Red Wing Schools August Minutes

Independent School District #256

Red Wing Public Schools

The Red Wing School Board held its first monthly meeting on Monday, August 6, 2012 at the Red Wing City Council Chambers. The Board members, Superintendent Karsten Anderson, Board Clerk/Director of Finance Brad Johnson, staff and public were present. Board Members Christensen and Chair Boldt were absent. Vice Chair Porter called the meeting to order at 5:30PM.

Vice-Chair Porter asked for item 5.2 to be delayed as Chair Boldt is absent, per the Chair’s request. Superintendent Anderson requested flexibility on items 5.4 and 5.5 dependent on Attorney Palmatier’s arrival. Motion by Anderson, second by Kramp to approve the agenda, motion carried 5-0.

3. Communications:

3.1Recognitions: Board Member Jones thanked groups for gathering school supplies for children and reminded the public that there is still time to donate.

3.2Public Comment: none.

3.3Assessment Results: Superintendent Anderson introduced Director of Teaching & Learning Joe Jezierski, who is attending to summarize assessment results. He explained that the results were very positive, and compared local data to the State averages. Board Member Kramp requested a comparison of growth with the prior year. Vice Chair Porter welcomed Mr. Jezierski to Red Wing.

3.4Reports/Committees: Superintendent Anderson reported that 4 Board positions are open at the upcoming election. The LMC voted to eliminate lower deductible insurance plans and E+1; this will be proposed to the Board for approval at same time the teacher contract is presented. The District received Duff grants of $10,000 and $5000. The City and County are working on the silica sand issue, which could be an impact on the school and should be discussed in the future. Board Member Jones explained more happenings with the silica sand issue.

Background Information

4.1Board meeting minutes for July 11, 2012 and July 16, 2012

4.2Claims & Accounts, June 1-30, 2012

Fund 01 – General Funds$652,973.06

Fund 02 – Food Service372.99

Fund 03 – Transportation0.00

Fund 04 – Community Services32,187.50

Fund 05 – Capital Expenditures32,266.12

Fund 06 – Building Construction 0.00

Fund 07 – Debt Service 0.00

Fund 08 – Auxiliary7,349.78

Fund 09 – Trust Agency 1,511.40

Fund 21 – Student Activities 3,099.44

Fund 45 – OPEB Trust Fund22,998.00

Fund 47 – OPEB Debt Service0.00

Fund 50 – Student Activities125.00

Total $752,883.29

Payroll – July 13, 2012 $487,839.33

4.3New Hire: Ashley Kincaid, Community Ed. Assistant Secretary, effective August 13, 2012 (new position); Abby Schroeder, .25 FTE FACS Teacher at RWHS, effective August 24, 2012 (due to a transfer).

4.4Recall: Tricia Harris, .4 FTE Science Teacher at Twin Bluff Middle School, effective August 2012.

4.5Resignation: Jo Seton, from the ABE Program at Colvill Family Center, effective July 11, 2012; Dan Remus, Industrial Tech Teacher at Twin Bluff Middle School, effective July 19, 2012.

4.6Medical Leave: Bonnie Mettling, 6th Grade Teacher at Twin Bluff Middle School, effective thru 1st semester.

Board Member Jones reported a typo in the July 11 minutes regarding Board Member Christensen’s absence. Motion by Anderson, second by Jones to approve the Consent Agenda; motion carried 4-1: voting for: Anderson, Jones, Porter, Baldwin, voting nay: Kramp.

There was no Unfinished Business.

5.1Referendum Discussion: Jennifer Tuttle-Anderson and Keon Blasingame of DLR presented a summary of the community engagement process and development of a facilities referendum plan. DLR had assessed all buildings, held 3 community engagement meetings, staff workshops, and an independent survey.

