Red Wing School, October Minutes

Independent School District #256

Red Wing Public Schools

The Red Wing School Board held its first monthly meeting on Monday, October 1, 2012 at the Twin Bluff Middle School IMC. The Board members, Superintendent Karsten Anderson, Board Clerk/Director of Finance Brad Johnson, staff and public were present. Chair Boldt called the meeting to order at 4:00PM.

Superintendent Anderson requested that items 5.2 and 5.3 be deleted from the agenda. Motion by Jones, second by Kramp to approve the amended agenda, motion carried 7-0.

3. Communications:

3.1Recognitions: none

3.2Public Comment: none

3.3Colvill Family Center Update: Colvill Director Jill Kenyon summarized the 3-4 year old programs at Colvill. She also presented data on assessments; both math and literacy showed growth. Last year’s results were used to set goals for 2012-13. Tests differed little between the 2-, 3-, 5-day programs. Board members asked questions about data, results and staff reactions.

3.4Reports/Committee Notes: Board Member Jones attended the MSBA fall meeting on September 20-40 other districts have referendums, with various terms, and most are increasing amounts. She explained how the MSBA legislative platform is formed and reported some possible issues. Board Member Porter stated that he had received calls on AP math classes with up to 55 students and expressed concern on class size. Board Member Kramp brought up the possibility of tutoring. Board Member Anderson wondered if AP students could have the same advisory. Superintendent Anderson reported continued research on walking zones. At the Missota conference meeting, Farmington is potentially leaving which drops the conference to seven members. A committee on employee recognition has formed.

Background Information

4.1Board meeting minutes for September 17, 2012:

4.2Claims & Accounts for September 1-15, 2012:

Fund 01 – General Funds $883,648.10

Fund 02 – Food Service 11,443.92

Fund 03 – Transportation 20,671.45

Fund 04 – Community Services 29,706.48

Fund 05 – Capital Expenditures 11,437.83

Fund 06 – Building Construction 0.00

Fund 07 – Debt Service 0.00

Fund 08 – Auxiliary 7,393.76

Fund 09 – Trust Agency 4,455.47

Fund 21 – Student Activities 419.53

Fund 45 – OPEB Trust Fund 0.00

Fund 47 – OPEB Debt Service 0.00

Fund 50 – Student Activities 296.75

Total $969,473.29

Payroll – September 14, 2012 $713,284.12

4.3New Hire: Alyssa Edholm, Special Ed. Paraprofessional at Sunnyside Elementary School, effective September 25, 2012 (due to a transfer); Kristin Kronbeck, Cook at RWHS, effective September 19, 2012 (due to a resignation); Pariss Gary, Cook at Twin Bluff Middle School, effective October 1, 2012 (due to a resignation).

4.4Reassignment: Mark Langenwalter, Custodian at Twin Bluff Elementary School, effective October 1, 2012 (due to a transfer).

4.5Resignation: Kevin Clemens, Custodian at Burnside Elementary School, effective October 1, 2012; Jillynne Raymond, Speech/English Teacher at RWHS, effective September 11, 2012

4.6Leave Requests: Susan Horvat, denial of sabbatical leave request for second semester; Jillynne Raymond, denial of extended leave of absence request from September 11th to end of school year.

Board Member Porter requested items 4.5 and 4.6 be pulled as regards Jillynne Raymond; Board Member Anderson requested that 4.6 be pulled entirely. Motion to approve consent agenda except the designated items by Jones, second by Christensen, motion carried 7-0.

4.5 & 4.6: Board Member Porter thanked the Personnel Committee for revisiting these issues on leaves. Last time an extended leave of this nature occurred, the previous superintendent allowed it, and he was instructed to contact administrators and advise them not to permit this. If this hasn’t been communicated to staff, staff believes this type of leave is correct and it is still an option. The requests are to stop at the building principal. The contract language refers to teaching positions elsewhere, not administrative positions. Board Member Kramp stated that the Committee took the person out of the consideration, and felt that this type of leave was a safety net if a job didn’t work out. This is bad policy to perpetuate it. Board Member Anderson stated that it’s better to error on the side of the employee to avoid litigation and the years of service should be considered. Board members discussed the issue of replacing an individual on leave with someone who would know they might be temporary. Board Member Porter stated that staff members are confused by the policy, updating the contract to cover this would help. Motion by Anderson, second by Porter to approve Ms. Raymond’s leave request, motion failed 2-5 (voting aye: Anderson, Porter; voting nay: Jones, Christensen, Kramp, Baldwin, Boldt). Christensen moved approval of accepting Ms. Raymond’s resignation, Baldwin second, motion carried 5-2 (voting aye: Jones, Christensen, Kramp, Baldwin, Boldt, voting nay: Anderson, Porter).

