Spring Grove School parents attended the August 16 Spring Grove School Board meeting in person and via Google Meet to comment on the proposed 2021-2022 COVID policy. Superintendent Rachel Udstuen explained that the school’s policy committee met last Thursday. Afterward, she sent a letter to parents informing them of the committee’s recommendation that would be presented to the board on Monday night for approval.
Board members present at this meeting were Chairman Aaron Solum, Stephanie Jaster, Kelly Rohland, Jenny Stender, Aric Elton, and Rhan Flatin.
Based on school data, not county data, the school recommends that students and staff wear masks, but they will not require to wear a mask. The letter goes on to explain other safety recommendations regarding handwashing, respiratory etiquette, rigorous disinfecting and cleaning schedules, and physical distancing when possible. Also included is contact tracing and quarantining. It is noted in the letter that based on data within the school changes to the policy may be changed. Udstuen finished by thanking everyone for coming and sharing their opinions. She ended by stating, “This is a very difficult conversation.”
Dr. Jonathan Storlie, scholar and researcher, shared his vast knowledge and expertise in human virology as it relates to the current pandemic with the Board before they voted on the recommended COVID school policy.
Angie Solie, registered nurse and parent, encouraged the school board, “Give parents a choice whether they want their children to wear a mask or not at school.”
Todd Olerud shared with the board, “Kids have to be in school. So, keep moving forward as you have been doing.”
Mother of five, Jenn Gulbranson, attending via Google Meet, proudly stated, “I am on Team No Mask.”
The board unanimously approved the following employment contracts: Megan Jones, Spanish teacher, first semester; Tim Opat, in-house substitute teacher, first semester; Peggy Landsom, assistant cook; and Lauren Arneson, assistant JH volleyball.
The board accepted the recommendation from the superintendent to terminate the contract of Chad Pierce, Maintenance. The position was related to COVID cleaning.
Renee Eiken submitted her retirement as the school’s K-12 art teacher. The board thanked her for her service. Renee Eiken returns to teach K-6 Art, and Kaley Cross will teach 7-12 grade art.
The board approved the 2021 minimum meal prices for non-program adults: breakfast $2.50 and lunch $4.35. The board also approved a Speech Service Agreement (Carrie Lundell) with Speech Therapy Express for the 2021-2022 school year.
This year, Luke Kjelland, principal, reported that Wednesdays would be known as College and Career Readiness Days rather than Virtual Wednesday based on feedback from students, staff, and parents. One Wednesday a month, subject to change, a College and Career Readiness block would be offered for 9-12 graders in the morning. This model will allow for an opportunity for students to flex out of Wednesdays. Kjelland explained in his report, “This model allows afternoons for interventions and extra service to students needing extra service and time for ACT Prep, MCA prep, student meetings, etc.” At the end of the year, all students present what they have learned to the advisory group.
The school is partnering with Hiawatha Mental Health. The purpose is for teachers to increase their skills and have an opportunity to practice their skills. Assistant Superintendent Gina Meinertz stressed, “Teachers are not trained in mental health issues. We want our teachers to feel supported.”
Remodeling the science lab moves forward after months of searching for an engineer to oversee the project. Udstuen received word that one had been found earlier in the day. She will have more information at the September board meeting.
The board approved the Athletic Admission Price at a previous board meeting this summer. They were asked to revisit it after the SEC superintendents approved increasing the athletic fees to $6 for adults, $4 for students, and $4 for senior citizens (65 plus) at their July 22 meeting. The season pass will remain at $30.
The school finds it difficult to get parents to complete the free and reduced lunch application, resulting in the loss of funds. Last year the school lost $50,000, equal to 50% of their funding. This year the board approved the recommended incentive to encourage families to complete the form. Families that complete the application form and quality for free meals will receive a year-long adult or child pass. The application is available on the school website.
Each year the Board is asked to approve waiving 2% of the school’s basic revenue for staff development. A majority of licensed teachers in the district are required to approve the resolution as well.
The board approved the Safe Learning Plan resolution presented by the Policy Committee, SGEA President, and Administrative Team.
The revised school handbook as presented by Principal Kjelland was approved.
The next regular meeting of the Spring Grove Public School Board of Directors is scheduled for Monday, September 20, 2021, at 7 p.m. The school will continue 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.
Leave a Reply