The regularly scheduled meeting of the Spring Grove School board was called to order at 7:01 p.m. on Monday, August 18.
Board members present included Board Chair Stephanie Jaster, Rhan Flatin, Kelly Rohland, Lisa Myhre, Myriah Klug and Ashley Olson. Also present were Superintendent Gina Morken, director of special projects Rachel Udstuen, K-12 Principal Matt Rosaaen, district accountant Tanya Elton, head of maintenance Brent Messner, and administrative assistant Rachel Bjerke.
On a motion by Rohland, seconded by Flatin, the board unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included the meeting agenda, minutes from the July 21 board meeting, treasurer’s report, and payment of bills. Other items on the consent agenda included the approval of a contract with Matt Rosaaen and Laura Vatland for the shared junior varsity (JV) basketball coach position.
Principal Rosaaen reported that he surveyed both faculty and students regarding updates in the student handbook and has made several changes based on feedback: 1. Backpacks must be placed in lockers at the beginning of the day; 2. Flex time will now occur at the end of the day during fifth hour; 3. Morning routine; 4. Open beverages will not be allowed in lockers, hallways and classrooms. However, students may use water bottles. The updated student handbook will be uploaded to the school’s website. He also noted a change in the orientation schedule for incoming seventh and ninth grade students on Monday, August 25. Seventh grade orientation will take place from 6:30-7 p.m., followed by ninth grade orientation from 7-7:30 p.m. Both sessions will be held in the high school gym.
Udstuen provided an update on the construction project, describing it as “so exciting.” Following the board meeting, members were given a tour of the construction site. She reported that the furniture has all been moved into the second-floor classrooms. Building inspections are scheduled for Tuesday. Furniture will be moved into the third-floor classrooms on Wednesday or Thursday. While there is some concern regarding the readiness of the first floor, contingency plans are in place.
Udstuen expressed confidence in the school’s readiness, noting that a volleyball game is scheduled for Thursday night and will take place in the gym. The concession stand and bathrooms will be ready for use as well.
Superintendent Gina Morken announced that the legislature has made changes to remote meetings requirements. According to Morken’s report, the changes include: 1. The remote board member’s location no longer needs to be posted; 2. The remote board member’s location no longer needs to be open and accessible; 3. The district is no longer required to post the fact that a board member will be participating remotely. Morken recommend that the school continue paying subs $140 per day, due to the school’s internal sub and the positive culture that has traditionally helped with substitute coverage. Neighboring schools increasing their rate to $150 per day.
Olson moved to increase the adult meal prices from $4.95 to $5.25, and the milk prices from $0.40 to $0.50. It was noted that the increase in adult meal prices is due to changes in federal and state reimbursements from February 5, 2025, as well as rising commodity prices. The increase in milk prices is attributed to changes in commodity prices.
Klug made a motion to approve the paraprofessional contracts with Erin Woods and Brett Gulbranson. Rohland seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Myhre made a motion to approve the 2025-26 Student Handbook as presented by Principal Rosaaen. The motion was seconded by Flatin and carried.
Superintendent Morken recommended that the board approved incluing the $100 cell phone stipend in the contract. Morken explained that she “researched where this language lives in other districts and the language is part of contract language.” Flatin made a motion to accept her recommendation.
Rohland seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Rohland made a motion to accept the second reading of the following policies: #214 – Out of State Travel by Board Members; #410 – Family and Medical Leave Policy; and #524 – Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy. Seconded by Olson, the motion unanimously carried.
Klug made a motion to approve the first reading of policy #620 Credit of Learning. Seconded by Myhre, the otion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:41 p.m.
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