February 12, 2024 at 6:00 PM - Regular Business Meeting

Discussion:  Guests: Delana Smith, Jen Stefan, Amie Hanson, Pat Rendle, Deanna Hron, Brent Schimek, Jeff Pesta, Kayleen Monacelli, Robyn Wakefield, Crystal Purdie, Susie Loeffler, Thea Rendon, Nick Farber, LouEllen Huju, Doug Huju, Jenny Link, Mike Lind, Krystine and Steve Jurvelin, Maggie Swanson, Tim Swanson, Addy Carstensen and family, Chrissy Mann, Lynn and Chad Evans and family, Kellie Humble, Kerrie Humble, Rebecca and Jeremy Goodell, Gwenn Smith, Karen Lind, Jeannie Bixby, Taylor O'Shea, Jen Storm, LInda Sirvio , Monica Byron, Carol Cobb, Jeanette Gerlitz

Discussion:  Kerrie Humble is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Itasca county, she is here to speak on behalf of teachers mental health and the importance of a comparable and fair contract, to continue to support the community. Teachers are experiencing high rates of burnout which affects the quality of education received. Areas mental health can be affected are financial insecurity. Teachers need proper health benefits to access mental health services.

Jeanette Gerlitz: Owns Sand Lake Lodge Resort- her children started at King Elementary last year. Does not know why the contract has not been resolved, unaware of the exact circumstances. It would be a shame to lose the educators we have. She feels she has a vested interest in the community.

Carol Cobb: President ISD #318 Educators, 7th grade language teacher. Here to support Deer River teachers, 227 days without a contract.

Monica Byron: Currently the Education MN Vice President on leave from Richfield Public Schools. Every local union event has been the same, teachers are burning out, they don't feel safe, paychecks do not go far enough. Improving educator compensation is the best way to fix the staffing crisis. With professional educators and mental health teams it will make classrooms safer, prevent burnout.

Linda Sirvio: Reading and math interventionist teacher grades 2-5, this year is her 50th year of teaching. Entire career teaching Deer River students. Her plate is overflowing by having to fight this hard for a contract after this many years of service. Support teachers so they can make a positive impact.

Doug Huju: (Handed out paperwork) Regarding kids getting to school ten minutes late every morning. Time for the administration to do something about this. He would like to set up to talk on next month’s agenda or after the meeting tonight. Travis Anttila said he would be here to talk after the meeting.

Jen Storm: Spec Ed Teacher at King supports 1st and 2nd graders. Decided to get her master’s degree after working as a para. She works with groups of 1-3 students, reading, writing and match, social skills and speech issues. Teachers need a fair and equitable contract.

Taylor O'Shea: Junior at Deer River, my reasons why teachers’ contract needs to be adjusted, 65%  have been here less than 6 years, trust is lower in our district compared to others. Tired of introducing ourselves to new teachers each year, inconsistency makes her nervous and sad to worry about new teachers each year. After high school she plans to become an elementary teacher. Would like to come here but if nothing changes then she may not want to.

Jeff Pesta: State School Board Recognition Week and he wanted to recognize the board, it is a difficult job, essentially volunteer work as compared to compensation, very challenging. Thank you for your service to our community.
 

Discussion:  We were giving families the option to zoom but hoping the majority will move back to in-person. Newly formed literacy team, connected to our LETRS work, definitely seeing shifts in the data already. Will share more concrete data at the end of the school year. I want to recognize Kim Dolensek for her work. Went to MESPA Winter Institute and Read Act, the work in the district so far lines up very nicely with what is currently in statute.

Discussion:  Dr. Smith: ATS position - we have an applicant we will be interviewing. Conferences for high school March 6th at Inger and March 13th at the high school.
Next year, binders will go up to 8th grade since 7th graders will already have experience with them.

Discussion:  B&G-Meetng with SitelogIQ Friday - no school. Discuss what will be happening this summer. Everything will have to be at the high school. Cannot move anything until school is out. Short-staffed, custodians are doing a good job.
Wrestling team section this week. March is busy for fine arts, solo ensemble etc. The foundation grant we have gotten for 14 years has been used for after-school transportation but this year, we had to replace the AEDS. Travis asked did the grant increase - no, about the same $3900.00, this year. Due to the AED issue, they had more requests.
 

Discussion:  Kayleen Monacelli: Thank you for supporting after school programs and the kids in our community. I am fully staffed and have great staff and due to that can open up to maximum capacity. About 70 kids a night.
M3 about 45 people registered (Making Meaning of Multiple data sets)

Discussion:  Deanna Hron: Cloquet educators spent the morning in Deer River to see what we are doing here. Cloquet is just starting their journey.
 

Discussion:  Board-regards to negotiations: Intends to go to mediation. Due to grievance mediation is on hold. The board was given several dates but has to wait for grievance to be settled.
 

Discussion:  Initial conversations with Kootasca to start a daycare at King Elementary due to empty space.

Discussion:  Motion to adjourn: Lloyd Kongsjord second: Pam Thompson