End of winter, beginning of spring
The April Public School Board meeting was held on Tuesday, April 19, 2021. All of the board members were in attendance along with Superintendent Dan Deitte and Elementary Principal Jennifer Mahan-Deitte. Secondary Principal Jeremy Frie was attending his children's activities.
The girls' basketball team's state championship was recognized, and congratulations offered to the coaches, players, statisticians and their families. It was also noted that the Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Activities Director (former Minneota graduate Rick Gossen) got on the girls' bus after the game to offer his congratulations as well.
The second positive comment was acknowledgement of the Dollars for Scholars Awards Programs that held on Sunday, April 18.
Activities Director Cari Pohlen had a lengthy report wrapping up all the winter events and introducing the spring activities. The girls basketball program brought home the gold, the boys basketball team had a 12-7 record, the wrestlers ended with a 24-5 record with five individuals attending the State Final Eight Tournament.
There is good participation in the spring programs with 41 girls in softball with Canby, 43 boys in baseball, nine boys and girls in golf, and about 15 students participating in track with Canby.
Katie Walerius will participate in the State Speech tournament. The musical, which will be held on May 7 and 8, is working hard to perfect their performance.
Mrs. Mahan-Deitte reported the Minneota Public School has once again been approved to have the Reading and Math Corps programs for 2021-2022. This is a full-time employment opportunity.
Friday, May 14 will be Viking Valor Day for the elementary. There will be many activities for the elementary students to participate in on that day. The kids will remain in their pods throughout the day to stay within COVID guidelines. April 21 has been set aside as Administrative Assistant Day. Many thanks to Allyson Breyfogle, Cindy Novotny, Tara Skorczewski and Sandy Minnehan.
Mr. Deitte reported that the teacher shortage is severe. It is nearly impossible to get applicants for any positions available. The district is looking for Language Arts instructors as well as Special Education instructors. There is an elementary teacher leaving and that position will be absorbed with the present staff. Also, many thanks to the Minneota Legion for allowing the school to use their facility this year.
Graduation details will be available soon.
New business included changing Jason Myhre's start date to June 10, 2021. There was a motion to hire Engan Associates from Willmar to begin looking at pre-designing possible updates in the building. At this time, the district is looking at a cafetorium, expanding the wrestling room, relocating/new playground equipment, reconstructing the parking lot, improving the safety of drop-off zones, providing permanent restrooms at the football/baseball fields, and expanding the fitness center.
The next board meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the band room.