School District 347, published in the West Central Tribune, September 24, 2005

School Board Proceedings

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING

BOARD OF EDUCATION,

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 347

Willmar, Minnesota -- August 22, 2005

The regular meeting of the Board of Education of IndependentSchool District No. 347 of Willmar, Minnesota, was called to order on Monday, August 22, 2005, at 4:30 p.m., at the Willmar Education and Arts Center, Chair, Dion Warne, presiding.

Members Present: Dion Warne, Wayne Lenz-meier, Eric Roberts, Mike Carlson, Sandi Unger, Brad Schmidt, and Shawn Mueske

Members Absent: None

Others Present: Kathy Leedom, Superinten-dent; Bob Haines, Director of Business and Finance; Rob Anderson, Mike Prunty, Patti Dols, Danith Clausen, Scott Hisken, Mike Mohs, Paul Schmitz, Beckie Simenson, Steve Brisendine

The Board began with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Motion by Wayne Lenzmeier, seconded by Brad Schmidt, to approve the Minutes of the August 8, 2005 Regular Meeting. Motion carried.

Motion by Shawn Mueske, seconded by Brad Schmidt, to approve the Agenda. Motion carried.

Motion by Eric Roberts, seconded by Mike Carlson, to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion Carried.

Appointments:

Kristen Egge, Kindergarten Instructor, Lincoln School, effective August 29, 2005. Kristen received her BA Degree in Elementary Education and Social Studies from St Cloud State University, St Cloud, MN. Her teaching experience has been as a long-term kindergarten substitute for half of last year at Lincoln School.

Nichole Gleason, Kindergarten Instructor, Kennedy School, effective August 29, 2005. Nichole received her BA Degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Jamestown College, Jamestown, ND. Nichole's teaching experiences have been with St. Paul's Lutheran School in Perham, MN and St. John's Lutheran School in Atwater, MN in Kindergarten and Grades 1 & 2. Nichole has also been a long-term substitute in numerous positions for WPS for the last 2 years.

Courtney Hauge, Kindergarten Instructor, Kennedy School, effective August 29, 2005. Courtney received her BA Degree in Elementary Education from Concordia College, Moorhead, MN. Her teaching experience has been as a Grade 6 teacher at Western Valley Middle School in Phoenix, Arizona. Courtney was a substitute teacher and a Child Guide for WPS last school year.

Nicole Knutsen, Kindergarten Instructor (.5), Lincoln School, effective August 29, 2005. Nicole received her BA Degree in Elementary Education and Spanish from Concordia College. Nicole will be a first year teacher. She completed her clinical experiences and student teaching in 4 different elementary schools in Fargo, North Dakota and 4 different elementary schools in Moorhead, MN. Nicole's most recent teaching experience was as a preschool teacher with the Migrant Head Start Summer Program in Montevideo, MN.

Erika Johnson, Kindergarten Instructor, Jefferson School, effective August 29, 2005. Erika received her BA Degree in Elementary Education from Bethel College, St Paul, MN. Erika's teaching experiences have been as a Kindergarten teacher in Garden Grove, CA for one year and at Big Lake Public Schools, Big Lake, MN for the last 5 years.

Margaret Schmitz, Earth Science Instructor, Willmar Senior High School, effective August 29, 2005. Margaret received her BA Degree in Geology from the University of Minnesota-Morris. Recently, she finished the secondary licensure program in broad Field science, biology/life science, and Earth/Space Science from Alverno College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Margaret will be a first year teacher. Her student teaching experiences were at Walker International Middle School and BayView High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Nick Thompson, Recreation Coordinator, Community Ed & Rec, effective August 29, 2005. Nick received his BS Degree in Leisure Studies/Therapeutic Recreation and a BA Degree in Psychology from the University of Iowa. Nick just completed an internship with Edina Parks and Recreation in Edina, MN.

Melissa Wallestad, Communications Instructor, Willmar Junior High School, effective August 29, 2005. Melissa received her BA Degree in Elementary Education and Communications from University of Minnesota-Morris. Melissa's teaching experiences have been at New Ulm Senior High, Jefferson & Washington Elementary Schools in New Ulm, and at Washington & Monroe Elementary Schools in Mankato, MN.

