The Mabel-Canton School Board held a regular monthly meeting on July 19. Due to ongoing construction throughout the summer break, the meeting was held in Mrs. Peters’ Science Room. Members present included Jason Marquardt, Chris Miller, Diane Wilder, Traci Livingood (via Zoom), Cristal Adkins, and Mark Wiedeman. Superintendent Gary Kuphal, Principal Michelle Wiedemann and Lisa Halverson also participated. No student representative was present.
Superintendent Kuphal informed the board, “We had a lightning strike… Friday morning. And an old chimney on the 1914 building blew up. It took a pretty significant chunk out of it, enough that we’re going to have to repair it.” He said the relevant information has been turned in to the insurance carrier. Kuphal added, “We’re not sure, but we think we’ve had some technology issues as a result of the lightning strike. There are things that are just not working the way they are to.” He said this is being looked into currently.
Kuphal informed the board that a meeting was recently held between school administrators from throughout Fillmore County, along with law enforcement personnel, to discuss threats such as intruders and active threats. He said one item discussed was how law enforcement personnel would get into the building during a lockdown. He said, “I think what’s going to happen is, we’re going to give fobs to Fillmore County, and they’re going to place them in their police cars.” Kuphal added that Mabel-Canton may look into new and/or refresher ALICE training (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) for staff as needed.
Three board members have terms up for election this fall (Dustin Tollefsrud, Diane Wilder, and Traci Livingood). Kuphal encouraged anyone interested in filing an Affidavit of Candidacy to do so during the filing period, which is August 2-16. Forms are available at the school office.
Regarding the ongoing construction, Kuphal noted, “Construction to date is on schedule… their only potential concern, that they don’t have any control over, is supplies and equipment. They aren’t anticipating anything right now.”
Regarding Substitute Pay, Kuphal shared, “So, my recommendation is an automatic $5 per day increase for teachers. If you sub 15 days, on the 16th day you get an extra $10.” He said this will hopefully help encourage sub teachers to choose to work at Mabel-Canton if/when such subs are asked by more than one school for a given day.
Staffing changes approved included hirings (Heath Olson as boys JV basketball coach, Paul Tollefsrud as boys JH basketball coach, Sarah Tollefsrud as volunteer coach for boys JH basketball, Caryn Halverson and Noelle Crawford and Sadie Morken as paraprofessionals. Resignations included Paul Tollefsrud as junior class advisor, Jennifer Burroughs, Adam Wilder as JH football coach, and resignation/reduction of Patty Vatland from 32.5 hours/week to 13 hours/week as a paraprofessional.
The board approved three handbooks (Student/Parent, Extra-Curricular, and SAC), as well as the Long-term Facility Maintenance 10-year plan.
Kuphal asked the board for preliminary interest in again holding a joint meeting with the city councils of Mabel and Canton, if all three groups wish. Board members indicated initial interest. Kuphal said if it happens, it would likely be in the fall. The board’s next meeting will be Thursday, August 25, due to Kuphal’s vacation in mid-August. The public is welcome at all open meetings.
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