School Board Minutes

Red Rock Central District No. 2884

Monday, November 21, 2011

 

The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Education, District No. 2884, was held in the Board Room in Lamberton on Monday, November 21, 2011.  Members present were Bierl, Clarke, Erickson, Johnson, Rogotzke, and Stavnes.  Kelsey was absent.  A quorum of 6 was present.  Superintendent Brennan, Principal Goetstouwers, Lead Teacher Riley, Derek Stevenson, Lynn Keck, Denise Clarke, and Joe Dietl were also in attendance.

 

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

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

 

Upon motion of Clarke, seconded by Johnson and unanimously carried, to approve the agenda as amended, the minutes of the October 17, 2011 meeting, and the treasurer’s report.

 

Lead Teacher Riley reported the following:  The end of October and most of November have proven to be busy for the elementary students in Jeffers.  October 19th was our annual Grandparent’s Day.  The theme this year was “You’re Paw-sitively Grand.”  The stage was decorated with many animal paws and the children sang songs that had to do with animals.  The program lasted approximately an hour.  Then the grandparents were invited to have refreshments and visit their grandchildren’s classrooms if they wished.  We had impressive attendance once again.  November 7-10 was our annual Scholastic Book Fair.  Mrs. Pederson puts in several hours organizing and selling the books to help attain free books for our library.  We truly appreciate all of her hard work.  This year the total amount of sales was $4,221.18.  From that amount Mrs. Pederson gets to spend $2,286.00 on books for our school.  Once again we participated in the “Toys for Tots” program.  Our students were asked to bring in loose change to put into a container in each classroom.  Our students collected $761.00 so 761 books go to “Toys for Tots.”  Because of this, Mrs. Pederson was also able to spend $761 on books from the book fair for our library.  My step-daughter who teaches in Benson, told her faculty about the mold situation we had in our library last fall.  They organized a book drive for us and we recently received 8 boxes of new and used books from them with more to come in the future.  We have been overwhelmed with the kindnesses of others.  Parent-teacher conferences were held on November 10th.  Once again we held the conferences in the gym.  We had an excellent turn out with most of the teachers reporting that they either had 100% attendance or only one or two parents who didn’t come.  Some of those parents who couldn’t make it Thursday night, came for conferences the following week.  Also on November 10th, we had a Veteran’s Day program at the Jeffers site.  The program began at 2:15 and lasted for about half an hour.  The children sang patriotic songs while doing sign language.  Students helped demonstrate how to properly fold a flag while Norm Johnson read the meaning of each fold.  Mrs. Paplow’s kindergarten class had written their thoughts on who they thought a veteran was for an assignment.  These thoughts were also read at the program.  I have those thoughts attached to this report.  More explanation was added to their thoughts and was done very well.  Veteran’s Day is a very important event every year in Jeffers.  Karen Beranek from the Lamberton Public Library informed me that a children’s author, Paul Zoch from Jackson, will be giving a presentation on November 25th at 4:30.  Karen will be coming to Jeffers on November 22nd to read one of the author’s books to each grade level and told about the author’s visit on the 25th.  She wanted our students to be familiar with his books before his presentation.  We will be looking forward to her visit.  On November 23rd we will be having a lyceum entitled, “Fitness for Fun.”

 

Principal Goetstouwers reported the following:  The 1st quarter was a success!  We found that there were less F’s and D’s and more A’s.  Student-Parent-Teacher conferences were held and had a good turnout.  All teachers reported that they visited with most, if not all, of their advisees/parents.  It was quite busy from 5:30-8:30 p.m. as most teachers didn’t have any more parents approach them after 8:30 p.m.  The Veterans’ Day Program was held in the gym on November 10th.  Thanks to Mrs. Dunn and Duane Erickson for setting this up, Floyd Kumerow for being the guest speaker, and all the students for being so quiet and respectful throughout the program.  The students performed the musical, “Guys and Dolls” and did a very nice job.  Mr. Kelsey, Mrs. Frasher, and Mr. Van Maasdam worked many long hours with this large group

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of actors and the result seemed to be well worth it.  A big thank you goes to the community members involved with the musical:  Jeremiah Frasher, Paula Derickson, Russ Derickson, John Derickson, Paul Mattison, Aleida Van Maasdam, Mike Halgeson, Linda Meier, Kathy Tetrick, Jeannie Kelsey, Clayton Hubert, Anita Runck, Bruce Olson, Marilyn Zwaschka, and the parents who prepared meals.  We received a grant that allowed our 10th graders to take part in an “Ecology Bus” and learn more about prairie ecology.  Students explored a prairie in the Storden area, discussed the history of prairies, how they shaped the environment in our region, and learned more about the plants and animals that live in it.  New Horizons Crisis Center will be presenting on “Relationships” to our 9th graders the first week of December.  Fall sports are over and the winter sports have begun.  Congratulations to the volleyball team for making it to the section semifinals!

 

Board Member Johnson reported that he attended a meeting of the Tri-County Joint Powers Board at the Red Rock Ridge School in Windom on November 9th.  We currently have 5 students attending there.

 

A letter from Bryce Pack, A.D. was shown to the Board.  The letter was sent to parents of 6th grade Girls’ Basketball players and was regarding 6th grade girls practicing with the 7th grade girls’ basketball team if they wish.

 

Upon motion of Clarke, seconded by Stavnes and unanimously carried, to pay claims in the amount of $98,675.55.  Receipts were $558,715.05.

 

Upon motion of Clarke, seconded by Erickson and unanimously carried, to approve the attached policy regarding Behavioral Intervention as written.

 

Upon motion of Erickson, seconded by Johnson, and unanimously carried, to approve the attached Memorandum of Understanding regarding the Retirement Incentive that the Board has offered the teaching staff.  This is a one-time event that may not be repeated as a general past practice.

 

Upon motion of Clarke, seconded by Johnson and unanimously carried to begin Board of Education meetings at 6:30 p.m. the months of December 2011 – March 2012.

 

Discussion was held regarding:  moving the 5th grade to the Lamberton building, letter from Greg Abbott of MSBA, State aid, ways to save money in the District, the referendum brought in about $200,000 this year, rehiring of teachers, letter regarding Retirement Incentives and cost savings, budget projections, the School Board Convention, building repairs that have been completed, Prom date has been set for April 14th, and setting the date of December 12th at 4:00 p.m. for the Finance Committee to meet in the Lamberton Board Room.

 

Upon motion of Clarke, seconded by Bierl and unanimously carried, to adjourn at 9:48 p.m.

 

 

_________________________________                   _______________________________

Alan J. Clarke, Clerk                                                             Denise Clarke, Recorder