On December 7, the Houston School Board held their mandatory Truth in Taxation meeting as well as their regular board meeting. Director of Finance Gwen Rostad presented a slideshow of information before opening the floor for questions. Rostad pointed out that there are no voter approved levies in place at this time for Houston. This is unusual—most schools have levies in the … [Read more...]
Chatfield School Board Not Moving Forward on Facility/Maintenance Project
At the December 13 school board meeting, board members Jill Harstad, David Sowinski, Mark Johnsrud, Katie Priebe, Josh Thompson and Tom Keefe were present as well as Superintendent Ed Harris, principals Shane McBroom and Eric Nelson, Rinnea Kreter, administrative assistant and Trista O’Connor, business manager. Student Senate members Taylor Ask and Lexi Kivimagi were also … [Read more...]
Decorah School District Declines to Renew Enrollment Agreement with M-C
The Decorah School Board met on Monday, December 11, for their regular meeting. One particular item on the agenda brought in a standing room only crowd – the board was to discuss whether or not to renew its enrollment agreement with Mabel-Canton. The origins of this situation date back to when the former North Winn School District – which covered territory between Decorah … [Read more...]
Kingsland School Board Reviews Fiscal Year 2023
Donations to the Kingsland School District acknowledged near the opening of the November 20 meeting include the following: Stephanie Derby and Scott Mulholland donated $25 to the Music Department in memory of Sandy Hulbert; Cindy Seabright donated $500 to the Music Department, and Ann Oeltjen of Prairie Wind Farms donated $1,000 to the STEM program. One new hire was announced … [Read more...]
M-C Receives $20,000 From Anonymous Donor
The Mabel-Canton School Board graciously accepted a $20,000 cash donation from an anonymous donor and expressed their thanks for generous donation, at the school’s regular meeting on November 21. Chairman Cristal Adkins called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. and led the board in the Pledge of Allegiance. Board members present included Cristal Adkins, Chris Miller, Mark … [Read more...]
Caledonia Public Schools Had a Busy November
Caledonia Area Public School board members met Monday, November 20 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, and conducted roll call. Board members present included Derek Adamson, Tim Gunn, Leigh King, Melissa Marschall, Peterson, Daniel Small and Spencer Yohe. Also,in … [Read more...]
R-P School Board Approves Strategic Plan
The newly completed R-P strategic plan for 2023-2028 was presented for approval at the November 20 school board meeting. Superintendent Dr. Ben Bernard enthused, “It’s a really nice document!” Bernard said his role was as a facilitator; the plan was created by the strategic committee and surveys of the public. In total, the strategic committee met for five sessions as they … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Elementary Students Raise More Than $400
Student Council Representative Taylor Reinhardt proudly reported at the Spring Grove School Board’s November 20 meeting that grades K-6 participated in a coin war, raising $444.59 to be donated to the Houston County Food Shelf. Chairman Aaron Solum called the board’s regularly scheduled meeting to order at 7 p.m. Board members present included Aric Elton, Stephanie Jaster, … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central Board Certifies Referendum Results
At the November 16 Fillmore Central School Board meeting, the board approved a resolution canvassing and certifying the referendum vote results. The vote, which took place on November 7, asked the voters to revoke the district’s current referendum of $292.15 per pupil and replace it with a new one of $783.36 per pupil. The proposed increase was due to a number of factors … [Read more...]
Houston School Board Reflects on Referendum
The Houston School Board held their regular meeting on November 2 and then followed that with a study session to discuss future steps after the failed August referendum vote. Superintendent Mary Morem facilitated the study session, asking the board to answer the following questions: What were we asking for in the referendum? What did we learn from the vote? What are we going to … [Read more...]
Lanesboro School Signs Athletic Trainer Agreement
After waiting months, the Lanesboro School Board finally had an agreement with Mayo for Athletic Trainer Services to sign at their November 8 meeting. The three-year agreement carries a fee of $8,736 the first year, $8,998 (a 3% increase) the second year, and $9,268 (another 3% increase) the third year. The agreement was retroactive to August and covered the services received … [Read more...]
Redefining Ready Presentation Given to Chatfield School Board
At the November 8, 2023, school board meeting, board members, Jill Harstad, David Sowinski, Mark Johnsrud, Katie Priebe, Josh Thompson and Tom Keefe were present as well as Superintendent Ed Harris, principals, Shane McBroom and Eric Nelson, Rinnea Kreter, administrative assistant and Trista O’Connor, business manager. Student senate members Aspen McBroom and Carly Backen were … [Read more...]
Meet the New Teachers at Grand Meadow Public Schools
Four new teachers joined Grand Meadow Public Schools this year. The Fillmore County Journal asked each of them a few questions to introduce them to the community. Faith Gehling Faith Gehling teaches sixth grade math and science. She’s also the varsity cheerleading coach and co-advisor for the National Honor Society. Gehling grew up in Grand Meadow, where she graduated … [Read more...]
Chatfield Schools Welcomes Three New Staff
Sara Kling-Punt Sara Kling-Punt was hired this year as a K-12 Student Support Coordinator and is also a licensed school social worker. She will work with the elementary school social worker, Ashley Kester, and will be teaching social emotional learning skills at the elementary. She will also be the 504 coordinator for the district and work with high school students as … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central Preps for Winter Sports Season
Jason Boynton from Smith & Schafer presented the 2022-2023 audit report to the Fillmore Central School Board at their October 24 meeting. The district’s financial statements received an unmodified clean report. The average daily membership is currently at 586 students, a number that has been decreasing over the last 6-8 years. The audit report was approved as presented. … [Read more...]