OWATONNA, MN, February 1, 2022 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), in partnership with publishing companies Capstone and ABDO, is accepting applications for its Early Literacy Grant program. This grant is designed to support early literacy efforts that enhance school readiness for children birth to age eight by providing children with books. Nonprofit … [Read more...]
Parents express concern over Lanesboro school policies
At the February 9 Lanesboro School Board meeting, several parents were present to express their concerns over the policies in the student handbook regarding tardiness and sick days. Anna Loney explained how her son has a medical condition causing severe fatigue that can make it difficult for him to arrive to school on time. Because of that he is being assigned Saturday school … [Read more...]
Chatfield School Board looks at new high school schedule
At the February 9, school board meeting, Katie Priebe, Matt McMahon, Tom Keefe, Jill Harstad, Josh Thompson and Lanny Isensee were present as well as principals Shane McBroom and Eric Nelson, Superintendent Ed Harris, Trista O’Connor, business manager; and Lorri Lowery, administrative assistant. Student Senate members Lauren Cole and Hunter Bernau were also present. Eric … [Read more...]
School Board ponders Kingsland food service spend down
Kingsland School Board held a work session meeting on February 7. Judy Tart’s Food Service report included that, “MDE (Minnesota Department of Education) sent notice that Kingsland Foodservice has an excess fund balance again and needs to spend down $92,633.49.” Board members discussed various equipment that Kingsland may wish to purchase to appropriately use these funds. … [Read more...]
Houston Schools purchase two buildings
At their February 3 regular meeting, the Houston School Board officially approved two buildings’ purchase prices. St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 202 Sheridan Street will be purchased for $200,000. Funding for this purchase will come from the school’s general funds. The school has been granted lease levy authority for the sale of bonds to fund the purchase of the ABLE, Inc. … [Read more...]
Legacy Amendment supports $6,193,687 in large grants to history organizations across Minnesota
The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) is pleased to announce the newest recipients of Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants, 56 large grants (over $10,000) totaling $6,193,687 in 19 counties. Large grants are awarded annually to help nonprofits, educational organizations, government units and federally recognized tribes to preserve and share Minnesota history. … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central sets 2022 committee assignments
At the January 25 Fillmore Central School Board meeting, the 2022 board committee assignments were approved with no changes from last year. Deb Ristau and Shelly Topness will continue to serve on Community Education, Jennifer Pickett on Continuing Education, Sue Sikkink and Topness on Meet and Confer, Craig Britton on MSHSL/Three Rivers Conference, Pickett on the Special … [Read more...]
R-P offers early retirement incentive
The Rushford-Peterson School Board approved an early retirement incentive for teachers at its regular meeting on January 24 in a six to one vote. Chris Grindland opposed the incentive asking the question, “Is it an incentive if we do it every year or does it become just another retirement benefit?” Superintendent Jon Thompson responded, “There’s no guarantee that it’ll be … [Read more...]
Kingsland Board sets administrative path forward
The Kingsland School Board held three meetings during the week of January 17-21. A regular meeting was held on January 19, sandwiched between special meetings on January 18 and 21. The only agenda item on January 21 was for the board to decide upon a plan for how to structure Kingsland’s administrative staff positions, in light of the upcoming retirement of Superintendent … [Read more...]
Lanesboro School in dire need of bus drivers
At the January 19 Lanesboro School Board meeting, Superintendent Matt Schultz updated the board on the school’s transportation situation. He noted that the district may be losing a driver soon and there is no one available to replace him. The school has been struggling to find enough bus drivers as it is for regular school transportation and events and losing one will have a … [Read more...]