The dates for two bond referendum informational meetings were announced at the February 18 Mabel-Canton School Board meeting. The first will be held on February 19 at the Canton Town Hall; the second will be held March 11 in Mabel. Both meetings will start at 6 p.m.
The board graciously thanked Joanne Hosting for a $5,000 donation in memory of Mike Hosting. The donation will be used to support the 2025 senior class trip. The board also expressed thanks to an anonymous donor for a $500 donation, which will be used for the school’s special milk program.
Chairman Chris Miller called the meeting of the Mabel-Canton School Board to order at 6 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Board members present included Chairman Chris Miller, Jason Marquardt, Mark Weidemann, Amber Tripp and Traci Livingood. Dustin Tollefsrud and Diane Wilder were absent.
Pre-K-12 Principal Michelle Weidemann reported that the school’s Dream Job event was held the previous week and is becoming a very rewarding event. The school’s 80 ninth through 12th graders and students from Caledonia and Spring Grove attended. Michelle emphasized that “the students did an amazing job and were very respectful of each other.” Twenty-six professionals came in to talk with the students about their career. Weidmann mentioned that the biggest thing is to get the kids more comfortable talking and asking questions.
Staff is working on next year’s class schedule and staffing. Juniors and seniors have already signed up for the classes they would like to take next year. Michelle said, “We have a small school and try to offer what kids want.”
Superintendent Gary Kuphal updated on the board on Legislative Day which was held in Cannon Falls, stating that he always learns something. Unfortunately, there were only six legislators from southeast Minnesota in attendance, all who were Republicans.
Kuphal also updated the board on federal funding and other federal executive orders, noting while they’ve heard a lot, nothing has been set in stone. He added, “Nobody has said that federal funding has been cut off, but it is a concern.” Approximately 17% of Mabel-Canton’s budget is Federal funds and that is quite significant.
Each month board members are presented with an enrollment report. As of January 31 there are 144 elementary students and 125 7-12 grade students for a total of 269 students which is an increase of three students over September.
Spring coaches are: softball – Kati Bergey (varsity), Coranda Vickerman (JV/JH), Trisha Ryan (assistant) and volunteers are Brad Darling and Maddy Henry. Baseball coaches are Paul Tollefsrud (varsity), Jordan Larson (assistant), Adam Wilder (JV/JH), volunteers: Russell Larson, Tyler Augedahl, Karl Urbaniak. Trap coaches are Logan Henry and volunteers are Jason Marquardt, Todd Snell, Don Tollefsrud, Jamie Kelly, Steve Slafter, Kayla Phillips and Henry Hershberger.
The following election judges were appointed for the April 8 special election. The head election judges are Kendra Spalla, April Brumm, Lisa Halverson and Heather Kleiboer. Election judges are Myrna Wilson and Linda Turner. The alternate is Sandy Christopher.
In other business, the board:
- Approved the meeting agenda without any changes, the January 21 meeting minutes as written, and the consent agenda which included the 2024-2025 budget, claims and donations.
- Rehired Ben Moha as the school’s Social Worker.
- Approved the MDE (Minnesota Department of Education) review and comments regarding the building project. Kuphal said that this is part of the legal process. MDE gave the project a positive review.
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