Photo by Rose Korabek
September is Minnesota School Board Recognition Month, and Caledonia Area Public School District Superintendent Craig Ihrke brought cookies and read a statement in appreciation of the school board members during the Board Showcase. Roll call showed all members were present at the September 21 meeting, except student representative Phoebe Lampert.
Ihrke’s statement said in part that the “District is proud to join the Minnesota School Boards Association in recognizing the dedicated public servants who help ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed. This year’s statewide theme, ‘Minnesota School Boards Help Minnesota Kids Rise,’ capitalizes on the state’s new campaign and celebrates the essential role locally elected school boards play in helping students achieve their highest potential.”
Elementary School Principal John Wahlstrom added, “This is a really solid group. The best boards are invested in the kids, and I see that with this board. The best boards also don’t have a lot of turnovers.”
During Administrative Reports, Ihrke said he appreciates “the work of our staff, students and the board for a successful first month of school. Fall sports are off to a good start, homecoming has lots of fun activities this week, and MCA results are coming out soon and look pretty good.”
Nathan Boler, Middle/High School Principal, said there are three maternity leaves and two have already started at the Middle/High School. He said they’re always looking for subs and also now for a new paraprofessional. He also noted the upcoming homecoming activities, that service project hours are well underway, and last week’s CT Career Day had 46 different businesses, colleges, armed forces and other organizations attended for students from the surrounding area schools.
Wahlstrom talked about the importance of professional development days coming up on the 28th and 18th; there will be five additional days later. He wants to do “data digs on assessments to help with better teaching,” not just do the assessment with limited follow-up. He also “planted a seed to add more days” that are not booked with other activities and encouraged staff and the board to look at other district school calendars to see how some have more development days and how they are used.
Community Education & CAPS Care Director Gretchen Juan said the fall community education catalog is out, and she is working on scheduling driver’s ed and behind the wheel. She is replacing an infant teacher, hiring a toddler teacher due to growth and needs a long-term sub for someone starting maternity leave.
Barb Meyer, Business Manager/Finance Director, said the State of Minnesota is considering cuts to special education of $250 million. She attended a recent meeting, and the legislature will have to make the final decision. She also shared that the preliminary max levy was set but updates to enrollment were being entered, so the final numbers were not available yet. She reminded the board that they can lower the number, but it can’t be higher when it’s finalized in December. The preliminary numbers will be ready by the end of September and appear on property tax statements when the numbers are final.
Other Actions and Updates
The agenda was adopted and the consent agenda was approved, both by a 7-0 vote. One bullet point was to certify the maximum proposed Levy Limitation Certification for taxes payable in 2027.
There were no items for Warrior Pride, Student Member Report, Public Comment, or Action Items.
During Old Business, Ihrke shared a positive review from the Minnesota Department of Education after completing its review and comment period for the proposed school construction project. The state said, “The review recognizes the project as a worthy and responsible investment in the future of our students and community.”
New Business contained this month’s list of school policies that were reviewed. There was no discussion.
Whitney Steele said a “safe place” at her church was “good to go” and key codes were being installed on several doors. Wahlstrom will reach out and touch base with the pastor about the new arrangement.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:47 p.m.
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