The Mabel-Canton School Board met on Tuesday, September 16, and were treated to several architectural drawings for the first time. These included the renderings for a new school entrance, CTE (Career and Technical Education) area, and locker rooms.
Superintendent Gary Kuphal said that he and Michelle Weidemann meet every other week with ISG and Kraus-Anderson.
Chair Chris Miller called the meeting to order at 6 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Board members present included Jason Marquardt, Dustin Tollefsrud, Traci Livingood (virtually), Diane Wilder, Amber Tripp and Chris Miller. Mark Weidemann was absent.
The board unanimously approved both the meeting agenda and the minutes from the August 19 school board meeting. There were no announcements or public comments.
Consent Agenda
The board unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included the following actions:
- Approval of the 2024-25 district budget;
- Approval of the district claims report;
- Hiring Bonnie Paus as business office support;
- Adding Bonnie Paus as an authorized signer on the BMO bank accounts;
- Thanks to the Canton Southeast Bank for the $455 donation to be used for milk, snacks, and/or school supplies;
- Thanks to the Mabel American Legion Post 299 for the $150 donation to support the M-C Football Program;
- Thanks to the M-C Booster Club for the $1,650 donation to be split between all Mabel-Canton sports teams;
- Thanks to the Mabel Newburg Methodist Churches for the $1200 donation for the Elementary Book Program.
Administrative Reports
Student Representative Darian Hershberger attended his first school board meeting as the student council representative. He shared details about upcoming events, including homecoming, which is scheduled for next week. He also reported that “everything is going well,” including football.
After several questions from the board, Chairman Miller joked, “We are kind of putting him on the hot seat tonight.”
Board member Diane Wilder reported that Hiawatha Valley Education District (HVED) still plans on moving into the new building by Christmas.
PreK-12 Principal Michelle Weidemann announced several upcoming events, including: the Bluff Country Collaborative (BCC) Career and Technical Education (CTE) Exploration Day in Caledonia for ninth and tenth grade students, the Miller Invitational FFA Judging Contest at the Miller’s Viewlawn Angus farm, and a screening of the documentary “My Ascension,” followed by a Q&A session.
Superintendent Kuphal thanked the board members for their service and presented each with a Certificate of Appreciation, noting that September is Minnesota School Board Recognition Month.
Enrollment Update
Superintendent Kuphal reported a decrease in student enrollment compared to the end of the previous school year (268 students). The current senior class has 19 students, compared to 27 graduates last year. However, the district has welcomed seven new students this fall for a total of 247 students. Kuphal said he knew it was going down by 21 students.
Action Items
- Set the proposed levy at the maximum level;
- Set the Truth-in-Taxation Hearing and Final levy Certification for December 16, prior to the regularly scheduled school board meeting;
- Approved a two-year contract for PreK-12 Principal Weidemann;
- Approved a one-year contract for Superintendent Kuphal
- Accepted the Custodial Staff Working Agreement for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school year;
- Approved the annual agreement to purchase educational services from Hiawatha Valley Education District for 2025-2026;
- Scheduled a joint meeting with Mabel and Canton city councils for December 3.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
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