Spring Grove School Board members met in the school’s Learning Resource Center on Monday, May 16, from 8:08-8:54 p.m. for the regular school board meeting.
Board members present included Chairman Aaron Solum, Rhan Flatin, Aric Elton, Kelly Rohland, and Jenny Stender. Stephanie Jaster was absent.
The board approved the consent agenda, including the meeting agenda with the addition of two personnel items, the minutes from the Monday, April 18, regular board meeting, and financials.
Kelsey Morken submitted her resignation as senior class advisor and Karen Fried submitted her resignation as co-prom advisor.
The school’s new secondary science teacher is Bethany Mestelle and Teala Amberg is the new daycare director and special education teacher. Taylor Elton is the new varsity girls basketball coach.
Superintendent Rachel Udstuen acknowledged and thanked Roger Housker, maintenance, for his 46 years of service to the Spring Grove Public School district. Housker started working at the school following graduation from Spring Grove High School in 1976.
On behalf of the Spring Grove Athletic Boosters, President Todd Olerud approached the board to ask for $1,500 to upgrade the sound system for the baseball/football field. The Boosters are looking at spending $8,000 for the hardware – two speakers at the baseball field and two speakers at the football field, the sound system would go in the crow’s nest and moved back and forth between the fields. Booster members will install it. He informed the board that at tonight’s city council meeting the council approved paying $1,500 toward the sound system on the condition that the school would also pay $1,500. The Boosters will pay the balance of $5,000.
Principal Luke Kjelland summarized the results from the student surveys. There were 95 responses and three questions.
1. My school provides opportunities for students to serve as leaders and decision makers. (The goal is 3.75-4.5 and the score was 3.6.)
2. My school is preparing me for college or a high-paying job after high school graduation. (The goal is 3.75-4.5. The school received a score of 3.81.)
3. I feel safe at this school. (The goal is 3.75-4.5. The school’s score was 3.81.)
Kjelland shared, “We finished testing, successfully, last week. So, we are done with that. Initial score reports are pretty good. Look for those to come out and be pretty good.” Kjelland expressed his thanks to the teachers for taking it and running with it and thanks to Jeff Thompson. “He makes a lot of things work when others might panic if the computer goes down.”
Wednesday, May 18 – National Honor Society induction at 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 24 – Academic Excellence Program. 10 a.m. program and 11:30 a.m. dinner.
Friday, May 27 – Elementary Color Run at 1:30 p.m. A reminder to wear clothes that you do not mind getting stained with colored power.
Wednesday, June 1 – Awards day, graduation practice, and seniors’ last day.
Friday, June 3 – Graduation at 7 p.m. The ceremonies will take place outside and in case of inclement weather the backup plan is to hold graduation in the gym.
On behalf of Assistant Superintendent, Gina Meinertz, Superintendent, Rachel Udstuen informed the board that the school did not receive the Bush Foundation grant but believes there is still an opportunity to turn that around.
Udstuen informed the board that the science classrooms will not be remodeled this summer. The project will be postponed until next summer.
Chairman Solum gave a summary of last month’s superintendent evaluation, stating, “Nothing bad was said.”
Instead of accepting the custodial services proposal since it would not save the school any money, the board approved the recommendation from the superintendent to advertise for two part-time custodians to work evenings. Udstuen explained that their main task will be to clean classrooms.
The board approved accepted the quote from Loffler for copiers and managed print services.
The Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) membership resolution is required every year. The board unanimously approved the resolution.
Two-year employment contracts for Principal Luke Kjelland and Assistant Superintendent Gina Meinertz were approved.
The next regular board meeting of the Spring Grove Public School Board is scheduled for Tuesday, June 20. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the school’s Learning Resource Center. 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.
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