Red Wing Schools Jan. Minutes

Independent School District #256

Red Wing Public Schools

The Red Wing School Board held its second monthly meeting on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 in the Little Theatre at the Red Wing High School. The Board members, Superintendent Karsten Anderson, Board Clerk/Director of Finance Brad Johnson, staff and public were present.

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

3. Communications

3.1Recognitions: none

3.2Public Comment: None

3.3Other Reports: Chair Jones was contacted by Advisor Shelley Orr regarding the Student Council liaison and they will be seeking a new student soon.

Reorganization:

4.1Election of Officers: Superintendent Anderson explained that the MSBA has determined that votes of each member must be recorded, at least by a show of hands, unless the vote is unanimous. Chair Jones requested nominations for Board Chair for 2012. Board Member Kramp nominated Mitch Boldt. There being no other nominations, Board Member Porter moved nominations cease, second by Kramp. Christensen moved an unanimous ballot for Boldt, Baldwin second, motion carried 7-0. Chair Boldt requested nominations for vice chair. Christensen nominated Dennis Porter; motion by Kramp to cast an unanimous ballot, motion carried. Christensen nominated Paul Kramp for treasurer, motion carried unanimously. Christensen nominated Brad Johnson for clerk, motion carried unanimously.

4.2Board Meeting Schedule: A copy of proposed schedule is submitted in the packet. The Middle School IMC was designated for workshops. Motion by Jones, second by Anderson to approve the Board calendar, motion carried 7-0.

4.3Official Newspaper: Motion by Kramp to name the Republican Eagle the official newspaper, Baldwin second, motion carried 7-0.

4.4Depositories: Motion by Christensen, second by Kramp to approve Associated Bank (Red Wing), US Bank (Minneapolis), Wells Fargo Bank (Minneapolis), Wells Fargo Bank (Red Wing), White Rock Bank (Red Wing), Associated Bank (PMA Securities, Inc.) and MN School District Liquid Asset Fund as depositories for district funds, motion carried 7-0.

4.5Legal Counsel: Motion by Christensen to appoint Kennedy-Graven legal counsel and to designate the superintendent, finance director and Board Chair to contact the legal counsel, second by Kramp, motion carried 7-0. Board Member Kramp requested staff check on price structure and discounts.

4.6Electronic Fund Transfers: Motion by Kramp, second by Jones to approve the superintendent and finance director as initiators of electric fund transfers. Motion carried 7-0. Kramp recommended a co-signature of approval.

4.7Corporate Credit Cardholders: Motion by Anderson, second by Christensen to approve the list of corporate credit cardholders, motion carried 7-0. Board Member Kramp requested a summary of usage for each card to review the limits.

4.8Salary of Board Members and Officers: Motion by Jones, second by Christensen to approve the same salaries as last year. Board members mentioned these were reviewed last year and are still low compared to other districts. Motion carried 7-0.

4.9Committee Organizations and Assignments: Superintendent Anderson had submitted a description of committee assignments and liaisons. He recommends updating policies in the spring on standing committees, which would approve the purpose and composition. Board Member Jones has submitted a draft list of committee assignments. Chair has authority to make assignments, and typically the Board has endorsed. Board Member Porter asked the Chair to not make committee changes due to the new superintendent and referendum and new curriculum director, unless someone requests changes. Chair Boldt asked if anyone wants change for 2011. Some committee assignments were discussed. Chair Boldt suggested tabling and requested feedback for the next meeting.

4.1Board meeting minutes for December 19, 2011

4.2Claims and accounts, December 1-15, 2011

Fund 01 – General Funds$847,359.49

Fund 02 – Food Service22,075.04

Fund 03 – Transportation318.03

Fund 04 – Community Services 27,204.28

Fund 05 – Capital Expenditures 4,313.24

Fund 06 – Building Construction 0.00

Fund 07 – Debt Service 0.00

Fund 08 – Auxiliary 5,840.48

Fund 09 – Trust Agency 2,220.90

Fund 21 – Student Activities7,641.88

Fund 45 – OPEB Trust Fund0.00

Fund 47 – OPEB Debt Service0.00

Fund 50 – Student Activities 630.58

Total $917,603.92

Payroll – December 15, 2011 $729,413.95

4.3Reassignment: Cindy Bodin, Special Ed. Assistant at Twin Bluff Middle School, effective January 3, 2012 (due to a retirement).

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

There was no Unfinished Business.

There was no New Business.

Chair Boldt announced that the second meeting will be on Tuesday, January 17 at the Little Theatre. Motion by Christensen, second by Baldwin to adjourn, motion carried 7-0. Chair Boldt adjourned the meeting at 6:20PM.

Brad Johnson

Board Clerk

Independent School District #256

Red Wing Public Schools

The Red Wing School Board held its second monthly meeting on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 in the Little Theatre at the Red Wing High School. The Board members, Superintendent Karsten Anderson, Board Clerk/Director of Finance Brad Johnson, staff and public were present.

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

3. Communications

3.1Recognitions: Superintendent Karsten Anderson recognized Kathy Radmer as recipient of the Service Above Self award. A recent magazine article complimented Red Wing Schools for energy savings. The Idea Slam was held on Saturday, and 3 High School students came and did a nice job on representing the tech program. Chair Boldt recognized Jeff Chalmers, teacher, for his creativity on a recent assignment.

3.2Public Comment: None

3.3Other Reports: Board Member Jones reported on the MSBA leadership conference which she attended. Legislatively, concerns are the payback mechanism for the shift, and the Garofalo bill which seeks to eliminate the odd year referendum elections. The meetings also gave tips on contacting legislators. Superintendent Anderson commented that the student council would send representatives to report to the Board rather than a regular liaison. Alex Streff and Kristen Anderson reported on Student Council activities, including teacher babysitting night, a dodgeball tournament, and snow week and the semi-formal.

