November School Board Meeting
November 26, 2012
I. Doug Kyllo absent because of new baby.
III. Agenda approved.
IV. Truth in Taxation Hearing: annual, required presentation for the budget. General fund difference of +235,000. Food service, Community Ed, Student Activity funds all in black. Debt redemption fund is -201,000. See attached documents. (obtain a copy of this)
VI. Consent Agenda - see attached; approved
VII. Old Business - no items
VIII. New Business
- Teacher Seniority List: approved
- Robotics: Doug presented a budget and wish list. No coaches salary currently for all three involved. Doug does get his salary as a class but no extra curricular reimbursement. Robotics class was moved to first semester to give introduction for Robotics team. Need an estimated $11,450 for the Robotics Team competition this year. Mr. Evert is looking into some gifted and talented money to help and some grants but not the initial grant which started the program. Good news are the benefits of the program: all the different skills kids can learn and excel at, not just engineering skills. Doug also wishes to upgrade our technology to help support this class and team. Lots of questions and discussion for Doug. Board was impressed with different options and potential for useage of technology for various classes. See attached information from Doug.)
- Principal Contracts: .009% increase first year and .011% increase second year. -- $226 403b match -- $225 toward flex medical. - - $25,000 life insurance policy -- "relatively painless process" -- committee was unanimous and everyone worked toward consensus for district and principals. Approved. Mr. Ashland thanked the board for having the opportunity to have a say.
- Technology - One-to-One Initiative: Buildings are ready for wireless. Kids use it but now we need a process for making staff comfortable with it. Karla, in her research, has noticed that those that have successfully implemented one-to-one have had a timeline in place so that the tech committee can move forward. Marilyn brought up financial issues as another concern. Mr. Evert brought up issue of policies also and the ideas to start smaller maybe with a specific grade level. Mr. Evert brought up the idea of a site visit to those schools are using them. Marilyn brought up more meeting time for tech committee and some time to include others into the process. Questions to consider: how are teachers using it? What ages? What staff development is offered? -- need to start making a plan! Add a working meeting in Jan? Work with curriculum committee.
- Extended Field Trip Request: note made about having similar options again with frozen food/cookie dough. Three additional added in and all approved.
- School Board Policy - first reading for new policies ( see attachment)
- Building Security: alarm system is starting to fail, if upgraded building needs to be rewired, keys need to be redone also, 630 keys are floating around out there, board is really concerned about this and moved for a motion to make something happen, motion made to have buildings and ground committee to look at quotes and policy committee to look at how keys are issued and returned, board would like the alarm on until a plan to rekey is in place, Laura did share that doors have been found unlocked during school hours
- Fall Coaching Evaluations: went well, volleyball was 50 from 7-12 , football was 44 for 9-12, Jen Nierson had pre and post season conferences with each person, Troter Bauer submitted a wish list to have the field improved and Karla shared that there was good support for volunteer help and a reasonable rate for sod but need to look at watering, Hock has received a hydration station which the board was impressed and appreciative of,
- Dec School Board Meeting: December 10, 2012 before high school concert at 5:30 pm because of a scheduling conflict with the auditor
- Schedule School Board Work Session: will make the decision on the 10th for a January date
IX. Committee Reports
- Tech - above
- PR - presenting at Caba in Wanamingo
- Michaela reported on sports seasons, NHS helped with senior sunset home home dinner, book fair at B&N in Rochester, math meets, prom committee meetings, want ranch and sour cream,
- Community Ed - most signed up for adult day trips, Sweetheart dance April 12 and could have discount if we do middle school dance afterward, lots of good things for ECFE and school age, find Comm ED on Facebook
X. District Goals
XI. Administrative Reports:
- Mr. Ashland - KW named part of AP College Board Distinction, only 11 districts in MN who received this; math dept-- 9 students out for math team, Van Epps using flip method, Advanced Spanish - helping out in 5th and 6th graders and with choir for holiday concert, Schock and Van de Walker using pedometers and goal setting for increased fitness and life skills, fall play this weekend, hand written note to attend hand written competition,
- Mr. Ryan - conference for k-4had 94% attendance for scheduled conferences, early release highlights: K - 70 students is challenging for three classrooms but teachers have done great establishing routines and structure; 1st - Brent Born visited to talk about his vet practice, friendship festival; 2nd - Mr. T's class made bells and reindeers for the group; 3rd - two new staff have transitioned incredibly well with a combination of Mr. Weime's help and competent new staff, 4th- positive trimester; 5th and 6th - writing books; other items...Veterans Day program was great for both buildings, assembly at elementary school from a paraolympian, middle school concert was great, Teacher of Year nomination for Sue Fogelson
- Mr. Evert - technology a major focus especially in services for staff, MSBA conference,
- Ed Foundation : donkey basketball fundraiser, bought pedometers for Molly and Kirby
Laura McAnally