The newly completed R-P strategic plan for 2023-2028 was presented for approval at the November 20 school board meeting. Superintendent Dr. Ben Bernard enthused, “It’s a really nice document!” Bernard said his role was as a facilitator; the plan was created by the strategic committee and surveys of the public. In total, the strategic committee met for five sessions as they worked on the plan.
The same cohesive theme runs throughout the document. The vision of R-P is “to educate the difference makers of tomorrow.” The mission, which Bernard explained as “how we are going to get to our vision,” is clearly stated as, “Rushford-Peterson Public Schools will educate students with the knowledge, skills and values that empower them to contribute meaningfully to their community. Together we strive to be the catalysts for positive change.”
The document goes on to detail goals and objectives in six different focus areas that state how the school will work toward its vision. The strategic committee tried to prioritize what can be accomplished in the first three years. By year four, it will be necessary to once again begin work on the next strategic plan.
“The strategic plan will be the guiding document going forward. It’s good work – worthwhile,” Bernard declared. The board unanimously approved and accepted the plan.
LARPH Cross Country
The LARPH boys cross country team was recognized by the board for their successful season. The team was the 2023 Section 1A winner and went on to take eighth place at the state meet. This was the fifth year in a row that the boys cross country team made it to state. On the way, several members of the team achieved PRs.
According to coach Matt Kingsbury, the seniors were instrumental in keeping the team together. The team runs behind St. Mary’s University in Winona every Tuesday and around town in Rushford every Thursday. This group of friends runs together all year long.
Senior Ryan Prinsen was on all five of the recent LARPH state teams. Prinsen spoke of the great team culture the LARPH team has; everyone is willing to work hard.
June 2023 Audit
Kali Lentz of Smith Schafer presented the unmodified “clean” opinion in the R-P audit from June 2023. The food service currently has a positive $250,000 fund balance that resulted from the funding differences during COVID and now with free meals provided for all students.
Community Services are still operating at a deficit of $3,000 even after the transfer of $32,809 from the general fund. A solution could be to transfer more to Community Services. The board supplements the fund to support the preschool; this helps future students get off to a good start in their education at R-P.
Personnel
The board accepted the resignation of head football coach Davin Thompson; the position will be advertised early next spring.
Lukas Rasmussen resigned from his JH boys basketball coaching position and accepted the position of assistant varsity boys basketball coach. Other coaches hired were: David Jewison, head RP/H track coach and Landon Skalet, JH boys basketball coach.
Angelica Olson was hired as a long-term sub for high school SPED from November 27 to February 16. Jenny Thompson was also hired as a long-term sub for third grade from April 9 to May 31.
Other Business
•The board set the organizational meeting for January 22 (the same day as the regular January board meeting);
•Approved the master teacher contract with a 3.9% increase the first year and a 3.15% increase the second;
•Approved the trail easement with the city;
•Approved activity workers rate of pay to bring them in line with what other area schools are paying; this cost R-P an additional $5,420;
•Approved the 2023-2024 teacher seniority list; Accepted donations totalling $12,194;
•Approved resolutions accepting both form A and form B grant applications with MSHSL;
•Heard from Dr. Bernard that the school is pushing the contractor for a permanent fix of the stone work on the front of the school.
The Truth-in-Taxation meeting will be December 18 at 6 p.m. in the forum room; the regular R-P School Board meeting will follow. The public is welcome to attend.
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