Caledonia Area Public School board members met Monday, May 20 at Caledonia Elementary School in room #162. Board member Mike Peterson called the meeting to order at 6 p.m., led with the Pledge of Allegiance, then conducted roll call. Board members present included Derek Adamson, Tim Gunn, Leigh King, Daniel Small and Spencer Yohe. Board member Melissa Marschall was absent. Also in attendance was Superintendent Craig Ihrke, Elementary Principal Sue Link, Middle/High School Principal Nathan Boler, and Dean of Students John Wahlstrom. Community Education Director Gretchen Juan was absent.
After the agenda was adoptedn, the board graciously accepted the following generous monetary donations from Eitzen Lions Club, Brownsville Lions Club and Caledonia Lions Club to be applied towards the seventh grade class Eagle Bluff Field Trip. In addition, the generous monetary donation from American Legion Post 191 was accepted to be applied towards the BPA (Business Professionals of America) Program.
Peterson moved, seconded by Small, to discontinue both one full-time kindergarten and one full-time first grade teaching positions due to lower student enrollment for those grades. Motion carried.
Caledonia High School science teacher, Michael Stefanidis had been hired for the 2023-2024 school year under a tiered licensure. Stefanidis is a retired dentist and holds biological experience, which made him a good fit to fill the high school’s vacant science teaching position a few weeks into the 2023-2024 school year. Superintendent Ihrke commented, “Mike’s fantastic!”
Principal Boler chimed in, “Thanks to Mike to come into a class that was three weeks in. I really appreciate everything he did.” Stefanidis will be done with his position at the end of the current school year.
Board member Yohe moved, seconded by Adamson, to ratify the part-time teaching contract for high school Spanish teacher, Tessa Larson, for the 2024-2025 school year. At the April board meeting, it was discussed whether to discontinue, reduce, or continue the high school’s in person Spanish program as is. At this evening’s meeting, the decision was made where Larson’s position will be reduced.
In a quick, unanimous vote, the board approved the 2024-2025 resolution for membership in the Minnesota State High School League.
Principal Link shared the eventful month the elementary school had:
•The fifth grade safety patrol picnic was held Friday, May 10. Link specially thanked Elementary Guidance Councilor Sue Howe for orchestrating safety patrol. “Ms.Howe – I want to give her a huge shout out!” Link acknowledged that people do not realize how much of a time commitment safety patrol can be.
•The elementary students held their spring concert Monday, May 6.
•On Thursday, May 16 the elementary students put on their Wax Museum and Science Fair.
•On Friday, May 17 the students enjoyed enjoy Field Day outside. Link thanked second grade teacher Scott Koepke and PE teacher Bob Burmester for their help in planning the activities.
•An award ceremony for grades K-5 will take place Wednesday, May 22 at 9 a.m. in the elementary gymnasium. After the ceremony, fifth grade promotion will be held at 10 a.m. “Everyone is welcome!” Link said.
•Principal Link thanked media paraprofessionals Lorene Reining and Kerry Schaller who currently run the elementary school’s library. Both Reining and Schaller will be retiring at the end of the 2023-2024 school year. Link commented, “They are going to have huge shoes to fill!”
Principal Boler briefly discussed what has been going on at the middle/high school.
•On Friday, April 19 the freshmen class participated in Caledonia Neighbors Day.
•The School Forest ribbon cutting took place Wednesday, April 24.
•Caledonia Middle School’s eighth grade class had their graduation.
•The seventh grade class went on a trip to Eagle Bluff.
•The senior class high school graduation will take place Friday, May 24 at 6 p.m.
New Business.
The board reviewed school policies #506, 507 and 514, to which MSBA (Minnesota School Boards Association) updated.
Shortly before the board meeting adjourned, board member Peterson mentioned a book he read titled “Great on Their Behalf: Why School Boards Fail, How Yours Can Become Effective,” by Airick Crabill. Peterson commented, “I wish I had read this book” as part of school board orientation. “As the years move on, maybe we can focus more on student outcomes.”
The regular board meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m.