LANCASTER SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS – September 21, 2022

LANCASTER SCHOOL BOARD
PROCEEDINGS

The Lancaster School Board met in regular session on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at 8:00 p.m. in the technology room. The following members were present: James Diamond, Lacey Lupien, Matt Nordin, Justin Peterson, and Jim Scalese. Also present were Superintendent Nicole Thompson, Assistant Principal Drew Kjono, Teacher Rep. Michael Peterson, Kittson County Enterprise reporter Anna Jauhola, and Mendy Coffield. Absent: Jason Langerud
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.
On a motion by Peterson, second by Scalese, the agenda was approved as presented.
On a motion by Nordin, second by Scalese, the consent agenda was approved as presented. Items included:
*The minutes of the August 24, 2022, regular meeting was approved.
*Electronic Funds Transfers (EFTs) in the amount of $56,040.76.
*Payroll EFTs in the amount of $54,414.52.
*Credit Card EFTs in the amount of $751.34.
*Monthly bills for the regular and the activity account in the amount of $611,133.66.
Check numbers 41972-42011.
*The Budget Comparison and Treasurer’s reports were reviewed.
Supt. Thompson reviewed the current proposed levy. The levy is up $156,345.60 over last year’s certification, which is a large increase. Supt. Thompson explained that the inflation increase is typically 2% and this year is between 6-8%. We also saw an increase in total student enrollment as well as an almost $300 increase in the inflation adjustment referendum allowance per student. The State is working on the 2nd Tier adjustments for our district and will get back to us on their findings. The State recommended certifying the maximum right now and maybe then adjusting it in December for the final, if needed. This will give us time to get the answers we need and also fine tune the budget more closely.
On a motion by Nordin, second by Peterson and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, certifies the maximum taxes payable for 2023.
On a motion by Nordin, second by Scalese and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, approves the Staff Development waiver for the 2022/23 school year.
On a motion by Scalese, second by Lupien and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, calls for bids on snow removal for two areas of District property for the winter season. Separate bids to be accepted for: 1) Parking Lots 2) Van and Bus Garage. Bids are to be submitted by 3:00pm on Thursday, October 13, 2022, to the District Office at Lancaster School, 401 Central Avenue, Lancaster, MN 56735. Lancaster School reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids.
The following resolution was moved by: Diamond 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 Jerry Wilson Run
Item $5,358.00
Designated Purpose (if any)
Playground equipment for athletic complex (50% down)
The vote on adoption of the Resolution was as follows:
Aye: Diamond, Lacey Lupien, Matt Nordin, Justin Peterson, and Jim Scalese. / Nay: None Absent: Langerud Whereupon, said Resolution was declared duly adopted.
Supt. Thompson informed the School Board of Brian Anderson’s passing. She read over comments from one of our teachers: “cleaning the elementary classrooms at the end of the day is no easy job, but Brian would always just chuckle when he found glitter on days we didn’t even do glitter or try to guess the day’s snack based on the random crumbs. You can tell he genuinely cared about the kids and didn’t mind…”as long as they had fun.”” Supt. Thompson noted that Brian was always a happy guy that cared about our students. He is missed terribly.
Employees have all been willing to fill in and assist with the custodial tasks around the building. With a heavy heart, she noted we will have to advertise for this position.
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 of Lindsey Gullickson, Varsity Girls’ Track Coach, effective immediately.
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 Leave of Absence Request from Jim Scalese as KCC JV Football Coach for the 2022 football season.
On a motion by Scalese, second by Nordin and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, approves the 2022/23 Boiler Contract for Michael Peterson.
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 addition of a Type III route for the Karlstad area.
On a motion by Peterson, second by Scalese and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, approves the Type III Substitute Route Driver Salary for 2022/23 at $21.00 per hour and for 2023/24 $21.50 per hour.
On a motion by Diamond, second by Scalese and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, approves the Distance Minnesota Consortium Colleges Memorandum of Agreement for Online College in the High School Contract (Alexandria Technical, Northland Technical and Northwest Technical) for the 2022/23 school year.
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 Final Reading of Policy #524 Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy as presented by Supt. Thompson.
A letter from Chris LeDoux regarding changing Lego League over to a Robotics feeder program was reviewed.
On a motion by Nordin, second by Peterson and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356 appoints the following to the Lancaster School Safety Committee: Nicole Thompson, Superintendent; Drew Kjono, Assistant Principal; Mendy Coffield, Business Manager; Chris LeDoux, Custodian; Michael Peterson, Industrial Technology; Laura Reese, Science; Alana Scalese, Food Service Director, Heather Anderson, Cook, and Jason Langerud Board Member.
On a motion by Diamond, second by Nordin and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, has reviewed and approved the following health and safety programs. Northwest Service Cooperative is hired to oversee, implement, and train employees in all of the school district health and safety programs.
