Caitlyn Gilbertson

The Board Work Session included the official recognition of several 2018-2019 retirees. Key actions involved approving project applications and payment certificates for building projects, and accepting resignations from two staff members, a teacher and a principal/director. The board proceeded to approve several personnel actions, including hiring a new PreK-5 Assistant Principal and a Special Education teacher, approving the addition of a Behavior Interventionist Paraprofessional position, and increasing the contract hours for an ECSE Para. Additionally, the board approved applications related to Wrestling Cooperative Sponsorships, adopted the 2019-20 Minnesota State High School League Membership resolution, and passed a resolution calling for a public hearing on a proposed tax abatement for a new residential project. Policy 802 regarding the disposition of obsolete equipment was reviewed for a second reading scheduled for the next meeting. Superintendent Wormstadt provided an update on the hiring procedure for the Grade 6-12 Principal and Assistant Principal positions, and presented information on 2019 Legislative actions, noting expected additional funding over two years.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and a list of donations. A vote was taken regarding the resignation of an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher. Reports were presented by the PreK-4th grade Principal, who highlighted positive student behavior initiatives and community events, and the Middle School Principal, who provided disciplinary incident summaries and noted upcoming events like Parent/Teacher Conferences and the Fall Band Showcase. The High School Principal reported on student leadership, the success of the Big South Choral Festival, and ongoing construction class projects. Updates were given on enrollment numbers, the forthcoming Community Survey on Arts and Athletics, and initial meetings scheduled for buildings and grounds planning. Several administrative items were approved, including updated Fundraising Requests, Activity Assignments, the Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness Report, Teacher and Administrator Seniority Lists, the Census Report, and agreements concerning the Dissolution and Pairing of the Wrestling program.

Key discussions included the acceptance of donations designated for the Backpack Program and athletic participation fees. The board approved the consent agenda, which covered minutes from previous meetings, financial reports, personnel actions including accepting a resignation and approving several agreements and assignments, and the addition of a Special Education paraprofessional position. Updates were provided on the addition of a fifth Kindergarten section, fall workshop schedules, staff in-service dates, and student orientation schedules. The Superintendent reported on busing needs and potential additional routes. Discussions also covered BARC lease negotiation progress, the setting of Adult Meal prices for 2015-16, approval of Policy 509A (Early Entrance to Kindergarten), and insurance rate approvals. Furthermore, the board set dates for public comment on the Prairie Meadow Housing Division and for the board goal setting/superintendent evaluation review. The board approved the Long Term Facilities Maintenance (LTFM) Projection, Expenditure Plan, and Statement of Assurances, noting that funding is for replacing like items and health/safety improvements. The review of cash flow indicated no need for Aid Anticipation Certificates. A potential bond refunding for GO Bond 2006A this fall was reviewed. A preschool update detailed the need for an additional four-year-old preschool section due to waiting lists, which would require cross-funding from the general fund if approved. The meeting concluded with a closed session for the superintendent evaluation.

Key discussions included the acceptance of numerous donations designated for specific programs like the Winfair Backpack program and Battle of the Books. The board approved a consent agenda covering previous meeting minutes, financial reports, and various leave requests, including FMLA and medical leaves. Principals provided updates on student assessments (FAST and Star), successful seasonal events, curriculum reviews, and facility task force meetings. The board also approved the Title III English Learner Education AMAO Improvement Plan, reviewed 2015 property taxes for 2016 payable, made nominations for representatives to the Minnesota Rural Education Association Board of Directors, approved funding for an additional assistant speech coach, and established final school district tax levies.

Key discussions and actions during the special meeting included the approval to replace the Winfair walk-in freezer with a new unit from Elite Mechanical for $27,152.00. The Superintendent presented information regarding the 2016-17 Voluntary Pre-kindergarten program grant application, which was approved for implementation as a half-day session with up to 40 slots, co-taught with the current ECSE program. The Buildings and Grounds Committee did not submit a recommendation for the MS/HS boiler replacement, noting they were seeking a final quote and would present a recommendation at the next meeting. Finally, the hiring of Samantha Resick as a 2nd grade teacher at BA1 was approved.