They listed major criteria in the facility analysis (ADA, air quality, etc). To the public, the physical conditions of the buildings a greater concern than safety issues, as was cost-effective operations for building. Crowded space was the primary concern. In the engagement meetings, the Burnside option (all K-4 at that site) had 60% support and neighborhood schools (2 K-4 buildings) 40% (option 3 and 4). The Burnside option (Option 3) had a $250,000 operating cost savings annually. An athletic project also was discussed: 26% favor, 26% didn’t know; that could be a separate question. This was a smaller group and usually supporters of schools. A phone survey by Patron Insight was also conducted. This involved 380 phone interviews via registered voter lists; 50% did not have children or grandchildren in the District. The neighborhood school option had 59% overall support and 20% opposed; the Burnside expansion option had 53% support and 29% opposed (when each offered separately). When asked for preference, 31% supported neighborhood schools and 27% the Burnside expansion; 18% said either option was fine. DLR recommends that the District issue $29,979,188 with no tax impact to proceed on the Burnside expansion (all K-4). A question to repair and address athletic facilities of $4,132,107 for an $8 tax increase would be a second question. They recommend the Burnside K-4 option due to long-term operating savings, and it also addresses equity issues. Board Member Anderson spoke in favor of Burnside as the long-term solution, the only negative is Burnside is out on the edge of town. We really need to run the vote now, and if it does fail, correct and adjust. Ms. Tuttle-Anderson reported that construction costs are beginning to increase and if we delay to 2013, we would need to add 4% to the costs ($500,000). Timing is also positive for tax impact. Other Board members commented favorably on the plan and the need to proceed in 2012. Superintendent Anderson questioned if we are sure that the plan is sufficent and addresses needs. Ms. Tuttle-Anderson explained neither option was on the table when the investigation began; they developed from the process. Board Member Kramp stated he was pleasantly surprised by the survey results, especially with times we’re in and it speaks highly of this community. DLR was given direction to proceed on the Review and Comment with the Burnside option and possible athletic question. Finance Director Johnson and Board Members discussed the operating referendum; Mr. Johnson stated given the operating savings and timing, a flat renewal may be more advisable than seeking even a small increase. Board Members agreed that a total no tax impact would be favorable. Board Member Kramp asked to review updated models.

5.2Superintendent evaluation: The media present questioned the Board delaying the report on the superintendent evaluation in regard to the open meeting law. As legal counsel is incoming, the Board will consult with him and recessed at 7pm-7:36PM. At that time, Vice Chair Porter explained that there was an oversight on the presentation of the superintendent evaluation, and he delivered a summary of the evaluation. Goals & expectations were met, and the evaluation discussed a survey of concerns. Information is contained in a Board document and will be made available after the meeting.

5.3Approval of Policies: the Board discussed the scope of approval of the policies. Motion by Jones, second by Kramp to approve the policies as listed, motion carried 5-0.

5.4Closed Session: The Board went into closed session on a staff issue, regarding a complaint against Mark Phillips, a teacher with the district. Motion by Anderson, second by Jones to go to closed session, motion carried 5-0. Vice-Chair Porter closed the session at 7:40pm. Attorney Tim Palmatier joined the Board for this discussion. Motion by Kramp to close the closed session, Anderson second, motion carried 5-0. The meeting was reopened at 8:44pm.

5.5Closed Session: Jones moved to close the session for labor negotiation discussions, second by Anderson, motion carried 5-0. Vice chair Porter closed the meeting at 8:45pm. Motion by Anderson, second by Baldwin to open the meeting, motion carried 5-0. Vice Chair Porter re-opened the meeting at 9:19 PM.

Vice Chair Porter updated the Board on next meetings. Motion by Jones, second by Anderson to adjourn, motion carried 5-0. Vice Chair Porter adjourned at 9:20PM.

Brad Johnson

Board Clerk

9/26

Independent School District #256

Red Wing Public Schools

The Red Wing School Board held its second monthly meeting on Monday, August 20, 2012 at the Little Theatre at Red Wing High School. The Board members, Superintendent Karsten Anderson, Board Clerk/Director of Finance Brad Johnson, staff and public were present. Board Member Kramp was absent. Chair Boldt called the meeting to order at 5:30PM.

Motion by Jones, second by Anderson to approve the agenda, motion carried 6-0.

3. Communications:

3.1Recognitions: Heidi Jones received certificate for completion of training from MSBA. The Pottery collectors association thanked staff members Julie Dahl and Al Harteneck for their efforts. Board Member Christensen recognized Jesse Nelson for running a triathlon.

3.2Public Comment: none

3.3Reports/Committees: Julie Hatch and Kris Blaney from the Chemical Health Initiative discussed the return of the Target program at the High School. They reported on its history, background and mission in student leadership. The program was self-sustaining in the past.

