LANCASTER SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS

LANCASTER SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS

The Lancaster School Board met in regular session on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at 8:00 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. Michael Peterson, 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. The agenda was presented with one change.
On a motion by Nordin, second by Peterson, the agenda was approved as presented.
Visitor comments were taken from Michael Peterson. He inquired on Mr. Kujava’s behalf about the approval of dual participation during the spring sports season. This was allowed last year; there are a few students interested in it this year. The School Board noted they are fine with allowing dual participation as long as the coaches are okay with it. Mr. Kjono will follow this through.
On a motion by Nordin, second by Langerud, the consent agenda was approved as presented. Items included:
• The minutes of the February 16, 2022, regular meeting was approved.
• Electronic Funds Transfers (EFTs) in the amount of $110,416.96.
• Payroll EFTs in the amount of $110,755.66.
• Credit Card EFTs in the amount of $4,038.74.
• Monthly bills for the regular and the activity account in the amount of $51,138.81
Check numbers 41669-.41705.
• The Budget Comparison and Treasurer’s reports were reviewed.
On a motion by Diamond, second by Lupien and carried: 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)
Wiktel $3,583.00
Anonymous meal donation $200.00 Past due student meals balance
Anonymous meal donation $166.00 Past due student meals balance
The vote on adoption of the Resolution was as follows:
Aye: James Diamond, Jason Langerud, Lacey Lupien, Matt Nordin, Justin Peterson and Jim Scalese.
Nay: None
Absent: None
Whereupon, said Resolution was declared duly adopted.
Chairperson Diamond informed those in attendance that the meeting would be closed per the open meeting law to discuss Labor and Negotiation. The meeting was closed at 8:11pm on a motion by Peterson, second by Langerud, and carried.
The meeting was re-opened at 8:27pm.
On a motion by Peterson, second by Lupien and carried: Be it Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, hires Nicole Thompson as the Lancaster School Superintendent/Principal for the 2022/23 school year pending settlement of negotiations. Abstaining: Matt Nordin.
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 transfer of Sick Leave from Charlie Bernstrom to Mallory Bernstrom, as presented.
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 transfer of PTO from Andrea Sele (Teacher), to Andrea Sele (Suburban route driver) for sick leave, as presented.
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 Family and Medical Leave Act Request from Denise Johnson effective February 28, 2022.
On a motion by Peterson, second by Nordin and carried: Be it Resolved, that the Board of Education of School District 356, hires Lisa Lamberson as Van Route Driver for the remainder of the 2021/22 school year.
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 Tenure of Vada Gatheridge at the close of the 2021/22 school year.
On a motion by Langerud, second by Scalese and carried: Be it Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, approves the 2022/23 Student Services Contract for Anne Dalbey as presented by Supt. Homstad.
Supt. Homstad presented thirty-seven policy revisions. He noted that if policy revisions only reflect changes adopted by the Minnesota Legislature or reference updates, MSBA’s position is: “if a policy is modified with minor changes that do not affect the substance of the policy or because of a legal change over which the school board has no control, the modified policies may be adopted at one meeting at the discretion of the school board.”
On a motion by Nordin, second by Lupien and carried: Policies for approval: #101 Legal Status of School District, #103 Complaints, #203.5 School Board Meeting Agenda, #204 School Board Meeting Minutes, #205 Open Meeting and Closed Meetings, #206 Public Participation, #207 Public Hearing, #208 Development of Policies, #210 Conflict of Interest, #211 Criminal or Civil Action, #301 School District Administration, #302 Superintendent, #303 Superintendent Selection, #304 Superintendent Contract, #305 Policy Implementation, #401 Equal Employment Opportunity, #403 Discipline, Suspension, #408 Subpoena of District Employee, #422 Policies Incorporated by Reference, #423 Employee-Student Relations, #427 Workload Limits, #504 Student Dress and Appearance, #516 Student Medication, #519 Interviews of Student by Outside Agencies, #520 Student Surveys, #521 Student Disability Nondiscrimination, #603 Curriculum Development, #604 Instructional Curriculum, #605 Alternative Programs, #606 Textbooks and Instructional Materials, #607 Organization of Grade Levels, #608 Instructional Services; Special Education, #609 Religion, #611 Home Schooling, #613 Graduation Requirements, #614 School District System Accountability, #615 Testing Accommodations, #623 Mandatory Summer School Instruction.
Principal Thompson presented her monthly report:
a. The end of the third quarter is next week.
b. COVID Testing update: four have been tested since the last meeting; all being negative.
c. Registration for 2022/23 courses will take place on April 13th using the same google form process as last year. Principal Thompson will assist the 6th grade with registration.
d. The MCA Testing Schedule & March 29th ACT dates were shared with the Board.
e. There may be additional Special Education needs for 2022/23. New students have registered with special service needs. Once high school registration is complete, work on the para schedule will begin and determination will be made if additional staffing is required.
f. High School Mini Classes were a success! KUDOS to Mrs. Steen for organizing the entire event this year! There were some very neat offerings. A few were Swedish speaking, Financing, Ethnic foods, and public speaking
g. Principal Thompson provided the Technology Committee Update to the Board. This year has gone well with Miss Johnson transitioning to Technology. The 1 to 1 and additional access points have been very beneficial. There are a few technology projects on the summer list to be completed.
Assistant Principal Kjono presented his monthly report:
a. We are still receiving scoreboard donations; which we appreciate very much. There is still work to be done with the scoreboard company as a few options were not included in the original bid.
b. Spring Sports schedules were distributed, subject to change due to weather. Boys’ Golf Coach interviews will take place this week.
c. TRAP policies and procedures and also a summary of what would need to happen for TRAP to be added this school year was discussed. Practices are typically on Wednesday and Sunday. The handbook will need to be revised in the Family Night section if TRAP is added.
On a motion by Peterson, second by Langerud and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, approves adding a Spring TRAP season. The District will pay for the coaches certification; the rest of the expenses will be the student/family responsibility. Firearms are not allowed on school property and students should not bring them to school in their vehicles for TRAP practice.
Supt. noted that the handbook will be revisited at the April board meeting.
Superintendent Homstad presented his report:
a. There are currently no cases of covid or close contact quarantine in our district. Masks are no longer required on buses. The CDC/MN Department of Health lifted this requirement.
b. The food service department will possibly be seeing a new program next fall. MealsPlus as we know it will no longer be available. Region 1 is researching options and will share with districts in the next month. Supt. Homstad noted the food service department has done a great job this year. They are also very aware of costs.
c. The 2022/23 Direct to Manufacturer (DTM) that we had hoped to purchase our food through will not be available until 2023/24. Districts may need to continue their current process for food. The NWSC/LCSC is researching possible options to assist us as well.
d. The transportation department continues to be plagued with limited bus drivers. We do have a few people working on their licensure, but this takes time. Fuel prices are on the rise which will affect the transportation budget as well.
e. The Admin. Team has a budget reduction meeting scheduled for March 23rd to begin planning for the fall budget.
f. March 11th was another lost day to snow. Supt. Homstad asked for the Board’s approval to adjust the calendar and have school on Easter Monday, April 18th. Homstad also noted if we lose any more days, the only option we have left is graduation day. This information was also discussed at the District Leadership Team meeting.
On a motion by Scalese, second by Peterson and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, approves adding April 18th as a student contact day.
The next regular board meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, 15th at 8:00 p.m. (DST) in the computer lab.
Diamond adjourned the meeting at 9:01 p.m.
James Diamond, Chairperson Lacey Lupien, Clerk
(March 30, 2022)
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