Independent School District #256

Red Wing, MN 55066

The Red Wing School Board held its first monthly meeting on Monday, March 2, 2009 in the Red Wing City Council Chambers. The Board members, Superintendent Stan Slessor, Board Clerk/Director of Finance Brad Johnson, staff and the press were present. Chairman Mitch Boldt called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M.

Motion by Jones, second by Christensen to approve the Agenda as submitted; motion carried 7-0.

Motion by O’Keefe, second by Kramp to approve minutes as submitted; motion carried 7-0.

Board Member Jones reported on MSBA Legislative day, which she attended with Board Members Porter and Christensen last Monday. Superintendent Slessor reported that a meet and confer occurred concerning the seniority list. Board Member Jones updated the Board on upcoming P.A.C. meetings in March. Superintendent Slessor mentioned that the Red Wing Public School Foundation is administering both their own grants and the Jones grants, and today is the application deadline. He also recognized the success of the Girls’ Hockey Team, which took third in State this year. Rose Alleva and Lisa Nibbe made the all-tournament team, and Rose Alleva won the Herb Brooks award.

3.1Red Wing Fiber Project: Laura Blair and Myron White, City of Red Wing, described the Red Wing Connect project. Laura explained some broadband basics, and why it is necessary for government to be involved. The City Council is supportive of the project despite general budget issues. The next step is to develop a business plan. Myron White, Red Wing Port Authority, spoke about fiber’s impact on economic growth. The goal is to wire the whole city, and make sure every home has it. The City doesn’t envision running it as a public utility, and would instead lease to a private company. A referendum is needed to establish bonding necessary for the project. The City will apply for stimulus money, but is planning other funding also.

3.2Special Education 101: Cherie Johnson, GCED Directress, presented an overview of Special Education. She explained how mandates control Special Education, particularly Federal law. All children with disabilities have the right to attend a public school. The District is responsible to locate students who may need these services. She explained that each child has an Individual Education Program. The various funding pieces were also explained. Services offered through the GCED such as Setting IV Programming were identified. 463 students in District are in Special Ed, or 15.4%. Students are served through age 21. Stan mentioned difficulty in budgeting Special Education. Feds promise to cover 40% of the cost but has been 17% generally.

3.3District Inservice: Dr. Radmer described two recent sessions. On the first, Dr. Eisenberg worked with early childhood through grade 6, training which applied to the school improvement plan. Sarah McKenzie will come from Lincolnshire on March 23 and discuss common assessment. We need to teach curriculum to state standards and need to know if they achieve mastery, we can’t wait for a chapter test to determine this. The District needs to generate consistency in staff development.

Board Member Sekus left 6:33pm

3.4School Visits-Instructional Delivery Study: Superintendent Slessor and Dr. Radmer discussed visits to other schools to study educational models. Staff may visit other schools and perhaps use public meetings to discuss the findings. Board Member Christensen participated in the visits to Clearwater and Waconia, and described his impressions of the schedule. Clearwater had 75 minute periods for math and language arts; another school had two hour periods for those subjects. The High School team went to Eastview in Apple Valley, which had won national awards. This school was a 9-12 model; Westonka was 8-12. The visit concentrated in how the culture was achieved, that is, how to make it a good place for all.

3.5Parent Involvement in the Schools: Superintendent Slessor reported that our website has a feature on this new committee. FASTER seeks representation from all populations. Applications are due March 13. Committees will be established for the district and each building. Three meetings will be held this year: April 2, April 30, and May 21, and child care and a light lunch will be provided.

3.6Legislation

Calendar Start: Superintendent Slessor asked if the State changes the law to allow us to start before Labor Day, would the Board encourage us to revisit the 2009-10 calendar. The current calendar is highly compressed due to a late Labor Day. Motion by Porter to revisit the calendar if the law changes, second by O’Keefe, motion carried 6-0.

