Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
The Spring Grove School Board approved bids for a replacement stove and asbestos removal at its regular meeting Tuesday, October 20, while tabling a decision on a garage bid until next month.
The meeting began at 6:02 p.m. in the school library. Board members Lisa Myhre, Mariah Klug, Chairman Stephanie Jaster, Ashley Olson, and Kelly Rohland were present. Rhan Flatin was absent.
The board approved the consent agenda, which included the September 21 meeting minutes, the treasurer’s report and bills, 2026-27 donations, and two staff contract changes: Bethany Bergsgaard from 1.0 FTE to .7 FTE because there is only one section of preschool this year; while Dana Lee’s contract increased from 0.7 FTE to 0.85 FTE to teach a Fine Arts class to the school’s youngest age, so there’s dancing and movement.
In the principal’s report, board members heard an update on Innovation Studios clubs and student participation. Card Club has three students, Journaling has 10, Puzzle Palooza has 10, Board Game Club has 10, and Art and Literature has four. The school is considering adding more clubs for older students next semester.
Principal Matt Rosaaen also reported that homecoming “went off without a hitch.” All comments from the community were positive this year compared to last year.
Rosaaen gave team a shout out to the volleyball for winning a share of the Southeast Conference (SEC) Division Title (East Division) for the first time since 1984.
Superintendent Gina Morken highlighted the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) report which shows the scores for reading, math and science.
Superintendent Morken emphasized the significant improvement in math, noting that schoolwide MCA math results increased by 15% in one year. She described the growth as a major accomplishment and expressed excitement about the results.
She also shared that, based on the regional comparisons she reviewed, the school ranked approximately second in math scores in southeastern Minnesota. Reading results were also strong, placing the school among the top five in the region.
The board unanimously approved a $5,234.67 bid from Sysco for a replacement Vulcan stove. Superintendent Morken announced that this is the cheapest bid. The stove will be one inch smaller than the current unit, but measurements indicated it should still accommodate the school’s roasters.
Board members also unanimously approved the superintendent’s recommendation for asbestos removal and project oversight at the former motel building. Mabo System, Inc. submitted a bid for $41,800 for asbestos removal, while IEA submitted a bid of $20,850 for on-site monitoring and project management.
The garage bid was tabled until the November meeting.
The board also conducted the first reading of Policy 506 Student Discipline. This reading was approved unanimously.
The proposed policy updates look-alike products or substances in number 8, 9, 10, and 11. The definition of a look-alike product or substance is as follows: “Look-alike product or substance” means an item, product, substance, device, or packaging is represented as, intended to resemble, or would reasonably be perceived as tobacco, nicotine, alcohol, a controlled substance, drug paraphernalia, or an electronic delivery device, regardless of whether it actually contains tobacco, nicotine, alcohol, or a controlled substance.
The October 20 meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
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