Preparing for upcoming school year
July’s school board meeting began with new administration present. Superintendent Scott Monson, Secondary Principal Heather Anderson, and Elementary Principal Jennifer Mahan-Deitte were all in attendance.
The positive comments from the board included thanking Keven Larson for his hard work on maintaining and improving the football/baseball fields. Due to the new sprinkler system the field looks pristine. In July, the school comes to life with volleyball, football, and wrestling activities and camps.
Head custodian Les Engler gave a thorough report of the summer projects. Due to the damage in the May storm. There has been plenty to keep the custodial staff busy. The air handlers are not all working yet but should be by the middle of August. The gym floor is a work in progress with the wood going down so it will be ready for volleyball practice. Buysse Roofing has been repairing leaks on the roof from the May storm. There was settling around the flag pole and that has been fixed. The four vans were all detailed and are ready to go.
A huge thanks goes to Greg, Scott, Dale, Keven, AJ, and Cale for taking pride in and working on the building and grounds.
Looking at the projected financial report, Business Manager Tara Skorczewski explained differences and changes from last year. There will be modifications made to the budget as the year progresses. It’s important to note that there will no longer be free meals for everyone in the building. It is essential that applications are made for free/reduced meals. The higher the number of free/reduced students, the higher the amount of federal and state dollars received.
Principal Heather Anderson reported that the staff is nearly complete. They are still looking for another para to work between the high school and elementary. There will be a weekly newsletter going out for the entire school this year. She has been holding one-to-one meetings with her staff. The high school handbook is complete with several changes. Families will be notified of these changes.
Principal Jennifer Mahan-Deitte reported that the family handbook is good to go with all links live in it now. The discipline matrix has been updated to include consequences for inappropriate language, truancy, and disrespect.
Matt Myhre is the new fourth grade teacher and Autum Campbell will be teaching first grade. Bree Marlyn has transitioned to teach in the high school in the Language Arts department.
Superintendent Scott Monson had several things to discuss. The attendance report looks good for now but changes always happen in August. At this time there are several more students than last year. He’s had one-on-one meetings with staff and everyone has been welcoming and helpful.
There are $14,000 in COVID funds that need to be used before school starts. The use must be educational in nature with staff involved. The proposal is that there be several days of free usage of the swimming pool. Keep checking the Mascot for details.
The following actions passed. Approval of rehiring retired teachers Scott Hanson and Joel Skillings. Jessica Rosa – senior class advisor; Al Panka – student council advisor; John Voit – band advisor; Mary Kaye Rabaey – choir advisor; LeaAnne Bot – FCCLA advisor; Angela Laurer – NHS advisor; Barb Knutson – DAC advisor. Football coaches: Chad Johnston, Steve Sussner, Les Engler, Matt Myrvik, Chuck Josephson, Wade Gillund, and Jordan Fink. Volleyball coaches: Hayley Fruin, Emily Citterman, Dana Petersen, Megan Novotny. Football volunteers: Matt Buysse, Alex Pohlen, Bryce Jeppesen, and Brian Rodas. The PSEO contract with MN West was approved. Approval of the elementary family handbook, the academic eligibility procedure, the high school activities handbook, the high school handbook, and the high school faculty handbook.
In new business. Lori Fischer Dyce was approved as parent education, Autum Campbell was approved as first grade teacher and Mary Haugen and Ranae Voit will work in food service. The CWC schedule was approved with an 83 cent increase and all food service workers received a step up on that schedule. A one dollar increase for all food service staff, year-round staff, and custodial staff was approved. Tara Skorczewski was approved as the yearbook advisor.
Bids were accepted for bakery, dairy, petroleum, and for the extra welding equipment. There were several resolutions that were passed as well – Long-Term Maintenance Plan, Designation of Identified Official for the MDE, calling for a general election, and name changes on the State Bank of Taunton accounts due to new administration.
The next school board meeting will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 16, at 6:30 pm in the conference room.