Red Wing School- Sept. Minutes

Independent School District #256

Red Wing Public Schools

The Red Wing School Board held its first monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 6, 2011 in the Little Theatre at Red Wing High School. The Board members, Superintendent Karsten Anderson, Board Clerk/Director of Finance Brad Johnson, student liaison Lars Lidahl, staff and public were present. Board Member Baldwin was absent. Chair Jones called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M.

Motion by Christensen, second by Porter to approve the agenda, motion carried 6-0.

3.1Recognitions: Chair Jones recognized Muriel Henderson as a foster grandparent at Burnside and stated our appreciation for our volunteers. Board Member Christensen introduced student liaison, Lars Lidahl, who reported his background.

3.2Public Comment: None.

3.3AP and ACT Results: Dr. Beth Borgen reported on a fantastic first day of school at the High School. She also reported on growth in the ACT results. In 2011, 145 juniors tested, 65% of the junior class. Charts were provided to the Board with results in Reading, Science, and composite. We had some decrease in scores but an 8% increase in those taking the test. Board members asked several related questions, including how this data is applied in the classroom and is the ACT promoted during advisory periods. Dr. Borgen also presented AP test data (Advanced Placement); scores of 3,4, or 5 are accepted as college credit. The District witnessed in large increase in those testing in 2009. Now, 187 participated, which is up 19, but the number of tests taken increased from 206 to 302.

3.4Other Reports and Committee Notes: Chair Jones reported on upcoming MSBA fall meetings on the evening of September 22, with legislative updates. She will attend and invited other members. Election ballots were handed out to the Board for the MSBA regional representative. Chair Jones discussed the need to prioritize District initiatives beyond the strategic plan. As this links to the superintendent evaluation, reasonable expectations are needed. She also presented a Board job description from the Stillwater public schools website. Board members discussed how to evaluate themselves and what method should be used to set goals, including workshops and potential costs. Board Member Boldt pointed out that we don’t have the resources to tackle everything. Superintendent Anderson reported that he visited Sunnyside, Burnside, the Middle School, and Towerview today and the first day went well other than a couple of late buses. He is enforcing walking zones; in the past, numerous exceptions were granted but load counts are high now. Some rural pickup times are as early as 6:00 AM and he will work with our consultants to seek improvement. The amateur hockey association will be meeting with some Board members on the 14th to discuss the sale of Bergwall. The Finance Committee will make recommendations on the proceeds. The Labor Management Committee meets tomorrow on the health insurance decision and hopes to have a recommendation to the Board for the 19th. The levy process has been delayed but should be presented to the Board on October 3. Dr. Radmer will present a draft annual report on the 19th. Kindergarten numbers are over 240 and the Board was thanked for adding an additional section.

4.1Board Minutes for 8-15-11 meeting

4.2. Claims & Accounts

July 16-31, 2011

Fund 01-General Funds

$2,504,396.62

Fund 02-Food Service

4,497.60

Fund 03-Transportation

18,603.96

Fund 04-Community Services 30,960.93

Fund 05-Capital Expenditures 105,705.59

Fund 06-Building Construction 0.00

Fund 07-Debt Service

0.00

Fund 08-Auxiliary 11.24

Fund 09-Trust Agency 7,247.42

Fund 21-Student Activities 12,031.20

Fund 45-OPEB Trust Fund 0.00

Fund 47-OPEB Debt Service 242,230.00

Fund 50-Student Activities 90.70

Total$2,925,775.26

Payroll-August 15, 2011$ 472,392.95

4.3New Hire: John Harris, Long-Term Sub English Teacher at RWHS, effective August 26, 2011 (replacement for Jillynne Raymond); Brian Quigley, Industrial Tech Teacher at RWWHS, effective August 26, 2011 (due to resignation); Greg Whitcoms, Lead Teacher-Link! At Twin Bluff Middle School, effective August 16, 2011 (due to resignation), Jessica Hinde, Sign Language Interpreter District Wide, effective September 6, 2011 (new position); Amy Sarnstrom, Assistant Lead Kid’s Junction Teacher at Kid’s Junction at Sunnyside Elementary School, effective August 25, 2011 (due to a resignation); Katie Nystuen, Colvill Kids Mixed Ages Teacher at Colvill Family Center, effective August 26, 2011 (new Position), Jodessa Voigt, Ed. Assistant at Sunnyside Elementary effective September 6, 2011 (due to a resignation); Vivian Schwingler Morcillo, Title I Assistant at Sunnyside Elementary, effective September 6, 2011 (new position due to additional Title I funding); Terry Stegora, Title Ed. Assistant at Sunnyside Elementary, effective September 6, 2011 (new position due to additional Title funding).

