LANCASTER SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
LANCASTER SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Lancaster School Board met in regular session on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at 6:30 a.m. in the Superintendent’s office. The following members were present: Diamond, Homstad, Langerud, Lupien, and Nordin. Also present were Principal Nicole Thompson, Assistant Principal Drew Kjono, Teacher Rep. Michael Peterson, Kittson County Enterprise reporter Anna Jauhola, Mike Olson, and Mendy Coffield. Missing: Peterson
Chairperson Diamond called the meeting to order and took roll call. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance.
Visitor’s comments were received from Mike Olson, City of Lancaster Mayor. The District had contacted the City Council regarding the possibility of purchasing land from Carl Christopherson to expand the athletic complex to include a third field for high school / legion baseball. The City is in favor of moving forward; the land is CRP and some paperwork would need to be completed. The District will begin to gather estimates to see what the project will cost. Discussion will need to be had with Kittson Central, if this project is feasible.
Becky Rice was not present.
On a motion by Nordin, second by Lupien, the agenda was approved as presented.
On a motion by Langerud, second by Nordin, the consent agenda was approved as presented. Items included:
• The minutes of the June 23, 2021, regular meeting minutes were approved.
• Electronic Funds Transfers (EFTs) in the amount of $27,432.14.
• Payroll EFTs in the amount of $51,137.86.
• Credit Card EFTs in the amount of $17,318.19.
• June monthly bills for the regular and the activity account in the amount of $94,563.87. Check numbers 41253-41286.
• July 2021 bills paid to date for the regular and the activity account in the amount of $94,563.87. Check numbers 41287-41322.
• The Budget Comparison and Treasurer’s reports were reviewed.
• Membership renewals and/or dues of the following were approved: Minnesota School Board Association (MSBA), Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP), National School Board Association, Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA), Minnesota Board of School Administrators, Northwest Regional Inter-district Council (NWRIC), Northwest Service Cooperative (NWSC), Minnesota Rural Education Association (MREA), Minnesota Moose Country Telecommunications (ITV), and renew the National Food Programs.
The following resolution was moved by: Diamond 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) Oneok Foundation $2,683 For IXL Math program for K-6
TC Energy $5,000 Bus loading/unloading zone
The vote on adoption of the Resolution was as follows:
Aye: Diamond, Homstad, Langerud, Lupien, and Nordin Nay: None Absent: Peterson Whereupon, said Resolution was declared duly adopted.
On a motion by Nordin, second by Homstad, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, approves the addition of a meals keypad in the cafeteria as well as the addition of an online Meals Application program. Both of these items are supported by Region 1.
On a motion by Langerud, second by Nordin, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, accepts the low bid from Cash-WA Distributing CWD for milk and butter for the 2021/22 school year. No other bids were received.
On a motion by Lupien, second by Langerud, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, accepts the USDA free breakfast and lunch Seamless Summer Meal Option for all students for the 2021/22 school year. The Board of Education sets the adult lunch and breakfast and the additional menu item prices for the 2021/22 school year as follows:
2020/21 2021/22
Lunch Breakfast Lunch Breakfast
Adults 4.15 2.50 4.15 2.50
Seconds .65 .65 .65 .65
Milk/Juice .40 .40 .40 .40
On a motion by Nordin, second by Langerud, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, denies the used bids for the:
Generator: None received. Generator will be retained at this time.
Smart boards:
Ashley Turner, Tri-County EMS $100 One smartboard
Jason Nordin $50 One smartboard
Terry Solvedt $15 each Two smartboards
LCDs:
Chris LeDoux $250 One LCD
Jason Nordin $50 One LCD
Cindy Christopherson $26 One LCD
Terry Solvedt $15 each Four LCDs
Lockers:
Cody Schmalz $840 Eight sections single lockers (6&8)
Cody Schmalz $500 Four sections double lockers (12&16)
Other locker bids received, but not granted: Ashley Turner, Tri-County EMS, $75, single set of six lockers. Cindy Christopherson, $61, double set of six lockers (12). Whitney Carr, $50, two sets 6 lockers, 1 set 8, 2 sets 12. Jason Nordin, $50, one 6-double locker set (12). Cindy Christopherson, $44, single set of eight lockers. Lindsay Gjesdal, $15, single set of six lockers. Terry Solvedt, 15 each, two 8-double locker sets (16).
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a School Board meeting of School District No. 356, State of Minnesota, was held on July 28, 2021, at 6:30 a.m. for the purpose, in part, or approving the District’s Long-Term Facility Maintenance Ten Year Plan.
