Locker rooms, other improvements moving ahead
The construction project is coming along rather nicely at the Minneota School. “There are just a few hiccups downstairs. The plumbing had to be re-routed,” said Supt. Dan Deitte about the work being done to create new locker rooms and other renovations at the school.
The locker rooms have been framed and the sheetrock is ready to go. “They are maybe a week or two behind, but that’s not bad. We’re still pushing to get it done before football and volleyball practices begin,” he said.
Some work is being done on the varsity softball field and the fence near the play ground is being replaced. LED lights are being installed downstairs in the hallway near the locker rooms. An electronic eye has been installed outside the elementary school to help control the newly installed outdoor lights.
“The new lights will come on when conditions become dark or bleak due to weather conditions,” said the superintendent.
“Phase One and Phase Two have been going well as far as asbestos removal,” added the superintendent.
“The new gym renovation is going well. New LED lights have been installed in the 2003 gym, and it is getting a new paint job. Acoustical panels will also be placed on the walls once the painting is completed. Windows are being installed in the main offices and should be done soon,” Deitte said.
Also, construction of a vehicle garage across from the school will begin in August.
Principal review
The Minneota School Board recently held a review on the performance of Elementary Principal and Curriculum Coordinator Jen Mahan-Deitte. Board Chairwoman Dawn Van Keulen indicated there is a “team of managers” who review Mahan-Deitte’s performance each year. The team includes Van Keulen, Board Member Terri Myhre and MRVED Director Karen Jacobson. Van Keulen said the group found “positive feedback” on the review and said she has high expectations of the students and the staff.
“Congratulations on another good year,” Van Keulen told Mahan-Deitte. “It’s important you guys know there is a formal process of review,” Van Keulen told the school board.
THIS WAS the last meeting for Activities Director Jason Myhre. “Cari (Pohlen) is doing a great job getting ready for the job. I told her I would help her out throughout the next year when needed. There are so many different things for her to learn.”
He said the grounds keeper part of the job has quite a few functions and, “I will be around to help her with that.” Myhre thanked the board for bringing him back to this the school district. He resigned earlier this year and indicated he has announced his future employment at this time.
IN OTHER action the board: •Noted the school district ended the year with an enrollment of 532 students.
•Approved Supt. Dan Deitte to teach Principal Classes for St. Mary’s University and/or Southwest MN State University.
•Heard Supt. Deitte acknowledge the passing of former Minneota Teacher and Coach Pete Van Vooren. “I give my condolences to the family,” he said.
•Approved Nicky Brandsrud as a kitchen aide. Also approved all office, custodial, food service and technology personnel for the coming school year.
•Went into closed session to consider Superintendent Deitte’s Performance Review.
•Heard Building and Grounds Director Les Engler indicate the following work has been done this summer:
— We have the whole upstairs completed … floors are done, walls are done and everything has fresh paint. It’s ready to move in as soon as the boards are installed.
—All school vehicles cleaned, washed, oil changed and ready for the school year.
—Took some old white boards and chalk boards down from upstairs. Engler and his staff were thanked by the board for all the work getting done this summer.
•Noted walls have been painted this summer. “Joel Skillings has done an excellent job with that,” said Principal Jeremy Frie.
•Were told there will be emphasis on teaching seventh graders how to study for classes, how to use all the tools they are given and get used to real world skills — and help them learn life skills. By Christmas time every seventh grader will have this class, said the Principal.
•Eighth graders will also be taught special skills such as making presentations and how to use all the tools available. “Again, it’s life skills,” said Principal Frie. “I’m finding interview skills are low and we don’t want our Minneota Vikings lacking in skills,” said Principal Frie.
•Approved Principal Jeremy Frie as the Community Education Coordinator; Jennifer Mahan-Deitte as LEA Representative; LeaAnne Bot as FCCLA advisor; Tara Skorczewski as financial director; Cindy Novotny as elementary secretary and Samantha Pies for a lane change for the new year. Frie said he intends to put out a message to the community to help him determine what the Community Education Program should include.
•Noted a grant has been given in the amount of $5,000 for the Robotics Program.