Houston School Board Ratifies Lease-Purchasing Agreement

After board member Lisa Schultz read the lengthy resolution, the Houston School Board ratified a lease-purchasing agreement for the construction of the elementary building’s safe and secure entry at their July 9 meeting. The agreement was for $850,000 with interest not to exceed 6%. While the entry will not be completed by the start of school, Assistant Principal Angela McQuinn has plans in place for a smooth and safe start to the year.

During the public comment period of the meeting, Robin Hank had three questions for the board. He asked for the progress on hiring an activities director, the status of the baseball field and how the Houston reading and math scores compared to other schools and statewide scores.

While the board does not respond during the public comment period, Robin got some of his answers during the remaining portion of the meeting. Supt. Angi McAndrews informed the board that an offer had been accepted for the positions of athletic director and football coach.

The baseball field had some issues with the well head. With the issues resolved with funding from LTFM (Long Term Facilities Maintenance) funds, the field is now on track to be completed soon.

The board approved an updated superintendent contract which is now uniform with the other administrators’ contracts. Supt. McAndrews was given electronic funds and wire transfer authorization as superintendent.

Staff and student handbooks for the coming year were approved. On the advice of the attorney, the permission to use R rated films in instruction was removed completely from the staff handbook. This handbook is for both onsite and MNVA staff. Some changes in the handbooks were in regard to the use of AI. The complete handbooks are posted online.

Site Crisis Plans were presented for a first reading. The second reading will be at the August meeting. Second readings of policies 604 and 606 were completed and approved. Policy 604 included new legal reference; policy 606 provides that instructional materials are available for parents to read.

McAndrews shared that a new elementary reading curriculum has been selected. The READ Act mandates that reading curriculum is to be aligned with the Science of Reading. Houston’s previous curriculum was not so aligned.

A new secondary math curriculum was also selected. The teachers are enthused about the Reveal Math curriculum which is a McGraw Hill product. The board approved both the purchases.

Michael Mangan reported on Redefining Ready and Concurrent Enrollment. Data has been gathered since the class of 2023. The data showed that 84% of this year’s graduating seniors were college ready, 91% were career ready and 79% were both college and career ready.

Mangan shared that fewer students are taking the ACT test now. Many colleges no longer require the tests. Concurrent classes (dual credits) have become more popular. Seventy-four percent of the seniors had enrolled in dual credits with 100% of them receiving college credits for their work as well as high school credit. Houston has eliminated AP classes. Mangan explained that AP classes do not guarantee college credit on completion while dual credits do.

Eighty percent of Houston students had a job during high school; 72% were involved in extracurricular activities while 28% participated in two or more extracurriculars.

Houston now offers concurrent classes with Winona State in addition to the colleges previously offered. The teachers are required to hold a master’s degree and to have taught five years in the subject area.

Supt. McAndrews shared changes to the staff development plan. Changes were made to align with statute. A clarification on stipends allows staff who participate in workshops encouraged by the administration and held on a non-work day to receive a stipend. Attendance at conferences held in more remote locations may be approved.

After examining the LTFM budget and 10-year plan, the baord approved the budget. Houston receives more funding than other area schools due to the MNVA students. Houston gets 88% in state aid for LTFM.

Other Business

In other business the board:

• Approved the literacy plan and annual report;

• Renewed membership in MREA (Minnesota Rural Education Association and Southeast Service Cooperative;

• Approved a lease agreement with Hoedown for ballfield use;

• Acknowledged Grayden Beckman and Claire Reay as Hurricane Heroes for their work as student school board representatives;

• Thanked retiring teacher Ryan Gatzlaff for his 24 years of work in the district;

• Gratefully accepted donations of $3,600 from the Legion for the D.C, trip and $500 from the Houston Money Creek Snowriders for the softball team.