A regular meeting of the Mabel-Canton School Board was held on May 15. Members present included Mark Weidemann, Jason Marquardt, Chris Miller, Principal Michelle Weidemann, Board chair Cristal Adkins, Superintendent Gary Kuphal, high school secretary Lynette Donald, Chris Loppnow, Diane Wilder and Liz Hershberger. Much of the agenda covered needs for the summer and/or the upcoming school year.
Kuphal shared a list of “high, medium and low” priority items that a committee recently came up with to plan for the most important equipment and expenditures needed by Mabel-Canton. He said all of the high priority items appear to be realistic to have within the 2018-19 budget.
Principal Wiedemann shared the names of six students who recently joined the National Honor Society (Drew Wyffels, Maddy Michels, Anna Erickson, Lexi Thorson, Hannah Schneekloth and Hannah Snell). She also shared details of several events coming up before the end of the school year, including Track & Field Day, high school awards, spring athletic awards, and baccalaureate.
Principal Wiedemann also said there have not yet been any applicants for the Ag Teacher position for the 2018-19 school year. Superintendent Kuphal said if needed, the position could be split between two staff, and he pointed out that although the position requires a four-year degree, it does not have to be in any agriculture-related field. He encouraged anyone interested to apply, and shared his opinion that if the job isn’t filled for 2018-19, it will be even harder to fill in the future because students will “move on to other things.”
Senior students Travis Vatland and Deanna Phillips addressed the board, with Phillips stating, “Travis and I are here on behalf of the senior class, asking for the days of the 29th, 30th, and 31st off.” Cristal Adkins asked, “Do you know why we’ve traditionally done that in the past?” Phillips replied, “To get ready for graduation.” Adkins then asked, “And what is it in lieu of?” Phillips answered, “Senior skip day, senior pranks,…” The board voted to approve the days off as requested by the senior class.
Superintendent Kuphal gave a legislative update, including the possibility of the state implementing an Academic Achievement Rating System, wherein each school would get a rating ranging from 1 to 100. He pointed out that he feels such a rating can be misleading, because it doesn’t give enough information for students and their families to accurately compare one school to another. But he added, “We’ll see if that comes out.”
Kuphal asked the board to consider allowing additional custodial help over the summer. He said because of mowing, and because of the need for a part-time custodian indoors, he would request up to $8,000 for additional summer custodial help. The board voted to approve this. The board also approved extended technology time for summer, up to 50 hours.
Kuphal then explained that he asks the board to approve an Energy Audit by Greg Ernst. Kuphal said he’s dealt with Ernst before, and Ernst expects to be able to achieve savings for Mabel-Canton in excess of $10,000 and possibly $20,000 or more. Kuphal said because of a grant covering half the cost, Ernst’s audit will only cost Mabel-Canton $750. The board voted to approve this audit and the $750 payment.
The board had lengthy discussion about the upcoming consolidation of North Winneshiek and Decorah schools, and how this could impact Mabel-Canton. Kuphal explained that it is not yet decided if (or how) this may change the situation for any North Winneshiek students who have opted to attend Mabel-Canton. Chris Miller and Kuphal will begin contacting school boards and superintendents in several school districts adjacent to Mabel-Canton, so agreements can hopefully be worked out proactively.
Chris Loppnow shared that, “Post prom went awesome.” Calendar reminders include the last day of school May 31, and upcoming school board meetings on June 19, and July 17 (both at 6 p.m. in the media center). As always, the public is welcome at all regular school board meetings.