Item 4.6: Superintendent Anderson explained the sabbatical request by Ms. Horvat for second semester 2012-13. It is needed for a required internship for Ms. Horvat’s graduate studies in clinical psychology. Ms. Horvat also explained and answered questions on her situation. Board Member Jones read excerpts from the sabbatical policy to the Board, including that a suitable replacement must be found prior to granting the leave and that the leave is deemed to the benefit of the district and germane to the area of study. Ms. Horvat stated that her grad studies have been approved for lane changes. Board Member Jones asked about financial implications: the district pays ½ of salary and benefits, about $13,500 for half a year, and a replacement, half of $35,000 for a long-term. Anderson moved approval of the sabbatical, no second was made. Jones moved approval of the denial, second by Kramp, motion carried 6-1 (voting aye: Baldwin, Jones, Christensen, Kramp, Porter, Boldt, voting nay Anderson).

There was no Unfinished Business.

5.1Teacher Seniority List: Superintendent Anderson explained that this was done annually but is late due to the timing of the new Master Agreement; this is for the 2011-12 school year. Motion by Porter, second by Baldwin to approve the seniority list, motion carried 7-0.

Chair Boldt announced upcoming meetings, October 15, November 5 and November 19. Motion by Jones, second by Kramp to adjourn, motion carried 7-0. Chair Boldt adjourned at 5:46PM.

Brad Johnson

Board Clerk

11/17

Independent School District #256

Red Wing Public Schools

The Red Wing School Board held its second monthly meeting on Monday, October 15, 2012 at the Little Theatre at the High School. The Board members, Superintendent Karsten Anderson, Board Clerk/Director of Finance Brad Johnson, staff and public were present. Board Chair Boldt called the meeting together at 5:30PM.

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

3. Communications:

3.1Recognitions: Superintendent Anderson recognized Burnside School for making Reward School status. Board Member Jones recognized Wall of Honor nominee Craig Morris.

3.2Public Comment: None

3.3Introduction of Police Chief: Outgoing Chief Tim Sletten introduced Roger Pohlman as the new Red Wing police chief. Chief Sletten is retiring on October 31. Due to the close relationship with the school, he brought the incoming chief to introduce to the school board. Chief Pohlman stated his background, including recent work in Grand Forks and serving on the Grand Forks school board. Superintendent Anderson and Chair Boldt welcomed Chief Pohlman and thanked Chief Sletten for his work with the District.

3.4Sunnyside Elementary School Update: Principal Patti Roberts and Sunnyside teachers Erin McDonnell, Shelby Hicks, Kelly Hanson, Liz Kittelson and Craig Borey presented an update on Sunnyside programs. Sunnyside has 470 students in K-2 this year, 42 certified staff, 43 support staff, and 21 classrooms. Demographics include 43% Free and Reduced, 25% Special Education, and 19% minority. Principal Roberts and staff explained various Sunnyside programs such as Kindergarten boot camp, Reading programs such as Daily 5, Title I and other interventions, including behavioral ones. Assessment and monitoring were also explained. Progress on Responsive Classroom was also reported. Chair Boldt commented this will pay off as children move up through the grades, and expectations rise accordingly.

3.5Levy Update: Finance Director Johnson reported that the levy finally certified by the State dropped slightly. If Questions 1 and 2 pass, the 2013 levy will be down 3.1%; if all 3 questions pass, the combined levy will increase only 0.34%. Chair Boldt commented on favorable planning and timing.

