The school was closed Monday, March 16, due to a spring blizzard; however, the Spring Grove School Board gathered for its regular meeting at 7 p.m. in the school’s media center.
All board members were in attendance; Ashley Olson, Rhan Flatin, Myriah Klug, Kelly Rohland, Lisa Myhre, and Chairman Stephanie Jaster.
The consent agenda was unanimously approved in one swift motion, including the meeting agenda, minutes from the February 16 school board meeting, financial reports and bills, and the resignation of media and interventionist aide Susie Janke.
Administrative Reports
Principal Matt Rosaaen proudly reported that the elementary carnival raised $600 in two hours, and every child that attended received a free book. The Kids Heart Challenge raised $4,500. He then reviewed upcoming end-of-year dates: Early Childhood Screening on March 26; Kindergarten Round Up on March 20; the senior class trip from March 29 through April 4; juniors will visit three Winona colleges on April 1; prom is May 2 with the grand march scheduled for 7 p.m. and the dance from 8-11 p.m.; National Honor Society is tentatively scheduled for May 6; Academic Excellence on May 13; the awards ceremony and seniors’ last day on May 27; and graduation on May 29 at the football field. He talked about credits which will be voted on at next month’s board meeting.
Superintendent Gina Morken’s report included a construction update, noting a contractor meeting was held February 26, they are collecting bids for the softball field bids, and asbestos removal is scheduled over spring break. They have also been working in the office with hopes of not moving it this summer. Director of Special Projects Rachel Udstuen added that they are looking for more competitive bids for the excavation.
The joint meeting between the city council and the school board was very informative and Morken said she learned a lot and did not realize all that the city was doing, “they are moving and shaking.” She said the school is exploring adding more concurrent enrollment courses through Winona State University (WSU) and still needs to finalize it. Additional updates included Morken’s meeting with the professional development planning team and grant updates, noting that the district did not receive the grant Morken wrote with World Savvy and Giants of the Earth Heritage Center, but they wrote another social studies grant with World Savvy, and wants to apply for MnMTSS grant this spring.
Superintendent Morken said an updated budget will be presented at the April school board meeting because there have been expenses and revenue increases. The number of students is 333, which is an increase of eight students.
Action Items
The board approved the lawn care services for the baseball and football fields. Superintendent Morken recommended that the school pay the same rate for lawn care at the football and baseball fields that the school pays for their green space. That amount is $217 an acre per year.
Chairman Morken summarized the results of the February 16 superintendent evaluation, noting that Morken received all meets or exceeds on each criterion and goals were set for the superintendent. Going forward, Morken will list on her monthly report the goals and what she has completed that month as it relates to the goals. No action was required.
The board unanimously approved a resolution to end the girls sport cooperative agreement with Mabel-Canton, as both schools have enough athletics to field their teams.
The board tabled the first reading of the Artificial Intelligence Policy 625 until the April meeting to allow additional time for review. A policy committee meeting will be scheduled prior to the next regular board meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:44 p.m.
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