The Spring Grove School Board met on Tuesday evening, June 21, 2021, from 7:03 p.m. to 8:24 p.m. in the school’s Learning Resource Center, adhering to the governor’s guidelines for capacity (maximum 10 people). Board members in attendance were Chairman Aaron Solum, Stephanie Jaster, Kelly Rohland, Jenny Stender, and Aric Elton. Board member Rhan Flatin was absent.
The board unanimously approved the consent agenda, including the agenda and the minutes from the May 17, 2021, regular board meeting as well as the treasurer’s report/approval of bills plus the resignation of Instrumental Music Teacher Willy Leafblad; resignation of Trisha Myrah, paraprofessional, and approved the contract of Al Lochner, .50 FTE Social Studies teacher.
A board member asked about the $18,000 bill to Ken Hannah Piano Restoration, Stillwater. The invoice is to restore the 1930 (estimated) Mason Hamlin piano. The value of the piano is estimated at $80,000.
Reports
The Board congratulated Principal Luke Kjelland on a successful first year. Kjelland shared the results of the 2020-2021 Principal Survey. The staff evaluated Kjelland on 11 different criteria. He received an average of 4.41 on a Likert scale of 1 to 5.
Kjelland announced two summer school sessions scheduled for K-6 graders on June 21-July 1 and July 12-22 and one session for 7-12 grade, July 5-29.
Assistant Superintendent Gina Meinertz reported that 7th graders, along with some 8th-grade students, will participate in a competency-based project with the school’s partner, Nettle Valley Farm, next school year.
Superintendent Rachel Udstuen presented her report to the board. She was unsure how many years it has been since the school had an end-of-the-school-year staff celebration, but she was glad that Kjelland saw that one happened this year. Udstuen stated, “The celebration was just what we needed. There was a lot of laughing, and no one cried.”
Udstuen expressed her appreciation to the students, teachers, staff, parents, community, and board by quoting Roman philosopher Seneca, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”
The superintendent is comfortable opening the building for non-essential people. The school will test it out this summer and can pull it back if necessary. Some of the groups impacted are open gym on Wednesday night, alumni play, and Morning Madness.
What should Wednesday’s look like next year? The school has received a lot of feedback. There is interest in having the kids back in the building on Wednesday. Parents want to see career and college readiness on Wednesday, as well as a strong advisory component. Udstuen explained to the board, “We don’t know what we are doing yet, but we will get it correct. From the beginning of the pandemic, we have been following the data. We are following the voices in the community.”
The school will check with other schools in the district to see what platform they plan to use next year to stream games before deciding which platform Spring Grove should use.
Fiscal
The board unanimously approved the 2021-22 proposed budget, the 2021-22 fundraisers, the required 10-year-long facilities maintenance plan as presented, and increased the Substitute Teacher pay from $100 per day to $110 per day.
Superintendent Udstuen and Business Manager Elton recommend increasing the hourly rate for the hourly support staff, paraprofessionals, administrative assistants, custodians, and kitchen employees. The total cost is $50,000, which will impact 16 employees, five of who are year-round employees. Motioned carried with Solum abstaining.
Building/grounds/equipment
The school received one quote to paint the three walls around the playground blacktop. The superintendent stated, “How can you not pick at it?” There appears that there is moisture coming out of the blocks. The cost to sandblast, priming the walls, and apply two coats of paint is $19,300. The last time it was painted was four or five years ago. Hopefully, if they take of the problem outside, it will take care of the problem inside. The work, which was approved, will not affect the tuckpointing.
General
There were no public comments regarding ESSER III, the school’s Safe Return to In-Person Learning plan. As required, it will be posted on the district’s website.
The board approved three changes to the 2021-22 school calendar 2021-22. Two late-start days, starting at 10:30 a.m., October 6 and March 2, were added to the calendar for in-service days. Graduation is scheduled for Friday night, June 3, at 7 p.m. If any tournaments are rescheduled to Friday night because of inclement weather, graduation will be moved to Sunday, June 5 at 2 p.m.
The review of school policies continues with the Board accepting Superintendent Udstuen recommended approving policies 600-900.
Next Meeting
The next regular meeting of the Spring Grove Public School Board of Directors is scheduled for July 19, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. The school board, administration, and business manager will meet in person (10 max). The school will continue to offer the board meetings on Google Meet for anyone else who would like to attend. For assistance monitoring the meeting, contact the district office at (507) 498-3221 or email rachel.udstuen@springgrove.k12.mn.us.