September 20th, 2007

​ 
September 20, 2007
 
The School Board of District 261 met in regular session on September 20, 2007 in the Media Center of the School.  Chairman Rylander called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with members Graham, LaRue, Risbrudt, Rylander, and Wing present.  Absent:  Bestul, Nelson.   Also present were Allan Jensen, Tom Otte, Renee Melby, Carol Koefod, Barb Kraemer, and Rebekah Ohren.
 
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
 
Mrs. Graham moved to approve the amended agenda, seconded by Mr. Risbrudt.  MCU.
 
Mr. LaRue moved to approve the following consent agenda:

• Approval of August 15, 2007 minutes.
• YTD Financial Report.
• Approval of bills:  August Hand-payables: $49,480.83, August Wire Transfers: $26,840.80, and September bills: $66,144.60.

Mrs. Wing  seconded.  MCU.
 
Communication/Delegations
None.
 
Board Reports
Mrs. Wing reported on the Ashby Education Foundation upcoming event “Harvest of Memories” which will be held October 28, 2007, 2;00 PM. 
 
Mr. Nelson’s hand written Region I report was distributed.
 
Mr. Risbrudt inquired about recognition of retirement for Norbert Evavold.  It was decided to try to hold this in conjunction with the A.E.F. event on October 28th.
 
Principal’s Report
Mr. Otte reported on the following:

• Maintenance has reported damage to many lockers.  A damage deposit will be included in the 2008-2009 Student Handbook.
• Homecoming events will be held next week.
• The Iowa Test of Basic Skills will be used to test 1st Graders to determine reading levels for State reporting.
• The elementary will be participating in “Classroom Cares” reading activity sponsored by Scholastic Books the 1st week in October.  For every 100 books read by each class Scholastic will donate 100 books to a needy school.
• The High School Musical “Oklahoma” will be presented for the public November 16th – 18th.
• The Ashby FFA hosted the district Sporting Clays, Archery, and Orienteering which was held at Dalton Outdoors.  There were 23 Ashby students that participated and an Ashby Team finished 3rd in Sporting Clays.  Over 250 FFA members from area schools participated.
• The Plan Test will be given October 10th to the 10th Grade and the PSAT Test will be given October 17th to the 11th Grade.
• The Fall Little Eight Conference meeting will be hosted at Ashby.
• He attended a Grant County Truancy meeting.
• He will be attending the Western Division Principals meeting next week on School Law.
• He attended a Principals meeting at Southwest State on con-current college courses.

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

• School Opening ran smoothly.  Mr. Jensen thanked Mr. Otte, the office staff, and the teaching staff for making that happen.  The transportation changes seem to be working out.
• The boiler is scheduled to be repaired next week in preparation for having it operational for at the least a backup for the upcoming heating season.  There has been no resolution to the cause of the problems.
• Anticipated Fund Balances for FY07 were presented.
• He is researching the possibility of replacing the 1998 Pontiac Van with a 9 passenger van with Special Ed Funding.
• The Fall MREA Conference will be October 24, 25, 26 in Alexandria.
• The annual bus inspection was held on September 19th. 
• K-12 enrollment is currently at 273.

 
Carol Koefod gave a presentation on Testing, Title I, the Media Center, and the upcoming annual Fall Book Fair.
 
Barb Kraemer gave a presentation on 7th Grade Reading, Media Visual Arts, Yearbook, and Video Club.
 
Warren Nelson joined the meeting at 8:15 pm.
 
Discussion Items
The MSBA District meeting in Herman is September 21st which conflicts with this meeting.  The January Leadership Conference will be held January 16th, 17th and 18th.
 
Mr. LaRue made a motion to approve up to $12,000.00 from the Building Fund for the Softball Dugout Project.  Mr. Nelson seconded.  MCU.
 
Mrs. Graham made a motion to approve up to $2,000.00 to purchase 2 foul poles and new backstop padding for the baseball field.  Mrs. Wing seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. Nelson made a motion to set the fee for Classroom Drivers Ed at $45.00 and Behind the Wheel training at $140.00.  Mr. LaRue seconded.  MCU.
 
 
Action Items
Mr. LaRue made a motion to approve the Curriculum, Instruction and Student Achievement Report for 2006/2007 to be published on the school website at www.ashby.k12.mn.us.  Mrs. Wing seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. Nelson made a motion to approve Assurance of Compliance with State and Federal Discrimination Laws.  Mr. LaRue seconded.  MCU.
 
Mrs. Graham made a motion to grant Allan Jensen and Renee Melby authority to electronically transfer funds as allowed by MS471.38 and between the money market and checking accounts.  Mr. LaRue seconded. MCU.
 
Mr. LaRue made a motion to levy the maximum for the Levy Limitation and Certification 2007 payable 2008.  Mrs. Graham seconded.  MCU.
Mr. LaRue introduced resolution No. 08.01 waiving the thirty-day notification period pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 469.175, Subdivision 2 whereas, the City Council of Ashby is considering the establishment of Tax Increment Financing District No. 1-4.  Mr. Nelson seconded.  Roll call vote:  LaRue – yes, Wing – yes, Risbrudt – yes, Graham – yes, Nelson – yes, Rylander – yes.  The resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
 
Mrs. Wing made a motion to accept a donation from the Ashby American Legion for $300.00 for Kindergarten educational games.  Mr. Risbrudt seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. Nelson made a motion to accept the resignation of Rebekah Ohren as Administrative Assistant.  Mr. LaRue seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. Risbrudt made a motion to adjourn at 10:15 pm.   Mrs. Graham seconded.  MCU.
 
 
                                                                                    ______________________________
                                                                                    Warren Nelson, Clerk