LANCASTER SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS September 18, 2024

LANCASTER SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS

The Lancaster School Board met in regular session on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, 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: Autumn Schindele, 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 Scalese, the agenda was approved.
On a motion by Nordin, second by Swenson, the consent agenda was approved as presented.
*The minutes of the August 21, 2024, regular was approved.
*Trial Balance Month-End Balance: $1,894,845.02.
*Payroll EFTs in the amount of $61,014.43.
*Monthly bills for the regular and the activity account in the amount of $216,298.53.
Check numbers 43244-43299.
*Credit Card EFTs were $1,374.82.
*Electronic Funds Transfers (EFTs) in the amount of $77,440.02.
*The Budget Comparison and
Treasurer’s report was reviewed.
Supt. Thompson reviewed the Proposed Levy for Taxes Payable 2025. She noted that the Levy was again reduced this year to continue to try to stay consistent with the $868,000 that the District has been holding to for the last three cycles. The adjustments were again removed as was $100,000 of the Capital Project Levy.
On a motion by Peterson second by Swenson, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, certifies the proposed taxes payable for 2025 as presented.
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 24/25 school year.
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 Minnesota School District Liquid Asset Fund Plus (MSDLAF) Resolution Authorizing Participation in the Fund. A complete copy of the resolution is on file in the District Office.
On a motion by Nordin, second by Peterson, 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 10, 2024, to the District Office at Lancaster School, 401 Central Avenue, Lancaster, MN 56735. If you have any questions, call 218-762-5400. Lancaster School reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids.
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)
Anonymous Snacks and school supplies Elementary classrooms
KIDSON Cares School supplies Student supplies
J&S Foods
Community Members
Various $120 Memorials: Martha Olson
Ken Hunter and Roy Stenmark
The vote on adoption of the Resolution was as follows:
Aye: James Diamond, Lacey Lupien, Matt Nordin, Justin Peterson, Jim Scalese and Brittany Swenson. Nay: None. Absent: None.
Whereupon, said Resolution was declared duly adopted.
On a motion by Peterson second by Scalese, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, hires Brooke McNeill as Part-Time Paraprofessional, effective September 3, 2024.
On a motion by Scalese, second by Peterson, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, hires Emma Sjostrand as Paraprofessional, effective September 23, 2024.
On a motion by Diamond, second by Nordin, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, hires Jason Langerud as Flag Football Coach, effective for the 2024 Flag Football season. There are fifty plus kids participating this year.
On a motion by Swenson, second by Scalese, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, approves the 24/25 Boiler Contract for Michael Peterson.
Discussion was held on the Bus Route Driver’s contract change. In the spring of the year, route driver contracts were adjusted to be paid punch to punch. This would affect the pay for a number of the drivers; those drivers voiced their concerns about losing money once the school year started. The contract language was changed back to be paid for 1.5 hours per route for a total of three hours per day. Peterson inquired about the routes that are more than 1.5 hours then not getting paid for their complete time.
On a motion by Peterson second by Lupien, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, approves the changes to the route driver’s 24/25 contracts, to three hours per day instead of by punch to punch. The contracts will also be adjusted to include compensation for pay over the three hours per day.
On a motion by Peterson second by Scalese, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, denies the lane change request from Laura Reese. Per the Teacher Master Agreement: Credits to be considered for application on any lane of the salary schedule must be germane, as determined by the School District, to the teaching assignment. The Board of Education has determined this request is not germane to Reese’s teaching assignment.
Supt. Thompson updated the group on the five CAREIALL Training (READAct requirement) sessions that are scheduled for the ten staff members from now through December. Dean Bernstrom noted that today was the first training day and the entire school came together for a Friends’ Wednesday Student Event. While the day was a good one, it may not be feasible to do this four more times this year, especially with the season change and the inability to go outside. Supt. Thompson requested adding four early outs, at 1:33pm, for the remaining training dates.
On a motion by Nordin, second by Swenson, and carried: Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education of Independent School District 356, approves four early out student contact days at 1:33pm on October 15, November 6 and 26 and December 18th. These are CAREIALL training dates for ten plus staff members; per the READ Act guidance, Districts are allowed to take time to satisfy the READAct requirements. All staff will remain in the building and use as a staff development day.
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 e-Learning Plan as presented by Supt. Thompson. The Teacher Group has reviewed and approved the e-Learning Plan.