Green Initiatives: Building/Grounds Director Kevin Johnson has been exploring solar to save dollars. The Federal stimulus package may help with this. Some contractors are donating services and assisting in planning, including monitoring. Rebates are available. Savings on domestic heating at the High School could be considerable.

Other: Board member Jones recapped the MSBA Day at the Capital. Attendees from Red Wing met with both Representative Kelly and Senator Murphy. The MSBA prioritized State mandates. The publication mandate cost was discussed, and elimination of the maintenance of effort requirement. The impact of last year’s Type III Transport law was also discussed.

3.7Board Policies-600 Series-Education: Superintendent Slessor asked the Board to send email questions/suggestions to him as Board reads through this series. Board Member Jones asked if Kathy Radmer could give background on the 613 series on graduation requirements. Board member Jones asked for more explanation on changes to the 624 online learning policy.

4.1Medical Leave: Joni Westerberg, Special Ed. Aide at RWHS, effective March 4 thru March 18, 2009.

4.2Reassignment: Angela DiNatale, Level 1 Cook at Twin Bluff Middle School, effective February 17, 2009; Beverly Holm, Level 1 Cook at Burnside Elementary School, effective February 17, 2009.

4.3Retirement: Mary Weberg, Special Ed. Teacher at RWHS, effective June 5, 2009; Ted Johnson, 3rd Grade Teacher at Burnside Elementary School, effective June 5, 2009.

Motion to approve the Consent Agenda by Kramp, second by Porter, motion carried 6-0.

There was no Unfinished Business

6.1Acceptable Internet Use-Blogs and Social Networking:

Building/Grounds/Technology Director Kevin Johnson explained that blogs are interactive and can enrich classrooms. Several districts allow the practice but need oversight. The District needs to have an acceptable use policy signed and kept in the District office in order to abide by the District policy approved last year. Board Member Kramp asked about cell phone policy; students are currently not allowed to use them. Board Member Jones expressed concerns over monitoring and age appropriate blogs. Superintendent Slessor asked if we can bring examples of how this enhances education. As we usually have a first and second reading on policies, bringing more information may be appropriate. Board Member Kramp suggested soliciting the P.A.C. for input also.

Board member O’Keefe left at 7:18.

6.2Approval of 2008-09 Teacher Seniority List: Superintendent Slessor reported that the seniority list has been revised and published twice, and now requires official approval. Porter, second by Jones, motion carried 5-0.

6.3Discussion of Real Estate Matters-Closed Session. Motion by Christensen, second by Kramp, to close meeting, motion carried 5-0. Chairman Boldt closed the meeting at 7:22PM. Motion by Kramp to re-open the meeting, second by Christensen, motion carried 5-0. The meeting was re-opened at 7:55 PM.

Chairman Boldt reported on upcoming Board meetings, March 16, April 6, and April 20. Motion to adjourn by Christensen, second by Jones, motion carried 5-0. Chairman Boldt adjourned the meeting at 7:56 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

Brad Johnson

Board Clerk

Independent School District #256

Red Wing, MN 55066

The Red Wing School Board held its second monthly meeting on Monday, March 16, 2009 in the Red Wing City Council Chambers. The Board members, Superintendent Stan Slessor, Board Clerk/Director of Finance Brad Johnson, Student Liaison Sarah Smith, staff and the press were present. Board Member Sekus was absent. Chairman Mitch Boldt called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M.

Motion by Kramp, second by Porter to approve the agenda, 6-0.

Motion by Jones, second by Christensen to approve, 6-0.

Board Member Jones reported that school wish lists for donations will be on the website. Chairman Boldt reminded the public to check the District website for new information. Superintendent Slessor mentioned that people can still fill out an application for the FASTER program, which is on our website. Board Member Jones reported that the High School PAC meets tomorrow and the District PAC on March 23. Board Member Christensen reported that the Public School Foundation has reviewed grant applications. Superintendent Slessor recognized the swim team’s success, including winning the academic award at section. Turner Eckstrom is the two time state diving champion. Student Liaison Smith reported on today’s student council meeting.

