Red Wing School Minutes Dec. 2011

Independent School District #256

Red Wing Public Schools

The Red Wing School Board held its first monthly meeting on Monday, December 5, 2011 in the High School Little Theatre. The Board members, Superintendent Karsten Anderson, Board Clerk/Director of Finance Brad Johnson, staff and public were present. Chair Jones was absent; the meeting was conducted by Vice-Chair Porter.

Motion by Christensen, second by Anderson to approve the agenda as submitted, motion carried 6-0.

3. Communications

3.1Recognitions: none

3.2Public Comment: None

3.3Other Reports: no reports

3.4Sunnyside Update: Principal Patti Roberts present the update on Sunnyside Elementary, with teachers Shelby Hicks, Kim Newman, Michelle Kelley, Erin McDonnell, Susan Richardson, Megan Damman, and Renee Warrington also presenting information. Principal Roberts compared recent curriculm changes to a remodeling project: they have redone Title I and Title VII programs, implemented the intervention block, and have done training for the DRA reading assessment. They are implementing a brand new science curriculum. Staff development has been ramped up to a new level. Teachers explained the Daily 5 management system and its arrangement for both 2nd grade and kindergarten. Children look forward to that program and are excited about it. Classroom libraries are being built up. The Reading Promise was explained to the Board. Board members questioned and thanked the staff for their work. Principal Roberts indicated that space is very tight at Sunnyside now.

4.1Board meeting minutes for November 21, 2011

4.2 Claims & Accounts for November 1-15, 2011

Fund 01 – General Funds$792,514.74

Fund 02 – Food Service23,828.77

Fund 03 – Transportation189,486.16

Fund 04 – Community Services20,282.70

Fund 05 – Capital Expenditures 17,750.45

Fund 06 – Building Construction 0.00

Fund 07 – Debt Service 0.00

Fund 08 – Auxiliary 23,970.44

Fund 09 – Trust Agency 999.99

Fund 21 – Student Activities10,124.32

Fund 45 – OPEB Trust Fund200.00

Fund 47 – OPEB Debt Service0.00

Fund 50 – Student Activities3,500.47

Total $1,082,658.04

Payroll – November 15, 2011 $736,627.80

4.3New Hire: Katherin Olerich, Special Ed. Assistant at Burnside Elementary School and Kid’s Junction, effective November 29, 2011 (new position).

4.4Reassignment: Melody Calhoun, Special Ed. Assistant/Sign Language Facilitator at Colvill Family Center, effective November 30, 2011.

4.5Resignation: Amy Sarnstrom, Level I Cook at Twin Bluff Middle School, effective November 28, 2011.

Motion by Anderson, second by Christensen to approve the Consent Agenda, motion carried 6-0.

There was no Unfinished Business.

5.1Truth-in-Taxation meeting: Motion by Christensen, second by Anderson to recess for the public hearing, motion carried 6-0. The Board recessed at 6:05PM. Finance Director Brad Johnson presented an explanation of the proposed 2012 levy and the 2011-12 budget. The proposed levy is up 12.1%, but compared to two years ago is up 2.5%. A reduction in debt excess fund has been sent to the State, which will drop $158,746. Further reductions are being investigated. No public attended; Mr. Johnson reported on 3 calls he had received. Motion by Christensen, second by Boldt to reopen the regular Board meeting, motion carried 6-0. The meeting reopened at 6:20 PM..

5.2Overnight Field Trip Requests: The Board considered two requests: a High School trip to Washington (social studies), and a Boys hockey trip to Crookston. Board members asked several questions about costs and history of these trips. Motion by Anderson, second by Christensen to table both until more information can be considered, motion carried 6-0.

Vice Chair Porter listed upcoming meetings: the legislative lunch on December 7, Board meeting on December 19 and organizational on January 3. Motion by Kramp, second by Baldwin to adjourn, motion carried 6-0. Vice Chair Porter adjourned at 6:42 PM.

Brad Johnson

Board Clerk

Independent School District #256

Red Wing Public Schools

The Red Wing School Board held its second monthly meeting on Monday, December 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.

Motion by Anderson, second by Christensen to approve the agenda, motion carried 7-0

3. Communications

3.1Recognitions: Chair Jones recognized the newspaper article regarding District energy savings and complimented the Building staff. Superintendent Anderson announced that Chair Jones will receive a director award at MSBA.

3.2Public Comment: None

3.3Other Reports: Chair Jones reported that correspondence was received from Representative Tim Kelly thanking for the recent meeting. She presented a delegate assembly update, and announced that Leadership conference is upcoming. Superintendent Anderson reported that Lake City schools were locked down due to a shooting in the city; we were aware of it and monitoring. He also explained concerns over directory requests and what information is available on request. Board Member Boldt reported on the Joint Powers meeting.

3.4Idea Slam: Ms. Leanne Knott presented information on this event. An opportunity for community members to share ideas to improve the community with a $20,000 grant will occur. It is sponsored by the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation. The event is on January 14 at the Southeast Tech. Ms. Knott described projects in cities such as Lanesboro, Mapleton, and Northfield as examples. The projects want to have student involvement.

3.5Ice Arena Request: Building and Grounds Director Kevin Johnson presented a request to use the ice arena for small craft beer show. Superintendent Anderson had turned it down originally, due to serving alcohol on school grounds. However, we could get a temporary license to do so. Mr. Don Kliewer, who made the request, was familiar with a similar event at Wells, Minnesota. It would be a way to increase arena revenue. This would involve 20 different breweries (craft beer) and restaurants. No city regulations exist that would block it. Board members discussed pros and cons of allowing alcohol on the property, and were split in their opinions. No action is requested tonight. Negatives are current Board/MSBA policies and image and perhaps liability, positives are revenue and community.

