylander, and Wing present.  Also present were Allan Jensen, Tom Otte, Renee Melby, Carol Koefod, and Barb Kraemer.
 
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
 
Mrs. Graham  moved to approve the amended agenda, seconded by Mrs. Wing .  MCU.
 
Mr. LaRue moved to approve the following consent agenda:

• Approval of August 21, 2008 minutes.
• YTD Financial Report.
• Approval of bills:  August Pre-paid: $23,569.24, August Wire Transfers: $26,024.20, and September bills: $79,182.82.

Mr. Nelson seconded.  MCU.
 
Communication/Delegations
None.
 
Board Reports
Mrs. Wing gave a report on Ashby Education Foundation.
 
Mr. Nelson gave a report on Region I.
 
Mr. J. Rylander handed out the compiled list of  cost saving ideas to be discussed at next months meeting.
 
Principal’s Report
Mr. Otte reported on the following:

• Homecoming is October 3rd with Coronation being held September 29th.
• The Goals Workshop presented by Darla Haarstad, Alexandria Schools, was held during workshop.  There will be follow up at the end of each quarter.
• Grant County is holding a County School Disaster Exercise entitled Table Top Exercise on October 29th.
• The EDUSS Software is in use and will be expanded to additional students.
• Ashby was randomly selected to be a part of the National Assessment Education Program test  which will be given to 4th Grade on January 27th.
• Information is being gathered on the College Level Examination Program and will be distributed to Students and Parents.
• The After School Program has up to 22 participants with an average day being 16-19 students.

 
Mr. Nelson made a motion to approve the acceptance of the After School Program Grant from  West Central Initiative in the amount of $10,000.00 and a donation of $1,000.00 from the Ashby Lions Club for the After School Program for FY10.  Mrs. Wing seconded.  MCU.
 

• Genesis Gradebook software problems are being worked on.  Teachers may need to use Micrograde for the 1st Quarter and then have additional training on Genesis in November after some problems are worked out.
• Area Principals have been looking at ACT test scores and have secured presenters to assist them.
• Lutheran Social Services will be offering the Incredible Years Parent Education Program at the Ashby School beginning next week.
• A Fellowship of Christian Athletes Chapter is being organized by students and parents which will meet on a volunteer basis over lunch break.
• Fund Raiser requests were:  Yearbook - Ad Sales, Video Club - DVD/VHS sales, Band/Choir - Bake Sales, Band/Choir – Frozen Food, Cookie Dough, or Papa Murphy coupon sales.

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

• Opening of the School Year ran smoothly.  Bus Driver positions have been filled.
• Type III Vehicle Driver Requirements will be implemented.
• There were four filings for the four seats up for Election for the School Board.  They were Warren Nelson, Peter Hoff, Cory Johnson, and Kirby Spangler.
• Area Legislators will be invited to meet with the Board possibly in December.
• There are new 403(b) regulations that need to be in place January 1, 2009.  Services from Educator Benefit Group are being sought and will be presented at the next Board Meeting.
• Bus Inspection was conducted on September 17th.

 
Barb Kraemer gave a report on 5th Grade Language Arts and Grammar, Media Arts, 7th and 8th Study Skills and Reading, and Yearbook.
 
Carol Koefod gave a report on the Library, EDUSS Software, DIBELS Assessment, and Testing.
 
Discussion Items
Handouts from the Fall MSBA Area Meeting were distributed and the opportunity to present at the Winter Workshop was announced.
 
A report was given on the Press Box progress.
 
Drivers Ed fees will remain the same at $45.00 for classroom instruction and $140.00 for behind the wheel instruction.
 
Mr. Nelson made a motion to set Senior Citizen admission at:  $3.00, Season Pass $15.00 effective for Winter Sports Season 2008-2009.  Mr. LaRue seconded.  MCU. 
 
Mr. LaRue made a motion to set Route Driver Sub pay at $22.00 per trip, and Extra Curricular driving at $11.00 per hour with an additional $2.00 per hour for hour 7 and greater per trip.  Mrs. Graham seconded. MCU.
 
Action Items
Mr. Risbrudt made a motion to approve the Curriculum, Instruction and Student Achievement Report for 2007-208 and to distribute by website publication at www.ashby.k12.mn.us.  Mr. Nelson seconded.  MCU.
 
Mrs. Graham made a motion to approve Annual Assurance of Compliance with State and Federal Discrimination Laws.  Mr. LaRue seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. LaRue made a motion to grant Allan Jensen and Renee Melby authority to electronically transfer funds as allows by MS471.38 and between money market and checking accounts.  Mr. D. Rylander seconded. MCU.
 
Mr. LaRue made a motion to levy the maximum for the Levy Limitation and Certification 2008 payable 2009.  Mr. D. Rylander seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. Nelson made a motion to approve the fund raising requests for 2008-2009.  Mrs. Wing seconded.  MCU.
 
Mrs. Wing made a motion to cancel the Truth and Taxation meeting of December 10, 2008.  Mrs. Graham seconded.  MCU.
 
Mrs. Wing made a motion to set a Special Meeting to canvas the Election results on November 5, 2008 at 7:00 PM.  Mr. D. Rylander seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. Risbrudt made a motion to adjourn at 10:17 pm.  Mr. LaRue seconded.  MCU.
                                                                                   
                                                                                    ______________________________
                                                                                    Warren Nelson, Clerk