At the June 23 Fillmore Central School Board meeting, which was held via teleconference, Principal Heath Olstad updated the board members on the plans for the 2020-21 school year. “We’re looking at multiple scenarios for the upcoming year,” he said, adding, “that a committee will be formed to help make decisions.” The state department has given schools three possibilities to plan for, which include in-person learning, distance learning, or a hybrid of the two. A survey will be sent out in July to district families to gather their input on the upcoming school year.
Laura Burroughs was hired as the part-time ECFE parent educator. Tenure status was approved for teachers Sarah O’Connell, Sara Xavier, and Ericka Nagel. A three-year contract with Melissa Simonson as the mental health therapist was approved as well as a special education service contract with Mary Kautto for orientation and mobility services. One-year contracts with Chris Mensink for the positions of Dean of Students, Activities Director, and teacher were approved. A motion allowing additional hours for Brenda Ristau and Kate Brincks was passed as they will be putting in extra work for the start of the 2020-21 school year.
The district’s memberships in the Minnesota Rural Education Association and the Minnesota School Board Association were renewed along with the district’s property and liability insurance through MIST and workmen’s compensation insurance through Accident Fund National Insurance Co. The board reviewed and approved the long-term facilities maintenance plan so it could be submitted to the state by July 31. The proposed food service budget from Taher and the operating budget for the 2020-21 school year were both approved.
A motion to extend the substitute services agreement for two more years with Teachers on Call was approved. The pay was set for substitute teachers, secretaries, paraprofessionals, and custodians with no changes from the previous year. The student activity fees, admission fees, and sports season passes will remain the same as well. Heath Olstad was designated as the district representative for federal programs. A foster care transportation agreement with Fillmore County Human Services was renewed. The first reading of the K-6, 7-12, faculty, paraprofessional, and coach handbooks was approved. A Memorandum of Understanding with Education Minnesota – Fillmore Central was approved as drafted by the MSBA. The MOU will be used if sports seasons for the 2020-21 school year need to be shortened or canceled.
It was noted that the terms for board members Ross Kiehne, Jim Love, and Deb Ristau will be expiring at the end of this year. Two resolutions were passed establishing the dates for filing affidavits of candidacy and to elect three school board members for four-year terms this November.
The board thanked Superintendent Richard Keith for his service before adjourning the meeting, which was his last one before retirement. “Mr. Keith, we want to thank you for everything,” Sue Sikkink said. “It’s been a great nine years and we’re going to miss you.” Keith thanked the board and congratulated Heath Olstad on his new position as superintendent. “Best of luck to you, Heath, as you take over,” he said. “I’m sure you’ll do a great job.”
The next Fillmore Central School Board meeting will be held on July 28 at 6:30 p.m.
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