It was the last Mabel-Canton School Board meeting for Superintendent Jennifer Backer. In an emotional address, she said her decision to resign was “bittersweet” and her last four years have been memorable. “I publicly welcome the next superintendent and want you to know that I’m here to help in any way I can to make the transition a smooth one.”
One candidate has applied for the position and Backer distributed the materials of the applicant for the board to review. In terms of licensing, Backer said the candidate is qualified. She also passed out a document with 24 suggested interview questions and encouraged the board to move quickly on setting up an interview.
The board will invite the candidate to interview next week and the public is invited to attend. Date and time will be posted on the district’s website.
Also at its June meeting, the M-C School Board voted to not renew Doug Wyffels contract as head coach for the boys basketball team. Prior to the vote, there was discussion of the review process for all head coaches that had been done by the administration, with input from the athletic director. Board Vice chair Bobbie Vickerman, questioned how to handle anonymous complaints. She expressed concern that they are difficult to handle because there’s no recourse for verification.
According to Superintendent Backer, Wyffels received a favorable evaluation from the administration, but “he did not live up to the expectations as provided by the school board one year ago.”
School Board Clerk Chris Loppnow spoke about Wyffels before making her motion to not renew his contract. “He has not proved himself enough to get his contract renewed. It was a hard decision last year. He’s a great person and teacher, but his comradery on the court…not sure,” Lappnow said. The vote to not renew the contract was 5-1, with Vickerman voting against the motion.
Discussion continued from last meeting about purchasing a new van for athletics and general use. The current van was purchased almost 12 years ago, which is nearly “aged out,” meaning it can’t be used to transport students.
Superintendent Backer encouraged the Board to discuss the van with the bus company that has expressed an interest in bidding on the district’s transportation contract. “They have connections and could be a good resource for us,” Backer said. “In talking with them, it appears there may be some possibilities that could save us money.”
The board asked Backer to email Mike Bernard of Bernard Bus Company in Chatfield to submit a bid for the district’s transportation contract before the July 18 school board meeting. The board agreed to meet at 6 p.m. that night in order to discuss the bid with Bernard and get more information on purchasing a van. The board will obtain their own bids for a van so a cost comparison can be made with what Bernard may have for options.
Non-union staff was the last item on the agenda. Vickerman met with employees before the meeting. They have not had pay raises in a few years and have expressed concerns over this. It was suggested that the board move forward on getting a plan in place by the next meeting that included a pay increase that falls in line with what we had proposed. “They were happy with what we proposed and we should move on it,” Vickerman said.
It was agreed that a non-certified staff handbook containing job descriptions, policies, review procedures, pay scales for positions, etc. would be very helpful. Superintendent Backer suggested the Board ask the new superintendent to request for other districts to send their handbooks to help draft one for M-C.
In other business
• The proposed 2017-18 operating budget of $3,410,560 was approved and will take effect July 1. Monthly invoices were approved for payment in the amount of $76,131 and includes $32,771.62 for the annual property and liability insurance premium.
• Cody Hershberger, M-C 2017 graduate, attended Boys State last week. He was sponsored by Mabel American Legion. “It was a huge honor to represent our city there,” Hershberger said. “I didn’t know anyone, but by the time the week ended I made friends and we’re staying connected through group chat.” Topics covered included ethics, parliamentary procedures, budgets, city and county governments. He ran for and won county treasurer and delegate.
• The school thanked the following for their generous donations: Gjere Construction ($200 for ditch cleaning); Canton Legion Post 400 ($300 for weight room and $400 for band program) and Mabel Sportsman’s Club ($312 for archery equipment).
• Kudos to the M-C Trap Shooting team. Their performance in Alexandria put them in the top 40 teams and earned them the opportunity to go to State. They will now be vying for State title next week in Prior Lake with five shooters and three alternates.
The next M-C School Board meeting will be held on July 18 in the school library. The Board will meet at 6 p.m. to meet with Bernard Busing Company. The regular M-C Board meeting will begin at 7 p.m.