4.4Reassignment: Leanne Anderson, Level I Cook at RWHS, effective September 6, 2011.

4.5Recall: Ann (Morrison) Barlass, Title VII Ed. Assistant at Burnside Elementary School, effective September 6, 2011.

4.6Parental Leave: Elizabeth Kittelson, Social Worker at Sunnyside Elementary, effective November 28, 2011 thru March 2, 2012.

4.7Transfer: Kristina Larson, Title I Ed Assistant at Sunnyside, effective September 6, 2011; Diane Tsuchiya, Title I Ed Assistant at Burnside Elementary School, effective September 6, 2011.

Motion by Kramp, second by Christensen to approve the Consent Agenda, including the minutes from the last meeting, motion carried 5-0 with one abstention.

There was no Unfinished Business.

There was no New Business.

Chair Jones announced upcoming meetings on September 19, October 3 workshop at 4pm at the Middle School, which will include the Montessori final report, and October 17 at the Little Theatre. Motion by Christensen, second by Anderson to adjourn, motion carried 6-0. Chair Jones adjourned the meeting at 6:45 PM.

Brad Johnson

Board Clerk

Independent School District #256

Red Wing Public Schools

The Red Wing School Board held its first monthly meeting on Monday, September 19, 2011 in the Red Wing City Council Chambers. The Board members, Superintendent Karsten Anderson, Board Clerk/Director of Finance Brad Johnson, staff and public were present. Chair Jones called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M.

Chair Jones explained the Disclosures of Interest procedure to the public. She added item 3.7 Levy Report, to the Agenda. Motion by Porter, second by Anderson to approve the Agenda as amended, motion carried 7-0.

3.1Recognitions: Building & Grounds Director Kevin Johnson recognized the Lexus-Nexus group. About 20 people came to help out Red Wing School in the butterfly garden and other areas. A couple of retired teachers who are master gardeners assisted. They paid for the plantings and wood chips. Chair Jones recognized the entire school staff for their work at the start of the year.

3.2Public Comment: None

3.3Proact and RWHS Theatre Partnership: Ms. Jillynne Raymond, Vanessa Solis (RWHS senior), Mikayla Cota (RWHS junior), and Heidi Befort (ProAct) discussed Red Wing High School Theatre and ProAct’s project. Ms. Raymond was asked to teach theatre classes at ProAct, and due to time constraints, two students participated as teachers. Each member spoke about their experiences and explained the process. About ten ProAct students participated. Ms. Befort, case manager at ProAct, praised the program and explained ProAct’s functions in the community. Board members commented on the program and thanked the students.

3.4Teacher Professional Growth Protocol Update: Ms. Jillynne Raymond presented information on the protocol. Goals are aligned with the district initiative. A workshop was held on August 29—one session was devoted solely to protocol and the reflection piece. Board Member Christensen questioned how many participants completed the survey of the session.

3.5Community Service Letter Program: Dawn Wettern, Assistant Community Ed Director, and Dave Borgen, Community Rec Director, presented a new program, the Community Service Letter, for grades 8-12. The idea is similar to athletic letters. Mr. Borgen explained the outline of the program: students submit a proposal for community service to Community Recreation and can earn a letter for every 50 hours served. They may earn multiple letters and the hours are cumulative. They are asked to get letters of recognition from those they’ll work with. A spring recognition banquet is planned on May 2. Board Member Kramp commended the project; Board Member Porter asked if parental approval is needed, which it is not at this time.

3.6Other Reports and Committee Notes: Chair Jones reported that the MSBA fall meeting is in Rochester on Thursday evening. A presentation concerning the local sand mining issue will occur at the High School on October 20. Board Member Boldt reported on the joint powers board meeting last Thursday to discuss Colvill Pool and its finances. The city’s various athletic fields were also discussed. Advertising may bring in more revenue. Superintendent Karsten Anderson reported that First Student is looking for more extracurricular bus drivers. He met with the transportation consultant and First Student; buses are very full and the load may need to be relieved somewhat on one route. We’ve had dozens of requests for exceptions to walking zones; each request is considered but no exceptions granted as in the past. A meeting with the amateur hockey association to discuss the pending Bergwall sale was held. Notes on the Finance Committee meeting are included in the packet.

3.7Levy Report: Finance Director Brad Johnson reported that the levy was available from the Department of Education late on Friday. Normally it is required by September 8, but the shutdown delayed everything. The proposed levy is down $309,000 or 3.5% from last year, at $8,586,565, which is good news for taxpayers. It is being reviewed to ensure calculations are correct. Approval will be requested on October 3. The final levy approval occurs in December.