3.4Presentation on FY2011 Audit: Ms. Kim Hillberg and Mr. Doug Blanshan of CliftonLarsonAllen reported the results of the 2010-11 audit. The District was issued a clean opinion throughout with no findings, which is becoming unusual these days. GASB 54 was instituted and they explained the different categories. The District’s unassigned balance is $5.2 million as the referendum planning achieved its predicted peak. Fund balance does not equate to cash; cash is at $1.5 million and is lower due to the large increase in the aid shift.

3.5Burnside Update: Principal Sheila Beckner and teachers Scott Briske, Gina Borgen, Megan Winter, Char Auge, Donna Wordelman, Neil Lahammer, and Kevin Holm presented information on the Café menu dealing with reading strategies. Various teachers explained techniques. Good fit books which encourage reading that is fun is part of the program. Individual conferences are used, and Ms. Winter discussed special education components.

4.1Board meeting minutes for January 3, 2012

4.2Claims & Accounts for December 16-31, 2011

Fund 01 – General Funds$380,237.06

Fund 02 – Food Service28,719.99

Fund 03 – Transportation53.68

Fund 04 – Community Services9,138.83

Fund 05 – Capital Expenditures 68,040.20

Fund 06 – Building Construction 0.00

Fund 07 – Debt Service 0.00

Fund 08 – Auxiliary 8,832.81

Fund 09 – Trust Agency 7,083.11

Fund 21 – Student Activities4,999.19

Fund 45 – OPEB Trust Fund0.00

Fund 47 – OPEB Debt Service0.00

Fund 50 – Student Activities8,483.32

Total $515,588.19

Payroll – December 29, 2011 $751,666.66

4.3Reassignment: Brehea Schnorenberg, Special Ed. Assistant at Twin Bluff Middle School, effective December 23, 2011 (due to a transfer).

4.4New Hire: Janice Carter, Special Ed. Assistant at RWHS, effective January 3, 2012 (due to a transfer); Michelle Anderson, Special Ed. Assistant at Sunnyside Elementary School, effective January 3, 2012 (new position).

4.5Resignation: Michelle Miller, Ed. Assistant at Burnside Elementary School, effective January 6, 2012.

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

There was no Unfinished Business.

5.1Ice Arena Rental Request: At the January 3 meeting, a request to rent the ice arena for a craft beer show was discussed and feedback has been received, both pro and con. Superintendent Anderson recommends denial. Board Member Jones reported on email from Tim Sletten, chief of police, which opposes alcohol sales and another from Joanne Pohl which is similar. Chair Boldt commented that it is unusual for school to own arena, but the show has already found another location. However, the requester would like the school to explore ways to be more available for the community. Board Member Kramp stated that as long as it’s a school asset, it’s difficult to vote different than our policy. Board Member Baldwin expressed concern about having available space for alcohol free environments. Board Member Porter stated that if we listen to advocates, we shouldn’t allow it, including the Republican Eagle survey. Board Member Jones added that we need to be aware of competing with local business. Jones moved to deny the request, Baldwin seconded, motion carried 7-0.

5.2Technology Plan: Directors Kevin Johnson and Kathy Radmer presented an explanation of the plan. We remain on our 5-year cycle with referendum and grants funding several components. 55% of classrooms have Smartboards. All T-1 lines have been replaced by fiber. Dr. Radmer is more excited about how we are using technology for student achievement. The plan links technology to the strategic plan with increased technology for assessments and data analysis. Mike Pagel spoke about the technology survey. Kevin Johnson discussed support issues with different technology wishes. Kramp moved approval of the plan, Porter seconded, motion carried 7-0.

5.3RWHS Program of Studies: Principal Beth Borgen explained changes in the program. Credits for the class of 2016 to graduate would increase from 28 to 30 credits out of a possible 32. Also social study changes proposed, and math and science in 8th and 9th grades. The Board member asked several questions about proposed programs, including SOAR and Yearbook credit. Board Member Kramp thanked the Principal for a good program that prepares students for life. Motion by Anderson, second by Porter to approve the program of studies, motion carried 7-0.

5.4Sale of Bergwall Arena: Finance Director Johnson presented a purchase agreement and lease arrangement for the sale of Bergwall Arena to MNSCU. The property will be sold for $900,000, and a $157,635 loan to Community Ed will be repaid from the proceeds. The lease will be for $1 a year for perhaps 3 years, though it may be terminated if significant repairs are needed. Anderson moved approval of the sale, Christensen seconded, motion carried 7-0.

5.5 Committee Objectives and Assignments: A list is presented of proposed committee membership for Board consideration. Board Member Anderson requested to remain with Youth Outreach. Porter moved approval, Anderson seconded for the amended committee list, motion carried 7-0.

5.6Approval of FY11 Audit: Finance Director Johnson requested the motion to be “to accept” rather than “to approve” the audit. Motion by Christensen to accept the audit, Anderson seconded, motion carried 7-0.

5.7Closed session to discuss negotiations: Anderson moved to close the meeting, Jones seconded, motion carried 7-0. Chair Boldt closed the meeting at 8:45PM. Motion by Jones, second by Anderson to reopen the meeting, motion carried 7-0. Chair Boldt reopened the meeting at 9:47PM.

Chair Boldt reported that upcoming meetings will be February 6 at City Council Chambers and February 21 at the Little Theatre. Motion by Anderson, second by Jones to adjourn, motion carried 7-0. Chair Boldt adjourned the meeting at 9:47PM.

Brad Johnson

Board Clerk

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