Mabel-Canton reviews distance learning

By Rich Wicks
Mabel-Canton’s School Board held a regular meeting on April 21, although there wasn’t much “regular” about it, as most members participated via remote technology, due to coronavirus prevention guidelines. Superintendent Gary Kuphal explained that, until further notice, this is how the school’s board meetings will be held. Board members participating included Chris Miller, Mark Wiedemann, Cristal Adkins, Jason Marquardt, Traci Livingood, Diane Wilder, Dustin Tollefsrud, and student representative Colton Heintz-Kuderer.
When asked how students feel about the distance-learning system now in place, Heintz-Kuderer replied, “Well, I can say every single student would rather be doing school in the building than at home.” He added that other than some communication slow-downs at times, “It sounds like everything is going good, and everyone is starting to get used to this new system.”
Board members shared that they’ve seen some very interesting and fun ways that students have used technology to “hang out” during the stay-at-home order. Superintendent Kuphal agreed, stating, “One thing that’s happening is all the creativity that we’re seeing… Once we get back to a normal, whatever that is, routine, I think we’re going to see some changes in a positive way.”
Kuphal said that Mabel-Canton’s distance learning plan has been implemented well, and that staff have worked through various challenges along the way. He stated, “I was pleasantly surprised at the gung-ho attitude” that was shown by all the staff when they were asked to help decide and roll out the new way of delivering education to students. He also shared that the vast majority of students and their families have been responsive in communicating and picking up and/or dropping off materials.
Kuphal brought up the previously approved community survey to be performed by School Perceptions, to help Mabel-Canton determine how large a bond referendum the voters are likely to support in an election either in August, or as part of the general election in November. Kuphal stated that the survey was not sent out yet, due to the coronavirus and related school closures. He said that too much time has passed to make it realistic to conduct the survey in preparation for the August vote, but there is still time to aim for the November election. He asked if the board wishes to pursue this, or to delay until next year. The board’s consensus was to watch and wait for about a month, and if appropriate, to then move forward with plans for the survey.
The board approved the list of spring coaching staff as presented, although Kuphal said he will separately make recommendations regarding the pay for these coaches. He explained that since some coaches had already begun their seasons, while others had not, there is likely no single answer regarding how to most fairly determine their pay. He said usually, spring coaches get one-third of their pay in each of the months April through June. He recommended making “prorated” pay decisions based on how much of their seasons had occurred. The board agreed with this plan.
The board accepted the resignation of Rachel Breitenbach as high school English teacher, and the retirement of Lynette Donald, effective June 5. The next regular board meeting will be Tuesday, May 19 at 6 p.m. Any members of the public interested in listening to the meeting are asked to contact the school beforehand to get call-in details.