4.1Board Minutes for 9-6-11 meeting

4.2Claims & Accounts for August 16-31, 2011

Fund 01 – General Funds$498,205.49

Fund 02 – Food Service29,357.35

Fund 03 – Transportation4,329.38

Fund 04 – Community Services 20,181.31

Fund 05 – Capital Expenditures 104,409.28

Fund 06 – Building Construction 0.00

Fund 07 – Debt Service 0.00

Fund 08 – Auxiliary 847.82

Fund 09 – Trust Agency 11,116.97

Fund 21 – Student Activities614.41

Fund 45 – OPEB Trust Fund24,008.00

Fund 47 – OPEB Debt Service0.00

Fund 50 – Student Activities457.48

Total$693,527.49

Payroll – August 31, 2011 $661,837.65

4.3New Hires: Doug Heitman, Part-time Custodian at Sunnyside Elementary School, effective September 12, 2011 (due to a resignation); Sandra Robatcek, Level I Cook at RWHS, effective September 12, 2011(due to a reassignment); Jennifer Stam, Interpreter/Support Staff at Burnside Elementary School, effective September 19, 2011 (due to a resignation).

4.4Reassignment: Janine Odziemski, Special Ed. Assistant at Burnside Elementary School, effective September 13, 2011.

4.5Medical Leave: Sally Martin, Math Teacher at RWHS, effective October 27th thru December 2, 2011.

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

There was no Unfinished Business.

5.1Backup System and Joint Powers Agreement: Building and Grounds Director Kevin Johnson and Goodhue County Technology Director Randy Johnson presented the county-school agreement. By collaborating on backup storage needs, each party saves $32,000. Both have approximately the same storage needs. The primary backup will be at the county and secondary at the school. Neither can view the other’s data. Motion by Anderson, second by Baldwin to approve the agreement, motion carried 7-0.

5.2Annual Report on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Achievement: Dr. Kathy Radmer announced that more data was posted on the Department of Education’s website at 3pm, so despite the shutdown, certain statutory deadlines are still in place. Test breakdowns on subgroups began arriving this afternoon. Dr. Radmer reported on proficiency targets, including hitting our grade 10 reading proficiency target of 85%. . Targets go up every year. Motion by Anderson to approve the annual report, second by Christensen, motion carried 7-0.

5.3Health Insurance: Chair Jones reported that we have a proposal in front of us for the next two years. Member Boldt reported that insurance specifications are put together on recommendation of the labor management committee to the Board. The aggregate value of benefits cannot decline by statute. Even a change of vendor can create a challenge. People on the committee are those actually receiving benefits. A motion to go to bid was recently tabled as additional information indicated the bid timing was unfavorable. The recommendation is to stay with Health Partners and keep current plan specifications. A wellness program, totally administered by HP online or by phone, will be added. The wellness program has a deductible differential of $250. The offer has a rate guarantee of 0% in 2012 and 9% in the second year. Board Member Porter asked if the PEIP insurance option is done; Board Member Boldt indicated that it might be a viable solution in the future. Board Member Christensen thanked Board Member Boldt for all his work on the problem. Porter moved the recommendation as presented, second by Anderson. Board Member Christensen stated that the LMC’s operations are ineffective in reducing costs, and we did the best we could with what we have. Board Member Boldt pointed out that through 2013, we are once again not changing insurance specs, and as other districts are reshaping insurance design, we are creating a bigger differential between what is sustainable and where we are now. Board Member Christensen stated that the cost of the family plan is nearly the same as that of a new employee, which is not an effective way to operate. Superintendent Anderson stated that there are some advantages to the LMC: all groups are in same room, otherwise we would need approval of each union rather than have all groups together. The motion carried 5-2.

5.4Overnight Field Trips: Two requests were presented, one for the FFA to Minneapolis and as the Fund has a negative balance, we will require a plan/timeline to create a positive balance. The second is a Cross Country trip to Alexandria, but the District will not pay for hotel rooms. Motion by Boldt for approval, second by Baldwin, motion carried 7-0.

5.5Mileage Rates: Finance Director Johnson presented the increase in Federal/IRS mileage rate from 51 to 55½ cents effective July 1. Typically, the District has followed that rate, and one contract specifies Federal rate. Motion by Kramp to institute the Federal rate for school mileage, second by Christensen, motion carried 7-0.

Chair Jones announced upcoming meetings: October 3 workshop at 4pm at the Middle School, October 17 at the Little Theatre, and November 7 at City Council Chambers. Motion by Porter, second by Christensen to adjourn, motion carried 7-0. Chair Jones adjourned the meeting at 7:12pm.

Brad Johnson

Board Clerk

Oct. 15

Tags: public notices, meetings