Independent School District #256

Red Wing, MN 55066

The Red Wing School Board held its first monthly meeting on Monday, April 6, 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 Chair Mitch Boldt and Board Member Christensen were absent. Vice Chairman Stephen O’Keefe called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M.

Motion by Jones to approve the agenda, second by Kramp, motion carried 5-0.

Motion by Sekus, second by Porter to approve the minutes, motion carried 5-0.

Board Member Jones reported that the FASTER team met on April 2, and a speaker from the Minnesota PERK office was in attendance. Future meetings will be April 30 and May 21. Board Member Porter noted that the District has retirement recognition in late May, and he wanted to thank those people for years of service. Board Member Jones reported that the Elementary PAC meeting is scheduled for April 13 at Burnside and the Middle School PAC was switched to April 15 at noon. The High School PAC will meet on May 1. Superintendent Slessor recognized Don Featherstone, who received a coaching service award. Board Member Jones commented that we had just had two excellent concerts.

3.1Progress on Middle School Study: Principal Nancy Glasenapp and the Middle School Building team distributed a notebook of surveys and data to the Board. Principal Glasenapp first explained the process of beginning with gathering and analyzing data and exploring solutions. The team will be back in late May to update the Board. Three team members also spoke: Sue Strom, Milt Hovelson, and Terri Cobian. The group is excited about the potential for gains in student improvement through reconfiguration. They related their tours at Waconia and Mound-Westonka and what they learned on flexible scheduling. The use of common assessment, increased intervention and connection with students was stressed.

3.2Progress on Dropout Study. Superintendent Slessor reported that the group had finished interviewing students at Towerview. Towerview provides a feeling of connectivity and allows working at one’s own pace. Next will be interviews with high risk students and those who have already dropped out.

3.3Goodhue County Chemical Health Initiative—Student Survey Results: Superintendent Slessor presented key slides from the Chemical Health Initiative student survey, comparing results for 2006 against 2008. Parental disapproval was one important key in reducing chemical use. Statistics were presented for 6th, 9th, and 12th grades.

3.4District In-Service Report: Superintendent Slessor reported that Sharon Kramer of Solution Tree was a presenter and described using Student Assessment for achievement. There is tremendous potential with this firm in learning assessment, instruction, etc., during our in-service time. Forming Professional Learning Communities is important to change student culture and learning. One very important theme is that most effective schools produce results that will overcome the effect of student backgrounds. We are trying to build more time for sharing/teamwork to create change.

4.1Claims & Accounts:

March 12-31, 2009

Fund 01-General Funds $751,246.99

Fund 02-Food Service 25,898.50

Fund 03-Transportation 3,281.30

Fund 04-Community Services 46,831.42

Fund 05-Capital Expenditures 3,207.82

Fund 06-Building Construction 0.00

Fund 07-Debt Service 0.00

Fund 08-Auxiliary 7,151.57

Fund 09-Trust Agency 3,376.33

Fund 21-Student Activities 5,038.23

Fund 50-Student Activities 2,826.73

Total $848,858.88

Payroll-March 13, 2009 $700,838.54

Payroll-March 31, 2009 $705,486.94

Claims & Accounts

April 1, 2009

Fund 01-General Funds $28,017.05

Fund 02-Food Service 10,652.73

Fund 03-Transportation 1,009.14

Fund 04-Community Services 10,729.84

Fund 05-Capital Expenditures 7,231.15

Fund 06-Building Construction 0.00

Fund 07-Debt Service 0.00

Fund 08-Auxiliary 3,273.50

Fund 09-Trust Agency 6,127.54

Fund 21-Student Activities 3,152.14

Fund 50-Student Activities 0.00

Total $70,193.09

4.2New Hire: Naivasha Salim, Aquatic Aide at YMCA, effective April 1, 2009.

4.3Resignation: Dar Huss, Special Ed. Aide at RWHS, effective March 12, 2009.

4.4Set 2008-09 Salaries for Conditions of Employment Personnel.

Board Member Kramp commented that Item 4.4 is in line with other staff and fits the budget. Motion by Sekus, second by Kramp, to approve the Consent Agenda; motion carried 5-0.

There was no Unfinished Business.

6.1Additional Staffing to Reduce Elementary Class Size: Superintendent Slessor presented a recommendation to add two elementary teachers to reduce class size as part of the referendum. Elementary is targeted as intervention at an early age is important. Principal Beckner explained how the elementary grades would be configured with the addition of these positions. Third grade would drop by three students per class, and kindergarten would have about 23 children per class. This is a first step in the process. Board Member O’Keefe stated that we need to be careful with what is going on at the State and still have sustainability with the reductions. Kramp moved the recommendation to hire two teachers, second by Porter; motion carried 5-0.

