Lancaster School Board Proceedings

LANCASTER SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS

The Lancaster School Board met in regular session on Wednesday, December 15, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. in the computer lab. The following members were present: James Diamond, Jason Langerud, Lacey Lupien, Matt Nordin, Justin Peterson and Jim Scalese. Also present were Superintendent Brad Homstad, Principal Nicole Thompson, Assistant Principal Drew Kjono, Teacher Rep. Jamie Winterland, Tiffany Sjostrand, Cory Waling, 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 Nordin, second by Peterson, 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 November 23, 2021, regular meeting minutes were approved.
*Electronic Funds Transfers (EFTs) in the amount of $109,920.47
*Payroll EFTs in the amount of $130,257.03.
*Credit Card EFTs in the amount of $8,174.90.
*Monthly bills for the regular and the activity account in the amount of $77,004.51.
Check numbers 41530-41571.
*The Budget Comparison and Treasurer’s reports were reviewed.
Supt. Homstad presented the Truth in Taxation information.
On a motion by Peterson, second by Langerud, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, certifies the taxes payable in 2022 as follows:
Taxes Payable
General $ 723,103.40
Community Service $ 11,344.77
Total $ 734,448.17
On a motion by Scalese, second by Nordin, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, adopts the final budget for the 2021/22 school year as follows:
Expenditures Revenues
01-General $ 3,696,534 $ 3,582,362
02-Food Service $ 256,500 $ 256,500
04-Community Education $ 114,287 $ 114,287
Total 01,02,04
Fund Budget: $ 4,067,321 $ 3,953,149
Student Activity Fund $ 85,098 $ 87,075
Overall Total: $4,152,419 $4,040,224
Net: – $112,195
On a motion by Peterson, second by Nordin, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, approves the use of the current signature plate until the new Officer’s signatures are ready for use.
On a motion by Diamond, second by Scalese, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, designates The Kittson County Courthouse as the combined polling place for 2022.
The following resolution was moved by: Lupien and seconded by: Peterson:
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 $2,000 Elementary classroom supplies
The vote on adoption of the Resolution was as follows:
Aye: Diamond, Langerud, Lupien, Nordin, Peterson and Scalese.
Nay: None
Absent: None
Whereupon, said Resolution was declared duly adopted.
VIII.
A. RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE ADMINISTRATION TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REDUCTIONS IN PROGRAMS AND POSITIONS AND REASONS THEREFOR.
On a motion by Nordin, second by Langerud,
WHEREAS, the financial condition of the school district dictates that the school board must reduce expenditures immediately, and
WHEREAS, there has been a reduction in student enrollment, and,
WHEREAS, this reduction in expenditure and decrease in student enrollment must include discontinuance of positions and discontinuance or curtailment of programs, and
WHEREAS, a determination must be made as to which teachers’ contracts must be terminated and not renewed and which teachers may be placed on unrequested leave without pay or fringe benefits in effecting discontinuance of positions,
Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, as follows:
That the School board hereby directs the Superintendent of Schools and administration to consider the discontinuance of programs or positions, to effectuate economies in the school district and reduce expenditures, and, as a result of a reduction in enrollment, make recommendations to the school board for the discontinuance of programs, curtailment of programs, and discontinuance of positions or curtailment of positions.
The following voted in favor of: Diamond, Langerud, Lupien, Nordin, Peterson and Scalese
The following voted against the same: None
Whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
On a motion by Peterson, second by Scalese, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, accepts the resignation from Denise Strege for the part-time Assistant Cook position. Strege will continue as the part-time Office Assistant.
On a motion by Diamond, second by Peterson, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, approves the amended contract for Denise Strege for part-time Office Assistant effective January 1, 2022.
On a motion by Scalese, second by Nordin, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, hires Emily Webster as full-time Assistant Cook effective January 1, 2022. Webster’s current contract was amended to full-time status.
On a motion by Nordin, second by Lupien, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, acknowledges the final reading of Policies: #503 Student Attendance, #507 Corporal Punishment, #515 Protection and Privacy of Public Records, #524 Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy as presented by Supt. Homstad.
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 KCC Sports Cooperative Salaries for 2021/22 and 2022/23 school years 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 Student Activity Fundraising financial information for the 2021/22 school year, as submitted to date.
1. Principal Report
a.  Principal Thompson presented the World’s Best Work Force report.
On a motion by Peterson, second by Nordin, and carried:Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, approves the World’s Best Workforce policy as presented by Principal Thompson.
b. COVID-19 Testing Grant Update: to date seven staff and students have been tested.
c. The Flu/Covid Booster Immunization Clinic for Staff went well with eight staff members taking part.
2. Assistant Principal Report
a.  AP Kjono provided details on estimated Cheer Team costs if they were to start going to competitions.
b.  The 2021/22 Extra-Curricular list was reviewed.
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 2021/22 extra-curricular assignments as presented.
c. NFHS Streaming has been running for all basketball games.
d.  The complete scoreboard with shot clock estimate is coming in at $26,000. The MSHSL
e.  Winter Sports are well underway. AP Kjono noted we have had some schedule changes, but they have been per our opponent’s requests.
f.  AP Kjono thanked everyone who has helped out working at school events.
g.  Elementary Basketball is going well; it is great to see the fans at games getting so excited watching them. K-2 will have their first Basketball Clinic this weekend at KC. There will be team pictures. The uniforms should be ready this week.
h.  KUDOS to Trent Jerome on his first win as a head coach!
i.  BGMR continues to inquire about forming a cooperative for wrestling. Kjono contacted the MSHSL and it is too late to do anything this year. We will need to discuss in the spring/summer. It was noted we already struggle with participation numbers with basketball and hockey.
3. Superintendent Report
a. COVID Update: We currently have one positive and four out as close contacts.
b. Joint Powers Board Election Ballots were distributed.
c. An updated copy of the Strategic Plan was distributed with the changes from the last meeting.
d. MSBA Convention Plans were discussed for January 12th – 14th.
The next regular board meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 19th, at 7:00 p.m. (DST) in the computer lab.
Diamond adjourned the meeting at 7:35 p.m.
James Diamond, Chairperson
Lacey Lupien, Clerk
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LANCASTER SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Lancaster School Board met in special session on Wednesday, December 21, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. in the computer lab. The following members were present: James Diamond, Jason Langerud, Lacey Lupien, Matt Nordin, Justin Peterson and Jim Scalese. Also present were Superintendent Brad Homstad, Principal Nicole Thompson, Assistant Principal Drew Kjono, Teacher Rep. Jamie Winterland, Tiffany Sjostrand, Cory Waling, and Mendy Coffield.
Chairperson Diamond called the meeting to order and took roll call.
Supt. Homstad presented an updated Insurance Settlement proposal. Homstad and Coffield had meet with the Teacher Union Group the week prior. The group had voiced some concerns on the initial proposal. Four individuals were added to the list. The Teacher Group also had voiced their concerns about the aggregate value of the health insurance and saving contribution from the end of last year compared to this year. Homstad directed the School Board to the updated agreement. Hearing no questions or comments from the School Board, Homstad will set up a meeting with the Teacher Union Group to review.
Supt. Homstad then went over the 2021/22 final Budget numbers. Given the loss of students this fall, the number of students for budgeting purposes is now 173. Current enrollment is at 176. The deficit is projected to be -$112,195. Supt. Homstad noted that once the insurance settlement and the certified negotiations are complete, we may need to approve an amended budget.
Supt. Homstad discussed Administrative/Board Member relations.
Diamond adjourned the meeting at 6:50 p.m.
James Diamond, Chairperson
Lacey Lupien, Clerk
(January 12, 2022)
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