The Mabel-Canton School Board held a public hearing on July 15 to provide an opportunity for community members to comment on the proposed renewal of an expiring operating referendum. The resolution renewing the expiring operating revenue referendum was unanimously approved.
Chairman Chris Miller called the meeting to order 6:01 p.m., with the Pledge of Allegiance. The board’s regular monthly meeting followed the public hearing.
Board members present included Dustin Tollefsrud, Traci Livingood, Mark Weidemann, Diane Wilder, Amber Tripp, and Chairman Chris Miller. Board member Jason Marquardt was absent.
No public comments were made during the hearing or the meeting.
The board unanimously approved the meeting agenda which was unanimously approved as revised. Minutes from the June 17 regular board meeting were also approved.
The board unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included:
• Approval of the 2024-25 budget
• Review of the monthly claims report
• Acceptance of Ruth Ann Sacquitne’s retirement as a full-time elementary teacher. The board expressed their appreciation to Sacquitne for her 33 years of service to the district as an elementary teacher.
• Hiring of Max Larsen as custodian
• Hiring of Cole Mundt as full-time PE, health, and Social Studies teacher
• Hiring of Nicole Eiken as a full-time elementary teacher
Board member Diane Wilder said renovation of the Hiawatha Valley Education District’s (HVED) new facility is moving forward, with a move-in expected by the end of the year.
Principal Michelle Weidemann reported that the school has still not found a band instructor. She encouraged everyone to continue spreading the word. The school is flexible and willing to work with anyone who has a musical background. She noted that it is a difficult position to fill. It is currently listed as a full-time position.
Principal Weidemann said she has coordinated with Vocal Music teacher Stephanie Morken to cover K-6 general music by offering two days for art, two days for music, and one day for theatre. However, this arrangement does not address the needs of the 5-12 grade band and instrumental program.
Superintendent Gary Kuphal said the solar project is scheduled for the summer of 2026, not this summer as previously believed.
On the bond project, Kuphal said there is “a lot going on behind the scenes.” A second round of visioning workshops is scheduled for early August. There are four groups. Kuphal said he is excited to see what unfolds, especially regarding ideas for career and technical education (CTE), as well as locker room updates. There have been a lot of great ideas shared by the architects. Kuphal is looking forward to seeing how the vision group responds. He thinks that they will be surprised.
In other business, the board:
• Renewed membership in the Minnesota Rural Education Association membership for fiscal year 2026;
• Approved the FY26 Long-Term Facilities Maintenance plan;
• Accepted the list of fall coaches and year-long advisors. Several positions remain unfilled;
• Approved the 2025-26 fundraising list, which includes new fundraising activities, such as the 11th grade Father Daughter Dance;
• Hired Ruth Ann Sacquitne as a part-time (.04 FTE) literacy lead and instructional coach;
• Approved the Alternative Delivery of Specialized Instructional Services (ADSIS) grant, along with a related 0.8 FTE teaching position. This is a two-year grant;
• Hired Tamitha Peter as a 0.4 FTE ADSIS teacher;
• Approved an agreement with Hiawatha Mental Health Center to provide an on-site staff member one day per week during the school year;
• Adopted proposed changes to the 2025-26 All School Parent and Student Handbook and the High School Extra-Curricular Handbook following their second reading;
• Hired Samatha Livingood as a special education teacher;
• Hired April Brown for a split position: half-time accounts payable (year-round) and half-time paraprofessional during the school year.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:51 p.m.
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