Background Information

4.1Board meeting minutes for August 6, 2012

4.2Claims & Accounts for June 16-31

Fund 01 – General Funds$458,111.87

Fund 02 – Food Service17,027.77

Fund 03 – Transportation1,948.88

Fund 04 – Community Services45,627.05

Fund 05 – Capital Expenditures 237,534.95

Fund 06 – Building Construction 0.00

Fund 07 – Debt Service 203,878.75

Fund 08 – Auxiliary3,308.99

Fund 09 – Trust Agency 18,471.09

Fund 21 – Student Activities 2,762.53

Fund 45 – OPEB Trust Fund0.00

Fund 47 – OPEB Debt Service0.00

Fund 50 – Student Activities0.00

Total $988,671.88

Payroll – July 31, 2012 $488,091.53

4.3New Hire: Kristi Person, 1.0 FTE Keyboarding/Computer Teacher at Twin Bluff Middle School, effective August 24, 2012 (due to retirement); Rebecca Zylstra, EBD/SLD Teacher at RWHS, effective August 2012 (due to a resignation); Rebecca Lippert, Computer Teacher at Burnside Elementary School, effective August 2012 (due to a transfer).

4.4Reassignment: Ben Slagle, .6 FTE Work Experience Teacher at Towerview Alternative School, effective August 27, 2012.

4.5Resignation: Ron Wolter, District-Wide Van Driver, effective July 1, 2012; Trepp Meyer, Custodian at Twin Bluff Middle School, effective August 17, 2012; Kristina Larson, Title I Ed. Assistant at Sunnyside Elementary School, effective August 6, 2012; Ross Herdina, Reading Teacher at RWHS, effective August 13, 2012; Tina Thompson, Colvill Kids Preschool Teacher at Colvill Family Center, effective August 10, 2012; Alicia Hamilton, Level I Cook at Twin Bluff Middle School, effective August 7, 2012; Richard Curtis, Part-Time Custodian at Colvill Family Center, effective August 13, 2012.

4.6One Year Unpaid Childcare Leave: Nicole McQuiston, Title 1 paraprofessional at Sunnyside Elementary School, effective 2012-2013 school year.

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

There was no Unfinished Business.

5.1Referendum Decision: Finance Director Brad Johnson presented a summary of the decision process, statistics on past referendums, and the current recommendations for a 2012 referendum. Chair Boldt stated that this was decided over a long time, and he is a fan of the 5-year plan which leads to interaction with the public. This moves to a better economic plan for facilities and allows us to concentrate on facilities. Board members Anderson, Christensen, and Jones also spoke in favor of proceeding. A resolution was supplied for 3 questions, the first a renewal of the current operating referendum, the second for a bond of up to $33 million to improve buildings (and bring all K-4 to Burnside), and a third question to fund $4.6 for athletic repairs and improvements. Board Member Anderson moved the resolution, Board Member Jones seconded, resolution passed 6-0. Voting aye: Christensen, Anderson, Jones, Porter, Baldwin, Boldt, voting nay: none, absent: Kramp.

5.2Restrictive Procedures Plan: GCED Director Cherie Johnson was unable to attend. Superintendent Anderson reported the process and recommended approval. Board member Jones moved the plan with clarifications to follow, second by Christensen, motion carried 6-0.

5.3Health Insurance rebate: Finance Director Johnson explained that the District had received a $12,000 rebate for health insurance due to favorable loss ratios for our employer group (not Red Wing specifically). Motion by Christensen to apply the amount against 2013 premiums as allowed by law, second by Anderson, motion carried 6-0.

5.4Truth-in-Taxation hearing date: Finance Director Johnson explained past meetings for this process and proposed the date of December 3, 2012 at 6pm. Motion by Porter, second by Christensen to approve, motion carried 6-0.

Chair Boldt announced upcoming meetings: September 4 at the Little Theatre, September 17 at City Council, and an October workshop at the Middle School. The city has proposed a joint session in February 2013. Motion by Christensen, second by Jones to adjourn, motion carried 6-0. Chair Boldt adjourned the meeting at 6:41 PM.

Brad Johnson

Board Clerk

9/26

Tags: public notices, general legals