The Rushford-Peterson School Board decided unanimously to return the Solar for Schools Grant to the state during their September 15 regular meeting. In the second round of exploring the possibility of the addition of solar panels to the school roof, R-P had already been awarded the grant. The problem with installing solar panels was that the option of placing the panels on the current roof would void the warranty on the roof. If panels were installed, any leaks resulting from such installation would not be covered. A special underlayment could have been installed, but would have cost an additional $200,000.
Superintendent Ben Bernard was not willing to go forward with such an installation and suggested returning the grant to the state. Other options for installation were considered including behind the school. The space is currently used for green space, and no one wanted to lose that. It would also have been a long run for the produced electricity.
The possibility of using awnings with the solar panels on top like WSU has done was briefly considered, but rejected. Bernard noted that the grants would come back again; current grants are ending next summer. He advised the board to wait and see for now. If a building project were to happen, it might be possible to place the panels on a new roof which could handle the panels.
New hires by the board included SPED paraprofessional Shelley Nisbit, Assistant Dance Coach Sarah Gruett, Assistant Knowledge Bowl Coach Grace Dahl and Assistant Track Coaches Kayle Roden and Jon Theuer. Resignations from Assistant Track Coach Matt Myszewski and 7 & 8 grade Softball Coach Jodi Peters were accepted.
The board gratefully accepted donations totalling $10,242; most of the donations came from local businesses and organizations for R-P athletic memberships. The Rushford Lions donated $200 for a flag pole light; Norman’s Electric donated $1,317 in-kind for the new scoreboard; Bluff Country Ag donated $900 in-kind of popcorn and bags.
The proposed levy for 2025 payable in 2026 was set at the maximum. Bernard reminded the board that the rate could be reduced later, but could not be raised at a later date.
A special meeting was set for Truth in Taxation on Monday, December 15 at 6:15 p.m.; this is the same night as the regular December board meeting.
The board continued to read through school policies. The second reading of four policies was completed with no comments. The first reading of four additional policies was done with a second reading set for the October meeting. These first reading policies address student discipline, personal “communication devices,” public data and crisis management policy. Policies are in line with the suggested policies from MSBA (Minnesota School Board Association) according to Bernard.
Reports
Dr. Bernard reported that student enrollment was up two students from last year; a total of 13 new students joined R-P. The graduating class had more students than the incoming kindergarten class.
Work will be done on the stone in front of the ramp at the school. The stone will be removed over MEA and the cement behind the stone will be evaluated so the repair plan can be finalized.
Bernard enthused about having students back in the school. He shared the excitement of the elementary students during a recent thunderstorm. Students cheered and chanted at the lightning show visible through the large windows during their lunch.
Elementary Principal Angela Shephard shared that 280 students attended the recent open house. $600 of new recess supplies brought a new excitement to the school playground. This week brought even more excitement as the elementary students participated in homecoming dressup days.
MSHS Principal Jake Timm shared some of the upcoming career opportunities. Freshmen and Sophomores will be attending the CTE Exploration Day at Caledonia High School to learn more about over 30 careers.
Over 30 students will attend a college fair at WSU, and the juniors will be touring all three post secondary institutes in Winona on October 29.
New Activities Director and Dean of Students Clay Olstad informed the board that eight R-P students will be attending a Student Leadership Day at Winona Cotter; Olstad will be attending the Annual Region Meeting at Lourdes with R-P’s head coaches and the MSHSL Meeting with Mr. Timm. He noted that fall sports were off to a “strong start,” and winter activity schedules have been finalized.
As dean of students, Olstad shared that a new state assessment, the CAPTI test, will be introduced this year as part of the READ act. The test is designed to help identify student needs, especially the characteristics of dyslexia.
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