3.1Acceptable Internet Use—Blogs and Social Networking: Kevin Johnson reported to the Board on potential uses of Blogs, Wikis, and Social networking, quoting a KARE 11 report. He introduced three teachers to give their perspective: Lisa Hanson, Chad Bray, and Meg Lahammer. Lisa Hanson presented ideas on how she would use Survey Monkey with her health classes and how it could increase parent interaction. Chad Bray gave examples of how security is implemented on a blog and all comments can be moderated. Board Member Kramp asked in the District will have consistency on blog management. Technology Director Kevin Johnson referred to the District’s acceptable use forms and can add language to enhance consistency. The District has to unblock teachers or they can’t blog. Meg Lahammer presented several examples of what other districts are using, and explained how these tools can enhance literacy

3.2School Improvement Report: Jim Leise, Jillynne Raymond, and Karen Patitz from the High School team reported on their improvement activities. Their current work involves helping 8th graders transition to the high school as part of district restructuring. The Building team has members from all staff areas, to ensure all angles are considered. The team is surveying successful schools to determine what works best. Local concerns will be weighed in determining how to apply what is learned. The transition to the High School is important to graduation and dropout rates. Mr. Leise was quoted as stating, we cannot waste a crisis. The team is excited about the possibilities the restructuring raises. Board Member Kramp stated that setting clear expectations, training, cost of implementation, and evaluation will be important.

3.3Dropout Study Progress: Slessor-study 2 ½ years of our dropout data, identify students who may be interviewed are still in community. Some got GED, and worked on process of communication between students-Towerview-RWHS. Some who dropped came back. We can tighten our statistics, but rate is still a major problem. Go off site, treat students with pizza and pop, interview reasons, how we could bring them back. Can soon do with current Towerview students. Also at High School and Middle School. Should be able to come back to board in a bit over a month.

3.4Legislation: Superintendent Slessor heard that the shared services bill failed in the Senate, but the early start date bill also failed. Some legislation is pending with the grad test in mathematics, which is extremely difficult and could prevent a student graduating; in Minnesota only 35% of juniors pass. Board Member Jones reported that progress is being made on the new Type III transport bill and statewide insurance, and perhaps the early start bill may be reconsidering. The State budget proposals were discussed including their impact on cash flow and revenues.

4.1Claims & Accounts:

February 12-28, 2009

Fund 01-General Funds$ 761,472.72

Fund 02-Food Service 26,228.90

Fund 03-Transportation 750.00

Fund 04-Community Services 28,196.10

Fund 05-Capital Expenditures 4,569.91

Fund 06-Building Construction 0.00

Fund 07-Debt Service 0.00

Fund 08-Auxiliary 3,694.28

Fund 09-Trust Agency (124.87)

Fund 21-Student Activities 2,176.38

Fund 50-Student Activities 1,709.59

Total$ 828,673.01

Payroll-February 27, 2009 $728,784.70

Claims & Accounts:

March 3-11, 2009

Fund 01-General Funds$1,045,213.51

Fund 02-Food Service 17,771.36

Fund 03-Transportation 182,021.27

Fund 04-Community Services 9,469.56

Fund 05-Capital Expenditures 22,443.06

Fund 06-Building Construction 0.00

Fund 07-Debt Service 0.00

Fund 08-Auxiliary 23,827.69

Fund 09-Trust Agency 6,798.72

Fund 21-Student Activities 2,372.42

Fund 50-Student Activities 5,517.50

Total$1,315,435.09

4.2New Hire: Sharon Schultz, Cook at Twin Bluff Middle School, effective March 9, 2009; Robert Anderson, Custodian at Twin Bluff Middle School, effective March 11, 2009, Marcia Reich, AP Recruiter at RWHS, effective March 23 thru June 5, 2009; Trisha Woodcock, Special Ed. Aide at RWHS, effective March 17, 2009.

