Distance learning teacher Bret Klaehn updated the board about how the school year has been so far at the September 17 Lanesboro School Board meeting. “It’s been manageable,” he said, adding that no one was really sure how it would go until it had actually started. “As nervous as everyone was, at the end of the first day, everyone was just really happy to have spent a whole day with the kids,” Superintendent Matt Schultz commented. Although the students are in the school building full-time, there have been many changes to ensure the safety of everyone. Teachers have had to learn how to stream and record their classes for students who chose distance learning and to allow a seamless transition in case COVID-19 cases increase in Fillmore County to the point that the district would need to switch to distance learning. “Based on the state guidelines, we know we’ll have school (in-person) for the next couple of weeks at least for sure,” Superintendent Schultz commented. Klaehn reported that the kids have adapted well to wearing masks in school. “They’ve been really good about it,” he said.
A resignation from MS/HS Special Education teacher Ashley Franzen was approved, and Alissa Dahl was hired to replace her. Because of the learning model being used this year, extra paraprofessionals are needed. The board approved the hirings of Shanalee Knight, Desiree Borth-Ferrie, Amy Bunke, and Allison Sollien as paraprofessionals. Alison Freese, Madison Ehler, and Kendall Stettler were all hired to work with the After School Care program. Vicky Quimby was hired for the daycare, Sheila Vogen as a custodian, and Lynn Susag as the daycare director.
Superintendent Schultz reported that the facilities project is continuing to move along and is on schedule to be completely finished by December 31. As of now, all but two of the classrooms are done and being used by students. There have been just under $200,000 in change orders, but the plan allowed for that amount so the project has not gone over budget. The board approved two not-in-contract quotes. The first was from VIS Plumbing in the amount of $2,963.76, and the second was for a change order in the amount of $49,663, which included a large amount of kitchen work along with some additions and changes in the new gymnasium, and other odds and ends from across the project.
Board member Chris Troendle reported that the new Hiawatha Valley Education District facility in Hokah is up and running, which brings special education services closer to the school districts in the southeastern corner of the state.
Because school ended last year and not all schools offered free lunches for all students from March until the end of the school year, there are extra funds available from the Federal Food Program and so the MN Department of Education and Food Service has approved a free lunch program for all students under the age of 18. Superintendent Schultz explained that the program is available to Minnesota school districts until the money runs out which will likely be around December, but could be sooner.
Transportation Director Chad Wangen informed the board that the 65-passenger bus that the school ordered hasn’t arrived yet as it is still missing one part, but he’s hoping that it will arrive by mid-October. The school’s buses and vans are currently running at 50% occupancy. Several of the buses are just one or two students from being at full occupancy, but many parents are helping out by driving their kids to and from school. The biggest issue is still the lack of drivers. “Same thing I’ve been saying for five years,” Wangen said. “I’m running out of drivers.” Board member Steve Snyder asked if it would help if the board discussed options for bonuses, higher pay, etc., to attract more drivers, but Wangen explained that the district’s rates are already higher than many other area schools. “It’s not the pay, it’s that no one wants to do it,” he commented.
The proposed tax levy was certified at the maximum amount. Superintendent Schultz reminded the board that the final numbers in December can always go lower, but they can’t go higher than what is certified in September.
A donation to the milk fund in the amount of $100 was accepted with gratitude from the board.
The next Lanesboro School Board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on October 12 instead of October 15 due to the MEA break.
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