Photo by Rich Wicks
The Mabel-Canton School Board met in regular session on July 27. In attendance were Mark Wiedemann, Jason Marquardt, Chris Miller, Cristal Adkins, Superintendent Gary Kuphal, Lisa Halverson, Diane Wilder, Dustin Tollefsrud, Traci Livingood, and Principal Michelle Wiedemann.
The board discussed whether or not to offer distance learning for the upcoming school year. Superintendent Kuphal stated, “We, along with every other school in the state, will be allowed to offer distance learning if we choose. But, different than last year, we’re not required to offer distance learning. Last year, we did it synchronous. In other words, for those students who were doing distance learning, teachers taught in person at the same time that they taught the distance learners.” He went on to say that after consulting with Principal Wiedemann, “Right now, my recommendation is that we not offer distance learning for the ‘21/’22 school year, that it not be an option.” He said there were seven students in distance learning last school year, and added, “At this point, if we can return to school normally, all of them are planning to come back.” The board voted to not offer distance learning. Kuphal added that if the pandemic worsens again, state directives could change at any time.
Regarding Mabel-Canton’s “Return to School Plan,” Kuphal handed out information which he’s had posted on the school’s website since mid-June. He summarized, “Basically, what it’s saying is…. given the present circumstances, we’re returning to school pre-COVID 19. Things will be normal.” Dustin Tollefsrud shared that roughly an hour before the school board meeting, he saw an announcement that the CDC is recommending masks for all students in grades K-12. The board decided to approve the Return to School Plan as proposed, and will make any changes as needed if/when further directives come from the state. The board asked for one correction to the plan, so that it would state that masks will be required on school buses. Kuphal said this is mandatory, since school buses are considered “public transportation.”
There was discussion about an increase in the admission “gate fees” charges to those attending Southeast Conference (SEC) sporting events. Fees have been $3 for students and $5 for adults. The proposal from the SEC was to increase the fees to $4 for students and $6 for adults. Kuphal pointed out that, compared to other athletic conferences in the area, “SEC has been the lowest in the area for a number of years.” Chris Miller asked if these rates would also apply during playoffs. Kuphal said that any postseason playoffs are under the umbrella of the Minnesota State High School League, so the SEC fees would apply only to regular season contests.
The board considered an idea brought forward by Kuphal, who said that the school has not yet found anyone with a boiler license, to replace Neil Folstad as head custodian. Kuphal asked the board to consider hiring Folstad for a 12-month period, so that the “huge knowledge” he has about the Mabel-Canton facilities would not be lost, and could be passed on to Folstad’s replacement. Kuphal said the intent would not be to bring in Folstad for physical labor, saying, “It’s not for his body, it’s for his mind.” The board voted to approve hiring Folstad for September ’21 through August ’22, at a rate of $500 per month.
Principal Wiedemann shared that back-to-school night will be September 1, from 3:30-6:30 p.m. She also stated that the first day of classes for students in grades 7-12 will be September 7, while all others will return to class on September 8. The board formally approved Mabel-Canton’s 10-year Longterm Facility Maintenance Plan, as submitted.
The board’s next regular meeting will be August 17 at 6 p.m.