After the pledge, a group of sixth grade boys made a presentation to the board about a project that they are involved in. The boys, Keagan Patten, Westin Nolte, Aiden Johnsrud, and Reggie Allen, are going to hold a 3 on 3 basketball competition that will benefit two children in our area who are undergoing treatment for cancer. This will be held in March. More information will be forthcoming in the next few months.
The majority of the board meeting was spent listening to reports by Superintendent Harris for Truth and Taxation and the World’s Best Work Force Report (WBWF). Harris explained that there is a required annual hearing as one of the steps to tax levy for the new budget. The proposed tax levy for 2019 has gone up about 3.06% due to inflation and that the total proposed school tax levy for next year is $2,995,390.85. The board later approved this under new business.
Under the WBWF report, elementary principal Shane McBroom stated that Chatfield kindergartners are at an advantage in that 95% of them had attended a preschool program. Looking at reading, math and science scores, he said some of the goals were not met for 2018 but that they still were good scores. Part of the issue with goal setting is two-fold. One, you are dealing with an entirely different set of children for the next year and the other is that the MCA tests are becoming increasingly more difficult. It’s hard to hit a moving target. While not making excuses for this, he feels that the movement by staff to incorporate Personalized Learning will help to increase scores. At the high school level, principal Randy Paulson reported that the North Star Award had been presented to Chatfield High School for its graduation rate of 98.5% for 2018. He credits the ALP (Alternative Learning Program) and credit recovery programs for part of this success. Other increases in career programs and the creation of BIONIC (Believe It Or Not I Care) that deals with school culture should enhance the high school experience.
Since board member Jerry Chase is resigning as of January 1, Superintendent Harris thanked him for his 15 years of service with a certificate and a token of appreciation. Harris briefly mentioned that he will have information at the next board meeting as to how the board may proceed with filling Chase’s position. There were no other board committee reports. Harris gave an update on the construction project that is nearing the end. The open house was well attended by the public as they viewed all the remodeling of space and the new STEM addition. The budget update on the construction shows approximately a net positive of $300,000 and that the committee will need to meet to determine how to use these remaining funds. He introduced the first reading of district policies and the second reading was approved under New Business.
Shane McBroom reported that the Grandfriend Day and holiday concert was a huge success, with a full house in the cafeteria to play bingo and then the concert at 9:45 a.m. in the gym. On December 21 the Masonic Lodge will once again present bikes to students for the Bikes for Books program. Students earn a chance to win a bike based on the number of steps from the Action 100 reading program. One student from each grade level will be awarded a bike. The EdVisions Bush Grant is being considered for the Personalized Learning implementation. EdVisions, as part of the grant, will assist in the construction of an action plan, provide professional development to the staff and include a software program call Edio that houses the personalized learning materials and projects for the students and staff. McBroom is reviewing the agreement from EdVisions and will make a decision within the month.
Randy Paulson congratulated Larissa Martin and Jack Tuohy as this year’s Minnesota High School League Triple “A” award winners for Chatfield High School. The award goes to a high school senior boy and girl who have a 3.0 or better grade point average and who excel in league sponsored athletic and fine arts activities. They will now move on to represent CHS at the sub-section. A new mentor program has been started for 40 identified students in grades 9-12 who are struggling academically and /or have other needs. Teachers have volunteered to be mentors to these students. The purpose of this program is to expose these students to a nurturing and caring environment, direct their academic success, guide them in personal development and ensure these students have a person they can turn to in the high school. Jessica Hanson is coordinating this effort and Marcia Schindler will help guide teachers with her recent training in connection with students for success. This ties in with the new focus on improving student culture at the high school.
Under consent items, the following items were approved: the November 19 meeting minutes, the resignation of Board member Jerry Chase, the hiring of Jayna Harstad as head cross country coach and the job posting for the assistant cross country coach.
Other new business approved was the Resolution Discontinuing and Reducing Program and Positions that is approved each year to allow for changes in staffing if needed. Also approved was the acceptance of office and oath for newly elected school board members. Lanny Isensee and Scott Backer were re-elected in the November election.
The meeting was adjourned and the next meeting will be in the high school forum room on January 21 at 7 p.m.