School returning to normal with kids back

All students of Minneota Public School have been back in session full-time for nearly a month now. Hands down, the verdict is that it has been much better to have the kids in the building. Some of the restrictions are being lifted so that will help the school seem even more "normal".
According to High School Principal Jeremy Frie's report, there are only 16 1/2 days of school remaining in the third quarter, which ends on March 11. What this means for a high school principal is that it is time to look towards next year. Staffing is always a priority. Mary Noyes tendered her resignation at this board meeting, leaving an opening in the Language Arts department.
The position is being advertised at this time. There have been continued problems with the streaming program, NFHS. Mr. Frie has researched the situation, and this seems to be a common fault with NFHS among other districts as well.
Another event which is being discussed is Prom of 2021. The juniors and seniors were surveyed and there were 78 responses from them. The question regarding interest in a June prom was answered with 45 (57.7 percent) in favor of that option. When asked if there should be a back-up date for the previously scheduled May 1 date, 43 (55.5 percent) said yes. The final questions was if it was important to have a prom.
The results were 50 percent yes and 50 percent no. At this time, preparations are being made for a prom, but a final decision for a May prom will be made by March 17.
To anyone who has had a child in the elementary school in the last 30 years, you know that February is "I Love to Read" month. This year, Renae Hanson and Sherri Schultze, planned the many reading activities for the month.
The highlight of this year's reading celebration is having Elementary Principal Jennifer Mahan-Deitte have a story time on Monday evenings via Zoom. It has become quite popular.
Other elementary news includes preparation for the MCA's. which will be given in April. All testing needs to be completed in school; distance learning students will need to come to the building for their MCA.
Curriculum students are being worked on for Science, Language Arts and Physical Education. That means new curriculum is being looked at for those areas. It's a huge job that involved various teaching staff along with Mrs. Mahan-Deitte.
The revised budget for 2020-2021 was discussed and approved at this meeting. A resolution was passed which could request a transfer of funds per Executive Order 20-19.
This will not be done until after the audit if it is necessary at that time. For more details, contact Mr. Deitte at the school.
Mr. Deitte reported that 67 staff members received their first (and second, for some) COVID vaccine.
Third-one staff have elected to not get the vaccine at this time. It was good to see that several students stepped up and assisted in the lunchroom when there was a staff shortage a week or so ago.
Under the personnel area of the meeting, Mr. Deitte acknowledged that all the school board members for School Board Recognition Week, Feb. 22-26.
Other personnel action included the hiring of Sally Campbell as a paraprofessional, the retirement of Mary Noyes, and a change of pay for several paraprofessionals.
Cari Pohlen indicated that she would like to see a change in her position where she would no longer do the groundskeeping. Her activities director duties have been changed to an 80 percent position. She will now work with all athletic and activities events, as well as monitor a study hall one hour per day, be in charge of community education, and assist with lunch duty.
Jason Myhre has been hired as outside groundskeeper. His duties include all mowing, weeding, and caring for the softball, baseball, and football fields. He will be "on-duty" from April through October.
Discussion was also held on the school readiness fee for 2021-2022. It was approved to increase the fees by 2 1/2 percent in order to assist with rising costs in keeping this program viable.