SCHOOL BOARD NOV. 18, 2013, PART II

Old Business:
Strategic Plan:  Mr. Laumeyer reported on the progress of the Strategic Plan.  The teacher evaluation committee has met three times and will be attending the Education Minnesota and MSBA joint work session on November 20th in Willmar.  The technology committee will meet again on December 5th and a survey will be given to staff for input.  Direction and discussion from school board members will be needed as we look at the district’s facilities improvements and plan for the future.  Dennis will set up a couple dates and times during the school day for the board to tour the facilities together.
Open School Board Seats:  There are currently two open school board seats which are up for election in November, 2014.  The board discussed some options.
Motion by A. Abner to nominate Marlene Molden for a school board seat.  
Motion by G. Williams to nominate Jodi Dejong-Hughes for a school board seat.
Chair C. Payne ceased nominations and asked the board to vote to approve the nomination of Marlene Molden for a school board seat.  Motion carried unanimously.
Chair C. Payne asked the board to vote to approve the nomination of Jodi DeJong-Hughes for a school board seat.  Motion carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION FILLING SCHOOL BOARD VACANCY
BY APPOINTMENT
WHEREAS, two vacancies exist in the office of school board member with a term expiring the first Monday in January, 2015; 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, Marlene Molden and Jodi DeJong-Hughes meet 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, Marlene Molden and Jodi DeJong-Hughes are hereby appointed to fill the vacancies and to serve, until successors are elected and qualify.
Dennis will get the paperwork to both of them to fill the vacancies.
New Business:
Revised 2013-2014 School Calendar:  
Superintendent Laumeyer explained part of the new Master Agreement is that one workshop day is removed from the 2013-2014 school calendar and recommends making January 24th a vacation day.
Motion by A. Pagel, seconded by G. Williams to approve the revised 2013-2014 school calendar as presented.  Motion carried unanimously.
District Policy Manual Updates - 1st Reading:  
Mr. Laumeyer presented the MSBA recommendations for changes to the District Policies based on the World’s Best Workforce legislation that affects GRAD testing and other graduation requirements as presented for the 1st reading.  No action required.
Benson High School Clay Target League Team Proposal:  Andy Abner explained the proposal about a new activity for BHS for a clay target team.  The Minnesota State High School Clay Target League (MSHSCTL) is a non-profit corporation in Plymouth, MN and is endorsed by MSHSL.  If approved the board will decide if participants can letter and ensure that they would have the same eligibility requirements as other activities.  There are no costs to the school.  Board members were asked to review the information and it will be discussed again in December.  No action required.
Severance Fund Balance Reduction:  The district has a fund balance called Assigned for Severance, for teachers who retire.  As teachers who are eligible for severance retire, the amount needed in the fund can be reduced.  Based on the audit, the liability has reduced to $324,570 as of 6/30/13.
Motion by A. Abner, seconded by G. Williams to reduce the Assigned for Severance fund balance from $550,000 to $325,000.  Motion carried unanimously.
Online Pay for Lunches:  Dennis explained Dave’s research which estimates an annual cost of $4,934 in total fees paid to a credit card company.  There are three options to consider:  The school can increase meal prices to cover the cost; charge a surcharge to pay by credit card; or absorb the additional cost in the Food Service budget each year. Dennis will talk to Food Service Director, Jeanine Bowman, and discuss options to consider in Spring/Summer 2014.
Activities Transportation:  Dennis would like to discuss options in potential cost savings in activity transportation.  He will have the Activities Committee study the topic and report back to the board.
Donations:  
For the Class of 1963 Scholarship Fund:  $300 from Merlyn & Virginia O’Malley and $200 from Kevin & Joan Quinn.
Trades House:  A. Pagel noticed activity by students while working on the trades house that should be addressed concerning safety.  Discussion was held regarding receiving bids for materials, services, etc. in the future.
Future Meetings:
Truth in Taxation, Tuesday, December 10, 6:00 p.m., Senior High Media Center.  Work Session to follow at 6:30 p.m. with Special Education, 6th grade, 2nd grade and English presentations.
Regular Meeting, Monday, December 16, 6:00 p.m., Senior High Media Center.
Regular Meeting, Monday, January 20, 6:00 p.m., Senior High Media Center.
Motion by G. Williams, seconded by A. Abner to adjourn the meeting at 7:20 p.m.    
Andy Abner, Clerk
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