Langerud introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION APPROVING SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 356 LONG-TERM FACILITY MAINTENANCE TEN YEAR PLAN
BE IT RESOLVED by the School Board of District No. 356, State of Minnesota, as follows:
1. The School Board of School District 356 has approved the Long-Term Facility Maintenance Ten Year Plan for its facilities for 2021/22. The various components of this plan are attached.
The Motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Nordin and, upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Diamond, Homstad, Langerud, Lupien, and Nordin
And the following voted against the same: None.
Whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
I, the undersigned, being duly qualified and acting Clerk of School District No. 356, State of Minnesota, hereby certify that I have carefully compared the attached foregoing extract of minutes of the meeting of School District No. 356, held on the date therein indicated, with the original of said minutes on file in district office, and the same is a full, true and complete transcript insofar as the same relates to the approval of School District No. 356 Long-Term Facility Maintenance Ten Year Plan
WITNESS MY HAND officially as such Clerk this 28th day of July, 2021. /s/ Lacey Lupien,
Clerk, School District No. 356
Board Member Homstad excused himself from the meeting.
On a motion by Nordin, second by Langerud, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, accepts the resignation of Bradley K. Homstad, as Board Member, effective immediately.
On a motion by Lupien, second by Nordin, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, hires Bradley K. Homstad as .40% FTE Superintendent for the 2021/22 school year, effective immediately.
Supt. Homstad returned to the meeting.
Discussion was held on what type of board member would be needed to fill the two-year vacancy. Supt. Homstad encouraged the board to contact him with possible board members and he would make ontact with them.
On a motion by Nordin, second by Lupien, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, hires Chris LeDoux as Lego League Advisor for the 2021/22 school year.
On a motion by Diamond, second by Langerud, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, authorizes Bradley K. Homstad as Superintendent and Mendy Coffield as Business Manager to conduct financial transactions for Independent School District #356.
The Board of Education of Independent School District 356, also approves authorized signers on the following accounts:
Certificate of Deposit Mendy Coffield, Bradley K. Homstad
Savings Account Mendy Coffield, Bradley K. Homstad
Credit Card Mendy Coffield, Nicole Thompson,
Drew Kjono, Cory Waling, Alana Scalese
On a motion by Nordin, second by Lupien, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, Designation of an Identified Official with Authority for Education Identity Access Management, The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), Professional Educator Licensing Standards Board (PELSB), and Office of Higher Education (OHE) require annual designation of an Identified Official with Authority (IOwA) for each local education agency that uses the Education Identity Access Management (EDIAM) system. The IOwA is responsible for authorizing, reviewing, and recertifying user access for their local education agency in accordance with the State of Minnesota Enterprise Identity and Access Management Standard, which states that all user access rights to Minnesota state systems must be reviewed and recertified at least annually. The Identified Official with Authority will authorize user access to State of Minnesota Education secure systems in accordance with the user’s assigned job duties, and will revoke that user’s access when it is no longer needed to perform their job duties. The Superintendent recommends the Board authorize:
Primary EDIAM IOwA: Bradley K. Homstad bhomstad@lancaster.k12.mn.us; EDIAM user ID to act as the Identified Official with Authority (IOwA) for Lancaster School District #356.
Proxy: Melinda Coffield mcoffield@lancaster.k12.mn.us: EDIAM user ID to act as Proxy for Lancaster School District #356.
On a motion by Diamond, second by Nordin, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, effective July 28, 2021, approves the updated MDE External User List, to replace Shannon Hunstad, as presented by Supt. Homstad.
On a motion by Lupien, second by Langerud, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, approves the Summer School contracts for Andrea Sele and Jamie Winterland at $25 per hour for June and August 2021.
On a motion by Nordin, second by Langerud, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, approves the first reading of the Credit Card Policy as presented by Supt. Homstad.
The KCC Sport Cooperative 2020/21 billing was reviewed.
On a motion by Nordin, second by Lupien, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, amends the $1,500 per senior scholarship amount to $1,496.01 and $1,496 due to the remaining balance in the Class of 2021 Fund, following their class trip expenses.
Principal Thompson presented her Administrative Report:
a. The Title I and II applications have been submitted to MDE.
b. The 2021/22 High School schedules are available to families.
c. Thompson and AP Kjono will finalize the Back to School Open House and Teacher Workshop schedules in the near future.
Assistant Principal Kjono presented his Administrative Report:
a. The fall Sports meeting was held Monday night for volleyball and football. The coaches were extremely organized and prepared. Participation numbers look good in both sports. Practice begins August 16th.
b. AP Kjono thanked everyone for the warm welcome and the office space.