4.3Medical Leave: Karen Fandrey, Personal/Family Life Science Teacher at RWHS, effective March 18 thru April 24, 2009; Chris Rodgers, Social Worker/EBD Teacher at RWHS, effective April 1 thru June 5, 2009.

4.4Resignation: Britni Nordine, AP Recruiter at RWHS, effective March 4, 2009; Mary Foley, Secretary and Noon Duty Aide at Burnside Elementary School, effective March 13, 2009.

4.5Leave of Absence: Melissa Thatcher, Interpreter for the District, effective February 20 thru June 5, 2009.

4.6Unpaid Leave of Absence: Steve Nelson, Agriculture Teacher at RWHS, effective July 1, 2009; Marilyn Nelson, 6th Grade Teacher at Twin Bluff Middle School, effective July 1, 2009.

4.7Retirement: Don Blahnik, Reading Teacher at RWHS, effective June 5, 2009; Renee Schlegelmilch, ECFE Child Educator at Colvill Family Center, effective May 1, 2009; Don Featherstone, Assistant Principal at RWHS, effective June 30, 2009, Marilyn Ryan, 3rd Grade teacher at Burnside Elementary School, effective June 5, 2009; Kristine Ubbelohde, 5th Grade Teacher at Burnside Elementary School, effective June 5, 2009; Jon Ubbelohde, Developmental Adapted Phy Ed Teacher for the District, effective June 5, 2009; Betty Rietmann, Accounts Payable-District Office, July 31, 2009.

Motion by O’Keefe, second by Porter, to approve the Consent Agenda; motion carried 6-0.

There was no Unfinished Business

6.1Transportation Study: Superintendent Slessor reported that the District had hired two transportation consultants two years ago, and for $12,000 cost, they saved $100,000. The District is now exploring how transportation affects students, particularly elementary. Elementary students start later and end later, which is fatiguing to them. The consultants have proposed conducted a study to reduce our current double tier to a tier and a half for $4,800, with a second $4,800 to pay for implementation if the results are accepted. One item that may be considered is using K-4 models at the elementary buildings. Principal Patti Roberts explained that the current schedule does not allow the best fit for math and reading and leaves the children very tired in the afternoon. Board Member Porter raised concerns over how the public might view a switch to the K-4 model, particularly if transportation is driving the change. Chairman Boldt commented that the study will look for the most efficient routes. Motion by Christensen to take up the study, second by Jones, motion carried 6-0.

6.2600 Board Policy Series-Educational Program-First Reading: Superintendent Slessor read several proposed administrative changes to the 600 series. Board Member Jones raised questions on the online learning policies and satisfaction reports. The series will be brought back for a second reading.

6.3Policy Decision on Acceptable Internet Use: Superintendent Slessor stated that these guidelines were passed out at the last meeting and now have had more discussion. Board Member Kramp stated that this brings our education into the 21st century, but administration will really need to monitor this. Do we have the staff time to keep on top of this? Chairman Boldt questioned our technology capacity, and Tech Director Kevin Johnson explained our current setup. Board Member Porter stated that we can’t fall behind and need to move ahead. Motion by Kramp to adopt the draft policy as presented, second by Christensen, motion carried 6-0.

6.4Closed Session-Discussion of Real Estate Matters: Motion by Porter, second by Christensen, to close meeting. Chairman Boldt closed the meeting at 7:04 P.M.. Board Members Kramp and O’Keefe left at that point.

Motion by Christensen, second by Jones to end the closed session and reopen the meeting; motion carried 4-0. The meeting reopened at 7:21 P.M.

Motion by Christensen, second by Porter to adjourn; motion carried 4-0. Chairman Boldt mentioned upcoming Board meetings: April 6, April 20, May 4. He adjourned the meeting at 7:22 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted,

Brad Johnson

Board Clerk

(Nov 14)

Tags: public notices, general legals