The staff of Mabel-Canton expressed their gratitude to the school board for their service as part of Minnesota School Board recognition week, which ran from February 20-24.
Congratulations were extended to the winter sports athletes as their season draws to a close. “Great job on your season and best of luck in the playoffs,” Board Chair Cristal Adkins expressed on behalf of the whole school.
The board accepted a donation in the amount of $20 from Holly Becker in memory of Jim Casterton for the Mabel-Canton choir and a $50 donation from Mike and Linda Kowalsky for the drama club. A donation of hats and gloves for student needs, valued at around $100, was accepted from the members of the Garness church. The board expressed their gratitude for the donors’ generosity.
The law firm of Kennedy & Graven was approved as the district’s legal counsel.
The board approved the hirings of Adam Wilder and Abigail Hanson as special education paraprofessionals. Hanson began working as a para in the last month to provide for the needs of a new student, but the student has since left the district, which ended her employ for the time being.
The district’s business manager, Aimee Lake presented the financial report and current budget to the board. The state funding increased a little due to a slightly higher number of enrolled students than originally planned for in the budget.
“I would just like to say that Aimee does a great job, and we appreciate it,” Dean of Students Michelle Weidemann noted.
Art teacher Stena Lieb will be submitting around 20 art pieces by Mabel-Canton students for the upcoming art show in Lanesboro. The opening reception for the show will be on March 11.
Earlier in the school year, a group of seniors and juniors asked permission to start a chess club, which was granted. The club has taken off in popularity and now has members from the elementary and middle school classes as well.
The school’s website is currently being tweaked and updated. It should be completed soon.
Agriculture teacher and FFA advisor Doug Ward recently received an ag grant in the amount of $3,000. “Mr. Ward does a really good job at bringing money in,” Weidemann said.
Enrollment is holding steady at 255. The numbers can fluctuate from month to month, but haven’t dipped much due to new students.
The current camera system is on its last legs. The school is working with Custom Alarm, who services the camera system, and another company to review the district’s security system needs. “The building is not completely locked down,” Weidemann pointed out. “We’re looking at what our options are and the costs.”
The next Mabel-Canton school board meeting will be held on March 21 at 7 p.m.