As the new school year approaches, the Mabel-Canton School Board met August 19 to take key steps in preparing for the 2025-26 school year.
Chair Chris Miller called the meeting to order at 6 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Other board members present included Jason Marquardt, Dustin Tollefsrud, Traci Livingood, Mark Weidemann, Diane Wilder and Amber Tripp.
The board unanimously approved the meeting agenda, which included two additions to the consent agenda. Minutes from the July 15 regular meeting were also approved.
Consent Agenda
The board approved the consent agenda and two addendum items. The following actions were included:
- Approval of the 2024-25 district budget;
- Approval of the district claims report;
- Hiring Jenna Stortz as assistant volleyball coach;
- Hiring Nicky Eiken as concessions coordinator for volleyball and basketball for the 2025-26 school year;
- Hiring Patty Vatland as preschool paraprofessional;
- Thanks to the Mabel Lions Club or the $500 donation to help cover the cost of the football camp bus;.
- Thanks to the M-C Booster Club for the $750 donation for the same purpose;
- Thanks for the $50 donation in memory of Dave Anderson to be used for the Alumni Scholarship.
Administrative Reports
After updating the board on staff training, PreK-12 Principal Michelle Weidemann expressed gratitude for the generosity of area churches and community members for all the donated school supplies. She said, “It’s a pretty special thing that they do for the students and families here at Mabel-Canton.”
A thank you to the school’s custodians Dana, Brad and Max. “They’re a great team. They work hard and are go getters,” said Weidemann. “Every time you see those guys, make sure to thank them.”
Superintendent Gary Kuphal provided several updates during his report to the board:
- The district’s negotiating team has begun discussions with paraprofessionals. Their initial proposal has been presented, and the school will share its counterproposal Tuesday, September 2.
- The new science floor has been completed. “You are not able to tell it’s a different floor,” Kuphal said. “They were able to match it very well – except it’s a better floor.”
- TNT Painting is painting the exterior stairs leading up the gym, along with all the exterior doors that need painting, except those that will be affected by upcoming construction.
- The school has been having construction meetings every two weeks. ”We have asbestos,” Kuphal said. “That project is coming up to be more than I had anticipated it to be.”
- The preliminary construction budget came in $17,000 under budget. “So far, so good,” Kuphal said.
He also shared that Business Manager Aimee Lake has agreed to continue in her role for another three years. The district is currently looking to hire a part-time account payable/payroll person.
Action Items
The board approved the following items under new business:
- Renewal of the SMS proposal;
- Increased substitutes pay rates for teachers from $140 per day to $155 per day and increased paraprofessionals substitutes rate to $16.25 per hour. Administrators made the decision not to renew the contract with Teachers on Call (TOC) this year. It was suggested that an ad be placed in the newspaper to recruit substitute teachers and paraprofessionals.
- Approved the Bernard Bus contract;
- Approved the transportation contract for children and youth in foster care.
Weidemann reviewed the district’s “Redefining Ready” report card with the board. The report evaluates graduating seniors to determine if they college ready, college and career ready, or career ready.
Weidemann emphasized that when interpreting the percentages, it’s important to consider class size, as it can significantly affect the results. This year there were 28 students and last year there were 14 students.
Regarding the use of ACT benchmarks, it was explained that they are based on nationwide data.
Seventy percent of 2025 graduating seniors are 70% college ready, 67% are college and career ready, and 89% are career ready as compared to 2024 graduating seniors who were 67% college ready, 67% college and career ready, and 92% were career ready.
According to Weidemann, the report highlights how well the school is preparing the students, where the school is excelling, and what needs improvement.
Kuphal added that the school began this initiative four years ago, with the Class of 2021 serving as the baseline. “We weren’t working with students at all in any of these areas for the class of 21,” Kuphal said. “Obviously, we’ve got ups, and we’ve got downs, but are we better than we were before we were doing this? I would say we probably are. So, I think we’re having some impact.”
Since no action was required on the “Redefining Readiness” report card, Miller called to adjourn the meeting adjourn at 6:43 p.m.
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