Public Meeting Agenda: February 27, 2023 at 7:00 PM - Regular Meeting

I. CALL TO ORDER

II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

III. DISTRICT POINTS OF PRIDE

Presenter: Rick Sansted

Description: BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Rick Sansted will share with the board the "206 Points of Pride." The persons being recognized this month are:

Carlos Elementary 2^nd grade teacher, Stephanie Groetsch, has been nominated for the 2023 Minnesota Teacher of the Year, to be awarded in May.

The Discovery Middle School Spelling Bee went 17 rounds before Collin Aber took first place. Thomas Dutcher was the runner up. Both advanced to the Regional Spelling Bee, held in early February. Seven other students competed in the DMS competition by being the top spellers in their grade level: Adley Lorentz, Nils Stadsklev, Lauren Gates, Mae Denne, Joshua Makalinao, Shaelyn Groen and Colton Nolden.

The DMS Honor Choir, consisting of Claire Eken, Ruby Chipman, Autumn Magana, Amelia Schafer, Grace Femrite, Addison Stevenson, Isabella Wilson, Hanna Allen, Amelia Meier, Keon Wood, Jaden Norheim, Bryson Lloyd, Hudson Kleven, Caleb Crowser, Elisa Runge and Everleigh Quick attended a Middle Level Choir Festival at NDSCS College in Wahpeton, where they collaborated with well-known choral directors and more than 180 singers from surrounding schools to perform a concert for friends and family.

Brynn Kosters and Erik Reineke were selected as the AAHS representatives for the MSHSL Triple A Award (Academics, Arts and Athletics). Nominees for this award are seniors who participate in MSHSL athletic programs, fine arts activities and carry a 3.0 or higher grade point average.

Carlee Schliepsiek was selected as an award winner of the 2022-23 Elks Grand Lodge Americanism Essay Contest with her response to the question, "What is Your American Dream?".

Greta Oldenkamp has been selected as a State ExCEL (Excellece in Community, Education and Leadership) Award recipient. This award is given to juniors in high school who are active in school activities, show leadership qualities and work voluntarily in their community.

The AAHS One Act Play cast and crew earned their 7^th consecutive ‘star’ award for their play, "The Lovely Bones," at the MSHSL State One Act Play Festival.

Many of our elementary students had artwork chosen to be displayed in the Mak Art Exhibition hosted by Alexandria College. Olivia Olson (1^st grade at Voyager), Kajsa Sugden (3^rd grade at Garfield) and Avionn Davis-Ajowha (5^th grade at Lincoln) were winners in the Voter’s Choice competition. Other participants were:

Carlos students:
- 1^st grade: Scarlett Danner
- 2^nd grade: Finley Schmidt, Hayden Steidl and Bailee Bradley
- 3^rd grade: Daxon Hardee and Sylvia Deterding
- 4^th grade: Coy Thesing, Faith Erdahl and Elizabeth Danner
- 5^th grade: Sam Shutter, Ella Zins, Emerson May and Jazmyn Wicht
Garfield students:
- 1^st grade: Hunter Struck, Akeley Kaeter, Tenley Volesky and Braelyn Myren
- 2^nd grade: Beckett Gesell and Victoria Rieber
- 3^rd grade: Riley Malone and Ingrid Richards
- 4^th grade: Annabella Born and Ryker Yrjo
- 5^th grade: Autumn Heidelberger, Lane Noetzelman and Betsy Rehm
Lincoln students:
- 1^st grade: Abraham Branson, Taytum Seidel, Lanie Linz, Brynlee Horning, Marcella Rohr, Samuel Wacek, Callan Peper, Landen Johnson and Ren Brickweg
- 2^nd grade: Reid Robertson, Kate Nelson, Layla Zeithamer, Jace Witt, Myla Christopherson and Nora Kieffer
- 3^rd grade: Jax Wood, Macy Thang, Anna Moeller and Lydia Hvezda
- 4^th grade: Britton Peper, Madison Zeithamer, Lexy Thorstad, McKenzie Miland and Alaina Muzik
- 5^th grade: Charlotte Hills, Peyton Witt, Madisyn Dodds, Emilia Scegura and Briella Bryce
Miltona students:
- 1^st grade: Greyson Johnson, Ellie Nelson, Briggs Iverson and Taylor Janssen
- 2^nd grade: Reese Oberg, Whittier Patterson and Harper Uhde
- 3^rd grade: Adley Amundson and Ava Ahlbrecht
- 4^th grade: Lydia DeYounge, Cordell Weber and Quinn Hitch
Voyager students:
- 1^st grade: Mae Scearcy and Harrison Negen
- 2^nd grade: Shelby Backlund, Adilynn Boike and Nathaniel Amundson
- 3^rd grade: Norah Edwards and Brooklyn Beebout
- 4^th grade: Sydney Mitteness and Brayden Faith
- 5^th grade: Ethan Kampa, Lincoln VanLiere, Brielle Streed and Elin Johnson
Woodland students:
- 1^st grade: Eli King, Noah Otts and Pure Greene
- 2^nd grade: Lydia Beyer and Yaretzy Gomez-Barron
- 3^rd grade: Benjamin Kolb, Kyla Reque, Ruby Kirkpatrick, Riley Odegard, Peyton Martin, Cassidy Worm and Dylan Klumper
- 4^th grade: Kyanne Muscha, Hattie Gates and Amillio Herrera
- 5^th grade: Dahlia Wrobleski, Oliver Olson and Emery Clae Pasague