Employee Right-to-Know
Identifies chemical, noise, heat, and/or ionizing or non-ionizing radiation hazards staff is exposed to in the work place and informs them through annual training. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) explain each hazard and Physical Agent Fact Sheets are available if exposed to excessive noise or heat. The master copy of MSDS is located in the school district office. The contact person for further questions is Mendy Coffield.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Identifies areas where PPE is required. Initial training is required of use, care and storage. Contact person is Mendy Coffield.
Laboratory Safety
List Standard Operating Procedures for chemical handling, storage, transportation, usage, and spill response. The DCFL General Science Safety Consideration Checklists is reviewed and initial/annual training provided to the Chemical Hygiene Officer. Contact person is Mendy Coffield.
AWAIR/ A Workplace Accident and Injury Reduction Plan
Outlines procedures to reduce and eliminate accidents and injuries. Includes the school policy statement, responsibilities, hazard prevention, hazard identification, accident investigation, communication, and enforcement procedures. Initial training required. Contact person is Mendy Coffield.
Emergency Action Plan
Listing Fire, Chemical spill, and Utility emergency. Weather related (tornado, blizzard, ice storm, flood), and Acts of violence. Including reporting, response, and escape procedures, accountability of all persons, and initial/annual training. Contact persons are Nicole Thompson and Mendy Coffield
Hearing Conservation
Includes sound level monitoring of areas/equipment generating high noise levels, training of affected employees, recommended use of hearing protection. Contact person Mendy Coffield.
Respiratory Protection
Includes survey of areas and work practices requiring use of a respirator, respirator selection, cleaning and storage, medical evaluation, fit testing and training. Contact person is Chris LeDoux.
Confined Space
Including an assessment and evaluation of confined spaces due to atmospheric condition, entry/exit access, or engulfment condition. Determining permit system, pre-entry, entry, and rescue procedures and annual training. Contact person is Chris LeDoux.
Lockout/Tagout
Including an assessment, procedures of lockout/tagout, annual inspection of procedures, and initial training. Contact person is Chris LeDoux.
Lead in Drinking Water
Included building survey of portable water sources, sampling results, and recommendation. Contact persons are Chris LeDoux and Mendy Coffield.
Radon
Includes testing results for Radon and effect of results. Contact persons are Chris LeDoux and Mendy Coffield.
Asbestos
Including annual notification, work order system, emergency response, respiratory protection, surveillance, operation and maintenance, 2-hour awareness training and abatement. Contact person is Mendy Coffield.
Hazardous Waste
Identifies hazardous waste streams, proper handling, storage, and disposal. Contact person is Mendy Coffield.
Bloodborne Pathogens
Includes facility survey for job category exposure risk to blood or body fluids, personal protective equipment, annual training, and housekeeping procedures. Contact person is Mendy Coffield.
Community Right-to-Know
Includes a survey of hazardous materials in reportable quantities and notification (Tier II report) to State Emergency Response Commission and local emergency planning committee (often local Fire Dept.) Contact person is Mendy Coffield.
IAQ (Indoor Air Quality)
Includes an assessment, goals, training, communication, recordkeeping, and complaint response. Contact person is Mendy Coffield.
Machine Guarding
Includes annual training, power outage protection, proper guards, and safe work practice placards. Contact person is Michael Peterson.
Playground
Annual audit of district playground facilities to stay current with consumer product safety commission guidelines. Contact person is Chris LeDoux.
First Aid/CPR
Provide training on contract service, review program annually. Determine arrival time both outside and in house. Contact person is Mendy Coffield.
Hoist/Lift
Inventory all hoist and jacks. Conduct monthly inspections and provide training and annual review. Contact person is Chris LeDoux.
Electrical Safety
Will provide training, safe work practices and an annual review. Contact person is Chris LeDoux.
Assistant Principal Report:
a. Streaming update: Facebook Live will be used for football games and all non-sporting events. Sporting events will continue to be streamed through the NFHS system.
b. The Scoreboard Banners are all done and have been installed on the east end of the gym. They look great.
c. Fall sports update: Volleyball Parents’ Night has been moved to Kittson Central this year; Lancaster does not have any seniors. Lancaster will have Parents’ Night the following two years.
d. Winter sports schedules will be finalized soon.
e. Mid-Terms are right around the corner. Parents are encouraged to check the gradebook regularly.
f. Curriculum Alignment review has begun. AP Kjono has been comparing the standards to what Teachers are currently teaching.
Superintendent Report:
g. The Start of School has gone very well. The first day “pictures and bubbles” was a huge hit. It has been nice to return to “normal” as stated by a few staff members.
i. Parents are doing a great job of following the new Attendance Policy.
ii. Homecoming went very well; especially since it was during the second week of school.
h. Enrollment is holding at 178.
i. We continue to be trained on the new Tele-Med program. There are two more trainings this month before we go live on September 29th.
j. Covid Update: 0 at this time.
k. ACT is set for March 28th at the Lutheran Church.
l. MSBA Convention is January 12 & 13, 2023. Also handed out were trainings that MSBA is offering virtually.
m. The October meeting date is October 19th at 8:00pm.
Diamond adjourned the meeting at 8:33 p.m.
James Diamond, Chairperson Lacey Lupien, Clerk
(October 26, 2022)
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