LANCASTER SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS July and August 2023

LANCASTER SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS

The Lancaster School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the Supt. Office. The following members were present: James Diamond, Lacey Lupien, Matt Nordin, Justin Peterson, Jim Scalese, and Brittany Swenson. Also present were Superintendent Nicole Thompson, Dean of Students/Activities Director Mark Bernstrom, Teacher Rep. Sandie Nelson, 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 two additions.
On a motion by Scalese, second by Swenson the agenda was approved as presented.
On a motion by Peterson, second by Scalese, the consent agenda was approved as presented. Items included:
• The minutes of the June 28, 2023, regular meeting was approved.
• Electronic Funds Transfers (EFTs) in the amount of $57,467.05.
• Payroll EFTs in the amount of $48,814.72.
• Credit Card EFTs in the amount of $21,373.24.
(Mainly class trip and staff development May 15-June 30 expenses.)
• Monthly bills for the regular and the activity account in the amount of $81,297.00. Check numbers 42512-42549.
• The Budget Comparison and Treasurer’s reports were reviewed.
** Activities were up over last year and also overall with 112% compared to budget; a detail will be provided in August.
• Various organizations were joined / programs renewed: 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.
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 bids from Cash-WA Distributing CWD for milk and butter as primary for the 2023/24 school year and also from J&S Foods as secondary for milk bid. There is a price fluctuation/fixed fee mark-up in the Cash-WA proposal.
On a motion by Peterson, second by Scalese and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, acknowledges the Free School Meals bill and sets prices as follows:
2022/23 2023/24
Lunch Breakfast Lunch Breakfast Elementary $3.10 $1.65
Secondary $3.15 $1.65
Adults $4.95 $2.25 $5.00 $2.75
Seconds (side) $ .65 $ .65 $ .75 $ .75
Seconds (Elem Entrée) $ .75 $ .75 $1.00 $1.00
Seconds (HS Entrée) $1.00 $1.00 $1.25 $1.25
Milk/Juice $ .45 $ .45 $ .50 $ .50
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a School Board meeting of School District No. 356, State of Minnesota, was held on July 25, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose, in part, or approving the District’s Long-Term Facility Maintenance Ten Year Plan.
Scalese 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 FY 25. 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: James Diamond, Lacey Lupien, Matt Nordin, Justin Peterson, Jim Scalese, and Brittany Swenson. 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 25th day of July, 2023. Lacey Lupien
Clerk, School District No. 356
On a motion by Nordin, second by Swenson and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, approves the FMLA request for Trent Jerome from September 18th – 22nd, 2023.
On a motion by Diamond, second by Scalese and carried: : Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, hires Josh Rynning as KCC Head Hockey Coach effective for the 2023/24 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, acknowledges the final reading of Policies: #425 Staff Development, #513 Student Promotion, Retention and Program Design, #516.5 Overdose Medication, #524 Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy, #534 School Meals Policy, #602 Organization of School Calendar and School Day, #618 Assessment of Student Achievement, as presented. Supt. Thompson noted the minor changes in each policy.
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 first reading of Policy: #624 Online Instruction. The old Policy #624 was repealed and replaced with this new one.
On a motion by Peterson, second by Swenson and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, approves the MN Department of Health Naloxone Emergency Response Procedure.
The KCC Sports Coop billing charges for Lancaster and Kittson Central were reviewed.
Dean/AD Bernstrom noted there are 45 kids signed up for Elementary Flag Football. Dave Thompson along with Matt Casper and Cody Schmalz have signed on to coach again this year. Given the high number of participants, more assistance will be needed. Four practices have been setup so far for August and early September.
A Code of Ethics will be added to the KCC Sports Cooperative Handbook. Dean/AD Bernstrom and KC’s AD Jami Carr will work through the Handbook and provide a proposal to both school boards to review and approve.
The Fall Sports Schedule is complete. Dean/AD Bernstrom noted there is one Wednesday night Football game at Win-E-Mac. Bernstrom explained that when traveling to other schools, we are at the mercy of their schedule. KCC did contact WEM to change to a different day, but WEM was not in favor. This conflicts with our student handbook; Bernstrom asked the Board to approve this Wednesday night event.
On a motion by Scalese, second by Peterson and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, approves the Wednesday, October 18th football game at Win-E-Mac at 7:00pm.
The Superintendents and Activities Directors for Lancaster and Kittson Central plan to meet on August 10th to review the upcoming year. They will also put an agenda together for the Sports Coop Advisory Board meeting that will be scheduled in August.
There were many who attended the work night at the Sports Complex on July 11th. More work such as painting and equipment installation needs to still take place. Dean/AD Bernstrom noted he had a crew lined up to come back and work on the equipment.