Superintendent Homstad presented his Administrative Report:
a. The Preliminary Audit looks great with a +$367,000. Supt. Homstad commended the staff for their work.
b. The ESSER III surveys were reviewed. There was overwhelming response to being in person with no masks this fall. The 80%/20% funding surveys had sixty responses received for the 80% and 48 for the 20%. The State has not announced the 2021/22 School Year Plan. Supt. Homstad is hopeful they will grant local control. Supt. Homstad and Principal Thompson submitted a Distance Learning application to the state, and should hear back by August 16th if approved.
c. The September board meeting was set for Monday, September 27, 2021, at 8:00 p.m.
d. Substitute Paraprofessional Pay is over $20 less per day than Substitute Teacher pay. Supt. Homstad recommends reviewing this during the next Non-Certified Negotiations period. He was concerned about raising the sub rate right now when a full-time para employee would then be paid less than a substitute.
e. The new bus is here. It was purchased with Capital Project Levy funds. Supt. Homstad reviewed the new features of the gas bus.
f. Summer Project Update: the new bus is here, the sidewalks are being poured this week, the grass by the bus zone will be seeded in November, the playground fence work will begin today, the top floor bathroom is almost complete. The cafeteria tables will be installed over MEA. The lockers are scheduled to arrive in August; we are uncertain if they will be installed before school begins. New desks for high school math, English and 3rd grade should arrive in August. Two of the eight smartboards have been installed. The main boiler repair is underway. We hope to fix the east gym boiler with ESSER III grant funds; this received the highest ranking on the ESSER III surveys. The mower has arrived. Labine Electric will proceed with the generator once the cement slab is poured, the floor scrubber is already in use, the oven and steamer are in and Labine will finish wiring them this week. The new keypads are scheduled to be operational on August 11th.
g. The Concessions Advisor positions have not been filled. With no applicants, the Administrative Team has been looking into a High School Advisor rotation where the Advisor stays with the students through high school, instead of staying at the same grade level. The Advisors would then rotate into the Concessions Advisor position once every five years. Cory Waling would remain the Senior Class Trip Advisor. Principal Thompson has contacted one possible Advisor who has verbally agreed to this.
The next regular board meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, at 8:00 p.m.
Diamond adjourned the meeting at 7:38 a.m.
James Diamond, Chairperson Lacey Lupien, Clerk
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LANCASTER SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Lancaster School Board met in regular session on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, at 8:00 p.m. in the Superintendent’s office. The following members were present: Diamond, Langerud, Lupien, Nordin, and Peterson. Also present were Superintendent Brad Homstad, Principal Nicole Thompson, Assistant Principal Drew Kjono, Teacher Rep. Kaitlynn Creviston, Kittson County Enterprise reporter 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 with two additions.
On a motion by Langerud, second by Nordin, the consent agenda was approved as presented. Items included:
• The minutes of the July 28, 2021, regular meeting minutes were approved.
• Electronic Funds Transfers (EFTs) in the amount of $19,089.50.
• Payroll EFTs in the amount of $27,329.92.
• Credit Card EFTs in the amount of $-145.54
• Remaining July monthly bills for the regular and the activity account in the amount of $171,341.43. Check numbers 41323-41374.
• The Budget Comparison and Treasurer’s reports were reviewed.
Interest rates of .35% from Border Bank and .30% from United Valley Bank were received for a 9-month certificate of deposit. Coffield will proceed with transferring $500,000 to Border Bank.
The following resolution was moved by: Diamond 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) American Legion $1,000.00 Playground fence
Charitable Gambling Funds
Lancaster PTCO $2,500.00 Playground fence
The vote on adoption of the Resolution was as follows:
Aye: Diamond, Langerud, Lupien, Nordin, and Peterson. / Nay: None Absent: None
Whereupon, said Resolution was declared duly adopted.
On a motion by Langerud, second by Nordin, and carried:
WHEREAS, a vacancy exists in the office of school board member with a term expiring the first Monday in January, 2023, and
WHEREAS, the vacancy occurred more than ninety (90) days prior to the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in the year the vacancy occurred and prior to the fourth year of the vacant term;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, State of Minnesota, as follows:
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 123B.09, Subd. 5b, James Scalese is hereby appointed to fill the vacancy and to serve until a successor is elected and qualified. The appointment shall be effective thirty (30) days after the adoption of this resolution unless a valid petition to reject the appointee is filed with the school district clerk pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 123B.09, Subd. 5b (b) within that thirty (90) day time period.
