The Rushford-Peterson School Board heard details from Superintendent Dr. Ben Bernard about the new nature walking trail located behind the school. Dr. Bernard thanked several people and groups for its creation.
The school’s wellness committee planned and organized for the trail. A grant from Southeast Service Co-op funded the project. Jeff Michel completed the initial brush hog mowing of the trail.
Teacher Jacob Kramer and the Go Green Club donated a bench to be placed on the trail. The group had received the bench as a result of their very successful plastic bag recycling program.
Anthony Woxland took on the installation of trail marking posts and lights as part of his Eagle Scout project. The posts were bought with the funding obtained from Southeast Services Co-op.
Future plans for the trail include the planting of more grasses and possible installation of boxes that could hold printed suggested activities for classes and other users of the trail.
Dr. Bernard shared the two options being considered for the problematic wall in front of the school. One option is to sandblast the wall and then stain it. The other option is to reinstall the stone using the same techniques and products that were used with the rest of the exterior stonework. Since so much water comes over that wall, the experts are concerned that stone would once again come off the wall. Jeff Michel suggested possibly painting a mural or using stucco on the wall.
Lightning apparently hit the press box at the football field. The school has had to repair wireless internet, the HUDL camera, the irrigation system and the audio system.
In his monthly enrollment update, Dr. Bernard shared the good news that enrollment at R-P has increased by 24 students this year compared to the end of last school year.
Dr. Bernard also shared that there would be a homeschool parent meeting in a couple days. The intent of the meeting was to start a discussion about how the school and the homeschools can help support each other. Homeschool parents were sent a letter earlier. Five families had responded to the invitation.
Community Education
Director Joel Hinke informed the board that he had created a Google sheet for all activities and sports so they can keep track of the workers for each event. He encouraged people interested in helping with the activities to contact him at the school.
Flag football has been organized differently this year. There is a hybrid 4/5/6 padded/flag league with games played on Saturdays. R-P high school football players will be helping to run drills and will referee games. This league is not full contact.
The Community Education brochure has been sent out to families in the R-P School. Community members can find a full brochure posted on the school Facebook page, Rushford-Peterson Schools. Some of the upcoming offerings include a haunted house and winter tree painting class and a fall and Halloween cupcake decorating session.
Hinke has created an X account (RPHS_Activities) and an Instagram account (RP_trojans) which will be updated weekly with activities for the week.
Business Conducted
The board approved the proposed levy for next year, setting it at the maximum. This most likely will be reduced later in December. By law, once the envy is set, it may not be increased, but can be later reduced as a more accurate picture of the school’s finances comes in.
November 12 at 6 p.m. was set for the canvassing of school board election results. It will take place in the forum room.
Donations were gratefully accepted by the board. BK5K-Race volunteer donations totaling $3,000 will go toward Community Education programs; an anonymous donation of $500 will help with student Chromebook fees; the R-P Booster Club donated $4,369.68 for track uniforms; the MN Deer Hunters Association donated $1,000 to be used to purchase archery equipment and supplies for the PE program.
The board accepted the resignation of Assistant Girls Basketball Coach Joel Hinke. They hired Alysta King as a food service assistant, Jennifer Rosie as a paraprofessional for Kids Club Wraparound Care and Marcus Zimmer as a custodian.
Once again the board approved the mandatory Safe Learning Plan for the year. There were a few small changes; the plan follows common sense regarding the health of students.
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