At the Lanesboro School Board meeting on October 8, the board heard details of the Small School Conference to be held at Lanesboro on October 15. Superintendent Matt Schultz shared that Jenny Severson will be the keynote speaker. Severson will focus on research based strategies and improving student engagement.
There will be nine different breakout sessions during the day from which the teachers can choose. Six professors from Winona State will be among the presenters. The Lanesboro School daycare staff will attend the conference as well for the a.m. sessions.
Schultz mentioned that a decision will need to be made for next year and the future. This is the last year that the conference will have funding through a sponsorship.
Strategic Plan Goals
Schultz continues to use the district’s strategic plan goals to guide his superintendent reports. Addressing the goal for student’s academic and behavioral growth, Schulz reported that secondary principal Brett Clarke had used the I Lead Program which focuses on purpose, self control and conflict resolution at the high school. The half day session will be followed up with activities during homerooms. Schultz enthusiastically informed the board that the seniors had stepped up as table leaders for the session.
The goal to engage through connection and communication was next addressed. Homecoming with its parade and following pep rally in the park gets the whole community involved. Schultz reported that some campers who happened to be around for the event last year made an effort to ensure that they would return for homecoming this year; they just enjoyed the event! Students enjoyed the cupcake decorating with older students teaming up with younger students and working together.
Schultz asked again for help in the search for van and bus drivers. Van drivers do not need a CDL, only a good driving record. The school will pay for the required physical examinations.
HVED Update
Deb Marcotte, executive director of HVED, visited the board meeting to update them on HVED (Hiawatha Valley Education District). She shared two documents with the board. The first was a historical and to-the-minute document about the renovation of the former Winona Mall to create a centralized HVED building. This document is provided to the board of directors every month and is available on the HVED website. The second document was the HVED Monthly Update written by Marcotte and shared with the member school districts.
Marcotte informed the board about scholarships available to special ed paraprofessionals who wish to become special education teachers. Over $5 million is available; the paras just need a seasoned teacher to mentor them as they work toward their degrees.
A Showcase on Service will be presented virtually for parents of autistic students on October 29. Marcotte reminded the board that principals of member schools meet four times a year at HVED.
Several HVED employees work regularly at Lanesboro,including school psychologist Heidi Johnson and two special ed directors.
Marcotte reported on the remodeling progress at the former Winona Mall. The mall has been completely transformed. Playgrounds with specialized equipment will be going in. A new roof will be installed on the building.
When asked when HVED would be moving in, Marcotte responded that HVED would take occupancy of the building December 10. Students will be dismissed on December 5 and return after the new year. The goal is to get completely moved in by December 19 and ready to start using the building in January.
The ALC (Area Learning Center) will not be moving to the building until next fall. It will be located in the area of the mall that had previously been remodeled by Sprint but never used. The area is currently used for storage. The ALC has between 20 and 25 students each day.
Sarah Peterson commented, “Thank you for your vision and dedication and persistence.” Peterson, a long-time board member, had seen and appreciated the work of Marcotte in trying to find a centralized location for HVED over the years.
Business Conducted
The board conducted the following business:
- Thanking resigning Tyler Fleming for his “friendly face and calm demeanor” during his years at the daycare;
- Approving MSHL Foundation Grants which help offset athletic expenses for students in need;
- Approving a second reading of some policies and doing a first reading of more policies.
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