Spring Grove School Board Members Thanked for Their Leadership

At the February 20 Spring Grove School Board meeting, the school board members were recognized for their commitment to the school district.

Superintendent Rachel Udstuen said, “I would like to publicly recognize our school board members for the hard work they do to ensure our children receive a first-rate education.”

February has been designated as Minnesota School Board Recognition Month by the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA). This observance aims to enhance awareness and appreciation for the essential role elected school board members fulfill within the community.

Chairman Aaron Solum promptly called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. The board approved the agenda as amended, the minutes from the January 16 board meeting, the treasurer’s report, and the claims.

Board members present included Chairman Aaron Solum, Rhan Flatin, Kelly Rohland, Stephanie Jaster, Angie Solie, and Aric Elton.

Staff members in attendance included Superintendent Rachel Udstuen, Assistant Superintendent Gina Meinertz, Principal Luke Kjelland, District Accountant Tanya Elton, and Administrative Assistant Rachel Bjerke. Student Representative Taylor Reinhardt was also present.

The board unanimously accepted the resignation of Al Lochner (Social Studies, SH Knowledge, Bowl, JV Boys Basketball Coach) and thanked him for his 41 years of service to the school district. The board also accepted the resignation of Assistant Varsity Football Coach Don Hagen, One Act Director Megan Miller, K-12 Vocal and General Music Hannah Friesner, and Paraprofessional Kasey Thompson. All four were thanked for their service.

The school received the following 2023-2024 donations: $3,000 from SG Athletic Boosters for Hudl AD Package, $50 from the Donald Kankowski family in memory of Ron Stone, $50 cash donation from Ron Holty, $180 donation from SG Alumni and Friends for Musical instruments, and JH jerseys, $750 cash donation from Merchants Bank, $3,000 from Howard and Mary Deters for risers, $3,000 from the Spring Grove Commercial club for risers, $1,040 from the music boosters’ 50/50 raffles for the music department, $3,000 from Mark and Rachel Udstuen for risers, $3,000 from Four Season Maintenance LLC for risers, $100 from Bonnie Solberg-Patron of the Arts for the Music Department, $975 from Trinity Lutheran Church for preschool tuition, and $6,696 from Spring Grove Alumni and Friends for musical instruments and Junior High jerseys. Thank you!

Student Representative Reinhardt proudly reported that Aften Myhre placed third at the FFA Region 8 Extemporaneous Speaking contest on February 9. Activities scheduled to celebrate National FFA week, February 17-24, including dress-up days and the ever-popular drive your tractor to school on Friday. Students will also enjoy ice cream treats. Reinhardt reported that 50 students attended the student council’s dance on Saturday night, and nine students toured the La Crosse Regional Airport. She announced that the school carnival is on March 15.

Kids Heart Challenge kicked off Monday, February 12 with an assembly and ends on February 29. The first through fifth graders have risen to the challenge and as of Saturday, February 17, have raised $2,035.97 of the $2,500 goal. For the school to receive $500 in free PE/playground equipment, 55 more children are needed to sign up.

The board unanimously approved a 3% increase in 2023-24 and a 5% increase in 2024-25 wages plus paid days for any unused sick days after an employee has reached the cap for the school’s three salaried support staff. District Accountant Tanya Elton injected that it “affects three people”, the business manager, the technology director, and the head of maintenance.

In other business, the board:

•Table the retirement request from Al Lochner.

•Unanimously approved the school’s annual wellness report per the Superintendent’s recommendation.

•Unanimously approved the second reading of the December 2023 MSBA model policy updates.

•Went into a closed session at 6:54 p.m. for the Superintendent’s annual performance evaluation, returning to the regularly scheduled meeting at 7:28 p.m.

•Adjourned the meeting at 7:29 p.m.

The next regular meeting of the Spring Grove Public School Board is Monday, March 18, 2024, at 7 p.m. in the school’s Learning Resource Center. The meeting is open to the public. In addition, the school continues to offer board meetings on Google Meet for anyone who would like to attend virtually. For assistance monitoring the meeting, contact the district office at (507) 498-3221 or email rachel.udstuen@springgrove.k12.mn.us.