Photo by Kaitlin Longhauser
Spring Grove Public School board members met Monday, June 24 at Spring Grove School’s Learning Resource Center room. Chairman Aaron Solum called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. then conducted roll call. Board members present included Solum, Stephanie Jaster, Kelly Rohland, Aric Elton and Rhan Flatin. Board member Angie Solie attended the meeting virtually. District employees present included Principal Luke Kjelland, with both Superintendent Rachel Udstuen and Assistant Superintendent Gina Morken who participated virtually.
Board member Jaster moved, seconded by Rohland, to adopt the Consent Agenda after three additional items were added. Motion carried.
Science teacher Bethany Mestelle’s resignation had been accepted.
The 2024-2025 Local Literacy Plan had been approved following the state of Minnesota’s adoption of the READ Act. The READ Act’s goal is to have very child starting in kindergarten reading at or above grade level each year. Prior to the READ Act, the goal was to have every child reading at or above grade level by the end of third grade.
The following 2024-2025 coaching staff were approved after recommendation. Staff includes Kelsey Morken, Lexi Thorson, Kody Moore, Aric Elton, Kaare Sanness, Brian Anderson, Ty Cleven, Taylor Elton, Blaine Storlie, Erin Konkel, Jess Sherburne, Dakotah Rostad, Daniel Eiken, Tim Morken, Alisha Solum, Chris Strinmoen, Phil Griffin and Payton Leahy.
The proposed 2024-2025 budget received unanimous approval. Superintendent Udstuen praised, “Thank you Tanya, great work!” Tanya Elton is the school district’s accountant.
Principal Kjelland provided his board report.
• Taylor Reinhardt was recognized as state champion in trapshooting. She is part of the Spring Grove Trap Team.
• Ryan Lueschen will be the district’s new K-12 music teacher.
• The vacant kindergarten paraprofessional position has been filled, with the hiring of Megan Buxengard.
• Morgan Jacobson will be the district’s new remote Spanish teacher from Kingsland School District. Spring Grove students will share this Spanish teacher with Kingsland students virtually for two blocks.
• The high school’s schedule is completed with first semester being all typed up. The elementary schedule is also completed. Teachers are excited to see the layout.
Assistant Superintendent Morken provided her report.
• Morken stated she is working on Title grants which are due soon.
• Morken had met with HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America). HOSA is an opportunity to connect students with the medical sciences. HOSA had asked if Spring Grove Schools would do a five-year grant with them.
• Morken is doing leadership coaching throughout the summer.
• Morken attended the board meeting remotely as she was in the cities doing a training. She will share what she learned at the training when she returns.
Superintendent Udstuen presented her report.
• Udstuen thanked everyone for allowing her to attend remotely.
• Spring Grove School District already has a cell phone policy in place but the policy will need to be revisited after conversations with teachers, parents, and students.
• World’s Best Workforce has been renamed (the new name was not shared at this meeting).
• In regards to facilities, ISG Kraus Anderson will come in July.
Board member Jaster moved, seconded by Rhan, to approve the 10-year Long Term Facilities Maintenance Plan. Motion carried.
Principal Kjelland’s contract gained full board approval. Superintendent Udstuen stated his contract can be renewed as is, and that negotiations can be made later on.
Udstuen recommended to table Assistant Superintendent Morken’s contract approval for July’s board meeting since her contract will be changing soon.
Board member Rohland moved, seconded by Elton, to approve the hiring of Jana Schroeder as Spring Grove School’s new science teacher. Motion carried. Jaster questioned where Schroeder came from. Kjelland responded in that Schroeder is local and that the district is fortunate to have her accept the position.
Jaster moved, seconded by Rohland, to approve the Virtual Program Guidelines. Motion carried. Udstuen shared that there are Spring Grove students who are enrolled in the virtual program and that the program has been successful. Open enrollment is available to other school districts with a limit of five students, where the number can be adjusted to accommodate if a waitlist results. If a student falls 20% behind the expected track mark, the student is expected to come in to receive in-person support. The goal of having students come in-person here is to limit student dropout.
Udstuen played a short video in regards to the Minnesota State High School League for membership. The video talked about how the MSHSL partners with over 600 schools. Participating school districts will be expected to abide by league rules. The top priority of MSHSL is to promote a safe and inclusive learning environment. Board member Rohland moved, seconded by Solie, to approve the MSHSL Resolution for Membership. Motion carried.
The board approved the 2024 Legislative Session Model Policy. Udstuen recommended a one meeting adoption since the changes were minimal.
The meeting adjourned at 8:01 p.m.
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