Nichole Boyden was named the Section 8AA Assistant Gymnastics Coach of the Year.

Freshman Kyler Kavanagh placed first in diving at the State True Team Meet for swimming and diving.

Jaelyn Miller placed 26^th at the State Nordic Ski competition.

Gymnasts Izabella Kent and Sara Eddy earned a trip to the State Gymnastics Meet.

The AAHS Girls Basketball Team took home the title of Conference Champions.

The 6^th Annual Geneva Capital Shark Tank Event awarded scholarships to the top three teams at the event. The scholarships were awarded to:

First place, receiving $4,000 each: Alexa Eggebraaten, Samuel Faber and Grace Wink
Second place, receiving $2,000 each: Aisling O’Connor and Rylee Richards
Third place, receiving $1,000 each: Brynn Kosters, Bryce Paffrath and Lilly Arnquist

IV. CONSENT AGENDA

Presenter: Rick Sansted

IV.A. APPROVE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING ON JANUARY 23, 2023

Presenter: Rick Sansted

Description: BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The following pages provide a copy of the minutes from the January 23, 2023 regular board meeting.

RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the board approve the minutes as printed.

IV.B. APPROVE PAYMENT OF BILLS FOR JANUARY 2023

Presenter: Trevor Peterson

Description: BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The listing of bills for payment is the last attachment to this agenda.

RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the board approve the payment of bills for January 2023.

IV.C. APPROVE MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR JANUARY 2023

Presenter: Trevor Peterson

Description: BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The following pages provide a summary report of revenue and expenditures for the district as of January 31, 2023.

RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the board approve the revenue and expenditures reports for the month of January 2023.

IV.D. APPROVE PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATIONS

IV.D.1. EMPLOYMENT

Presenter: Jessie Hjelle

Description: BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

We recommend the board employ the following staff and pay them according to salary schedules:

Aldis, Jamie: Community Education Gymnastics Coach, effective 2/27/2023
Ayala, Ashley: Compass Group Leader, effective 1/30/2023
Bailey-Kosters, Sara: DMS Assistant Principal, effective 7/1/2023
Beving, Jacob: Paraprofessional, effective 2/21/2023
Chermak, Sierra: Compass Group Helper, effective 1/30/2023
Eichers, Tina: Cook, effective 2/13/2023
Feldhake, Frederick: Assistant Mechanic, effective 2/27/2023
Howden, Thomas: Long Term ABE Substitute, effective 1/25/2023
Jeseritz, Ivy: Compass Group Assistant, effective 1/20/2023
Larson, Brooke: Compass Group Leader, effective 1/6/2023
Olson, Julie: Cook, effective 2/13/2023
Peterson-Wood, Kay: Cook, effective 1/30/2023
Roers, Jacob: Cook, effective 1/25/2023
Spanswick, Trinessa: Paraprofessional, effective 2/28/2023
Stevenson, Hannah: Special Education Teacher, effective 8/28/2023
Timm, Heather: DMS Principal, effective 7/1/2023
Toerres Becerra, Amairany: Paraprofessional, effective 2/1/2023

RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the board approve the employment agreements.

IV.D.2. EMPLOYMENT - CO-CURRICULAR

Presenter: Jessie Hjelle

Description: BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

We recommend the board employ the following staff members and pay them according to the salary schedule:

Co-Curricular Staff:

Buboltz, Anna: Middle School Track Coach, effective 3/27/2023
Fischer, Heidi: Middle School Winter Play Assistant Director, effective 1/30/2023
Green, Susan: Health Occupations Students of America Advisor, effective 9/5/2023
Pham, Phillip: Assistant Boys Soccer Coach, effective 8/14/2023

RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the board approve the employment of the individuals named.

