At the February 9 Lanesboro School Board meeting, several parents were present to express their concerns over the policies in the student handbook regarding tardiness and sick days. Anna Loney explained how her son has a medical condition causing severe fatigue that can make it difficult for him to arrive to school on time. Because of that he is being assigned Saturday school sessions to make up for his tardy slips. She felt that the policy could use some clarification. “It’s very absolutist,” she said, adding that her son’s teachers have told her that they don’t feel that they have any latitude for discretion when it comes to his tardiness. She also pointed out that the strict tardy policy could encourage high school students to go over the speed limit in their attempt to get to school on time, which could result in dangerous driving. Loney had read student handbooks from other districts and felt that they were less punitive and had more room for addressing tardiness on a case by case basis. Board member Christine Troendle assured Loney that the policy committee would review the policy and determine whether there was a language change needed. Sarah Pieper also asked if the five-day sick day policy could be reviewed as she felt it could encourage students to return to school before they’re fully recovered from an illness or injury. Troendle thanked Pieper and Loney for their comments.
Steve Storhoff gave the financial report. The revenue for January came to a total of $429,407.85 and the expenditures to $134,023.86.
The Finance, Facilities, & Long Range Planning Committee recently discussed the issue of a lack of bus drivers for the district. “I think we got some good ideas for thoughts of what we can do,” Superintendent Matt Schultz said. In the last month, four people, two of whom are school board members, have gotten their permits to drive bus. “That should help alleviate some of our struggles,” Schultz commented.
Troendle gave the HVED report. Staffing for the special education programs has been a challenge, but the organization is working to hire some more people.
Board member Sarah Peterson has been receiving updates from the city for the road construction project that is planned for the coming summer and fall and will affect the road in front of the school. She will continue to share any information she receives with the board.
Resignations from daycare employee Shelista Culbertson and Industrial Arts teacher Paul Cutting were approved. Cutting will finish out the school year before resigning.
A $3,500 donation to the scholarship fund and a $100 general donation were accepted with gratitude from the district.
Recently, a discussion took place regarding bus driver training and hiring options. “We talked about how we advertise for positions and came up with some good ideas there,” Superintendent Schultz said. The potential of building a system where the district would cover the up-front cost of getting a license was also discussed. The thought was that individuals who took advantage of that would need to sign on with the Lanesboro School District as a bus driver for three years. Leaving before that time would require that a portion of the cost be paid back to the school. No decisions were made regarding any of the options discussed as it’s an ongoing topic.
The next Lanesboro School Board meeting will be held on March 9 at 7 p.m.
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