The January 26 Fillmore Central School Board meeting opened with the oath of office for returning board members Jim Love, Deb Ristau, and new board member Aaron Janssen. The board officers for 2021 were set with Craig Britton as the chairperson, Jennifer Pickett as the vice-chairperson, Deb Ristau as the clerk, Shelly Topness as the vice-clerk, and Sue Sikkink as the … [Read more...]
Supt. Abraham announces retirement
At the very end of the January 21, 2021, Houston School Board meeting, Superintendent Krin Abraham informed the board that she will be retiring in June. Abraham declared, “I love this place; I love this district, but I need to be done. I want you to be able to start looking now.” Board member Arlin Peterson, who has had a relationship with Abraham both as a fellow teacher … [Read more...]
Kingsland opts to not pay $2,500 “COVID fee”
On January 20, the Kingsland School Board held a regular meeting, with all board members in attendance (Natasha Howard, Maranda Emig, Kyle Rader, Jackie Horsman, Gwen Howard, Pamela Freet). Also in attendance were Superintendent Jim Hecimovich, Principal Scott Klavetter, Athletic Director Mark Fitzpatrick, and Business Manager Amber Herbrand. No members of the general public … [Read more...]
Spring Grove elementary students start winter sports
The Spring Grove School Board met on Tuesday evening, January 19, 2021, at 7 p.m. in the school’s media center, adhering to the governor’s guidelines for capacity (maximum 10 people). The meeting was broadcast on Google Meet for the public and media. The organizational meeting of the Spring Grove School was called to order by Chair Aaron Solum at 7:02 p.m. Board members in … [Read more...]
CEO in the classroom
Successful collaboration between Caledonia, Mabel-Canton, and Spring Grove high school students and business leaders in these communities is taking place this school year. Spring Grove Assistant Superintendent Gina Meinertz explained the process for making this multi-school partnership come together. Meinertz had the vision for the project, wrote a Southeast Service … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton to stay in hybrid model for now
During the Mabel-Canton School Board meeting on January 19, the board discussed the plans for which learning model to use, based on current and expected COVID-19 trends. Superintendent Kuphal stated, “We’re back in hybrid, as of yesterday (January 18). Colton (student representative Colton Heintz-Kuderer) alluded that he thought things were going fairly well.” Kuphal said … [Read more...]
Chatfield School Board elects new officers
At the January 12, 2021, Chatfield School Board meeting, these board members were present: Katie Priebe, Josh Thompson, Tom Keefe and Jill Harstad, as well as Principals Shane McBroom and Randy Paulson. Board members Lanny Isensee and Matt McMahon joined the meeting via Zoom. Also present were Superintendent Ed Harris, Lorri Lowery, administrative assistant; LuAnn Klevan, … [Read more...]
Houston School Board organized and ready to work
The Houston School Board quickly chose its officers, calendar, committees and other official elements as they met for the first time in the new year on January 7, 2021. Officers are: Tom Stilin, chair; Mimi Carlson, vice chair; Josh Norlien, clerk; and Gene Lundak, treasurer. Meetings will remain on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Bremer Bank was again chosen as … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation awards $180,000 in Early Care and Education Wrap Around Grants
OWATONNA, MN, January 7, 2021 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), recently approved 18 grants through its Early Care and Education Wrap Around Grant program totaling $180,000. This special grant program helps fund early care and education wrap around services for children birth to age eight from … [Read more...]
Lanesboro School Board approves 2021 tax levy
The December 17 Lanesboro School Board meeting opened with Truth in Taxation. Several members of the public were present at the meeting which took place in the gymnasium to allow for social distancing. Several large bills and extra expenses that the school incurred this year made it necessary to increase the levy from last year. One of the bills was for a large amount of … [Read more...]