MINNEOTA SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

Not only was the December school board meeting the last meeting of the calendar year, it also was the last meeting for Dawn Van Keulen after 17 years and Jeff Buysse after eight years. They were each thanked and recognized for their years of service by board chair, Abby Thostenson.
Superintendent Scott Monson started the positive comments by thanking all those who have been a part of the decisions for each of the recent school closings. This includes Justin Knutson from 4.0 BUs Service, Les Engler, Sue Fox, and principals, Heather Anderson and Jennifer Mahan-Deitte.
The state championship football team was acknowledged since their win came after the November meeting.
The elementary students and staff were thanked for their field trip to Marshall to sing Christmas carols for Mrs. Lisa Hart, kindergarten teacher. Mrs. Mahan-Deitte thanked all those who made this experience possible. It was emotional and much appreciated by all present, especially Mrs. Hart.
Before the regular meeting began, Nate Henry, a representative from SitelogIQ, proposed that his firm be hired to help the school district meet the needs of students, staff, and communities. The company goes through a planning process that identifies goals and visions of the district, along with assessing its physical, educational, and functional needs. Options will be presented to the board outlining proposed changes and improvements in the operation of the school. Later in the meeting an agreement to work with SitelogIQ was approved.
The December school board meeting always includes the Truth in Taxation hearing. Mr. Monson explained the tax changes proposed for 2023. Unfortunately, funding is behind inflation costs since 1992 by about $1,300. The District will be increasing their levy by $86,770.63 which is a 4.02 percent increase. The motion for setting the levy was approved.
Though Patty Myrvik was performing AD duties and wasn’t in attendance, she was thanked for all her work this fall. Taking teams to state tournaments doesn’t just happen without work behind the scenes and Patty made sure everything was done. She also stepped in as trainer at the last two football games which was appreciated and above her normal scope of duties.
During Principal Mahan-Deitte’s report, she thanked Mary Kaye Rabaey and John Voit for getting the Christmas program ready and presented before Christmas.
There will be some creative long-term subbing for Emily Citterman. Kaley Buysse will teach 7th grade math, while Todd Sonnenburg will teach 5th/6th grade social studies.
Presently, Karen Dalager is the lead kindergarten teacher with Jared Josephson co-teaching. The Special Ed long-term sub needed will be filled by Lori Dyce.
According to Principal Anderson’s report, the students made it through their eLearning days. It was discovered that several high school students do not have internet access at home so a solution for that will be found.
The welding class will be bringing in area companies so they can see what skills the students are learning. This should demonstrate the marketability of the students after completing the welding certification program.
The Christmas concert was multi-departmental. Art, business, FACS, shop, Spanish, and social studies departments were all involved in the experience.
Mrs. Anderson continues to meet with all teachers quarterly to make sure progress is being made to assist all students to be successful in school and with the MCAs.
Mr. Monson’s superintendent's report began with an update on the status of days missed due to tournaments and weather. At this time, three of the five possible eLearning days have been used. One weather day was not eLearning and will need to be made up, possibly on President’s Day.
Most students take advantage of the meals provided by the food service staff. Almost 8,000 student lunches were served in November. The overall enrollment remains the same as day one of the year at 517 students. The activity fund remains healthy.
The financial overview is similar to past years. There was a special board meeting in November discussing the audit. Once again, it was a positive audit by Marlene Verdoes from Hoffman & Brobst.
Daren Clausen was approved as head robotics coach with David Moriarty approved as assistant coach. Lisa Hart’s family medical leave request was approved.
In old business, there were 10 policies approved after their second reading. In new business, nine more policies were reviewed for their first reading.
There were two resolutions passed. One was for the acceptance of gifts/donations/grants. The school received a reimbursement of back funds from the MSHSL and it fell in this category. The second resolution was authorizing entry into a joint power agreement in the form of a declaration of trust establishing the “MN Trust” and authorizing participation therein. This gives the district the opportunity to ask for funds if needed.
There will be a reorganizational meeting on Jan. 3, 2023, at 7 a.m. in the conference room.