Photo by Wanda Hanson
The Houston School Board began a search for a new superintendent at their regular board meeting April 9. With Superintendent Mary Morem resigning from her position, the board needs to move quickly to find a replacement. Chair Josh Norlien informed the board they had three options: they could hire internally, perform their own limited search or do a full search using the MSBA (Minnesota School Board Association) resources.
Norlien commented that he didn’t have time to personally handle a search and made a motion to hire MSBA to help with a full search. The board is looking for the best available candidate and encourages anyone interested to apply.
A planning meeting with MSBA was scheduled for April 16. An interview training session will come next followed by two rounds of interviews with potential candidates.
Board Resignation
Another resignation came from board member Mark Swenson. After the board accepted Swenson’s resignation, they went on to appoint former board member Tom Stilin to fill the vacancy until the fall general elections. Since Swenson was the board clerk, a new clerk needed to be chosen as well. Nickki Johnson was selected as the new clerk.
Student Council Reports
Local student board representative Claire Reay shared that the Spring Fling dance for seventh and eighth graders is being enthusiastically planned by the 8th grade and will be April 25. A Spring Cleanup Day will be held community-wide in Houston on May 1; prom will be on May 2.
The MNVA online student leaders are also planning prom and community service opportunities. The MNVA students will be running a seed donation drive at the Mall of America during their MCA testing.
Students from MNVA shared what they most appreciate about MNVA with the board. Students commented that MNVA teachers are so supportive and go out of their way to help their students. One student shared that the student leaders often cover neurodivergency and try to help to cover accessibility for all students.
K12 Update
William Johnston of K12, Inc. attended the meeting virtually to update the board on progress on the K12 and MNVA agreement. Four separate amendments have been made to the agreement. One regards the specifications for computers; the second is regarding the systems function and control; the third deals with directing a student who “raises” his hand to MNVA staff; the fourth deals with the operational staff.
Johnston volunteered to return to another board meeting to answer any further questions. Superintendent Morem will schedule a future meeting with Johnston.
Parameters Resolution
A parameters resolution regarding the safe and secure elementary entry construction was passed. Since the bids received were much higher than anticipated orginally, the school had to return to MDE to get a second approval.
The new resolution set a not to exceed amount of $850,000 and a not to exceed interest rate of 6%. The finance committee anticipated that the final cost is likely to be around $680,000. There is the possibility of getting some state funding as well.
The lowest bidder is in the process of getting some firm numbers together for the project. The intent and hope is to begin construction in early June 2026.
Mimi Carlson noted that the board was trying to get this project cost down as reasonable as possible and still supply a safe and secure entry at the elementary. She acknowledged that such an entry had been high on the priority list for Houston residents during the recent referendum,
Other business
In other business the board:
- Recognized MNVA Operational Manager Leah Stinson as the April Hurricane Hero; in nominating her for the award, co-workers mentioned that she is an essential link between MNVA and K12 who supports the students and families of MNVA and is known for her persistence and dedication;
- Heard From Ethan Scheck who requested permission to begin a non-denominational Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Houston High;
- Approved the purchase of a bus radio communication system at a total cost of $30,176 (LTFM funds can be used for the equipment attached to a building); the radios had not been replaced for 15 or 16 years and were needed;
- Accepted donations totalling $5,865.
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