The Spring Grove School Board met on Tuesday evening, January 19, 2021, at 7 p.m. in the school’s media center, adhering to the governor’s guidelines for capacity (maximum 10 people). The meeting was broadcast on Google Meet for the public and media.
The organizational meeting of the Spring Grove School was called to order by Chair Aaron Solum at 7:02 p.m.
Board members in attendance were President Aaron Solum, Stephanie Jaster, Kelly Rohland, Jenny Stender, Rhan Flatin, and Aric Elton.
The board approved the agenda and unanimously elected Aaron Solum to serve as the 2021 Chair, Stephanie Jaster as the vice chair, Jenny Stender as the clerk, and Tonya Elton, treasurer.
From the law firm Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney, P.A., Erin Benson was approved as the district’s school attorney.
The board delegated of the district’s electronic fund transfers to the school district accountant, Tanya Elton.
The board appointed board committee members and board member to serve on the HVED Board of Directors for 2021.
The regular meeting of the Spring Grove School Board was called to order.
The board unanimously approved the consent agenda, including the agenda and additional agenda items, minutes from the regular meeting on December 20, 2020, and the Emergency School Board Meeting on December 30, 2020, Treasurer’s Report and approval of Bills, and the junior high girls basketball assistant coach, Tim Opat, contract.
Principal’s report
Principal Luke Kjelland informed the board that the plan is still to administer state testing. Testing for Access/Alternate Access opens on January 25. On March 8, reading, math, and science MCA and MTAS testing begin. There will be lots of virtual training sessions with lots of information.
The school received the ACT data. Fifteen Spring Grove students took the test. The average composite score for Spring Grove was 20.6, while the Minnesota composite average was 21.3.
The spelling bee on Friday, January 15, was exciting. First place went to Grace Torgerson, second place Izabel Kaufmann, and third place Kolton Nerstad. Congratulations students!
Assistant superintendent’s report
Assistant Superintendent Gina Meinertz updated the Board on all the fun and exciting activities that have been taking place. Meinertz stressed the importance of sharing the school’s story of success. Check out Showcases of Learning, a new tab on the school’s website, or watch for the school’s newsletter in the Fillmore County Journal.
The new Tech Club is moving forward. A community member reached out to the club interested in sharing his knowledge and experience with the students.
Exciting news for the outdated science lab; the leadership team discussed the lab remodel and gathered information from teachers and students regarding goals and needs.
On January 12, the staff gathered for a Professional Development retreat. Meinertz mentioned that it was “a nice hour-and-a-half experience.” She shared that it brought everyone together virtually and how nice it was to be together again.
The school has started planning for next year. Feedback sessions beginning with students, then staff, and followed by parents, are being scheduled.
The Bluff County Navigator plans an upcoming career fair for 8th through 12th graders, scheduled on February 4 and 5. If any Fillmore County Journal readers are interested in speaking to the students about their careers, contact Meinertz.
Superintendent report
Superintendent Rachel Udstuen reminded the board that students returned on the 14th. According to Udstuen, it was a good thing that the school took a break, or “we would have had to take a quarantine.”
Nasal swap tests are being conducted to staff every other week in a proactive move to identify anyone that is asymptomatic.
There is not enough vaccine, so leadership has created a priority list based on the following three criteria to determine who gets the shot: 1. age, 2. pre-existing conditions, and 3. around kids.
Included in the new learning plan is one change for the kids. When doing indoor activities, the students need to wear a mask. For the kids who are having difficulty wearing a mask when participating in activities, the school handles each situation individually.
The topic of non-essential people in the building was mentioned. This time the conversation centered around driver’s education and elementary winter sports. The superintendent recommends allowing volunteer coaches and instructors in the building.
Following are the specific goals used by the school’s leadership to guide planning for the 2020-21 School Year Planning:
1. Keep students and staff physically safe.
2. Care for the social-emotional needs of students and staff.
3. Keep learning the priority to create a strong learning environment no matter the delivery model.
4. Reduce inequities by meeting the learning needs of students.
5. Engage in complex work that will require the collective efforts of many.
Other business
Superintendent Udstuen reminded the board that the Resolution Directing the Administration to Make Recommendations for Reductions in Program/Positions for 2021-22 is something the board does every January. The superintendent does not anticipate any reductions. This was unanimously approved.
The board unanimously approved a $4,000 contract increase for Business Manager Tanya Elton for the ‘20-’21 school year.
Winter sports for elementary students and driver’s education have been given the go-ahead to be in the building, approved by the board.
The board accepted superintendent Udstuen’s recommendation to proceed with the school science lab’s architectural service agreement. The plan is to complete the update to the labs by the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year.
The next regular meeting of the Spring Grove Public School Board of Directors is scheduled for February 22, 2021, at 7 p.m. The school board, administration, and business manager will meet in person (10 max). The school will continue to offer the board meetings on Google Meet for anyone else who would like to attend. For assistance monitoring the meeting, contact the district office at (507) 498-3221 or email rachel.udstuen@springgrove.k12.mn.us.
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