At the July 22 Fillmore Central School Board meeting, Superintendent Heath Olstad noted that the Strength and Agility program is going well. He gave kudos to Coach Andrew Pederson for organizing and writing the program and to all of the coaches who volunteer their time to help run it. The fall sports information has been sent out. Maintenance has been working hard at both buildings to deep clean and prepare for the upcoming school year. Early childhood screenings will take place on August 1 and ECFE begins the week of September 23 with sessions on Tuesday mornings in Preston and on Thursday evenings in Harmony.
Elementary principal Jim Peters extended thanks to the Harmony Area Community Foundation and the Preston Area Community Foundation for their donations which will allow a rock climbing wall to be purchased and installed in the small gym at the elementary school.
Resignations from high school science teacher Morgan Knutson and SPED teacher Samantha Russell were accepted. Abbi Dahly was approved as the PreK lead teacher in the daycare, Joey Pederson as a SAC aide, and Sarah O’Connell as the junior high volleyball coach.
The board reviewed and approved the 2024-25 data submission for the Minnesota READ Act Literacy Plan as well as the 2025-26 continuous improvement plan. “The kids are making a lot of gains,” Principal Peters commented. “Seventy percent of kids are proficient.” He noted that students in kindergarten through third grade are screened three times a year to identify any extra support needs in reading.
The 2025-26 board policies were approved to follow the recommendations from the MSBA and the new legislative requirements. There were no big changes. The second readings of the handbooks for K-6, 7-12, Faculty, Paraprofessional, Mentoring, Coaches, and the Restrictive Procedures Plan were approved. Per negotiations with the teacher committee, a statement was added to the K-6, 7-12, and Faculty handbooks allowing for three “free” days before flex learning begins. The Master Agreement with Education Minnesota was approved for the next two school years.
The elementary healthy snack prices were set at $40 per semester and $80 for the year. Milk break prices were set at $43.75 per semester for grades 1-6 and $20 per semester for kindergarten. The adult meal prices were approved at $4 for breakfast and $6 for lunches, which satisfies the MDE required amounts.
The computer usage fees were set at $45 for the year for students in grades 9-12, and $25 for grades 7-8. There will be no computer fees for elementary students or for families that qualify for free/reduced lunches. A supply fee of $25 per student was approved for grades 1-6.
The long-term facilities maintenance plan was approved and will be submitted to the state by the deadline of July 31.
The December board meeting was moved from December 23 to the 16 due to the holidays. The time will be updated at the August meeting when Truth in Taxation is approved.
The quarterly donations in the amount of $20,743.10 were approved with gratitude.
The open enrollment requests were approved.
Board member Carrie Mathison asked who was taking over management of 504s with the resignation of Morgan Knutson. Superintendent Olstad said that he was looking into options.
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