November 12, 2024 at 6:00 PM - Regular Meeting of the School Board

Discussion:  MEMBERS PRESENT: Lindsay Clauson, David Hokanson, Heather Holst, Ashley McFarland, Matthew Munger, Tim Peterson, Wayne Whitwam, Superintendent, Lance Takkunen, Director of Business Services

VISITORS: Sarah Turcotte, Jason Wilcox, Bill Wietman, Alex Olsen, Nikki Zwak, Gretchen Appelwick, Kristal Berg, Dana Carlson, Katie Borndal, Eric Griffith, Jodi McShane, Connie Adamac

Discussion:  Berg. Early Childhood Family Education Quarter 1 classes concluded on October 31 with 44 families participating, and only 1 class canceled due to low enrollment. Quarter 2 classes start today, and we are expecting similar numbers. Roxy Olsen Hurst and I attended the National Association of Education for Young Children, NAEYC, Conference last week in Anaheim. It’s Minnesota Community Education Day on Nov 14. Be sure to thank a Community Education professional.
Whitwam. Recognized Veterans Day on Nov. 11 and School Psychology Week. 
Peterson. Congratulated members of the Hermantown volleyball, football, cross country and girls swimming and diving teams for making it to the State Tournament in their respective sports.  

Discussion:  No Visitor Business.

Discussion:  Director of Business Services Lance Takkunen presented an update on the outlook for the 2025-2026 budget. 

Discussion:  No Correspondence. 

Discussion:  Enrollment is steady. 

Discussion:  Recommendations and assignments have been added to a Google doc for ongoing updates and progress. 

Discussion:  With the anticipated grade of the new parking lot in front of the arena, out garages nearest to the arena will most likely flood in the spring. Whitwam has a request in with the City of Hermantown for use of the blue garage located at the YMCA for storage if flooding does take place. 
Starting Thursday, semis will be hauling in walls, which will temporarily interrupt traffic on West Arrowhead Rd.  

Discussion:  Whitwam asked Board members who would like to attend the MSBA Leadership Conference. Need to know by the end of November for room reservation purposes. 

Discussion: 

• Whitwam, McFarland and Peterson attended the Facilities Committee meeting. Talked about the storage garages that are anticipated to flood in the spring. Discussed an upcoming meeting with Jamar, SourceWell and Gordian next week. Also discussed the discovery of a crack in the floor upstairs of the high school. Someone is coming to take a look and possibly put an expansion joint into that spot. The Facilities Committee also discussed the Elementary School project with LHB. Race for time to meet with a community group for recommendation before the December meeting. First step is to finalize with staff and then go back to the community committee. The next meeting between LHB and the teacher group is Tuesday, Nov. 19.