Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
At the May 19 Spring Grove School board meeting, Senior Municipal Advisor Shelby McQuay of Elder & Associates, the district’s independent municipal advisor, reported that the recent bond sale aligned closely with expectations.
The board approved the sale of $1,210,000 in General Obligation Facilities Maintenance Bonds, Series 2025A, designated for indoor air quality improvement projects. The bonds were awarded by roll call vote to Baird of Milwaukee, which submitted the winning bid with a 3.8% interest rate, which was sightly higher than anticipated. McQuay explained, although the interest was a bit higher, the premium was lower, resulting in a slightly reduced deposit into the construction fund. Elders estimated $413,000 in total interest, but it came in at $390,000.
Spring Grove School Board President Stephanie Jaster called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Board members present included Myriah Klug, Kelly Rohland and Lisa Myhre. Board member Rhan Flatin was absent.
Others in attendance included District Accountant Tanya Elton, incoming board member Ashley Olson and Student Council Representative Sylas Flatin.
In a single unanimous motion, the board approved nine items on the consent agenda. Those included the meeting agenda, minutes from the April 21 regular board meeting, payment of bills, the treasurer’s report, and several personnel actions. Dana Langworthy was hired as the new art teacher, and Jeannine Hisel as the new school counselor. The board also accepted the resignation of Principal Luke Kjelland and instrumental music instructor Ryan Lueschen. Additionally, the board approved the Mabel-Canton and the Spring Grove Cooperative Sports Agreement for 2025-2026.
President Jaster inquired whether the art and counselor position were full-time. Superintendent Gina Morken confirmed that the school counselor position is full time. The art teacher position is expected to be 0 .7 FTE, (full time equivalent) but the final determination will be made after registration forms are submitted by May 20.
Student Council representative Sylas Flatin reported that, due to inclement weather, the quarterly reward activity would be a movie at the local cinema along with bags and board games at the Fest Building. Transportation will be provided via school buses.
The board formally accepted Principal Kjelland’s resignation with thanks for everything he has done for the school. Superintendent Morken said, “We will miss you.”
Kjelland expressed heartfelt thanks, saying, “I’m genuine when I say that this has been the best time in my career, and very bittersweet for me. It’s been a really good experience. The whole time I’ve been here, the board has been really supportive of things we tried to do. I appreciate that more than I can say. Thank you for allowing me to do what I did for the last five years.”
Kelland reported that he is creating a month-by-month guide for the incoming principal to ensure a smooth transition. Due to forecasted rain this week, several events have been changed. As announced by Flatin, the fourth quarter reward activities were moved, and the annual Color Run will now take place on Thursday. Graduation is scheduled for Friday, May 23. Seniors will be asked for their input whether the ceremony should be held outdoors or indoors, based on the forecasted chilly evening temperatures.
Superintendent Rachel Udstuen updated the board on the ongoing construction project. Morken noted that the Edgenuity courses have been discontinued and briefed the board on the district’s technology transition, Head Start updates, teacher evaluations, and recent legislative developments. She also presented results from an informal survey regarding board meeting recordings: five schools do not stream or record, two schools stream and do not record for later viewing, and five schools stream and record using Youtube or their website.
Additionally, the board approved a resolution to renew the district’s annual membership with the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL).
The special board meeting and workshop originally scheduled for June 2 has been canceled.
The meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m.
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