The Mabel-Canton School Board held a regular meeting on March 20. All members were present at the meeting, including Mark Weidemann, Jason Marquardt, Chris Miller, Principal Michelle Weidemann, Student Board Representative Maddison Michels, Board Chair Cristal Adkins, Superintendent Gary Kuphal, Business Manager Aimee Lake, High School Secretary Lynette Donald, Chris Loppnow, Diane Wilder and Liz Hershberger. No members of the public had requested to address the council.
Superintendent Kuphal shared with the board that, as in past years, he plans to meet with each senior student individually this spring, to learn each student’s plans for the future, and to ask their comments about their experience at Mabel-Canton. He said he will not share individual answers publicly, but will be able to give the board general numbers of how many students are targeting post-secondary education, work or military service. He said he is also considering contacting students five years after graduation to ask how these goals have panned out.
Kuphal explained to the board that Mabel-Canton planned for three snow cancellation days, but has actually had four, so his suggestion would be to have school in session on March 28. He said March 28 was the original plan for the first makeup day, but it was up to the board to decide. The board voted to have classes in session on March 28.
Kuphal addressed the board and asked that they consider the concepts of “World’s Best Work Force” (WBWF) and a Strategic Plan. He briefly explained the five proposed WBWF aims, which include: All students are ready for kindergarten, All students in third grade achieving grade-level literacy, Closing achievement gaps among all students, All students career-and college-ready by graduation, and All students graduate. He explained that M-C would develop a SMART goal under each of these five aims. The board voted to move forward in pursuing the WBWF program.
Kuphal went on to describe the Strategic Plan concept, stating, “My personal, I guess comfort level, is that a Strategic Plan is overarching everything. World’s Best Work Force fits under that. So as an example, you just heard me talk about five (WBWF) goals, and really they’re all academic. Under a Strategic Plan,… there may be some other things that we feel are important for our district.” He also suggested the Strategic Plan would probably be a three to five year plan for what M-C wants to achieve. The board voted to move forward in working to develop a Strategic Plan.
Superintendent Kuphal gave public thanks to the M-C Booster Club for a $100 donation for food at the Social Media presentation. The board approved the hiring of Matthew Mauseth as long term substitute high school science teacher for Jordan Nelson (contingent on meeting MDE licensing requirements). The board accepted the resignations of Deb Graf (band director) and Doug Ward (Ag teacher and FFA advisor), both effective June 1, 2018. Cristal Adkins said there are many thanks due to both for their years of service. Both positions will be opened up for applicants.
Regarding current enrollment, Kuphal said M-C is “Currently at 255. We budgeted for 250, so we’re on track.” The board approved the 2017-2018 budget as submitted. Calendar reminders include Spring Break, March 29 through April 2, and the Senior Class Trip, April 6-15. The meeting adjourned at 6:47 p.m. The next regular board meeting will be Tuesday, April 17 at 6 p.m. in the media center. The public is welcome.