Board members Amy Jeffers, Lanny Isensee, Katie Priebe, Matt McMahon and Rick Lowrey were in attendance for the August 5, 2020, meeting. Scott Backer was not in attendance. The meeting was streamed on the local cable Channel 11 and on Facebook.com/ChatfieldTV. Also present were Superintendent Ed Harris, Principals Shane McBroom and Randy Paulson, Lorri Lowrey, administrative assistant and Trista O’Connor, business manager.
Speaking during district patron time was Amanda Schott. She voiced concerns about coaching issues and about a school board member who is a contractor doing business with the school.
Under board reports, Amy Jeffers discussed the superintendent’s evaluation that was held before the regular meeting and said the board is very pleased with his job performance. All of the goals that were set forth last year, were performed above expectations. They will now move forward and set new goals for next year.
Shane McBroom, elementary principal, reported that he does not anticipate any staffing change for the new school year and that he and his staff are getting plans into place for the start of school with all the COVID guidance. He gave a special thank you to the Valleyland staff for their efforts throughout the summer. He stated, “I have observed the many activities that they do for the kids. Some of our children are here bright and early and get picked up late in the afternoon. This could be a very long day, but the activities our staff provides, makes the day more enjoyable. This year has been particularly challenging and they have done a great job.”
High school principal, Randy Paulson said high school staff is also working on plans for the start of the new year. The high school will more than likely start with a hybrid schedule and the high school planning team has been working on collaborating with the elementary. Thursday, August 27 will be picture day at the high school from 2-6 p.m. Students should enter through the main entrance and follow the signs. COVID-19 guidelines will be followed during this process. Seventh grade orientation will be Tuesday, August 25, starting at 7 p.m. and ninth grade orientation will be Wednesday, August 26 starting at 7 p.m. Both orientations will be held in the gym to allow for social distancing. Both principals thanked the Root River State Bank and F & M Bank for their generosity in supporting the schools with their Mini Grant donations.
Superintendent Harris recommended a special meeting to be called for a discussion of an operating levy either this year or next as the present levy will be up next year. They also will be able to approve a resolution for basic learning for the school year 2020-2021 since the educational plan will be completed by then. The special meeting will be on Wednesday, August 12, 2020, at 6 p.m. using Zoom.
Under the consent agenda the board approved the July 8, 2020, meeting minutes, the snow removal quote posting, and the 2020-2021 activity fund fundraisers. The following handbooks were also approved: Elementary Student, Elementary Staff, High School Student, High School Discipline Matrix, High School Staff, Extra-Curricular Activities, and 1:1 Student-Parent. Approval was given designating the Fillmore County Journal as the school’s official newspaper. Special meeting minutes for July 2 and July 29 were approved, along with the job posting for a community education preschool assistant and a long term substitute for the high school nurse.
Under action items the board approved the date of December 9, 2020, for the Truth in Taxation meeting. The Resolution Calling the School District General Election was approved. Members whose terms are up are: Amy Jeffers, Katie Priebe and Rick Lowery. Lastly the board approved the 2020-2021, 2021-2022 Support Services Employment Language. This involves paras, office staff and custodians.
The meeting was adjourned. A special meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 12 at 6 p.m. and the regular board meeting will be held on Wednesday September 9 at 7 p.m.
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