Kelly Smith, director in Baker Tilly’s Municipal Advisor Public Education Group, joined the regular Houston School Board meeting November 18 via Zoom to report on the bond sale he helped facilitate for the school earlier that day. According to Smith, interest rates were at near record lows. Robert W. Baird and Co. had the lowest bid of 1.607% on the 15-year bond term. The … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project The art of failure
By Nicholas Weist You know failure is an interesting thing that we all seem to be good at from time to time. Many famous people have had many failures, but they did not let those failures stop them from success. Take Thomas Edison for example. He created the incandescent light bulb, but it took him over 1,000 tries to get it right and that light bulb is still used today. … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Superintendent Udstuen approved for a three-month sabbatical
The Spring Grove School Board met on Monday, November 15, in the school’s Learning Resource Center from 7-8:15 p.m. Board members Stephanie Jaster, Rhan Flatin, Aric Elton, Kelly Rohland, and Jenny Stender were present. Chairman Aaron Solum did not attend. Bill Fried, long-time Speech coach, submitted his resignation. Superintendent Rachel Udstuen thanked Fried for his many … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton sees COVID numbers level off
The Mabel-Canton School Board met in regular session on November 16. All members except Mark Wiedemann were present. The board welcomed new Student Representative Emily Carolan, a senior student at the school. Superintendent Kuphal explained that student representatives are not voting members of the school board, but are welcomed to share their thoughts or suggestions on any … [Read more...]
Houston Schools live stream ready to go
Want to watch a Houston Schools’ home basketball game? How about a concert? This year you can once again easily watch the events free from the comfort of your own home. Mikayla Simmons, activities and communications director for Houston Schools, informed the school board at their regular November 4 meeting that multiple links have been added to the school’s website so the … [Read more...]
New teachers at Fillmore Central
According to Principal Jim Peters, Fillmore Central Elementary School has four new teachers this school year. Some are new to the district, while others have worked in other roles at Fillmore Central prior to this year. Recently, the four gave some information about the path that led them to their current position. Sara Greenwood described the start of her teaching … [Read more...]
Kingsland mulls communication options
Kingsland School Board held a work session meeting on November 1. All members were present (Jackie Horsman, Maranda Emig, Kyle Rader, Pamela Freet, Gwen Howard, and Natasha Howard), along with Principal Scott Klavetter and Superintendent Jim Hecimovich. Participating via remote technology were Business Manager Amber Herbrand and Activities Director Laurie Hendrickson. Three … [Read more...]
November 2 unofficial election results
On Tuesday, November 2, 2021, voters were called upon in three school districts in Fillmore County, Minn. In Chatfield, the school district referendum passed with 496 voters in favor of renewing its expiring referendum authorization of $476 per pupil. There were 181 votes against the seven year tax. With a vacant seat on the Chatfield School Board, Josh Thompson was the only … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central approves fee reductions for staff
The Fillmore Central School Board discussed the option of a fee reduction for school staff who have children in preschool, SAC, or daycare as an incentive for employment. Superintendent Heath Olstad suggested offering a 20% reduction in fees to any K-12 staff and a 40% reduction for employees of the forementioned programs. The numbers had been run and it was determined that the … [Read more...]
A new bus for Houston Schools
The Houston School Board decided to proceed with the order of a new school bus (at a cost of $92, 943) at their regular meeting October 21. Superintendent Mary Morem informed the board that bus #7 had been in the shop three times since she joined Houston Schools this year and had racked up $11,000 in repair charges. Since the bus was so old, it qualified for a $20,000 grant … [Read more...]