3.6Timeline for Referendum: Finance Director Brad Johnson presented a timeline and decision list for a possible November 2012 referendum. The process needs to begin very soon, particularly with capital needs in the mix.

3.7Superintendent evaluation: Chair Jones recommended the first form, and we have used it before. It has 10 different areas and individual questions in those areas, and requests evidence. She recommended further discussion in the Personnel committee. Superintendent Anderson has survey monkey ready to go with a self-rating for each component. He wishes to solicit some feedback now, as the goal is to improve performance, not just judge.

4.1Board meeting minutes for December 5, 2011

4.2 Claims & Accounts for November 16-30, 2011

Fund 01 – General Funds$515,635.54

Fund 02 – Food Service28,794.55

Fund 03 – Transportation210,882.91

Fund 04 – Community Services 34,092.76

Fund 05 – Capital Expenditures 12,350.11

Fund 06 – Building Construction 0.00

Fund 07 – Debt Service 0.00

Fund 08 – Auxiliary 10,967.95

Fund 09 – Trust Agency 5,365.32

Fund 21 – Student Activities33,136.54

Fund 45 – OPEB Trust Fund24,008.00

Fund 47 – OPEB Debt Service0.00

Fund 50 – Student Activities4,398.19

Total $879,631.87

Payroll – November 30, 2011 $734,315.94

4.3New Hire: Stacy Covey, Special Ed. Assistant at Burnside Elementary School and Kid’s Junction, effective December 19, 2011 (new position); Heather Malesky, Level 1 Cook at Twin Bluff Middle School, effective January 3, 2012 (due to a resignation).

4.4Reassignment: Benjamin Smith, Assistant Lead Kid’s Junction at Burnside Elementary School, effective December 8, 2011; Samantha Maness, On-Call Sub for Kid’s Junction at Burnside Elementary School, effective December 8, 2011.

4.5Resignation: Janice Olson, Adult Basic Ed. Instructor, effective November 30, 2011.

4.6Retirement: Susan Warfel, Special Ed. Assistant at Twin Bluff Middle School, effective December 23, 2011.

Motion by Anderson to approve the Consent Agenda, second by Porter, motion carried 7-0.

There was no Unfinished Business.

5.1Approval of Levy: Finance Director Brad Johnson summarized the proposed levy. The original was a 12.1% increase. The Finance Committee recommends a 9.85% increase, which, over 2 years, is 0.37% or $36,000. Last year’s levy was a reduction of 8.6% due to enrollment. Board Member Kramp reported that the Finance Committee discussed earmarking funds for capital which can impact bonding needs. Other fund targets are improving class sizes and maintaining a 5% fund balance. Christiansen moved the resolution setting the levy for 2012 at $9,772,788, Anderson seconded; resolution approved by roll call: voting aye: Anderson, Christensen, Porter, Kramp, Baldwin, Jones, voting nay: none. Absent: Boldt.

5.2Overnight Field Trip Requests: Superintendent Anderson explained that two overnight requests were presented two weeks ago, and he has collected some additional information. A travel company that handles the Washington trip will run it as a non-school activity, so that request is withdrawn. Since then, we have a request for the Jazz Festival to the University of Minnesota. Superintendent Anderson and Finance Director Johnson recommend approval on Crookston trip after investigating the process/cost. Board Member Kramp commented that 350 miles is a lot, and wondered why we can’t get games closer. Board Member Baldwin requested an explanation on the Big Nine double round. Matt Schultz explained why this created a scheduling problem. Board members asked several questions, including suggesting looking at bus companies closer to the game site to perhaps avoid overnight costs for drivers. Board Member Kramp asked for a distance policy. Kramp reluctantly moved approval, Porter seconded for both field trips, motion carried 5-0.

5.3Student Expulsion: Motion by Christensen, second by Baldwin to close the meeting, motion carried 5-0. Chair Jones closed the meeting at 7pm. Principal Borgen presented information. Motion by Kramp, second by Baldwin to reopen the meeting, motion carried 5-0. Chair Jones reopened the meeting at 7:19. Kramp moved the Resolution expelling Student A, Porter second, resolution carried by roll call: voting aye: Christensen, Porter, Kramp, Baldwin, Jones; voting nay, none, absent: Boldt, Anderson. Kramp moved resolution expelling Student B, Porter seconded; resolution carried by roll call: voting aye: Porter, Kramp, Baldwin, Christensen, Jones; voting nay, none, absent: Boldt, Anderson. Kramp moved the resolution expelling Student C, Porter seconded, resolution approved by roll call: voting aye: Kramp, Baldwin, Christensen, Porter, Jones, voting nay: none; absent: Boldt, Anderson.

5.4Legal update: Motion by Kramp to close the meeting per statute attorney-client privilege, second by Christensen, motion carried 5-0; Chair Jones closed the meeting at 7:23pm. Attorney Morgan Godfrey presented information regarding the litigation. Motion by Christensen, second by Baldwin to reopen the meeting, motion carried 5-0. The meeting reopened at 7:59.

Chair Jones announced upcoming meetings: organizational meeting January 3, then January 17. Motion by Christensen, second by Porter to adjourn, motion carried 5-0. Chair Jones adjourned the meeting at 7:59.

Brad Johnson

Board Clerk

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