At the August 19 Spring Grove Public School Board meeting, the board unanimously approved a 3% annual increase for Principal Luke Kjelland’s salary over the next two years and reduced Assistant Superintendent Morken’s contract from 1.0 FTE to 0.4 FTE. Morken’s title in the spring will be Interim Superintendent. The board unanimously approved Udstuen’s contract with an increase … [Read more...]
Caledonia Public Schools Begin 2024-2025 School Year
Caledonia Area Public School board members met Monday, August 19 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. … [Read more...]
M-C Continues Discussion on Potential Bond Referendum
At the August 20 school board meeting, the Mabel-Canton School Board continued its discussion on a potential school bond referendum aimed at securing funding for facility upgrades. Chairman Cristal Adkins called the meeting of the Mabel-Canton School board to order at 6 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The board unanimously approved the meeting agenda with one … [Read more...]
The Importance of Completing the Educational Benefits Application
During the 2023-2024 school year, students in grades K-12 got to enjoy one free breakfast and one free lunch at school as part of the Free School Meals for Kids Program. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed the Free School Meals bill into law on March 17, 2023, which took effect July 1, 2023 . With the Free School Meals bill, a concern for school districts had been whether or … [Read more...]
Six to Run for Lanesboro School Board
The Lanesboro community will see a total of six people running for the three positions on the school board this fall. At the regular August board meeting, board member Steve Snyder responded to the news with a chuckle, “I like competition!” He was just joking – his position is not even up for election. The board members up for election include Christine Troendle, Sarah … [Read more...]
Superintendent Harris Presents Goals for SY 2024-2025
At the August 7 school board meeting, board members Jill Harstad, David Sovinski, Katie Priebe, Josh Thompson, Mark Johnsrud and Tom Keefe were present as well as Superintendent Ed Harris, elementary principal, Shane McBroom, and high school principal, Eric Nelson. Reports McBroom stated that the outdoor learning space and maker space room are coming along nicely. The tables … [Read more...]
College News
Graduates List Spring 2024 Alexandria Technical & Community College: Bailey Wallace, Chatfield, Law Enforement Skills Certificate Iowa State University: Rachel Lenz, Harmony, BS, Biology (AGLS), BS Microbiology, Magna Cum Laude James Madison University: Jacob Stephens, LeRoy, MA, English Kirkwood Community College: Blake Jermier, Lanesboro, Certificate; … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central Preps for Upcoming School Year
At the July 29 Fillmore Central School Board meeting, Sue Sikkink reviewed the claims with the board and noted that many new student computers have been purchased for the upcoming school year. Board member Aaron Bishop asked what happens to the old ones. Superintendent Heath Olstad said that technology director Aaron Janssen does a good job each year of finding a company that … [Read more...]
11 Teens, Ages 14 and 15, Receive Farm Safety Training
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states, “Farming is also one of the few industries in which family members, including children, are also at risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries. Data from the bureau emphasizes that “The agriculture industry is consistently at the highest risk for occupational injuries and fatalities, with 453 fatalities in 2021, or an equivalent of 19.5 … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Prepares for 2024-25 School Year
On Tuesday, July 23, the Spring Grove School board met in regular session to prepare for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. Five parents attended the board meeting to discuss their experience and their children’s experience in combined elementary classrooms, expressing concern over the school’s lack of communication about the upcoming school year and combined classrooms. … [Read more...]