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 revision to the Wellness Policy to the Food Service Director as the Coordinator, rather than the Business Manager. Alana Scalese will take on this role. Abstaining: Scalese.
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 Bus Violation Form as presented by Supt. Thompson
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 Policies: #517 Student Recruiting, #525 Violence Prevention, #526 Hazing Probation, #527 Student Use and Parking of Motor Vehicles, #528 Student Parental Family and Marital Status Non-Discrimination, #529 Staff Notifications of Violent Behavior by Students, #617 School District Ensurance of Preparatory and High School Standards, #603, #613, #620, #624, #601, #621 Literacy and Read Act, #708, #709, #701 Establishment and Adoption of School District Budget, #701.1 Modification of School District Budget, #702 Accounting, #703 Annual Audit, #704 Development and Maintenance of an Inventory of Fixed Assets and a Fixed Asset Accounting System, #705 Investments, #706 Acceptance of Gifts, #710 Extracurricular Transportation, #711 Video Recording on School Buses, #712 Video Surveillance other than on Buses, #713 Student Activity Accounting, #720 Vending Machines, #801 Equal Access to School Facilities, #801 Form Equal Access Act Meeting, #805 Waster Reduction and Recycling, #807 Health and Safety Policy, #901 Community Education, #902 Use of School District Facilities and Equipment, #903 Visitors to School District Buildings and Sites, #904 Distribution of Materials on School District Property by Non-School Personnel, #906 Community Notifications of Predatory Offenders, #907 Rewards
Activities Director Bernstrom informed the board that he had met with the Cheer Team members that are currently in school regarding the balance in the Cheer Team Student Activity Fund. The Cheer Team group recommended transferring the funds to their class accounts.
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 transfer of the Student Activity Fund Cheer Team account to Class of 2025 – $1,274.83, Class of 2026 – $1,274.83, and Class of 2027 – $1,274.82 for a total of $3,824.48.
AD Bernstrom provided an update on the last Sports Cooperative meeting which mostly consisted of discussing the One Act Play shortage for both schools. AD Bernstrom recommended adding the One Act Play to the Kittson County Central Sports Cooperative.
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 Application for Cooperative Sponsorship for the 2024/25 school year for the One Act Play with Kittson Central.
On a motion by Diamond, second by Nordin, 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; Mark Bernstrom, Dean of Students; Mendy Coffield, Business Manager; Chris LeDoux, Custodian; Michael Peterson, Industrial Technology; Laura Reese, Science; Alana Scalese, Food Service Director; Heather Anderson, Cook; and Brittany Swenson, Board Member.
On a motion by Nordin, second by Scalese, 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. The 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 Thompsonand 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.
Bernstrom presented the Dean of Students/Activities Director Report:
a. Grades K-3 took a field trip to the Pumpkin Patch in Emerado earlier this week. Grade 5 takes off for Deep Portage tomorrow and grade 4 will travel to the Water Festival in Warren next week.
b. FCCLA is set to attend the Disneyland Leadership Conference in October. Two students will attend with Advisor Laura McNeill. Bernstrom will provide updated membership numbers next month.
c. Homecoming runs from September 30th to October 4th The Student Council met and has set the days. The Pep Fest will take place on Thursday afternoon.
d. The Student Council will meet quarterly this year and be more active than in past years.
Superintendent Report
a. The Highly Qualified Paraprofessional Process was discussed. Paras have completed the paperwork to determine who already is HQ and who needs to be. The goal is to have everyone certified by December.
b. The MN State Manufactured State Tour Grant has been approved in the amount of $750. This will pay for travel expenses for manufacturing field trips.
c. The Mission Statement was presented; this will be reviewed during the Strategic Planning as Thompson would like to update it and make it something staff and students can remember easily and quickly.
d. Strategic Planning sessions will take place prior to board meetings on the following dates:
i. November 13th 6:00pm
ii. February 19th 6:00pm
iii. March 19th 6:00pm
e. Enrollment is currently at 205.
f. The ACT Test date is set for April 8th. Grades 9 and 10 will begin Pre-ACT Testing this year; this is to better prepare them for the ACTs.
g. The MSBA Convention is January 16 & 17, 2025.
Diamond adjourned the meeting at 7:47 p.m.
James Diamond, Chairperson Lacey Lupien, Clerk
(October 2, 2024)
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