Mabel-Canton School Superintendent Michael Harvey emphasized the importance of CPR training and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) during the school’s August 18 meeting, sharing a recent incident in which CPR and an AED helped save a life.
Harvey gave a “huge shout-out” to the school’s custodial staff, noting that their work goes beyond keeping the building looking great.
“Dana and Max stepped in to assist Kraus-Anderson Lead Superintendent Ryan Ramaker and Josh with Accord Electric, to administer CPR to an inspector onsite. Using our AED and CPR, they saved this person’s life. Thank you,” Harvey said.
Board Chair Chris Miller called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. in Mrs. Peter’s science room, Room 50. Miller led the board and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Board members present were Amber Tripp, Dustin Tollefsrud, Diane Wilder, Mark Weidemann, and Miller. Jason Marquardt was absent, while Traci Livingood participated by phone.
The board unanimously approved the agenda and addendum, as well as the minutes from the July 21 regular school board meeting.
Consent Agenda
The board unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included routine personnel and financial items as the district prepares for the 2025-26 school year.
Items approved included the 2025-26 budget and payment of bills totaling $1,169,575.11. The board also accepted the resignation of Cole Mundt, high school PE, health and government teacher.
The board also approved the removal of Gary Kuphal, Lisa Halverson, and Aimee Lake from BMO Account 1846, Activity Fund and Aimee Lake from BMO Account 1515.
Approved signers on BMO account 1846, Activity Fund: Michelle Weidemann, Jason Marquardt, Michael Harvey, Christopher Miller, Bonnie Paus, and Jaxson Marine and signers on BMO account 1515: Diane Wilder, Christopher Miller, Bonnie Paus, Jaxson Marine, and Michael Harvey.
The board also approved hiring Wyatt Murphy as high school PE, health and social studies teacher and Brad Groth as assistant boys varsity football coach.
Reports
Wilder announced that the board was invited to an open house at the Hiawatha Valley Education District (HVED) facilities building in Winona on Wednesday, August 26, from 2-6 p.m.
PreK-12 Principal Michelle Weidemann distributed copies of the district’s in-service schedule for August 24, 25, 31 and September 4. She said that three new teachers will join the district this year. Weidemann also reported that interviews for the administrative position were scheduled for the following Tuesday and that a paraprofessional interview was scheduled for the following day.
Superintendent Harvey reported that three individuals file for the three open school board seats: Diane Wilder, Dustin Tollefsrud, and Traci Livingood.
Action Items
Bond Referendum Project Manager Gary Kuphal provided the school board with an update on the district’s ongoing construction project, reporting that there is “a lot to do,” but the project remains on schedule.
Kuphal reviewed the planned turnover dates for various areas of the project. The existing lobby, hallway, and ag shop are scheduled to be turned over on August 31, along with the second-floor classrooms. The lobby is scheduled for turnover on September 7, while the locker room and welding are expected to be completed and turned over on September 28.
The gym has already been turned over to the school, and the volleyball has begun practicing there. However, the gym’s air system is not yet completed because that work is part of the locker room area. Air conditioning will not be in the gym until the end of September.
The final scheduled turnover will be the Career and Technical Education (CTE) area on November 16.
The board approved the 2026-27 lunch prices. The student second full breakfast increase from $2.95 to $3.75, while the student second full lunch price will increase from $5.20 to $5.40. The price for an extra breakfast entree will increase from $2 to $2.10, and the free lunch entree will increase from $2.60 to $2.70.
The price of extra milk will remain the same at 80 cents while extra juice will increase from 85 cents to 90 cents. Guest breakfast will increase from $2.95 to $3 and guest lunch will increase from $5.20 to $5.30.
Harvey reminded the board that it is still a free breakfast and lunch for the kids.
Families are strongly encouraged to fill out the free/reduced forms.
The board also approved the Taher contract and The Center for Effective School Operations (CESO) contract.
Board members approved, on second reading, Policy #524, Internet, Technology, and Cell Phone Acceptable Use and Safety Policy, and Policy #524.5, Personal Electronic Communication Devices.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:52 p.m.
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