Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
The Mabel-Canton School Board was formally recognized by Ehlers & Associates during its regularly meeting on June 17, following the successful sale of school building bonds. Jodie Zesbaugh of Ehlers announced the award of the bonds to Baird out of Milwaukee, and the board unanimously approved the resolution ratifying the sale of the building bonds by roll call vote.
Zesbaugh presented the school with a certificate recognizing the upgrade from A3 to A2 by Moody’s, noting that such upgrades are rarely given. She explained that the improved rating helped the school attract more bids and obtain a lower interest rate. Six bids were received, with the final rate coming in at 3.97%, which she described as “really really good news.” When the estimates were prepared for the election, a 5% interest rate had been assumed. The improved rate will save the district approximately $2.1 million less in principal and interest costs. The bond closing is scheduled for the end of June.
A public hearing on the school’s operating referendum will be held during the July school board meeting.
Chairman Chris Miller called the meeting to order at 6 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call was taken, and the board quickly approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the May 20 regular school board meeting.
Board members present included Dustin Tollefsrud, Traci Livingood, Mark Weidemann, Diane Wilder, Jason Marquardt and Chairman Chris Miller. Board member Amber Tripp was absent.
In a single motion, the board passed the consent agenda, which included the 2024-2025 budget and claims report, as well as the resignation of Coranda Whalen from her positions as junior varsity volleyball coach, junior high softball coach, and high school paraeducator. The board also accepted the following donations: $50 each to the shop and art classes from the Mabel Business Association, and $46.60 from Casey’s General Stores for supplies.
Board members Wilder and Marquardt gave brief reports on the Hiawatha Valley Education District (HVED) and the Southeast Service Cooperative (SSC). Wilder reported that construction at HVED is progressing well, and negotiations are currently underway. Marquardt shared that SSC recently held a policy meeting and discussed plans to simplify the process for organizations wishing to exit the cooperative.
PreK-12 Principal Michelle Weidermann extended her congratulations to the graduating Class of 2025.
Superintendent Gary Kuphal reported he met with Lisa and Josh Bernard of Bernard Bus and to begin negotiations on the school’s transportation contract which ends in June. He expects to present a new proposal to the board for approval at the July meeting.
Susie Monroe presented the annual Quality Compensation (Q Comp) report; no board action was required. Monroe said that an updated report must be submitted by August 30.
Kuphal also shared that four vision group sessions were held earlier this month to discuss the construction project. Participants were asked to create a wish list without being given a budget to constrain them. ISG will develop draft plans based on the input and bring them back in early August for the groups to review. Chairman Miller thanked the staff that volunteered for the sessions.
Business Manager Aimee Lake presented the district’s preliminary 2025-26 budget. Kuphal emphasized that he does not like the number up in the top right-hand corner of the general revenue chart, a projected deficit of $352,694. As of July 1, the school holds 40.23% in unassigned funds, with Kuphal noting that some districts fall below the 25% threshold. Both he and Lake noted that they will need to closely monitor financials.
In additional business, the board took the following actions:
• Accepted a 10-cent increase in school meal prices;
• Approved the second reading of policy 534, regarding school meals;
• Renewed the district’s Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) membership;
• Approved a revised facilities use form and updated fee schedule;
• Approved the proposed capital outlay recommendations from the building and facilities committee;
• Approved the 2025-27 teachers’ contract. Superintendent Kuphal highlighted Mabel-Canton’s efficiency in finalizing the contract ahead of neighboring districts and extended appreciation to both the board’s negotiation team and the teacher representatives.
The board also conducted a first reading of proposed changes to the 2025-26 All School Parent & Student Handbook, and the High School Extra-Curricular Handbook. As it was the first reading for both handbooks, no action was taken.
Lastly, the school’s literacy plan was approved before the meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m.
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