High school industrial technology teacher Paul Tollefsrud addressed the Mabel-Canton School Board at their March 21 meeting on behalf next year’s junior class. The juniors typically hold a 5K fundraiser in the fall, but they would like to switch to having it in the spring instead.
“It’s been a good fundraiser for the junior class over the last four years,” Tollefsrud said. However, to increase participation, he and the class felt that it was time for a change.
Tollefsrud has spoken with the Mabel-Canton Booster Club to ask for their help turning the 5K fundraiser into an all-day community event, to which they agreed. Some of the activities planned are a beanbag tournament, pony rides, games, etc.
The board approved the request for the date of May 20. “I look forward to attending a great event,” board member Chris Miller said as he thanked Tollefsrud.
The spring coaches were approved by the board, along with the hiring of Abby Hanson as a special education paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2016-17 school year. A resignation from music teacher Kimberly Svanoe, effective March 14 was received and approved.
The district’s business manager, Aimee Lake reviewed the financial report and current budget with the board. It was noted that the school is still under budget for the fiscal year and doing well.
Student Representative Cody Hershberger attended the school board meeting and updated the board on the activities around the school. “Everyone’s getting excited for prom,” he replied when asked how he felt about the upcoming event.
The reciprocal sharing agreement between North Winneshiek School and Mabel-Canton was approved.
Superintendent Jennifer Backer informed the board that at their next meeting, they would be discussing the 2017-18 school calendar, the student handbooks, the cheerleading squad, and more. Several seniors will also attend the meeting to ask the board about senior skip day.
Once the fiscal year is over in July, the board will begin discussing the purchase of a new school van.
An increase in enrollment in the fall of 2017 is expected. There have been ongoing talks with North Winneshiek as well as families from the community about sending their children to Mabel-Canton next year.
Superintendent Backer noted that the school will continue to work with the Pathways scholarship program to keep the preschool program at Mabel-Canton free for attending families.
The FFA banquet will be held on March 30 at 7 p.m. at the Mabel Community Center. The next school board meeting will be held on April 18 at 7 p.m.