The Spring Grove School Board, during its June 21 meeting, authorized Superintendent Rachel Udstuen to “submit all required information to the Commissioner of Education to request Review and Comment for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities for a November 7, 2023, special election. The project would be financed through the issuance of School Building Bonds, if approved by the voters.”
Attendees at this meeting were Chairman Aaron Solum, Stephanie Jaster, Angie Solie, Kelly Rohland and Aric Elton. Rhan Flatin was not in attendance.
Chairman Solum called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
The 2023-24 coaching staff as approved by the board include Kelsey Morken, Taylor Elton, Kody Moore, Aric Elton, Kaare Sanness, Donny Hagen, Brian Anderson, Blaine Storlie, Jordian Leahy, Wade Grinde, Al Lochner, Daniel Eiken, Alisha Solum, Chris Strinmoen, Blaine Storlie and Carter Bratland. There are still positions to be filled.
Hiawatha Valley Education District (HVED) will ask the board at next month’s board meeting to approve moving forward with the purchase agreement and selling of the bonds. Superintendent Udstuen emphasized, “All 12 school districts must approve it.” The impact on homeowners is minimal.
Tanya Elton, district accountant, reviewed the 2023-2024 budget, noting that there is a 4% increase based on enrollment. She noted, “I am a little nervous about the budget, but Rachel has been talking me off the ledge. It’s going to be fine. It’s fine.” Superintendent Udstuen emphasized, “Tanya’s conservative budgeting works in our favor every year.” Udstuen added that the school will approve a revised budget in the spring after they know the enrollment in the fall, the agreement with teachers, and the revenue forecasting.
The approved list of proposed fundraisers for 2023-24 include everything from Heggies Pizzas, Super Saver Cards, cookie sales, spirit sticks/streamer wand sales, haunted event, dessert theater, corn drive, butter braids/Puffins, fruit sales, cookie dough sales, clothing apparel webstore, Red’s pork burger cookout, $1.00 raffle, candy bar sales, holiday drawing/bake sale, frozen food sales, dueling pianos, concessions, healthy holiday treat sale, carnation sales, “Love Your Melon” hat sales, cancer awareness match, and more.
Superintendent Udstuen recommended the board approve the transportation quote from Schmitz Bus Service for bussing. She explained, “The overall increase is 6% increase, which might seem like a lot. For the last decade it has been a 1% annual increase that did not keep up with inflation.” It is a 6% increase in year one and a 2% increase each year after. Mileage cost for extracurricular activities is now $2.00 a mile. The transportation quote was approved.
The school is required to offer time for the public to comment on the school’s safe learning plan every six months during a regularly scheduled school board meeting in June and December. Udstuen said, “The safe learning plan guides our operations and response to COVID-19 throughout the school year.”
In other business, the board:
• Approved the 10-year long-term facilities maintenance plan.
• Approved Superintendent Udstuen’s contract.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:31 p.m.
The next regular meeting of the Spring Grove Public School Board is Monday, July 17, at 7 p.m. in the school’s Learning Resource Center. In addition, the school continues to offer board meetings on Google Meet for anyone who would like to attend virtually. For assistance monitoring the meeting, contact the district office at (507) 498-3221 or email rachel.udstuen@springgrove.k12.mn.us.
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