At the July 18, Lanesboro School Board meeting, Superintendent Matt Schultz reported that the asbestos abatement in the school building and the district-owned homes is almost complete. During the project, a solid barrier wall was build between the project area and the Lanesboro Child Care Center to protect the workers and children from any exposure to asbestos. The barrier was able to be opened back up on July 18 after an air quality test was performed. Superintendent Schultz also noted that 100% of the construction documents have been completed and bid opening is planned for August 1, with a closing date of August 22.
Several swatches of orange were presented to the school board to help determine which color paint to use in the school. As of this time, the school does not have a consistent shade of orange that is used for all uniforms, paint, decorations, etc. Board member Steve Snyder asked if it would be possible to pick one shade for the school’s official orange color. Superintendent Schultz said that it could be done, but would make finding sports uniforms from the various companies used nearly impossible. He recommended selecting a shade of orange that would be complementary to other shades. The matter was tabled for further research and discussion.
The Lanesboro district is currently looking into ways to use social media in a positive way at the school and with students. An event is being considered for students and families on the topic of responsible usage of social media as well as a series on using the internet, phones, etc. safely.
The fall sports season begins on August 12 with concussion testing and training being conducted the same day. The sports meeting will be held on August 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the gym.
Options for a 22-passenger bus are being reviewed as bus routes are finalized for the upcoming school year. There is a certain route that can be difficult to maneuver a full sized bus on during the winter months. As there are approximately 18 students on that route, the smaller bus would provide enough space to transport all of them while being easier to drive in the snow.
A resignation from teacher Kyle Blahnik was approved. Brooke Lea was hired as an elementary special education teacher, Christine Lannin as the business teacher, Sara Twait as an additional Title I and preschool teacher, and Laura Horihan as an elementary Title I teacher.
Annual school board policies 214, 410, 413, 414, 415, 506, 522, 524, 533, 616, 806, and 807 were all approved. The only one with any changes was policy 616 which had its wording changed from “No Child Left Behind” to “and Federal Law.” The 2019-20 Long Term Facilities Maintenance Plan was approved as well as the district’s memberships in the Minnesota School Board Association and the Minnesota Rural Education Association.
Superintendent Schultz and the school’s business manager, Julie Schreiber, were granted access to the district’s bank accounts at the Merchant’s Bank, F&M Community Bank, and First Southeast Bank. Superintendent Schultz was also designated as the identified official with authority to authorize user access to MDE secure websites for the district.
The meal prices for the 2019-20 school year were approved with no changes to the adult meal prices and a $0.10 increase for the student meals, as required by federal and state law.
The next Lanesboro School Board meeting will be held on August 15 at 7 p.m.