Dean of Students/Activities Director Bernstrom’s Report:
a. Current Coach Openings include:
a. FCCLA and Jr. Robotics – Laura McNeill has expressed interest in one or both of these. Bernstrom will visit with her in August.
b. Junior High Boys’ Basketball
c. Elementary Flag Football
Superintendent Thompson’s Report:
a. The newest Legislative Update information was reviewed.
b. The PSEO Agreement with UMC was presented. This will allow Anneliese Johnson to teach CIHS to our students.
c. The Return to School Plan is no longer required by MDE. COVID is officially over.
d. The remaining ESSER III funds of $2,014 will be spent on summer recreation.
e. The Summer Maintenance /Project list was reviewed. The NWSC playground inspection was presented and only noted a few violations. We are looking into adding a Gaga Ball court.
f. The Preliminary Audit results showed us ending the year with a -$16,935.
g. The Back to School Open House information was shared; Board members were asked to grill the hot dogs and hamburgers.
h. Strategic Planning Sessions
i. The August Board meeting date is set for Wednesday, August 23rd.
j. Looking ahead to September’s Board meeting date: Wednesday, September 20th
The Negotiations meeting did not take place in July; it has been scheduled for Wednesday, September 20th at 6:30pm.
Lupien inquired about After School Daycare. Supt. Thompson will look into this.
Diamond adjourned the meeting at 7:47 p.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 23, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the Supt. Office. The following members were present: James Diamond, Lacey Lupien, Matt Nordin, Justin Peterson, Jim Scalese, and Brittany Swenson. Also present were Superintendent Nicole Thompson, Dean of Students/Activities Director Mark Bernstrom, Teacher Rep. Macy Cosley, 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 three additions.
On a motion by Nordin, second by Peterson the agenda was approved as presented.
On a motion by Scalese, second by Swenson, the consent agenda was approved as presented. Items included:
• The minutes of the July 25, 2023, regular meeting was approved.
• Electronic Funds Transfers (EFTs) in the amount of $63,346.28.
• Payroll EFTs in the amount of $27,653.62.
• Credit Card EFTs in the amount of $0.
• Monthly bills for the regular and the activity account in the amount of $114,970.92.
Check numbers 42550-42623.
• The Budget Comparison and Treasurer’s reports were reviewed.
** Activities were up over last year and also overall with 112% compared to budget due to cooperative billing payment and some extra-curricular salaries that were paid out in June.
Rates were received from Border Bank and United Valley Bank for Certificates of Deposit for $500,000. Border Bank 4.95% (matures in May) and United Valley Bank 5.05% (matures in March). The Board recommended Border Bank.
On a motion by Nordin, second by Scalese and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, calls for bids on the smartboards, LCD projectors and used equipment.
On a motion by Nordin, second by Swenson and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, amends the tentative revenue budget for the 2023/24 school year as stated below: Revenues
General $ 3,823,053
Food Service $ 202,572
Community Education $ 92,114
Student Activity Fund $ 59,401
Total Budget: $ 4,177,140
The Board reviewed the HIPAA Training section of the Employee Handbook to complete their annual HIPAA training.
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 KCC Sports Cooperative Extra-Curricular Salary Schedule for 23/24 and 24/25 as presented by Supt. Thompson.
On a motion by Scalese, second by Nordin and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, hires Evan Bernstrom, as KCC Elementary Flag Football Coach effective immediately.
On a motion by Peterson, second by Swenson and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, hires Laura McNeill as FCCLA Advisor, effective for the 23/24 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 Non-Certified Salary Schedule for the 22/23 and 23/24 school years, per Auditor’s request, as presented by Supt. Thompson.
On a motion by Scalese, second by Peterson and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, accepts the resignation from Bob Jaszczak as KCC Junior High Boys’ Basketball Coach.
On a motion by Lupien, second by Nordin and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, approves updates to the Teacher Evaluation Program as presented by Supt. Thompson.
On a motion by Nordin, second by Swenson and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, approves the Final Reading of Policy #624 Online Instruction, as presented.
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 Single Reading of Policies: #102 Equal Education Opportunity, #506 Student Discipline, #507 Corporal Punishment, #514 Bullying Prohibition Policy, #601 School District Curriculum and Instruction Goals, #620 Credit for Learning, #709 Student Transportation Safety Policy, #806 Crisis Management Policy, as presented.
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 deferral of the Cheer Team until the fall of 2024. This is due to low participation numbers.
Bernstrom presented the Dean of Students / Activities Director Report:
a. Participation numbers for fall sports are very good. In grades 7-12, volleyball had 38 players come out and football had 62.
Thompson presented the Superintendent Report:
a) This month’s Legislative Update included details on the READ Act, library, screening assessments, reading curriculum, policy changes, and required courses. Thompson will continue to follow MSBA’s guidance.
b) The MCA 2024 Testing Calendar was reviewed. The calendar is also available on the website.
c) We continue to work on LEFSA. The EIN number has been issued; work has begun on Form 1023.
d) Sam Eaton will be at Lancaster School on September 26th to share his suicide survivor story with grades 7-12.
e) September through December meeting dates were discussed. The December meeting/TNT date will be Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at 7:00pm. More discussion will take place next month on the October and November dates.
f) The MSBA Convention is January 11&12, 2024. Supt. Thompson encouraged members to sign-up.
g) The Fall Workshop agenda was shared. Required Paraprofessional Training, AI in Education and Tim Denney’s mental health presentations are a few of the items on the agenda. Board members were reminded of their grilling duties.
h) Enrollment numbers for fall are up this year. Currently there are 193 students registered in K-12.
Supt. Thompson directed the Board to the large tote of school supplies that Laura Satterlund donated to our students. Everyone was very thankful for her generosity.
Diamond adjourned the meeting at 7:46 p.m.
James Diamond, Chairperson Lacey Lupien, Clerk
(September 13, 2023)
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