On a motion by Peterson, second by Langerud, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, approves the 12-month contract for Alana Scalese, as Food Service Director/Administrative Assistant, effective August 1, 2021.
On a motion by Nordin, second by Langerud, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, approves the Boiler Support Contract for Michael Peterson for the 2021/22 school year. Abstaining: Peterson.
On a motion by Lupien, second by Peterson, and carried:
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes Section 123B.09 vests the care, management, and control of independent districts in the school board; and
WHEREAS, the Superintendent of Independent School District [insert number] [hereinafter the “Superintendent”] is responsible for the management of the schools, the administration of all School District policies, and is directly accountable to the School Board; and
WHEREAS, when responsibilities are not specifically prescribed nor School District policy applicable, the Superintendent shall use personal and professional judgment, subject to review by the School Board, pursuant to School District Policy 302, Superintendent; and
WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) and the Minnesota Department of Health (“MDH”) have determined that the COVID-19 pandemic is currently ongoing and may remain ongoing for an unknown time; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Education (“MDE”) has issued and may continue to issue written guidance for Minnesota schools on educational issues related to COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, the MDH has issued and may continue to issue written guidance for Minnesota schools on public health issues related to COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, the Superintendent and the administration of the School District have conferred with the School Board regarding COVID-19 health and safety measures, the current CDC, MDE, and MDH requirements for each, and other relevant information; and
WHEREAS, based upon the collective consideration of these factors, the Superintendent has recommended to the School Board that the following be implemented at the commencement of the 2021-2022 school year:
– All staff, students, and visitors within Independent School District 356 buildings, regardless of vaccination status, are recommended to follow the strategies of physical distancing, handwashing and respiratory etiquette, cleaning and disinfection, contact tracing, screening testing, and staying home when sick as defined in the “.”
- All staff, students, and visitors within Independent School District 356 buildings are not required to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status. Individuals may voluntarily wear a mask if they so choose.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the School Board of Independent School District No. 356 as follows:
Section 1: The Superintendent is hereby directed to implement the following health and safety measures to open the 2021-2022 school year:
- All staff, students, and visitors within Independent School District 356 buildings, regardless of vaccination status, are recommended to follow the strategies of physical distancing, handwashing and respiratory etiquette, cleaning and disinfection, contact tracing, screening testing, and staying home when sick as defined in the “.”
- All staff, students, and visitors within Independent School District 356 buildings are not required to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status. Individuals may voluntarily wear a mask if they so choose.
Section 2: The Superintendent is hereby authorized, after consultation with the School Board Chair and notification to the School Board, to select and implement different health and safety measures for the School District or any specific school buildings without School Board action if the Superintendent reasonably believes that prompt implementation of different health and safety measures is necessary, and that constraints of time and public health considerations render it impractical to hold a School Board meeting to approve the implementation. The health and safety measures selected and implemented by the Superintendent shall continue in effect unless and until the School Board, in consultation with the Superintendent and appropriate school district staff and public health officials, deems it in the best interest of the School District and its students to implement different health and safety measures.
Section 3: The Superintendent will provide regular updates to the School Board regarding the School District’s efforts to implement COVID-19 related educational and public health guidance issued by the MDE and the MDH, respectively.
Adopted this 18th day of August, 2021.
Roll Call Vote: Diamond, Langerud, Lupien, Nordin, and Peterson.
/s/ James Diamond, School Board Chair
/s/ Lacey Lupien, School Board Clerk
The Board reviewed the HIPAA Training section of the Employee Handbook to complete their annual HIPAA training.
On a motion by Nordin, second by Peterson, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, accepts the resignation of Robert Carr, as KCC Head Hockey Coach, effective immediately.
On a motion by Langerud, second by Lupien, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, accepts the resignation of Tori Younggren, as KCC Junior High Volleyball Coach, effective immediately.
On a motion by Diamond, second by Peterson, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, hires Catie Dahlberg, as KCC Junior High Volleyball Coach, effective August 16, 2021.
On a motion by Peterson, second by Langerud, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, hires Catie Dahlberg, as Kindergarten Long-Term Substitute, effective November 2021-January 2022 (approximate dates.)
On a motion by Lupien, second by Nordin, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, approves the Leave of Absence Request of Denise Strege for the Assistant Cook position for the first semester of the 2021/22 school year.
On a motion by Nordin, second by Langerud, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, accepts the resignation of Kris Folland as KCC Varsity Boys’ Basketball Coach effective immediately.
