Lancaster School Board Proceedings
Lancaster School Board Proceedings
The Lancaster School Board met in regular session on Thursday, March 19, 2020, at 8:00p.m. in the district office. The following members were present: Diamond, Homstad, Langerud, Lupien, Nordin and Peterson. Also present were Supt. Shannon Hunstad, Teacher Rep. Nicole Thompson, Kristi Steen, Cory Waling, Kittson County Enterprise Anna Jauhola, and Mendy Coffield.
Chairperson Diamond called the meeting to order and took roll call. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance.
On a motion by Peterson, second by Nordin, the agenda was approved. UC.
On a motion by Homstad, second by Langerud, the consent agenda was approved as presented. UC. Items included:
• The minutes of the February 19, 2020, regular and special meetings were approved.
• Electronic Funds Transfers (EFTs) in the amount of $95,8076.33. Payroll EFTs in the amount of $228,647.36, and monthly bills for the regular and the activity account (now merged into one) in the amount of $62,941.44. Check numbers 40494-40545.
• The Budget Comparison and Treasurer’s reports were reviewed.
• The current revenue totals by fund were reviewed.
On a motion by Diamond second by Lupien, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, approves the Food Service Agreement for 2020/21 with the Cooperative Purchasing Connection.
On a motion by Peterson second by Nordin, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, amends the 2019/20 budget to include the Student Activity Fund:
Expenditures Revenues
General $ 3,011,904 $ 2,906,491
Student Activity Funds $ 84,685 $ 91,235
Food Service $ 141,698 $ 141,698
Community Education $ 82,146 $ 82,146
Total Budget: $ 3,320,433 $ 3,221,570
Surplus: – $98,863
Supt. Hunstad informed the board we now have two anonymous donors who call monthly to assist with past due student meal balances.
The following resolution was moved by: Langerud and seconded by: Lupien
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING DONATIONS
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statute 123B.02, Subd. 6 provides: “The board may receive, for the benefit of the district, bequests, donations, or gifts for any proper purpose and apply the same to the purpose designated. In that behalf, the board may act as trustee of any trust created for the benefit of the district, or for the benefit of the district, or for the benefit of pupils thereof, including trusts created to provide pupils of the district with advanced education after completion of high school, in the advancement of education.”; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes 465.03 provides: “Any city, county, school district or town may accept a grant or devise of real or personal property to maintain such property for the benefit of its citizens in accordance with the terms prescribed by the donor. Nothing herein shall authorize such acceptance or use for religious or sectarian purposes. Every such acceptance shall be by resolution of the governing body adopted by a two-thirds majority of its members, expressing such terms in full.”; and
WHEREAS, every such acceptance shall be by resolution of the governing body adopted by a two-thirds majority of its members, expressing such terms in full;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the School Board of Lancaster Public School, ISD 356, gratefully accepts the following donations as identified below:
Donor Item Designated purpose (if any)
Anonymous monthly donations Money Past due student meals balance
The vote on adoption of the Resolution was as follows:
Aye: Diamond, Homstad, Langerud, Lupien, Nordin and Peterson.
Nay: None
Absent: None
Whereupon, said Resolution was declared duly adopted.
Discussion was held on COVID-19. Supt. Hunstad noted that the Staff has been amazing. Meals are being served this week, and next week we will start delivery of meals as well. Teachers are working together to figure out what Distance Learning will look like. They have had a very cooperative attitude through this and have worked on learning various means of online communication such as Zoom and Google. Supt. Hunstad asked for guidance from the Board in relation to work schedule expectations for Teachers and Non-Certified Staff. Members recommended following Governor Walz’s guidance.
The Personnel Team will meet next Thursday, March 26, 2020, at 12:00pm to discuss Non-Certified Negotiations.
On a motion by Peterson second by Langerud, and carried: Be it Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, hires Laura Reese as High School Science Mentor the 2020/21 school year.
Annaliese Johnson will be Student Teaching in the fall semester 2020/21 and will be the regular substitute teacher for the spring semester.
On a motion by Homstad second by Nordin, and carried: Be it Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, hires Kim Clark as the Long-Term substitute for High School Science for the First Semester of the 2020/21.
On a motion by Diamond second by Langerud, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, hires Kaitlynn Wilson as Elementary Teacher for the 2020/21 school year.
On a motion by Peterson second by Lupien, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, hires Denise Strege as Junior High KCC Track Coach for the spring of 2020.
On a motion by Nordin second by Homstad, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, accepts the resignation of Alana Scalese as Junior High KCC Volleyball Coach effective immediately.
On a motion by Nordin second by Lupien, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, approve the final reading of Policies: #604 Instruction Curriculum, #205 Open Meetings and Closed Meetings, #404 Employment Background Checks, #414 Mandated Reporting of Child Neglect or Physical or Sexual Abuse, #419 Tobacco-Free Environment, #421 Gifts to Employees and School Board Members, #422 Policies Incorporated by Reference, #424 License Status, #506 Student Discipline, #510 School Activities, #513 Student Promotion, Retention, and Program Design, #515 Protection and Privacy of Pupil Records, #516 Student Medication, #524 Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy.
On a motion by Homstad second by Langerud, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, approve the first reading of Policies: #534 Unpaid Meal Charges, #601 School District Curriculum and Instruction Goals, #602 Organization of School Calendar and School Day, #603 Curriculum Development, #613 Graduation Requirements, #615 Testing Accommodation, Modifications, and Exemptions for IEPS, Section 504 Plans, and LEP Students, #616 Student District System Accountability, #620 Credit for Learning,#623 Mandatory Summer School Instruction, #624 Online Learning Options, #703 Annual Audit, #720 Vending Machines.
Supt. Hunstad presented the Administrative Report:
a) At the Superintendent meeting at the State Capital earlier this month, the Legislature indicated there would not be an option to start school prior to Labor Day in the fall of 2020.
b) The preliminary 2020/21 High School Schedule was reviewed. This will be distributed to teachers tomorrow or next week. Supt. Hunstad took the information from the Teacher’s PLC meetings and also their recommendations to create this. The goal was to have three elective choices each period. Supt. Hunstad had intended to release this earlier this week, but with the COVID-19 happenings, it was not possible.
c) The 2020/21 Staffing needs were discussed. With Anne Dalbey semi-retiring, Alana Scalese, Nicole Thompson, and Chris LeDoux will be gradually taking over some of her duties. Sandie Nelson will be assisting more in Special Ed. Anne will continue to mentor them and also do much of the state reporting and grading.
d) Diamond, Nordin, and Peterson are up for School Board Election this year.
e) Supt. Hunstad will bring Referendum information to the April Board meeting to review.
f) High School Math for the remainder of the year was discussed. With the school shutdown and Distance Learning, it will be difficult for a substitute.
The next regular board meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2020, at 8:00 pm (DST).
Diamond adjourned the meeting at 9:45 p.m.
James Diamond, Chairperson Lacey Lupien, Clerk
(April 1, 2020)
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