School Board Minutes

Red Rock Central District No. 2884

Monday, September 21, 2009

 

The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Education, District No. 2884, was held in the elementary school library in Jeffers on Monday, September 21, 2009.  Members present were:  Johnson, Kelsey, Rogotzke, Stavnes, and Westerman.  Clarke was absent.  Superintendent Brennan, Principal Olson, Gerald Dammann, Ethan Quade, Cory Engen, Spencer Batalden, Denise Clarke, and Joe Dietl were also in attendance.

 

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

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

 

Upon motion of Rogotzke, seconded by Westerman and unanimously carried, to approve the agenda as amended, the minutes of the August 17, 2009 meeting, and the treasurer’s report.

 

Three members of the FFA, Ethan Quade, Cory Engen, and Spencer Batalden, along with their advisor, Mr. Dammann presented their idea to hold the annual corn drive on a school day instead of a weekend.

 

Upon motion of Rogotzke and seconded by Johnson to select a Saturday for the annual corn drive.  If that day gets rained out, the corn drive may be held on a school day at the administration and advisor’s discretion.  Voting yes:  4; voting no:  1.  Motion carried.

 

Lead Teacher Riley’s report was handed out to the Board and reads as follows:  On the first day of school we had an open house from 8:30-10:00.  The day began with students riding the buses and their parents meeting them in their classrooms at 8:30.  Around 9:00 everyone met in the gym where I was able to explain some of our school’s policies.  I introduced our new art teacher, Clayton Hubert, new paraprofessional, Heather Huset, and student teacher, Lily Applegren.  On September 10th we had a lyceum entitled “Games from Around the World” with Greg Kaler.  We had our first fire drill for the year last week.  All staff was told of this drill so they would be sure to have their students prepared.  For the remaining 4 fire drills, they will not be notified.  We will also be having 4 lockdowns and 1 evacuation this school year.  School pictures were taken on September 17th.  Letters were sent home to all families explaining our integration program for this year.  The 1st and 2nd grade teachers from Jeffers will be responsible for our first integration day on October 9th.  We began NWEA fall testing September 21st and expect to be finished October 2nd.  Students will be tested in reading, language, and math.  We had our first Q-Comp cluster meetings this week and will be working on deciding our goals for this year.  We will be striving to make this 2009-10 school year productive and we want to see all of our students reach their personal goals.

 

Principal Olson reported that we are planning a fall tornado drill.  We have done 1 fire drill so far.  Our new staff with their classroom teaching and added responsibilities is working out well.  Mrs. Bev Larson would like to advise the Knowledge Bowl which took the place of the Academic Decathlon.  There is a big red box for clothing and shoe recycling located near the pod area of the school grounds.  The Student Council will receive 2 cents for every pound of donations.  The Student Council met today.  Juniors and Seniors in the Student Council and some staff, will meet to discuss cell phone and detention policies.  Our sports teams seem to be competitive this year.

 

Upon motion of Stavnes, seconded by Rogotzke and unanimously carried, to accept the 2 building reports.

 

Chairman Kelsey introduced Tasha Frasher and Kathy Penner who were this evening’s teacher representatives.

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Upon motion of Rogotzke, seconded by Johnson and unanimously carried, to pay claims in the amount of $52,258.43.  Receipts were $524,040.17.

 

Upon motion of Rogotzke, seconded by Westerman and unanimously carried, to approve the hiring of Darla Haugen as paraprofessional in the Lamberton building and Heather Huset as paraprofessional in the Jeffers building.

 

The Flexible Learning Year calendar was discussed.  Schools want to have subject area workshops/conferences, provide opportunities for planning and purchasing textbooks, and conduct joint curriculum projects.  All parties would be working within a similar educational year.  The basic concern with last years’ plan had school starting about 2 weeks earlier than what was normal.  If we can start around August 30th or September 1st this concept could get off the ground.  The Board gave Superintendent Brennan a general directive to go ahead and work on the planning process. 

 

Upon motion of Johnson, seconded by Westerman and unanimously carried, to accept the 5% increase and other changes in the two-year cycle Master Agreement with the certified staff.  Base salary starts at $33,000 this year and $33,300 base for the 2010-2011 school year.

 

Upon motion of Rogotzke, seconded by Johnson and unanimously carried, to approve the projected levy at the Maximum amount certified by the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Education for the 2009 Payable 2010 property tax.

 

Upon motion of Rogotzke, seconded by Stavnes and unanimously carried, to set December 21, 2009 as the date to discuss our budget and taxes before the final tax request is set and sent to the County.  The meeting will be held in the Superintendent’s office at the Lamberton Building starting at 7:30 p.m.

 

Upon motion of Johnson, seconded by Rogotzke and unanimously carried, to approve the System Accountability Report and to publish it as in the past.

 

Discussion was held regarding 6th graders being in the Fall Musical, Board Members attending City Council meetings, reorganizing Board Committees, and bus No. 8.

 

Upon motion of Rogotzke, seconded by Johnson and unanimously carried, to go into Closed Session at 9:05 p.m. to discuss a personnel issue.

 

Upon motion of Rogotzke, seconded by Johnson and unanimously carried, to come out of Closed Session at 9:21 p.m. and to adjourn at 9:21 p.m.

 

 

___________________________________                              _______________________________

Alan J. Clarke, Clerk                                                                         Denise Clarke, Recorder