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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING SCHOOL BOARD, Sept. 16

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
SCHOOL BOARD
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 777
Benson, Minnesota
September 16, 2013
Chairperson C. Payne called the regular meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. at the St. Malachy Church Hall in Clontarf.  The following board members were present:  S. Claussen, B. McGeary, A. Pagel, C. Payne, S. Vergin, G. Williams, Supt. Laumeyer
Members absent:  None.  Also present:  D. Benson, B. Johnson and P. Anderson.  Audience:  L. Smith and C. Braaten.
Additions to the Agenda:  None.
Citizens Comments:  None.
Routine Actions:
Approval of Minutes:  Motion by S. Claussen, seconded by A. Pagel to approve the minutes of the August 19, 2013 special meeting and August 19, 2013 regular meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Bills:  Motion by S. Vergin, seconded by S. Claussen, to approve payment of bills and hand checks in the amount of $239,643.76.  Motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Payroll:  Motion by S. Vergin, seconded by A. Pagel to approve the August 20, 2013 payroll in the amount of $123,780.73 and August 20, 2013 payoff payroll in the amount of $115,415.97.  Motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Personnel Matters:  
Child Care Leave:  Supt. Laumeyer presented Melissa McLean’s request for child care leave.
Motion by S. Vergin, seconded by A. Pagel, to approve the child care leave request for Melissa McLean as stated in her letter. Motion carried unanimously.
Resignations:  Supt. Laumeyer explained Matt Fragodt, Instructional Asst./Paraprofessional at Northside Elementary, submitted his resignation letter after he accepted a teaching position at KMS and Michele Samuelson has been hired to replace Matt.  No action is required.  
Contracts:  Supt. Laumeyer presented a new contract for Nathan Pederson for .5 Elementary Music Teacher.
Motion by S. Claussen, seconded by G. Williams, to approve the .5 Elementary Music Contract for Nathan Pederson.  Motion carried unanimously.
Progress Reports:
K-4:  Brad Johnson reported that Northside Elementary is up and running for the new school year.  Thank you to Roger Ebnet and the community for their support to the Give with Target Promotion.  The celebration party will be October 1st with an afternoon performance for the students and staff and an evening performance for the community.  More information will be shared in the near future.  Northside Elementary received $1,077.07 from the “Take Charge of Education” program and over the past year Northside has received over $15,000 from this program and over $20,000 total including Target’s donations to all the Benson Schools.  The Class of 1973 donated a maple tree by the southwest doors of Northside Elementary.  NWEA testing is underway this week for grades 2-11.  The district-wide evacuation drill is scheduled for Friday, October 4th.  Brad explained the testing for MCA data and district enrollments were reviewed.
5-12:  Dennis Laumeyer reported for Mike Knutson, thanking the Benson Public School communities for their participation in the Give with Target Promotion and the positive use of Facebook for all of the voting.  The Benson Senior High received $912.88 and Benson Elementary received $614.02 from Target’s Take Charge of Education program.  Dennis also addressed the accident that happened last Tuesday evening and stated that we are working with local law enforcement to reduce the new phenomenon called “Topping”.  All students were wearing seatbelts and all survived the crash.  However, this can happen to anyone driving at high speeds.  Homecoming will take place next week with coronation on Monday, Sept. 23rd at 7:30 p.m. in the senior high gym and the Homecoming Dance in the senior high gym following the football game on Friday, Sept. 27th.  Ag teacher Samantha Selness has expressed interest in conducting a corn drive to raise money.  She has talked to area schools for information on their programs.
Financial Report:  Dave Benson planned to report on enrollment, which was already addressed.
