Unique Pathways for Houston Students

At the June 5 Houston School Board meeting, Superintendent Mary Morem lauded the three student speakers for the recent graduation ceremonies at MNVA and the three student speakers at Houston High School. Each speaker wrote their own unique speech which showed their personalities and pathways at the schools. Morem noted Houston was very blessed to have so many choices available for each student to choose his or her unique pathway to graduation.

Superintendent Evaluation

During the superintendent evaluation each board member reviewed Superintendent  Morem’s work this past year using the goals which had been set. Both Nickki Johnson and Lisa Schultz asked for more data regarding the participation of the community in various events as well as a summary of what was done throughout the year. Both felt that Houston offered a wide variety of classes including the EMT class as well as a good assortment of pathways students could choose.

Mimi Carlson shared that she had rated Morem “highly effective” for every category. Carlson pointed out that there are so many things going on at the school that it was challenging to communicate and summarize information to the community.

Steve Walters also called Morem “highly effective” especially regarding the growth of class offerings such as CDL classes and welding.

Chair Josh Norlien looked at the growth of MNVA as well as how Morem creatively worked on projects to improve the school after the recent referendum failed. “Mary, flood us with these good ideas so we can share them with the community!” Josh ended.

Student School Board Report

Student Representative Grayden Beckman thanked Julia Carr for her guidance when he joined the board; since Julia recently graduated, she has left the board. Beckman went on the thank the entire staff of Houston Schools, “I appreciate all of you!”

Beckman shared that the May 14 Honor Society Cleanup had been successful and encouraged people to contact the school with their requests for next year’s fall and spring clean up help.

In closing, Beckman presented a student petition asking the board to retain Mr. Papenfuss at the high school. New teaching assignments have Mr. Papenfuss teaching music at the elementary and Mrs. Bartz teaching at the high school. Beckman went on to say that he feels both Papenfuss and Bartz are “amazing teachers,” but that some students think it would be in the best interest of the students to keep the status quo.

Grievance Resolved

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been reached between the school and the teacher’s union regarding the staffing assignments for the MNVA ALP Special Education teachers. The agreement is effective through June 30, 2026, unless modified by mutual agreement of the union and the school.

Another MOU was reached regarding the use of READ Act funds. Facilitators who trained the staff will be paid $1,000. Remaining funds will be placed into Staff Development for credit reimbursement.

Other business

In other business the board:

•Recognized the kitchen staff as Hurricane Heroes, acknowledging them for going above and beyond in their work;

•Heard an annual review of site goals throughout the schools; most goals were reached or exceeded;

•Learned that MNVA has seen the biggest growth yet this year in student achievement; the MNVA high school will have an interventionist for the first time next year and attendance and retention have greatly improved;

•Discussed the new schedules for fifth and sixth grade students at the elementary; students will be in homerooms at the beginning and end of each day; there will be a day one schedule and a day two schedule which will provide time for students to be in separate fifth and sixth grade classes for core subjects—this will create a middle school environment for the students which will help in later high school transitions;

•Heard that Houston has received $1.3 million ADSIS (Alternative Delivery of Specialized Education) funding from MDE for the coming year and the next;

•Approved both the revised budget for 2024-2025 and the proposed budget for 2025-2026; according to Director of Finance Gwen Rostad the school is in good shape financially;

•Approved the QComp annual evaluation;

•Passed a resolution for membership in MSHSL;

•Tabled both the hockey co-op with La Crescent and a speech co-op with R-P; the hockey document is not ready yet while the board decided to wait on a decision about speech until they check on having their own speech coach and gauge student interest;

•Approved the bid from Taher for food service pending MDE approval;

•Decided to keep athletic season passes the same price as last year;

•Accepted donations totalling $750.