Minutes 5-23-2007

The Minnewaska Community School Board met on May 23rd, 2007 at 7:00 pm at Glacial Hills Elementary.

President Lara Amundson called the meeting to order at 7:00.  Board members present were Lara Amundson, Nancy Rapp, Steve Dinsmore, Kurt Swensrud, Ernie Watson, Vanessa Larson, and Darin Peterson.  Board members absent were ValRae Boe, Mike Scott, Robin Trott, and Kurt Amundson.  Dyanne Parsons, Virgil Amundson, Mary Geise, Terri Richards, Jennifer Hemis, Jayne Schwalbach, Wess Tessman, and Chad Koenen were also present.

A motion was made by Ernie and second by Vanessa to amend the agenda and add the approval of the request for copies procedure to the Old Business. 

A motion was made by Kurt and second by Ernie to approve the April meeting minutes with the clarification of the teachers benefit packages being 100% single coverage paid and the individual may to choose to pay for family insurance.  The motion carried.

The treasurer’s report was given.  The balance at months end was 51,178.93.  A motion was made by Ernie and second by Darin to accept the treasurer’s report.  The motion carried.  Steve also discussed the need to have the appropriate accounting system in place, submit the budget, submit request for more grant money, and prepare for the audit.

Dyanne gave her report:

-          Began working in the new school on May 1

-          Met with Leroy Mackove, former Superintendent of Osakis Public Schools to discuss finances and to possibly hire him to consult.

-          Purchased over 350 books at the Scholastic Book Warehouse Sale for a total cost around 1,100 dollars.

-          Received word that the Glady Ness Brang Foundation granted 10,000 dollars for the school/community library.  Hanson Communication will match this grant with a 10,000 dollar donation.

-          On May 19^th about 30 parents and children participated in the planting of pumpkins and gourds at the Wilson Organic Farm.

-          Todd Appel has inspected the kitchen and he has approved the use of the kitchen with minor repairs.  A catered meal will cost approximately 4.50 per meal.  Will continue looking at doing the meals at the school and hiring someone.

-          Ads will be placed for half time music teacher and half time PE teacher.  Advertising for a Special Ed. Teacher will also begin.  We will also need to consider food service, office manager, and custodian.  Para-professionals will also be needed based on enrollment.

-          Letters have been ordered for the outside of the building at a cost of 862 dollars.

-          There will be float in the Heritage Days parade and the school will also be doing a meal during the coronation.

Old Business:

-          The name change for the 501C3 has been sent in.

-          Teachers need to fill out application for health benefits before quotes can be given.  The benefits committee will meet soon to discuss the packages.

-          Ernie read the procedure for copy charge.  A motion was made by Kurt and second by Darin to accept as given.  The motion carried.

New Business:

-          A motion was made by Vannesa and second by Steve to hire Kalley Poegal.  The motion carried.  A motion was made by Ernie and second by Vannesa to hire Kalley at 27,000 dollars with 100% single coverage health insurance with an option for her to pay for family coverage.  

-          A motion was made by Ernie and second by Kurt to use Region 1 Smart Finance now and Smart Payroll to be ready to use by July 1^st.  The motion carried.

-          A motion was made by Ernie and second by Vanessa to hire Leroy Mackove at 62.50 an hour plus mileage with duties to be helping with the budget, smart finance and UFARS.  Motion carried.

-          Hiring of a grant manager was tabled.

-          A motion was made by Ernie and second by Kurt to spend up to 2,000 dollars to purchase a computer for Steve.  The motion carried.

-          A motion was made by Vanessa and second by Darin to spend 175 dollars per month for leasing a copier or purchase if more cost effective.  The copier would need to include everything that would be needed.  The motion carried.

-          A motion was made by Steve and second by Kurt to purchase a fax machine for 200 dollars or less.  The motion carried.

-          Curriculum purchase was tabled until the teachers have a chance to look at the possibilities and help in the decision.

-          MACS membership was discussed.  Dyanne will talk to Mike Link and ask his opinion.

-          A motion was made by Kurt and second by Darin to send Mary Johnsrud to the North Central conference for one day instead of two.  After discussion Kurt rescinded the motion.  A motion was made by Vanessa and second by Steve to send Mary for both days with the school paying for the conference plus gas.  The motion carried.

-          The second reading of policies 403, 406, 407, and 410 were done.  A motion was made by Kurt and second by Steve to accept the four policies.  The motion carried.  Ernie did the first reading of policies 413, 414, 417, 418, 419, and 420.  Principal needs to be changed to Director and also on policy 418 page 2 wording will be changed from bring in a copy of prescription to bring in medicine in prescription bottle.

Other Business:

-          Lara informed the board that Robin Trott had given her resignation from the board.  A motion was made by Steve and second by Kurt to accept with thanking her for all of her work done for Glacial Hills Elementary.

-          A motion was made by Kurt and second by Ernie to pay 862 dollars to M & M Graphics to place new letters on the building to read Glacial Hills Elementary.  The motion carried.

-          We will need to think and discuss what staff development is and what training and duties will be paid for.

-          We will begin meeting twice a month during the summer.  Both meetings will be considered regular board meetings.

Our next meeting dates will be June 11^th and 25^th at 7:00 pm at Glacial Hills Elementary.

A motion was made by Steve and second by Ernie to adjourn the meeting.  Motion carried and the meeting concluded at 8:55.