Snow days were discussed at the Mabel-Canton School Board meeting on April 17. 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. Kuphal explained that the planned “Easter Break” was shortened by one day to make up for a previous snow day, but then the first two days back after Easter Break had to be cancelled due to another winter storm. He said the school calendar allowed for three snow days, and joked that perhaps next year the board should plan on twelve snow days, since winter storms have continued to come well into spring. Kuphal said the final decision rests with the board, but his suggestion is not to extend the school year to make up for excess snow days, because in his experience, the “added on” days have very little educational value. Diane Wilder asked if Mabel-Canton would still be within state guidelines, and Kuphal answered, “I know we’re not out of compliance.” The board then voted unanimously not to make up the two days missed after Easter, nor any further snow days that may occur before the end of the school year.
The board heard a brief presentation from teacher Katie Bergey and sixth grade students Paige and Isabella regarding the recent Eagle Bluff trip and Giants of the Earth heritage center visits. The students told of the fun they’d had learning winter survival skills, high ropes course, and learning about conservation. No members of the public had requested to address the council.
The board approved several resignations and hirings as submitted, including the posting of a fulltime “Reading Corps” position that Principal Wiedemann described. Superintendent Kuphal gave public thanks to Lori Erickson for donation of $200 for Class of 2018 in memory of Avery Arneson, Mabel Lions for $1,500 toward the senior class tour, Canton American Legion for $1,000 to the Class of 2018, and Bob Peterson for $25 donation to the senior trip. Liz Hershberger said the senior trip went well, and that all students said they were glad they’d gone.
Superintendent Kuphal summarized his recent trip to the state capital, and said he’s spoken with lawmakers about two priority items: school security/safety and mental health needs. He asked lawmakers to remember not to put on excessive constraints when funds are allocated, since every school district’s needs are unique.
Kuphal summarized three contractual matters for the board to consider. He outlined the contractual details for himself to remain as the superintendent for the 2018-19 school year, and those for Michelle Wiedemann as principal for both the 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years, as well as the proposed working agreement with non-certified staff for the upcoming school year. Kuphal added that Wiedemann is “fully certified now as a principal.” The board voted unanimously to approve these as submitted.
The board discussed the success of the recent turkey dinner, and some members stated that if students were to go door-to-door for ticket sales, even more profit could be garnered in coming years. The board voted to pay $2,000 on an invoice from Winona Heating and Ventilating, and to adopt a Lead in Water Plan, as submitted.
The board heard an update from student representative Maddison Michels on how students feel the school year is going. Calendar reminders include the last day of school May 31, and upcoming school board meetings on May 15, June 19, and July 17 (all at 6 p.m. in the Media Center). As always, the public is welcome at all regular school board meetings.