6.2Recommendation on Number of 5th Grade Sections to Twin Bluff for the 2009-10 School Year: Superintendent Slessor stated that the Board had recently granted authority to move up to 3 sections of 5th grade from Burnside to the Middle School. The Administrators now recommend moving two sections. Principal Beckner explained that that recommendation came from surveying parent choice and assuming State funding would be very tight. She explained the survey process and stated that 99 families of current 4th graders wished to remain at Burnside (3 ½ sections), 46 wished to go to Twin Bluff (1 ½ sections), and 23 were uncommitted. This led to the recommendation to move two sections to Twin Bluff. Superintendent Slessor added that due to specialist time, two sections is a better fit financially. Motion by Kramp to move two sections of 5th to Middle School, second by Jones, motion carried 5-0.

6.3Lunch Prices for 2009-10: Finance Director Brad Johnson presented a recommendation to raise meal prices by 15 cents. Food costs, despite the use of joint purchasing, will rise 9% next year and rose sharply this year. Fifteen cents will not fully offset that but is a reasonable adjustment considering the needs of the students and parents. Motion by Kramp, second by Jones to approve the recommendation; motion carried 5-0.

6.4Approval of Policies in the 600 Series: Superintendent Slessor mentioned that Board Member Jones had raised a question on 624, online learning. As Superintendent Slessor and Dr. Radmer will be attending a meeting concerning that issue tomorrow, he recommended approval of all of the 600 series except 624, with the intention of revisiting that at another meeting. Motion by Sekus, second by Kramp to approve 600 series except 624, motion carried 5-0.

6.5Approval of Overnight Trip—Girl’s Golf: Golf Coach Mark Herzog has requested permission for an overnight trip on April 28 at Alexandria, a trip the group has taken for many years. Motion by Sekus, second by Kramp to approve; motion carried 5-0.

Vice Chairman O’Keefe mentioned upcoming meetings: April 20, May 4, and May 18 all at City Council Chambers. Motion by Jones, second by Kramp to adjourn the meeting; motion carried 5-0. Vice Chairman O’Keefe adjourned the meeting at 6:48 P.M..

Respectfully Submitted,

Brad Johnson

Board Clerk

(Nov. 14)

Independent School District #256

Red Wing, MN 55066

The Red Wing School Board held its second monthly meeting on Monday, April 6, 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. Chairman Mitch Boldt called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M.

Superintendent Slessor asked to exchange items 3.3 and 3.4 on the Agenda. Motion by Sekus, second by Kramp to approve the agenda with flexibility; motion carried 7-0.

Board Member Jones requested two corrections on the Report section: change PIRC not PERK, and April 21, not May 21 for a meeting date. Motion by Jones, second by Porter to approve the minutes as corrected; motion carried 7-0.

Board Member Jones reported on the PAC meetings. Three individuals with concerns over the future of the High School Orchestra room spoke and urged the Board to consider the effect on music of using that space for Project Lead the Way. Mr. Winston Kahler also spoke to the same issue. Student Liaison Sarah Smith reported that the prom is scheduled on Saturday. Board members recommended that the music group attend PAC meetings to get more interaction, and expressed their appreciation of their comments.

3.1Recognition-Peg Hansen-Citizen’s Award of Valor: Superintendent Slessor reported that Peg Hansen, high school art teacher, was recently honored at the Minnesota Police Chief’s Conference for her actions as a first responder during an incident at the school. She received the Citizen’s Award of Valor from that group, and the Board recognized her service tonight.

3.2Sound Strings: Kirsten Ford, Tammy Robinson, Sheila Walsh, John Reed presented a handout on their activities and history. They will be holding a Meet & Greet on May 11 at United Lutheran. The group would like to be involved in a discussion of improving student performance at the elementary level. They gave several examples of the benefits of music on student performance. They realize the District doesn’t have money but are working on fundraisers. Board Members asked questions regarding how a program might be implemented.

3.3Elementary Math Adoption: Dr. Kathy Radmer presented a report on match activities over the past eighteen months. Teachers were brought together for a K-12 discussion involving the 2007 Minnesota math standard, and vendors were invited to present their programs. The decision was made to bring in Math Expressions at the K-5 level. Three teachers from the group presented further information. Mike Pagel described his experience with other math programs and the advantages of math expressions, in that it is a middle ground of both traditional and new and creates discussions in the classroom. Mary Stevenson reported that the program flows well grade to grade, and kids loved math year round. It is rigorous and time is a problem, as it takes longer to use and other subjects have to be adjusted somewhat. Julie Gore stated that it takes 75 minutes a day with this program versus past practice of 45 minutes to one hour. The program is K-5, and when implemented, it is normal to see some dipping before performance rises. Board Member Kramp asked how they adjust for the time needed, and Ms. Stevenson reported that she usually compresses social studies.