3.6Referendum Update: Superintendent Anderson reported on various goals met with the funds from the 2008 referendum, including class size reductions, financial stability, intervention and technology. Finance Director Johnson mentioned the scope of the operating levy, an equivalent of 65 teachers, and reminded voters to vote absentee if they will not be available for the November 6 election.

3.7High School Class Sizes: Principal Beth Borgen and Director Joe Jezierski relayed information on high school class sizes, beginning with any over 32 students. Dr. Borgen explained how the large AP class evolved; it will become two sections of 26 meeting every other day. Dr. Borgen reported numbers for 8th grade math: linear algebra is at 22, 21, 16, and 21. Board members discussed technology expectations for further education. Superintendent Anderson brought up Chad Bray’s schedule with SOAR and could it be reassigned to math.

3.8Reports/Committee Notes: Superintendent Anderson reported on walking zone discussions. There is no interest in changing the policy itself and will continue to use the Versatran software. There had been recent discussions on guidelines for political advocacy. The District had a tentative agreement with custodians but that was rejected by the group; mediation will occur in late November. A tentative agreement was reached with the cooks and details will be released after approval. Board Member Jones announced a Gifted & Talented meeting on October 25, and asked if the Board will have a student liaison this year.

Background Information

4.1Board meeting minutes for October 1, 2012

4.2Claims & Accounts for September 16-30, 2012

Fund 01 – General Funds $424,194.37

Fund 02 – Food Service 29,064.47

Fund 03 – Transportation 1,217.17

Fund 04 – Community Services 31,044.59

Fund 05 – Capital Expenditures 65,572.55

Fund 06 – Building Construction 0.00

Fund 07 – Debt Service 0.00

Fund 08 – Auxiliary 45,647.05

Fund 09 – Trust Agency 19,509.20

Fund 21 – Student Activities 4,198.69

Fund 45 – OPEB Trust Fund 0.00

Fund 47 – OPEB Debt Service 0.00

Fund 50 – Student Activities 873.46

Total $621,321.55

Payroll – September 28, 2012 $722,834.37

4.3New Hire: Kevin O’Brien, School Security at RWHS, effective September 28, 2012 (due to a transfer); Sheena Tisland, Language Arts Teacher at RWHS, effective September 24, 2012 (due to a resignation); Brianna Dressen, Long-Term Sub 1st Grade at Sunnyside Elementary School, effective October 24th thru February 19, 2013 (due to a parental leave).

4.4Medical Leave: Gregg Ulvenes, Custodian at Sunnyside Elementary School, effective October 22nd thru November 19, 2012; Julie Schreifels, Special Ed. Teacher at RWHS, effective September 24th thru October 30, 2012.

4.5Retirement: Pete Eberlein, Special Ed. Teacher at Twin Bluff Middle School, effective January 18, 2013.

Board Member Kramp questioned a mid-year retirement on Item 4.5; Superintendent Anderson explained this was allowed by contract. Motion by Porter, second by Jones to approve the Consent Agenda, motion carried 6-0 (Board Member Baldwin had left).

There was no Unfinished Business.

5.1Overnight Trip Request: Superintendent Anderson presented a request for a Student Council trip to Alexandria. Chair Boldt commented that requests should be made earlier so if questions occur, they could be answered prior to approvals. Motion by Jones, second by Christensen to approve the trip, motion carried 6-0.

5.2Drumline Request: Superintendent Anderson presented a Winter Drumline proposal, which would use the former Marching Band budget. If the Marching Band reforms, the Winter Drumline would be eliminated. Board Member Kramp commented that this would be reviewed after one year. Motion by Kramp, second by Porter to approve the request, motion carried 6-0.

5.3Canvassing Board Meeting. Finance Director Johnson explained the work of the Canvass Board and possible times to meet. Motion by Jones, second by Christensen to set the Canvass Board for 7:00 AM on Tuesday, November 13, in the Community Education Conference Room. Motion carried 6-0.

Chair Boldt reported upcoming meetings: November 5, November 19, and December 3. Motion by Anderson, second by Christensen to adjourn, motion carried 6-0. Chair Boldt adjourned the meeting at 7:30PM.

Brad Johnson

Board Clerk

11/17

Tags: public notices, general legals