School Board Minutes

Red Rock Central District No. 2884

Monday, April 16, 2012

The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Education, District No. 2884, was held in the Board Room in Lamberton on Monday, April 16, 2012. Members present were: Bierl, Clarke, Erickson, Johnson, Kelsey, and Stavnes. Rogotzke was absent. A quorum of 6 was present. Superintendent Brennan, Principal Goetstouwers, Lead Teacher Riley, Leonard Runck, Derek Stevenson, Leon Stalls, Joe Dietl, and Denise Clarke were also in attendance.

Acting Chairman Kelsey called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Acting Chairman Kelsey asked if anyone in the audience would like to say a few words. Leon Stalls, Representing the City of Storden, spoke regarding the Storden Summer Rec. Program. Superintendent Brennan said that the program would be run the same way as it was last summer.

Upon motion of Clarke, seconded by Stavnes and unanimously carried, to approve the agenda as amended, the minutes of the March 19, 2012 meeting, the amended minutes of the February 6, 2012 special meeting, and the treasurer’s report.

Lead Teacher Riley gave the following report: The Jeffers site has been busy going on integration field trips. The 3^rd grade and the other 3^rd graders in our collaborative went to the Environmental Center on March 20^th. They learned how to tap trees and how maple syrup is made. On April 13^th all of the 1^st and 2^nd graders went to the YMCA in Marshall. The staff at the Y did a great job keeping our students busy and entertained. The students were put into four groups. While one group was swimming the others were either doing relays, parachute activities, or just having free play. Several of our students’ parents came along to help supervise and all went smoothly. The RRC 1^st and 2^nd grade teachers planned this field trip. The next integration field trip for our 1^st and 2^nd graders will be on April 27^th. We will be going to New Ulm to the Martin Luther College to see a play entitled, “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” The Walnut Grove 1^st and 2^nd grade teachers are organizing this field trip. Our 4^th graders were supposed to go to Wabasso today for integration but it was cancelled. They had planned activities to be done outside all day and the weather forecast didn’t sound favorable. The 5^th graders will be heading to Lake Carlos near Alexandria on May 2-4. Two of our students won the state handwriting contest again this year. The representative from Zaner-Bloser will be contacting me as to when she will be making the presentation to these students. The students will be given a medal and the opportunity to win at the national level. Our school was given two $200.00 gift certificates to use in the purchase of handwriting materials for next year. We are very proud of the many times our RRC students have won at the state level. As of this time I have not heard when the statewide tornado drill will take place. I do know that the drill took place on April 14^th in 2011. If I don’t hear from them soon, I will be staging my own drill. We found out today that the drill will take place on April 19^th this year. Our 5^th graders took the Science MCA II tests on April 11^th and 12^th. The 3-5 graders will begin doing the MCA II Reading and Math tests beginning April 24^th and ending May 9^th. NWEA testing for grades K-5 are scheduled for May 14-24. Test results will be reviewed at Parent-Teacher Conferences in November. Upcoming events at the Jeffers site will be our spring concert on May 7^th, kindergarten roundup on May 21^st and kindergarten graduation May 25^th.

Principal Goetstouwers reported the following: The Senior Class Trip to New York went very well. We recently had a fire drill and will have a statewide Tornado drill on April 19^th. Most students have completed their schedules for next year. We’re excited to offer some new classes: Spanish II, Graphic Art, Ag Business Law, British Literature, Theatre Basics, Film Studies, and College

April 16, 2012 – Page 2

Literature (for college credit). Mr. Runck and I visited with Dawn Giese, the Executive Director of Valley View Manor to discuss possible Occupational Experience options for our incoming seniors. Mr. Runck and I are hoping to have similar discussions with other local businesses in the near future. Prom went very well, and we should take time to thank the After Prom committee for their efforts to provide a healthy and fun environment. I recently met with next year’s 5^th and 6^th grade teachers to discuss next year’s room placement, schedules, and more. We will invite our current 4^th and 5^th graders to come visit the Lamberton school, get a tour, and meet their teachers on May 25^th. We will have an Open House in the summer for parents to come as well. The date has not been chosen yet. The following events are coming up: MCA and GRAD testing begin tomorrow! Muffins will be served to the students before they begin. 9-12^th graders will be attending the Save A Life Tour on April 18^th in Mountain Lake. It will be about “Distracted Driving.” State FCCLA is this weekend. State FFA is this coming Sunday – Tuesday. Skyler Vold is a finalist for the STAR award in the Supervised Agricultural Experience program! The Blood Drive is on April 27^th at the school and is open to the community. We look forward to a busy May with the Honor Banquet, Baccalaureate, and Commencement along with some spring concerts in May.

Board Member Johnson reported that he attended a Tri-County Joint Powers Board meeting. The next meeting will be held on June 6^th.

Upon motion of Clarke, seconded by Johnson and unanimously carried, to pay claims in the amount of $105,279.13. Receipts were $428,817.80.

Upon motion of Erickson, seconded by Stavnes and unanimously carried, to grant extended sick leave for the remainder of the 2011-2012 school year to Jolene Dammann.

Aleida Van Maasdam will sub in the Elementary Music position while Ms. Dammann is absent.

Upon motion of Johnson, seconded by Erickson and unanimously carried, to approve the proposed budget of $43,258.40 for the Southwest Integration Collaberative as presented.

Upon motion of Clarke, seconded by Bierl and unanimously carried, to approve the hiring of Sara Arfsten as Elementary Physical Education teacher, which includes the 5^th and 6^th grades.

Upon motion of Stavnes, seconded by Erickson and unanimously carried, to table until the May or June 2012 Board Meeting, a proposed $3.00 an hour increase for Denise Clarke for additional responsibilities within the District Bookkeeping duties as Marion Weber will be going to part-time status. Superintendent Brennan was asked to form a job description for Mrs. Clarke.

Open discussion was held regarding the status of the negotiations with the Non-certified staff, repair of an outside gymnasium door, building needing no major repairs as of now, CPR class, Kindles in the classroom, new Monsanto grant for $25,000, meeting etiquette, and the Superintendent’s contract.

Upon motion of Stavnes, seconded by Erickson and unanimously carried, to adjourn at 8:33 p.m.

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Alan J. Clarke, Clerk Denise Clarke, Recorder