The Fillmore Central school board reviewed the preliminary enrollment numbers for K-6 at their August 28 meeting. Currently, there are 48 students signed up for the kindergarten class, 32 for first grade, 50 for second grade, 65 for third grade, 45 for fourth grade, 48 for fifth grade, and 59 for sixth grade for a total of 346 students. At this same time last year, 351 students were enrolled. High school principal Heath Olstad gave the report for Dean of Students Chris Mensink and noted that the numbers are not yet set in stone as there is still some movement among students, but he was happy with where they are currently. “We have some very strong numbers,” he said. Olstad also presented the numbers for fall sports. There are 62 participants in football, 60 in volleyball, 18 in cross-country, and 15 in cheerleading. “A few years ago, we didn’t have cross-country, and now we have 18 participants,” he said, pointing out that the sports program has been a success.
A memorandum of understanding with the teachers’ association was passed by the board allowing one experienced teacher to train the new seven new elementary teachers on how to use the Action 100 program within their classrooms. Another MOU was approved to allow scheduling high school communications teacher Joni Mehus for no prep for one quarter and double prep for another.
Resignations were accepted and approved from elementary teachers Pam Jackson and Tris Tollefson, and custodian Matthew Gregg. A resignation effective on December 31 from Technology Director Neil Lundgren was also accepted with the board’s gratitude for his years of service and work bringing the school up to date with technology. “He’s done a lot for us,” board member Jim Love stated.
Angie Kennedy was hired as a sixth grade teacher, Sheila Goetzke as a second grade teacher, Connie Lindstrom as a resource teacher for the elementary school, and Joanie Johnson as a long-term substitute for Karn Friedges. Sallie Merritt was hired as a part-time infant room teacher’s aide in the daycare. Kelsey Woellert was approved as the seventh grade volleyball coach.
Art teacher Carrie Mathison was approved to teach independent study art courses to two high school students.
The activity sponsors list for 2018-19 was reviewed and approved. SADD is the only organization that does not have an advisor yet, but Principal Olstad was confident that one would be found soon. The non-certified staff for the upcoming school year was also approved.
An open enrollment request was approved for a former student who now lives in the Chatfield school district, but would like to continue attending Fillmore Central.
The board discussed options for the 24 60-year-old fluorescent light fixtures in the high school shop room. The fixtures are obsolete, and the bulbs and ballasts for them are no longer available anywhere. The only options are to replace them with new LED fixtures or to retrofit the existing fixtures to accommodate LED bulbs. Superintendent Keith presented several quotes from Morem Electric and Haakenson Electric. The cost for retrofitting would be considerably lower than replacing the fixtures completely. Board member Jim Love also pointed out that the project costs would be worth it over time as LED lights use less electricity and require less maintenance than fluorescent ones. The quote from Haakenson Electric in the amount of $2,900 to retrofit the fixtures was approved by the board.
A placement agreement with St. Mary’s University allowing the university the option of placing students from their teacher education program at Fillmore Central was approved.
The Truth in Taxation meeting was scheduled for December 18 at 6:01 p.m. with the regular school board meeting immediately following.
The next Fillmore Central school board meeting will be held on September 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the elementary meeting room.
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