IV.D.3. RESIGNATIONS

Presenter: Jessie Hjelle

Description: BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

We have received notice of resignation from the following staff members:

Betterman, Ellie: Paraprofessional, effective 2/23/2023
Ibberson, Lori: Paraprofessional, effective 3/17/2023
Marcyes, Tiffany: Compass Group Leader, effective 1/18/2023
Neubauer, Kelli: Special Ed Teacher, effective 6/6/2023
Schreiber, Ben: Math Teacher, effective 6/6/2023
Shay, Victoria: Social Worker, effective 2/9/2023
Strehlow, Samantha: Paraprofessional, effective 2/3/2023
Thoen, Susan: Cook, effective 1/20/2023
Wadsworth, Julie: LRT, effective 2/3/2023
Wagner, Alexis: Special Ed Teacher, effective 6/6/2023

Co-Curricular Staff:

Lang, Josh: JV Boys Golf Coach, effective 1/23/2023
Schreiber, Ben: Assistant Boys Soccer Coach, effective 2/14/2023

RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the board approve the resignation of the individuals named above.

IV.D.4. LEAVE OF ABSENCE REQUESTS

Presenter: Jessie Hjelle

Description: BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

We have received the following Leave of Absence requests:

Haugen, Nanette: Projected leave date February 13, 2023; projected return date March 31, 2023
Huffington, Jena: Projected leave date May 1, 2023 through the end of school year
Johnson, Christa: Requested leave for the entirety of the 2023-24 school year
Plaster, Hunter: Projected leave date January 19, 2023; projected return date April 10, 2023
Roers, Alexis: Projected leave date April 28, 2023 through the end of school year

RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the board approve the leave requests.

IV.D.5. RETIREMENTS

Presenter: Jessie Hjelle

Description: BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

We have received a letter of retirement from the following staff members:

Flynn, Susan: Teacher, effective 6/6/2023 [date of hire:10/4/2006]
Harstad, Darla: Principal, effective 6/30/2023 [date of hire: 7/1/2015]
Haugen, Nanette: Teacher/Instructional Coach, effective 8/24/2023 [date of hire: 10/24/2006]
Hegland, Mary: Teacher, effective 6/6/2023 [date of hire: 8/27/2013]
Kuennen, Kristin: Teacher, effective 6/6/2023 [date of hire: 8/29/1989]
Nelson, Tamara: Teacher, effective 12/31/2023 [date of hire: 9/1/2015]
Shulstad, Julie: Teacher, effective 6/6/2023 [date of hire: 8/27/1991]
Skramstad, Todd: Custodian, effective 2/3/2023 [date of hire: 8/9/1999]

RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends that the board approve the retirement of these individuals as requested, with appreciation for their years of service to the district.

IV.D.6. TERMINATION

Presenter: Jessie Hjelle

Description: BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The administration recommends the following termination:

Dorman, Skye: Paraprofessional, Discharged 2/16/2023

RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the board approve the termination.

IV.E. APPROVE SUBMISSION OF GRANT APPLICATIONS

Presenter: Rick Sansted

Description: BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The administration recommends that the school board approve the submission of the following:

Grant application to ServeMinnesota and Ampact for 4 40-hour/week staff members to support math, reading, social emotional, resilience and nutrition education to students and families through our Summer Compass program.
Grant application to Geneva Capital for $5,000.00 to host a free Family Fun Night, with games, activities and food.
Grant application to the MN Department of Education for $92,096.94 to provide preschool scholarship funding for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years.
Grant application to MN Department of Education for $18,275.00 to promote and increase the use of outdoor learning strategies for early learners to support transitions to kindergarten.
Grant application to MN Department of Natural Resources for $75,000.00 to improve and expand outdoor recreational opportunities for students and the community.
Grant application to United Way of Douglas & Pope County for $35,000.00 to support youth scholarships, increase literacy through PreK programming, support lifelong learning and provide parent education to support youth learners.

RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the school board approve the resolution to submit the grant applications and donation requests.

IV.F. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT DONATIONS AND GRANTS

Presenter: Rick Sansted

Description: BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

As per district policy, the board is required to approve the submission and acceptance of donations and grants to the district that exceed $1,000.

RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the school board approve the attached resolution accepting grants and donations to the school district.

IV.G. APPROVE EXTENDED FIELD TRIPS

Presenter: Rick Sansted

Description: BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

As per district policy, the board is required to approve all extended field trips that involve one or more overnight stays.

RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends that the school board approve the following extended field trip:

The AAHS DECA students are requesting permission to travel to Minneapolis, MN on March 5-7, 2023 to participate in the State DECA Conference.

IV.H. APPROVE FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES

Presenter: Rick Sansted

Description: BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

As per district policy, the board is required to approve all fundraising activities.

RECOMMENDATION:

The administration is recommending that the school board approve the following fundraisers:

The Girls Basketball Team will conduct a Phone-A-Thon to support the program with uniforms, transportation costs and other associated costs.
Students in the Civic Service & Engagement class will team up with pottery and art classes, as well as community members and organizations to host the Empty Bowls Project to raise awareness of food insecurity and related needs in our community. All proceeds will cover the cost of the events and any additional profits will go directly towards programs related to food insecurity.
Discovery Middle School will offer advertising space on the ice rink panels to local businesses and entities for $1,000.00 for two years to support the upkeep and additions to the ice rink.

