Final school bell rings for this year

And, that’s a wrap.
School year 2021-2022 ended on Thursday, May 19 for students and Friday, May 20, for staff. The year-round employees will work throughout the summer as usual. This includes the custodians, administrative assistants, and the technology staff.
At the May board meeting, incoming superintendent, Scott Monson, was introduced and stated that he was “honored and humbled for the opportunity to work in Minneota.” His wife, Allison, and their daughter, Logan, also attended the meeting.
Positive feedback from the board included commending the music department for their spring concert, Les and staff for the great job cleaning up after the recent storm, and the preschool graduation was awesome.
Board chair Abby Thostenson thanked the board members for their attendance and participation at the many special meetings recently due to filling the superintendent and high school principal positions. She also thanked Superintendent Dan Deitte and Principal Jeremy Frie for their years of service and congratulated Scott Monson and Heather Anderson as their replacements in joining the Viking team.
Cari Pohlen gave her final report as Activities Director. Not surprising, the spring sports have had a tough season due to weather. The prom was successful, and the kids had a good time. She thanked the board for their support while she served as the Activities Director.
The elementary report given by Jennifer Mahan-Deitte stressed thanks to all the staff for working hard to the end of the year. The first week of May was teacher, nurse, and lunch staff appreciation. The MCAs are done with thanks given to Barb Knutson for overseeing the testing program. Mrs. Mahan-Deitte was exceptionally grateful for the unwavering dedication she received from the staff throughout the school year when she needed to be out of the building for various reasons.
Principal Jeremy Frie reported that graduation will be held in the Viking gym on Saturday, May 21, at 2 p.m. Due to the recent rains and the weather forecast it was decided to hold the ceremony indoors this year. Congratulations to Valedictorian Summer Hennen and Salutatorian Alyssa Engels. The seniors had 68 percent of the class graduating with a 3.0 or higher GPA.
There is a need for a Language Arts teacher and several paras for next year. Thanks to Angela Lauer and Allyson Breyfogle for getting the schedule grid for 2022-2023 completed.
Mr. Deitte reported that the April 14 MRVED conference was a positive experience. The legislative update looks good for receiving dollars for education. It will not be completely decided the dollar amount per school until Monday, May 23, when the session ends. There was roof damage due to the storm. The insurance adjustor needs to come and check on the damage, but repairs will be made to the roof and the ventilation system.
Mr. Deitte thanked Jeremy Frie for all he’s done in the last nine years. Mr. Deitte also plans to help with the transition for Mr. Monson.
Three resolutions were passed unanimously. One resolution for committing benefits for separation/retirement. Another resolution for approving combining the clerk/treasurer duties and designating the superintendent and business manager to perform these duties. The final resolution was membership in the Minnesota State High School League.
The meeting was adjourned with a special meeting set for Wednesday, May 25, at 6 p.m. to sign the contract with Scott Monson. The regular board meeting will be held on June 21, at 6:30 p.m.