The Mabel-Canton School Board met in regular session on September 17. All members were present (Mark Wiedemann, Jason Marquardt, Traci Livingood, Chris Miller, Principal Michelle Weidemann, High School Secretary Lynette Donald, Superintendent Gary Kuphal, Diane Wilder, Board chair Cristal Adkins and Chris Loppnow).
Superintendent Kuphal asked the board to consider two capital outlay requests. The first, at a cost of $21,660, was for a centralized door-locking system by which all doors could be immediately locked down via a simple computer keystroke, in case of emergency. The second request is for a PA system to allow communication throughout the building. He asked the board to consider approving that “at a cost not to exceed $15,000” as he explained that he’s still looking for the most cost-effective system. The board approved both requests.
Superintendent Kuphal updated the board regarding the recent water damage, and the subsequent repairs. He said the decision was made not to replace the entire carpeting in the Media Center, and this helped keep costs down. He expects the final total cost to be just under the $25,000 insurance settlement. He also stated that the band room is expected to be ready for use again very soon.
Principal Wiedemann shared that, “We had a good start to the school year. I do want to thank the Booster Club. We held a pep fest last week on Friday, and introduced the fall teams… and the Booster Club donated T-shirts to all our new students and staff, and all the kindergarteners.” She also mentioned that Homecoming Week is rapidly approaching, September 30 through October 5. She added, “We’ll have a pep fest as usual on Friday… around 12:40, and then a parade down Main Street around 2 p.m..” She also mentioned that there will be a semi-formal dance on Saturday, October 5, 7:30-11 p.m. at the community center.
Regarding the annual certification of the levy for the school, Superintendent Kuphal had submitted information to the board stating, in part, “As usual, we should certify the maximum this month, and then set the actual amount at our December meeting… this gives us the greatest flexibility and options.” He added that he does not know of any school district that doesn’t handle annual levy certification in this manner. The board certified the maximum levy.
There was discussion about past-due lunch accounts. Superintendent Kuphal summarized the status, and how Mabel-Canton generally handles communication with families that have an overdue balance. The board suggested including a certified letter as one of the standard steps in the process, so the school would have “proof” of mailing, in case legal action were undertaken. There was also a question on whether or not online payment of lunch accounts is an option. Principal Wiedemann said currently, cash or checks are the only ways to pay into a lunch account. She said online payment is something Mabel-Canton could offer, but there is a cost to the school for this. No action was taken at this time.
The board approved the resignation of Kati Bergey (Math Wizards advisor). The board also approved several hirings, including Kay Cross (Elementary Music 4-6, and 7-12 Choir), Ruth Ann Sacquitne (Math Wizards advisor), Ruth Ann Sacquitne and Tamitha Peter (Jr. High Knowledge Bowl), and Brady Livingood (FT custodian).
Appreciation was given for several recent donations, including to Waterloo Ridge Lutheran Church Women (school supplies), Mabel-Newburg Methodist Church ($300 worth of school supplies), Mabel-Canton Booster Club ($250 toward rooms for the volleyball tourney at Burnsville on September 20), Thomas Wunderlich ($300 for the fourth grade classroom), and to the American Legion Post 400 Canton ($200 for weight room supervision).
Kuphal shared thanks for everyone who helped with the recent Volunteer Clean-up Day, which was held August 25. He said a lot of good work was done, including some items that were not even on the “to-do list.”
The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m., and Kuphal then offered an informal tour of the construction progress within the building. The next regular board meeting will be Tuesday, October 15 at 6 p.m. in the media center. The public is welcome at all open meetings.