On a motion by Langerud, second by Peterson, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, approves the 2021/22 Memorandum of Agreement for Online College in the High School.
On a motion by Nordin, second by Langerud, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, approves the Final Reading of the Credit Card Policy as presented by Supt. Homstad.
On a motion by Nordin, second by Lupien, and carried; Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, approves the First Reading of the 2021/22 Employee Handbook.
On a motion by Langerud, second by Nordin, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, approves the revision of employee names and the 2021/22 Student Admission Fees in the Student Handbook from $4.00 K-12/$6.00 Adult to a flat rate of $5.00 Admission Fees for K-Adult. Preschool will remain free.
Principal Thompson presented her Administrative Report:
a. The Concessions Advisor salary has been split in three. Alana Scalese will do the ordering and prepping; Sandie Nelson and Chad Kujava will take care of the rest. The ordering and prepping will stay with Alana each year. The other duties will rotate to the Class Advisor who will now follow the students, rather than stay with the grade.
b. Online College in the High School this year has seven seniors and seven juniors enrolled. There will be a teacher available to assist.
c. Anne Dalbey has been working on Synergy and schedules for the high school this week. She will work on elementary next week.
d. There are two teacher’s licenses we are still waiting on acceptance from PELSB for.
Assistant Principal Kjono presented his Administrative Report:
a. Fall sports practice started this week. Kjono has been impressed with the coaches and how they include all the kids as there are a lot of them. He also noted that the MSHSL guidance was followed by both sports in regards to breaks given.
b. There are coaching position openings in Hockey and Boys’ Basketball.
c. The MSHSL COVID mandates are only for masks on buses/transportation at this time. Other districts may have mask mandates within their building. Kjono will keep everyone updated in his Kjono’s Corner on the school website.
d. A few schedule changes have taken place. Volleyball was moved from September 14th to 13th due to referee shortage. JH Football vs LOW on September 24th will be JH at 1:45, followed by the regular Varsity game at 3:30pm.
e. Meet the Bearcats is at the Lancaster Golf Course on Friday the 27th. Mr. Kjono will be grilling.
f. There are jamborees and games coming up before school begins.
g. Kjono attended the AD Conference in St. Cloud and thanked the board for allowing him to go as it was very beneficial.
h. There are a few JV Football games that have been cancelled by other teams due to low numbers. Kjono will work with coaches to look at possibly scheduling combined 8th & 9th grade teams.
Superintendent Homstad presented his Administrative Report:
a. The Return to School 2021/22 Plan was discussed.
On a motion by Nordin, second by Peterson, and carried; Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, approves the Lancaster School Return to School 2021/22 Plan as presented by Supt. Homstad.
b. COVID-19 Updates: We will be following all CDC recommendations, except for masking in the building. Masks will be permitted for those choosing to wear them. Supt. Homstad attended a Zoom meeting with area Superintendents and not one school, in attendance, is mandating masks at this time.
c. Online Distance Learning Update: Supt. Homstad has submitted plans twice to the state, but they have been rejected. He will keep trying if opportunities exist.
d. A Critical Race Theory handout was reviewed; Social Studies standards are being updated at the state. Supt. Homstad would like to discuss CRT with staff at the fall workshop. The DLT meet earlier in the week and also reviewed the information. The Board agreed with Supt. Homstad on local control of what we teach.
e. September – December meeting dates were set:
September 27th at 5:00pm October 20th at 8:00pm
November 17th at 7:00pm December 15th at 7:00pm (TNT meeting)
On a motion by Peterson, second by Nordin, and carried;Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, sets the date for the Truth In Taxation meeting to be December 15, 2021, at 7:00pm in the Supt. Office.
f. The MSBA Conference is set for January 13-14, 2022, in person.
g. The Fall Workshop schedule and Open House plans were discussed.
h. Current enrollment numbers are 183 K-12 with 43 being open-enrolled in.
i. Supt. Homstad learned that going forward, if anyone plans to attend a board meeting via Zoom, a three day notice must be given to the district. If this notice is not given, Zoom is not an option; however, calling in by phone is.
j. The District Leadership Team (DLT) met earlier in the day; they will, once again, be an advising panel to the Board again this year.
Lupien inquired if the Cheer Team was a Lancaster only activity. She has had some Kittson Central parents approach her about this. Kjono noted currently it is a Lancaster only activity. Supt. Homstad stated that the change would have to occur at Kittson Central.
The next regular board meeting will be held on Monday, September 27th at 5:00 p.m.
Diamond adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m.
James Diamond, Chairperson
Lacey Lupien, Clerk
(September 15, 2021)
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