Superintendent Rachel Udstuen updated the school board on the Citizens’ Institute on Rural Design (CIRD) workshops at the board’s regular meeting on August 15. The visioning workshops took place in Spring Grove August 3-5. The workshops are a part of the Spring Grove 2030 initiative to gather community input on the next steps.
The visioning workshops are a result of the findings from the Spring Grove 2030 community meetings held in 2021. The February 14, 2022, Visioning Report says, “The people of Spring Grove want a place which brings community together from all generations and enhances your welcoming spirit, sense of community, and quality of life.”
At the beginning of August, the CIRD leadership team conducted a kickoff celebration, activities at the farmers’ market, and shared their findings during the presentation on Friday as part of the visioning workshops. According to a press release sent out by the CIRD team, “They will seek community input toward design of a mixed-use community and cultural center – a place where the school and community can come together.”
Other topics that will consider in the upcoming months are a referendum, what organization will take the lead on the proposed community and cultural center, and the location and design of the center. Udstuen concluded by stating, “We need to explore and listen to the voices in our community.”
Assistant Superintendent Gina Meinertz noted in her monthly report, “What an amazing experience our community had with the Citizens Institute for Rural Development. This group of architects, arts board, and housing professionals conducted site visits, community listening, and input sessions, and interviews of people from our city to create a set up plans to guide next steps in the SG 2030 process,” reported Meinertz.
Board members present include Chairman Aaron Solum, Stephanie Jaster, Rhan Flatin, Aric Elton, Kelly Rohland, and Jenny Stender.
The board unanimously approved the consent agenda including the meeting agenda and the minutes from the July 18 regular board meeting, treasurer’s report and the approval of bills plus approved Cindy Thorson and Michelle Anderson as student council co-advisors, Taylor Elton and Kelsey Morken as softball co-head coach, the 2022-23 adult meal prices, and accepted the resignation of Jim Cunningham, cook, and Madeline Rainey as Washington trip co-advisor.
Principal Luke Kjelland reported that Spring Grove’s Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) numbers are higher than the state’s numbers in math, reading, and science. Kjelland also mentioned in his report that the administration is “encouraging leadership from our staff.” He also reviewed the updates in the student handbook.
Based on the Texas school tragedy at the end of the 2021-2022 school year, Superintendent Udstuen explained that the school will be communicating with parents the school’s emergency action plan to reassure parents.
Meinertz reported that this year the school will have a theatre partnership. The partnership includes a play. An arts grant will be used to pay for a director.
In other business, the board
• Approved the resolution to dissolve the softball cooperative sponsorship with Caledonia Public School;
• Reviewed the Second Reading of Policy 524: Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy
The next regular meeting of the Spring Grove Public School Board is Monday, September 19. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the school’s Learning Resource Center. The school continues to offer the 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.
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