The Mabel-Canton School Board met in regular session on October 15. All members were present (Mark Wiedemann, Jason Marquardt, Traci Livingood, Chris Miller, Principal Michelle Weidemann, high school Secretary Lynette Donald, Business Manager Aimee Lake, Superintendent Gary Kuphal, Diane Wilder, Board chair Cristal Adkins and Chris Loppnow).
The board heard an appeal from Phil Richert, who spoke of the history of students from northern Winneshiek County coming across the border to attend school at Mabel, or nowadays, Mabel-Canton. He told of how well-received the North Winn students have been at this school over the years, and Cristal Adkins agreed, saying it’s generally been “seamless.” Richert shared an estimate of the financial income that Mabel and Mabel-Canton has seen due to North Winn students “crossing the border” over the years, and board members agreed this has been very valuable, both in financial and non-financial ways. There is currently a five-year agreement between Mabel-Canton and Decorah Area School District, allowing students to continue attending Mabel-Canton if they prefer. Richert suggested planning ahead to work on renewing that agreement, if possible, or to have a “Plan B” in case the practice ends after five years. Kuphal said this is already being considered in the meetings to work on the Mabel-Canton strategic plan development.
Richert brought along a “North Winn Mustangs” wooden painted logo that he was allowed to keep when the North Winn school district was merged into the Decorah Area school district, and he asked if the board would consider displaying it somewhere, to recognize and honor the many North Winn students who attended school in Mabel over the years. Several board members voiced support for this idea, but no formal action was taken at this time. The matter will be added as an action item on the agenda of an upcoming board meeting, so the board can decide how best to recognize the historical connection, and the contributions of these students over the years.
Kuphal asked the board to consider setting a tuition amount for any students who attend Mabel-Canton. He explained that the tuition only applies to students for whom state aid is not received. He said this tuition could then apply to situations such as if students from outside the district wish to enroll, or if a current Mabel-Canton student moved out of the district but doesn’t wish to change schools. The board had previously set a tuition amount, but Kuphal suggested it likely should be adjusted up to the amount of state aid. The board chose to table this issue for now, but will readdress it in the future.
Kuphal informed the board that Mabel-Canton has found out that it is possible to sign a “foster care agreement” in which the county and the school would equally share transportation costs if a student moves out of the district due to being placed in foster care. He said he does not yet have the proposed agreement to review. The board voted to give Kuphal the authority to sign such an agreement if, after review, Kuphal feels it will be beneficial to the school district.
In the “Good Things Happening” portion of the meeting, Principal Wiedemann shared that the junior high Knowledge Bowl team recently started their season with a competition in Rochester, and placed sixth out of 22 teams. She also noted that sports teams will soon be gearing up for tournament time, and she said the recent Homecoming dance was well attend and “a lot of fun.”
The board heard an annual audit summary from Andrew Forliti, representing the accounting firm of Smith Schafer and Associates. Forliti stated that the audit resulted in an unmodified “clean” opinion. Cristal Adkins reported on Superintendent Kuphal’s job evaluation, after he opted to have it discussed in open session. Regarding the input from board members, she stated, “I’ve never gotten anything but very positive feedback.”
There was discussion about the board’s interest in finding a student representative to attend board meetings. Mabel-Canton has previously found these students via recommendations from teachers, but so far this school year, none of the recommended students have been willing or available to take on this role. Board members stated that because of sports and other extracurricular activities, many students are not reliably free to attend board meetings on Tuesday evenings. Kuphal suggested opening it up for any students in grade 9-12 to voice their interest, and the board could then review those who have indicated interest. The next regular board meeting will be Tuesday, November 19 at 6 p.m. in the media center. As always, the public is welcome at all open meetings.
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