MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE SCHOOL BOARD
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT #239
The emergency meeting of the Rushford-Peterson School District #239 was called to order by Chairperson John Linder at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, November 9, 2020 at the Rushford-Peterson Schools Auditorium, 1000 Pine Meadows Lane, Rushford, MN 55971. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the learning model change and approve plans for activities.
Members Present: Chris Grindland, Valarie Howe, Joyce Iverson, John Linder, Jeff Michel, Bonnie Prinsen & Kathy Wade
Members Absent: None
Administration Present: Superintendent Jon Thompson and Jake Timm
Activities Director: John Loney
District Office Personnel: Laura Hahn
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Judi Tekautz spoke in favor of having activities continue while the district is in a distance learning model.
Superintendent Thompson and School Nurse, Stephanie Evenson updated the board on the current number of COVID cases and students and staff needing to quarantine due to exposure.
The quick change in the district’s learning model is the result of an increase in local COVID cases as well as student quarantines in the city of Rushford and within the school. The total number of students with positive COVID test results is rising. The resulting percentage of our students infected and needing to quarantine is above 11% and county health officials are recommending the move to distance learning.
Activities Director, John Loney presented the board with various options for Football, Volley and Dance.
After a lengthy discussion, the board voted as follows for each of the activities.
Motion by Grindland, seconded by Wade to continue with all football practices and games the week of November 9th as scheduled and going forward. Players will not enter the school and will be responsible for bringing their equipment to and from practice daily. Motion carries with a roll call vote of 4:2:1 (In favor: Grindland, Linder, Prinsen, Wade | Opposed: Howe, Michel | Abstain: Iverson).
Iverson made a motion to have only varsity practices and games for the remainder of the season, starting on 11/18. After further discussion, Iverson withdrew the motion.
Motion by Wade, seconded by Iverson to have no JV or Varsity practices or activities the week of 11-9 – 11/13. Practices for JV/Varsity can resume on 11/19. JH – 9th grade volleyball practices may be held the week of 11/9 -11/13. Motion carries with a roll call vote of 4:3 (In favor: Grindland, Iverson, Linder, Wade | Opposed: Howe, Michel, Prinsen).
Motion by Grindland, seconded by Iverson to have winter dance practice begin on November 16th and to have choreography the week of 11/9 – 11/13 virtually. Motion carries with a roll call vote of 4:3 (In favor: Grindland, Iverson, Linder, Wade | Opposed: Howe, Michel, Prinsen).
INFORMATION:
Friday, November 13, 2020 – 5:30 p.m. – Special Meeting to canvass the results of the November 3rd General Election – Via Zoom
Monday, November 23, 2020 – 5:30 p.m. – Regular Monthly Meeting
Motion by Wade, seconded by Prinsen, to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:05 PM. Motion carried unanimously.
John Linder, Chairperson
Bonnie Prinsen, Clerk
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