Benson School Board Minutes - May 18, 2015

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 777, Benson, Minnesota
 Monday, May 18, 2015 - 5:00 p.m.
Benson Senior High Media Center
The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Chair Chad Payne.  Members present:  Jodi DeJong-Hughes, Jason Madden, Bill McGeary, Al Pagel, Chad Payne and Gary Williams.
Members absent:  Andy Abner.  Also present:  Dennis Laumeyer, Mike Knutson, Brad Johnson, Dave Benson, Pam Anderson, Karen Jacobson, Kristy Johnson, Allen Saunders, Michael Goff, Brandon Goff, Mary Alice Hoffman, Cory Braaten, Kim Schuerman, Daren Schuerman, David Nagler, Scott Gonnerman, Kendra Razink, Jason Strand, Deb Solsrud, Mike Thompson, Scott Smith, Stan Claussen, Neal Klassen, Roger Mitteness, Jill Gunderson, Renee Helgenset, Heidi Davis, Steve Ricard and Quinn Nygaard.
No additions to the agenda.
Citizens Comments:  Allen Saunders addressed the board.
Consent agenda items were approved as presented.
Progress reports were presented by administrators.
Karen Jacobson from MRVED helped the board finalize the Vision and Mission Statements and asked them to consider belief statements, or core beliefs, and presented samples.
The board approved the Vision Statement:  “Exceptional Opportunities for Every Student’s Success”  and Mission Statement:  “The Benson Public School District is committed to innovative learning opportunities to meet the needs of every student through exceptional academics, diverse activities, and a caring staff.”  
The board approved the Resolution Canvassing Returns of Votes of School District Special Election on May 12, 2015 as stated on the attached Extract of Minutes:  2,007 voters of the school district voted on the question of authorizing the issuance of school building bonds for a school acquisition and betterment program (SCHOOL DISTRICT QUESTION 1), of which 651 voted in favor, 1,354 voted against the same, there were 2 completely blank or defective ballots related to this question. Said proposition, having not received the approval of at least a majority of such votes, is hereby declared to have failed.  
The board approved to direct administration to contract with School Perceptions to survey voters in School District 777.
The board approved Buttweiler’s Do-All low bid for the 2015 summer roof project with a base bid of $154,760 and alternate bid in the amount of $34,660 for a total of $189,420.  
Dave Benson reviewed budget planning, the five year model and a preliminary budget summary for the board to consider prior to approving the FY16 budget in June.
The board approved the 7-12 Student Handbook for 2015-2016 after Mike Knutson updated the board on results of a student survey on the schedule change proposal, added Dean of Students to the Chain of Command, reviewed unexcused absence rules, mentioned a list of items not allowed in the classrooms, activities eligibility updates and stated the approved school calendar will be added.
The board approved the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) Membership Resolution for 2015-2016 after Dennis explained a new requirement for school board members and administration to watch a video as well as all coaches. It will be shown on June 1st at the Special School Board Meeting.
The board approved the 2015-2016 school calendar starting September 8th and ending June 1st.
Donations:
$1,000 from Mary Jungwirth for the Barry Jungwirth Memorial Scholarships.
$100 by Mr. & Mrs. C. R. Skarsten for the Rose Skarsten Memorial Scholarship.
$1,000 from Marsden Building Maintenance for the Marsden Maintenance LLC Scholarship.
$100 from Steve and Sandy DeVaan for the Cody DeVaan Memorial Scholarship
$300 from Wrestling Boosters for the Wrestling Boosters Scholarship
$150 from the Benson Education Association for the BEA Scholarship
Future Meetings:
Special School Board Meeting, Monday, June 1, 6:00 p.m. Senior High Media Center, Sell Trades House
Regular School Board Meeting, Monday, June 15, 6:00 p.m., DeGraff Community Center
Regular School Board Meeting, Monday, July 20, 6:00 p.m., Senior High Media Center
The meeting adjourned at 6:13 p.m.
Business and Report Items:  Document Reference (filed with original minutes)
Copies of documents presented for action and report purposes are located in the district office as prepared
for permanent record and posted on the school website at www.benson.k12.mn.us.
Andy Abner, Clerk
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