Caledonia Area Public School board members met Monday, April 20 at Caledonia Elementary School in room 162. Board member Mike Peterson called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m., led with the Pledge of Allegiance, and conducted roll call. All board members were present except for Chad Harms. District employees present included Superintendent Craig Ihrke, principals Nathan Boler and John Wahlstrom, and Community Education Director Gretchen Juan.
After the adoption of the Agenda with full board approval, Peterson and the district’s newest board member, Whitney Steele stood for Steele’s Oath of Office.
The board graciously accepted monetary donations from the Caledonia Fire Department Gambling Account toward the purchase of an Iron Worker and toward the seventh grade field trip to Eagle Bluff, as well as a donation from Tools 4 Schools.
Board member Leigh King moved, seconded by Melissa Marschall, to approve the Consent Agenda that consisted of the following:
- Accept the resignations of Sabrina Schreiber Swindell as SAC employee, Brent Schroeder as assistant football coach, Suzanne Wolff as elementary ADSIS paraprofessional, and Barbara Wing as paraprofessional.
- Approve the hiring of Pree Priyesh Amin as assistant boys and girls golf coach.
In a 6-0 vote, the board approved the addition of another junior high baseball coach at Scott Sorenson’s request due to increased student participants. The board approved the hiring of Jeremy Bauer to fill this position. Ihrke commented that Bauer was already volunteering. “I think it’s a good idea,” added board member Derek Adamson.
Principal Boler updated everyone about what has been going on at the middle and high school. Students have finished the reading portion of the MCA (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment) state testing. Student scores have not been seen yet. Students will take the mathematics portion of the MCA on April 23. High school students will take the science portion on April 28. There are upcoming field trips with the sixth grade class visiting the state capital and the seventh grade class visiting Eagle Bluff. Boler wanted to thank all the community members for making these field trips happen. He noted that he is currently working on evaluations. The 2026-2027 master schedule has been shared with the middle and high school staff with potential for adjustments as needed. Boler gave a special shout out to Fisher Klatt, the Juvenile Detention Center’s teacher. Boler ended his report by acknowledging Administrative Professionals Day held on Wednesday, April 22 for the administrative staff.
Elementary Principal John Wahlstrom shared his board report next. Wahlstrom said it is field trip season at the elementary school. The elementary students have completed their MCA testing. Students will hold their spring concert May 7. Field day will be held May 15. Plans are being made in regard to summer. Extended school year is being planned, some of which is tied to special education while others not. The elementary school is preparing for Minnesota’s new statewide standards for mathematics. Steele asked if fourth grade teacher Mitch Mullin’s position has been posted yet, Wahlstrom responded that it has.
Afterward, Juan presented her board report. She stated that MCA testing has occupied a lot of her time these last few weeks. She noted the math portion of the test will be administered next week for both buildings.
Ihrke provided a brief report. Ihrke informed that the ADSIS budget has been submitted. Both the elementary and MSHS have completed all safety drills. Ihrke attended a lot of meetings. The district contracted with Frontline to make the application process easier. Ihrke ended with stating he has been working with Sue Peterson from ISG on the Facility Planning.
For Old Business about the Facility Planning, in a 5-0 vote, the board approved the direct submission of review and comment with a two-question ballot as discussed during the working session.
Board members reviewed school policies 212, 213, 214, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 401, 402 and 403. Peterson informed Steele that these policies are reviewed periodically. He then asked about the school wellness policy and if the school’s vending machines have been gone through. Boler stated yes. Ihrke responded that the school’s vending machines are already compliant.
The meeting adjourned at 6:03 p.m.
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