3.4Adolescent Depression: Stan introduced Bob Goetz. Mr. Goetz explained that his son had taken his life after suffering from depression and he and his wife became involved in adolescent depression education after that. They held a golf outing as a memorial and used the funds to do something about depression. John Hopkins has a Adolescent Depression Awareness Program that is high quality, and they funded two Red Wing teachers’ training in the program. John Hopkins agreed to come to Red Wing to do a workshop, and schools throughout the county and nearby attended. Superintendent Slessor presented a short video of the recent Hovda Hall event on depression. The Board thanked the Goetz family for their efforts and appreciated their work to reach out to other schools.

4.1Claims & Accounts:

April 2-15, 2009

Fund 01-General Funds$ 429,551.22

Fund 02-Food Service 18,005.92

Fund 03-Transportation 200,404.69

Fund 04-Community Services 14,665.87

Fund 05-Capital Expenditures 10,007.18

Fund 06-Building Construction 0.00

Fund 07-Debt Service 0.00

Fund 08-Auxiliary 17,493.84

Fund 09-Trust Agency 10,103.26

Fund 21-Student Activities 1,915.74

Fund 50-Student Activities 904.38

Total$ 703,052.10

Payroll-April 15, 2009 $698,442.45

4.2New Hire: Karisa Sorensen, DCD-MM EA at Burnside Elementary School, effective April 3, 2009; Dale Froyum, Long-term Sub EBD Teacher at RWHS, effective March 27 thru June 4, 2009; Jack Warfel, On-Call Van Driver for the District, effective April 1, 2009; Chris Riley, Long-term Sub for FACS at RWHS, effective March 18, 2009.

4.3Leave of Absence: Kevin Horvat, Science Teacher at RWHS, effective 2009-10 School Year.

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

There was No Unfinished Business.

6.1Resolution to Terminate Probationary Teachers: A resolution was presented terminating Nicole Harris, Jay Jacobsen, Emily Prigge, Betsy Ulveness, Renee Warrington, and Mary Ellen West. Motion by Sekus, second by Christensen to approve the resolution; resolution carried 7-0 by roll call. Voting aye: Sekus, Christensen, Jones, O’Keefe, Porter, Kramp, Boldt; voting nay: none. Sekus-Mike: roll call.

6.2Resolution to Propose to Place Teachers on Un-Requested Leave of Absence: A resolution was presented to place Lori Reding and Nikki Roschen on Unrequested leave of absence. Motion by Sekus, second by Jones; resolution passed 7-0 by roll call. Voting aye: Sekus, Jones, Christensen, O’Keefe, Kramp, Porter, Boldt; voting nay: none

6.3Math Expressions Textbook Adoption: Dr.Radmer stated that this adoption would cost $106,000 to be funded from Title I and the General Fund. Motion by Sekus, second by Jones to approve; motion carried 7-0.

6.4Resolution to Participate in the Minnesota High School League Association: This is an annual action. Motion by Porter, second by Kramp to approve the resolution; resolution passed by roll call 7-0. Voting aye: Sekus, Jones, Christensen, O’Keefe, Porter, Kramp, Boldt; voting nay: None.

6.5Revision to the 2008-09 Budget: Finance Director Brad Johnson presented recommended revisions to the Board for approval. The recommendation, mostly due to Title amendments and enrollment changes, is:

Revenues Expenditures

General Fund

27,561,661 27,292,382

Food Service

1,260,118 1,257,503

Community Ed

1,797,075 1,815,906

Building Construction

1,034,462 1,034,462

Debt Service

2,982,509 3,017,488

Trust & Agency

347,993 347,993

**Totals

34,983,818 34,765,734

Motion by Sekus, second by Christensen to approve the revised budget; motion carried 7-0.

6.6Legislation Recommendations: Board member Jones explained the three main points stressed in a letter she drafted to the governor and legislators, including funding cuts, mandated state spending, and relief from mandates. Board member Christensen stated that a 7% funding cut speaks very poorly of the Senate. Board Member Porter asked if the letter will be on the website, and made a motion to proceed with the letter; second by O’Keefe; motion carried 7-0.

6.7Review of Board Policies in the 700 and 800 Series: Chairman Boldt introduced the policies, and they can be worked on next month.

6.8Request for Vote on Staff Development Funding for 2008-09 and 2009-10. Superintendent Slessor stated that we needed a motion to request a vote by staff to maintain the percentage at the same level as recent years. Motion by O’Keefe, second by Jones to request a vote; motion carried 7-0.

Chairman Boldt mentioned upcoming meetings: May 4 and May 18 all at City Council Chambers. Motion by Jones, second by Christensen to adjourn; motion carried 7-0. Chairman Boldt adjourned the meeting at 7:07 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

Brad Johnson

Board Clerk

(Nov. 14)

Tags: public notices, general legals