Before the regular school board meeting on December 20, the Mabel-Canton School Board held the annual Truth-in-Taxation hearing at 6:01 p.m. in room #50 at the Mabel-Canton School. There were no public comments.
During the regular meeting, the board unanimously voted to approve the final levy, $636,307.01 for General Fund, $26,264.07 for Community Service, and $394,095.00 for Debt Service for a total of $1,056,666.08. This represents a 1% increase.
The meeting returned to the regular session at 6:12 p.m.
Board members present included Jason Marquardt, Chris Miller, Dustin Tollefsrud, Cristal Adkins, Mark Weidemann, and Diane Wilder. Traci Livingood was absent.
Also present in person were Superintendent Gary Kuphal, Principal Michelle Weidemann, Business Manager Aimee Lake, District Secretary Lisa Halverson, Student Board Representative Anna Wheat, and Tyler Augedahl.
The minutes from the November 14 regular school board meeting and the minutes from the November 16 and December 14 strategic planning meetings were approved. However, the November 30 strategic planning meeting lacked a quorum; therefore, there were no minutes to approve.
The board graciously accepted the following donations: $1,000 from an anonymous donor, $500 from U-2 BBQ & Catering, $200 from Mabel Legion Auxiliary, $500 from Barney’s Bar & Grill, and $500 from an anonymous donor for state volleyball expenses; $416 from M-C Booster Club for state volleyball banquet tickets; $2,871.80 from M-C Booster Club for state volleyball hotel expenses; $250 from STS Plumbing & Heating and $250 from Matthew & Tina Swenson for state volleyball bussing expenses; $1,500 from Mabel Lions Club for state volleyball fan bus expenses; and school supplies for students from Mabel First Lutheran Church.
The board approved hiring Jon Wangsness, a resident of rural Decorah and a 2003 graduate of Iowa State University, as the Junior High girls’ basketball coach.
Student Board Representative Anna Wheat shared, “We are selling candy cane grams to fund the yearbook.” Students will be returning to school after the winter break on January 2.
The board was presented with the current enrollment figures. The total number of students enrolled as of the end of November is 154 in K-6 and 119 in grades 7-12, for a total of 273 students.
The board accepted the strategic plan as presented after discussing whether the word citizens was the appropriate word to use in the mission statement or if the word adults was a better choice. The mission statement, as presented, “Providing students with the skills necessary to become successful citizens,” was not revised. Superintendent Gary Kuphal said, “Thank you for your hard work.”
In other business, the board;
• Accepted the teacher seniority list as required each year;
• Approved the Safe Learning Plan for 22-23 six-month review as required for Federal COVID funding. The following review will take place in June;
• Established the combined polling place, Mabel-Canton School, 316 W. Fillmore, Mabel, MN 55954, as required annually.
The Mabel-Canton School Board’s next meeting is January 17, 2023, at 6 p.m. in the Mabel-Canton School, room 50. The following two board meetings are scheduled for February 21 and March 21 at 6 p.m. The public is welcome to attend or monitor the meeting remotely by calling 1-(515) 518-6419 and entering the following PIN 524571559.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:31 p.m.
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