IV.I. APPROVE FIRST READING OF DISTRICT POLICIES

Presenter: Rick Sansted

Description: BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The following pages provide suggested policy additions or policy revisions for first reading. Administration will review the policies at the meeting.

- - Policy 507 - Corporal Punishment
  - Policy 508 - Extended School Year for Certain Students with Individualized Education Programs
  - Policy 509 - Enrollment of Nonresident Students
  - Policy 510 - The Pupil Fair Dismissal Act of 1974 Suspension, Exclusion and Expulsion - Chapter 572
  - Policy 512 - School-Sponsored Student Publications and Activities
  - Policy 513 - Student Promotion, Retention and Program Design
  - Policy 516 - Student Medication
  - Policy 517 - Student Recruiting
  - Policy 518 - DNR-DNI Orders
  - Policy 519 - Interviews of Students by Outside Agencies

The Curriculum/Policy Committee reviewed the policies at their committee meeting and supports the additions and revisions.

RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the board approve the first reading of the policies listed above.

IV.J. ADOPT DISTRICT POLICIES

Presenter: Rick Sansted

Description: BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The following policies received a first reading at the January 2023 board meeting:

- - Policy 501 - School Weapons Policy
  - Policy 502 - Search of Student Lockers, Desks, Personal Possessions and Student’s Person
  - Policy 503 - Student Attendance Policy
  - Policy 504 - Code of Conduct
  - Policy 505 - Distribution of Nonschool-Sponsored Materials on School Premises by Students and Employees

RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the board adopt Policies 501, 502, 503, 504 and 505.

IV.K. REPEAL DISTRICT POLICY

Presenter: Rick Sansted

Description: BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The following policy is recommended for repeal:

Policy 536 - Student Open Enrollment

The Curriculum/Policy Committee reviewed the policy at their committee meeting and supports repealing.

The administration is in support of this recommendation.

RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends repealing Policy 536.

V. REPORTS/DISCUSSION ITEMS

V.A. VOYAGER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL UPDATE

Presenter: Dana Christenson

Description: BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Dana Christenson will share highlights from Voyager Elementary School. A question and answer time will be provided at the meeting.

No formal action is expected.

V.B. LINCOLN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL UPDATE

Presenter: Brendan Bogart

Description: BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Brendan Bogart will share highlights from Lincoln Elementary School. A question and answer time will be provided at the meeting.

No formal action is expected.

VI. ACTION ITEMS

VI.A. ADOPT AMERICAN INDIAN PARENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE RESOLUTION

Presenter: Darcy Josephson

Description: BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.78 requires that all Minnesota school districts with ten or more American Indian students have an American Indian Parent Advisory Committee. The committee serves in an advisory role to the district. The school board must ensure that programs are planned, operated and evaluated in consultation with the committee. The district must complete the Resolution of concurrence/non-concurrence each school year.

RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the board adopt the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee Resolution as presented.

VI.B. ADOPT REVISED SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR 2023-2024

Presenter: Darcy Josephson

Description: BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Darcy Josephson will review with the board the proposed revision to the school calendar for the 2023-2024 school year.

RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the board adopt the 2023-2024 revised school calendar.

VI.C. ADOPT RESOLUTION REDUCING AND DISCONTINUING EDCUATIONAL PROGRAMS AND POSITIONS

Presenter: Jessie Hjelle

Description: BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The following page provides the resolution which the school board is required to adopt identifying the programs that may be reduced in the upcoming school year due to changes in student enrollment and/or availability of funding. Jessie Hjelle, Director of Human Resources, will provide additional background information regarding the resolution.

RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the board adopt the Resolution Discontinuing and Reducing Educational Programs and Positions.

VI.D. APPROVE 2023 ESY SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAMMING AND CALENDAR

Presenter: Michelle Bethke-Kaliher

Description: BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Michelle Bethke-Kaliher will update the board on 2022 summer school programming planned for the district. The attached information provides details.

Further discussion will take place at the meeting.

RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the board approve the summer school calendar and programs as presented.

VII. COMMUNICATION ITEMS

Presenter: Rick Sansted

Description: INFORMATION

The district administrative team will provide informational updates to the board at the meeting.

The following pages provide the minutes of recent meetings of the Personnel/Negotiation Committee, Curriculum/Policy Committee and the Budget/Facilities Committee.

Also, school board members will share information and other updates as appropriate.

VII.A. ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

VII.B. SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER REPORTS

VII.C. SCHOOL BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS

VII.D. ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION

VIII. DELEGATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS

IX. ADJOURNMENT

February 27, 2023 at 7:00 PM - Regular Meeting

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