Fillmore Central approves staff development program

By Jade Sexton
jade@fillmorecountyjournal.com

Mon, Apr 2nd, 2012
Posted in All Education

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At the Fillmore Central School Board meeting on March 26, Superintendent Richard Keith explained a staff professional development company called Editure. He had spoken to the teachers about it at a recent faculty meeting, and felt it would be beneficial to use their services. A special part of the program, according to Keith, is an observation piece. The superintendent, principal, or another teacher will observe the teachers.

Keith said the MREA (Minnesota Rural Education Association) has picked up a big chunk of the cost for schools that want to participate. The first year there will be a $2,500 joining cost, plus $2,000. Each year after that will just be $2,000. Keith said the cost is comparable to other programs. They may have to have an early dismissal once a month in order to make time for training for the teachers.

The board approved the program, which will replace SEMLAC (Southeast Minnesota Learner Achievement Collaborative).

Technology Update

Keith said the technology committee met recently and discussed the direction they want to go bringing more technology to the students. They would like to go with MacBook Air for the high school students, and iPads for the elementary students. They also discussed the possibility of needing more staff support when more technology is added. They are currently looking at costs and funding options.

Board member John Torgrimson, who is on the budget committee, said they discussed technology at their recent meeting as well. They decided they will need to come up with $100,000 to update the infrastructure at the school in order to support the new technology, and for the extra support staff. They are looking at leasing options versus purchasing as well.

Staffing Changes

The board approved the resignation of Athletic Director and math teacher Jane Montgomery. Montgomery has been with the district for 35 years. They also approved the resignation of Diane Hadoff, who has been with the district for 22 years. The board expressed thanks to both for their years of service.

The resignation of Jill Hoover, custodian was approved.

Hours will be increasing slightly for paraprofessional Kaynell Rindels. She will be at seven hours a day due to student needs. Paraprofessional Terisa Scrabeck will be increased to seven hours a day twice a week for student needs as well.

Both Heath Olstad and Keith Larson have decided not to coach boys’ basketball next year, so there will be a search for new coaches.

Credit card account

Bookkeeper Kathy Whalen explained that the district can get a Visa account and use it to pay certain vendors online. The account will be no cost to the school, and they will actually get cash back rewards. Superintendent Keith said he thought they could be eligible for $300-$400 in cash back every month. The board approved.

Cheerleading

The board approved cheerleading again for next year, but only for football, at the request of advisor Melissa Kiehne. Board member Sue Sikkink asked if it would be possible for the cheerleaders to participate in Parents’ Night for the other sports as well. Olstad said he would look into it.

Other Business

Dean Chris Mensink said they are expecting around 61 students for kindergarten in the fall, and they are very excited about that number.

The board approved the upgrade of radios at the school offices to be in compliance with new bandwidth regulations that go into effect on January 1, 2013. They also approved a bid for $4,911 to install a driveway in Preston. The driveway will be on the north side of the grass toward the Branding Iron, and will allow people to park on the grass during baseball games.

The board also approved the following items:

•an open enrollment request for a student at the high school

•a revised Internet policy that will go into effect for the 2012-2013 school year

•the revised budget for 2011-2012 with very few changes

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