Recent damages at Mabel-Canton school were shown and discussed during the school board’s regular meeting on July 23. Members present were Traci Livingood, Chris Miller, Principal Michelle Weidemann, Board chair Cristal Adkins, High school secretary Lynette Donald, Diane Wilder, Chris Loppnow, and Superintendent Gary Kuphal.
Kuphal explained that the water damage was not related to weather, but was simply due to a clogged drain and resulting overflow in a janitor’s closet above the Media Center. Kuphal said that a chiller unit (essentially, an air conditioner) drains into the closet, but over a long weekend, at some point the drain clogged, and water started overflowing down into the Media Center, and eventually into the band room. He stated, “I would say that the band room got the brunt of it.” A number of ceiling tiles had to be replaced, as did some sheet rock and carpeting. Kuphal said that Service Pro came and did professional cleaning, an electrician inspected the lighting fixtures, and the school’s insurance assessor came in to review the damage. Overall, Kuphal said, “The hope and the expectation is that everything will be back in order in time for the start of school.”
The board discussed a proposed bus services contract renewal with Bernard Bus Services. The contract is for two years, with options for a third and fourth year. The contract includes installing cameras in all buses. The board approved the contract as submitted.
Kuphal brought up the possibility of scheduling a Community Volunteer Day in August. After discussion, the board chose to schedule it for August 25. In case of inclement weather, only indoor tasks will be performed. There will be no make-up date.
Jessica Hahn-Miller gave a presentation about a school project that was funded by a grant from the Mabel Lions club. Superintendent Kuphal explained that, “The Lions club put together some monies that staff members could apply for grants, and we’ve asked those staff members who have received grants to come and tell us what they did with that grant money.” Hahn-Miller stated, “I teach eighth grade Social Studies, and I have for many years.” She explained that this is the second year she has had her students do a “puzzle project” and she said the grant allowed her to expand the project. She asks each student to pick a country, and then create an over-sized jigsaw puzzle in which each piece contains different details and information about the particular country, such as population, government, economics, attractions, etc. She added that this year, after the projects were completed, she also had the eighth grade students “buddy-up” with a second or third grade student, so the younger students could put the puzzles together and learn a bit about the particular country. Hahn-Miller said this project has been very popular with students, and she closed by giving thanks to the Mabel Lions club.
Regarding the Secure Entrance project which was discussed at the board’s June meeting, Kuphal summarized the main changes that had been proposed, as cost-saving measures. He said the changes would create a savings of nearly $59,000, bringing the project’s total cost down to $470,214. The board approved these changes as described.
Pastor Elliott Malm (Mabel First Lutheran Church) addressed the board with an idea for the board to consider. He and other local clergy members have discussed the possibility of offering Wednesday religious education sessions right after the school day ends. Pastor Malm said the hope is to include students in grades K-7. He asked if the board felt this would be a significant conflict with athletic practices. Board members said that coaches are generally willing to work around such absences if they are known beforehand. Mabel-Canton coaches will be consulted to see if this idea seems feasible.
Kuphal stated, “Open enrollment appears to be up,” although he said there are often surprises up to and including the first day of school, with some students and families opting into or out of the school district at the last minute. But, regarding enrollment, he summarized, “Right now, our numbers are looking good.”
The next regular board meeting will be Tuesday, August 20 at 6 p.m. in the Media Center. The public is welcome at all open meetings.