Superintendent:  Dennis Laumeyer reported the old back-up boiler in the high school has been removed and the new one will be installed.  One of his goals is to increase communications with staff, students and parents so Facebook and Twitter have been added to the district website.  He will also send a monthly article to the Swift County-Monitor News.   The fall MASA Conference is in Duluth in early October but due to scheduled meetings with community groups to explain the upcoming Referendum Election he will not attend the conference. The MREA Conference is November 17-19.  Dennis met a FEMA representative regarding reimbursements for over $15,000 in repairs following the June 21st storm damage.  The entire amount will be reimbursed with 75% federal funds and 25% state funds.  A conference call will take place Sept. 17th with Target to work on details for the Give with Target Celebration to ensure a safe community event.  The MSBA Winter Conference will take place on January 16th & 17th.
Old Business:
Strategic Plan:  Items discussed include the teacher evaluations in October, curriculum to align standards, setting up a committee for a task force to discuss facilities and a technology proposal.
District Goals:  Dennis Laumeyer reviewed the goals that were updated by the administrators.  Goals will be measured in the spring and fall to determine what needs to be done at the end of the school year so adjustments can be made during the school year.
Operating Referendum:  Dennis explained the PowerPoint presentation he will use for several group meetings in the community to educate voters about the levy.  The public hearing is scheduled for Monday, October 21st at 5:30 p.m. in the BHS lecture room.  Voting takes place on November 5th at the Benson Armory.
New Business:
Preliminary Payable 2014 Levy Certification:  Dave Benson reported the maximum levy payable in 2013 was $1,284,635.00 and the preliminary maximum payable 2014 levy is $1,225,446.00.  
Motion by S. Vergin, seconded by A. Pagel to approve the maximum allowable preliminary levy amount payable 2014.  Motion carried unanimously.
MREA Fall Meeting:  The MN Rural Education Association annual meeting will be held November 17-19, 2013.
Student Accountability Report:  Brad Johnson presented the Annual Report on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Achievement (SAR Report) for 2012-2013 with the data he compiled and explained some of the testing comparisons.  The SAR is an annual requirement by the state and will be posted on the Benson School District Website after approval.
Motion by G. Williams, seconded by A. Pagel to approve the Annual Student Accountability Report (SAR) as presented.  Motion carried unanimously.
Fill Open School Board Seat:  Supt. Laumeyer explained the process to fill a one year appointment to the school board.  It was discussed at the August meeting with two names suggested.  Two additional names were suggested to be considered.  
Motion by B. McGeary, seconded by G. Williams to appoint Andy Abner to fill the current vacancy on the Independent School District No. 777 School Board.  Voting in favor:  C. Payne, S. Vergin, A. Pagel, G. Williams and B. McGeary.  Voting against:  S. Claussen.  Motion carried.
RESOLUTION FILLING SCHOOL BOARD VACANCY
BY APPOINTMENT
WHEREAS, a vacancy exists in the office of school board member with a term expiring the first Monday in January, 2017; and
WHEREAS, the vacancy has occurred on or after the first day to file affidavits of candidacy for the school district general election or more than two years remain in the unexpired term; and
WHEREAS, Andy Abner meets the qualifications established by Minnesota law to serve as a school board member;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the School Board of Independent School District No. 777, State of Minnesota, as follows:
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 123B.09, Subd. 5, Andy Abner is hereby appointed to fill the vacancy and to serve, until a successor is elected and qualifies.
Dennis will get the paperwork to Andy Abner to fill the vacancy.
Donations:
$500 from VFW towards the flag pole at Brock Field.
$2,650 from the Target “Take Charge of Education” program.
Negotiations Strategy Session:  Closed session at 7:24 p.m.
Future Meetings:
Public Meeting for Levy Referendum, Monday, October 21, 5:30 p.m., BHS Lecture Room
Regular Meeting, Monday, October 21, 6:00 p.m., Senior High Media Center
Special Meeting to Canvass Election, Wednesday, November 13, 11:30 a.m., District Office
Regular Meeting, Monday, November 18, 6:00 p.m., Senior High Media Center
Meeting was adjourned at 7:46.p.m.                    
Shelly Vergin, Clerk
11-27-1c
 

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