Transfers:

Kathy Damhof, Kindergarten Instructor, Kennedy School, effective August 29, 2005. Transferring from Title I Instructor at Kennedy School. Kathy received her BA Degree in Elementary Education and Social Studies from Bethel College, St Paul, MN. Her teaching experience has been as a Title I Instructor with students.

Resignations:

Claudine Christianson, Food Service Assistant, Willmar Senior High, effective August 18, 2005.

Diane Doty, Long-Term Temporary Food Service Assistant, Willmar Senior High, effective August 16, 2005.

Jodi Fuchs, Special Needs Paraprofessional, Willmar Senior High, effective August 18, 2005.

Ann Juhlke, Food Service Assistant, Lincoln School, effective August 17, 2005.

Request for Leave of Absence:

Mackenzie Bjorklund, Kindergarten Instructor, Kennedy School. Requesting to rescind her leave request for 2005-06.

Diane Doty, Food Service Assistant (Grill Line), Willmar Senior High, effective September 1, 2005 thru February 28, 2006.

Jessica Figenskau, Instructor, Lakeview School, effective September 9 thru December 22, 2005.

Julia Gonzalez, School readiness Paraprofessional, Washington Learning Center, effective approximately from October 14, 2005 - January 2, 2006.

Urbano Saenz, Jr, Special Needs Paraprofessional, Willmar Junior High School, effective August 31 thru December 22, 2005.

Gifts and Donations:

• Gift of school supplies from Willmar Assembly of God Bible School.

Kathy Leedom introduced Mike Mohs, new Director of Secondary Alternative Programs. Kathy also introduced Scott Hisken, new Principal at Kennedy Elementary School. Scott had most recently served as the Dean of Students at Roosevelt Elementary School during the 2004-2005 school year.
Kathy Leedom then introduced the District Administrative Staff who provided a site and department progress report in support of the Board's Strategic Work Plan. Kathy noted that all of the principals and directors have been working with staff members to accomplish the objectives that complement the district goals in the Strategic Work Plan. Each presenter provided a brief overview of their building objectives and initiatives and areas of responsibility. Rob Anderson, Principal Willmar Senior High, specifically reviewed a Dropout Index Report. This report shows that the dropout percentage at the High School has been declining in recent years and is currently at its best in sixteen years. Rob attributed this success to a number of initiatives, including the new Retention Coordinator that was hired two years ago through the Integration Collaborative and has helped keep more students in school. Junior High Principal, Mike Prunty, reviewed three of the main objectives from the Junior High including accomplishments to date on those goals. Patti Dols, Principal at Roosevelt Elementary, discussed a number of objectives including usage of streaming video, teachers using the Campus Electronic Grade Book, and progress on a new brochure for Roosevelt Elementary. Beckie Simenson, Principal at Lincoln and Jefferson Elementary Schools, provided a summary of highlights from objectives at both buildings. Scott Hisken, Principal at Kennedy Elementary, said that the Reading First Grant has provided tremendous results to students and the entire building. Paul Schmitz, Senior High Activities Director, said that student participation in activities has risen at the secondary level and that facilities cannot always keep up with the rising number of students involved. At some point, the track at Kennedy Elementary and the hockey locker rooms will need improvements. Danith Clausen, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, reinforced the many student achievement goals that the building staff are working on. One of her main objectives, from a district wide standpoint, is a selection of curriculum materials and upgraded report cards. Another objective is to maximize data usage toward student achievement. Danith is also working on an updated school calendar. Steve Brisendine, Community Education and Recreation Director, reviewed the various objectives that Washington Learning Center staff are working on in support of the Board goals including: 1] health initiatives; 2] resource allocation; and 3] marketing plans. Bob Haines, Director of Business and Finance, reviewed progress on objectives involving Food Service, Finance and Accounting, Student Information Services, Technology, and the Building and Grounds support areas. Kathy thanked the entire staff for all of their efforts in moving forward in accomplishing the district goals. Kathy indicated that the staff can provide more detailed updates if the Board should request.

Kathy Leedom presented policy revisions for the following policies: 1] #413 - Evaluation of Probationary Teachers; and 2] Graduation Requirements. Kathy reviewed each of these policies and areas that have changed. Considerable time was spent in August by building Principals to bring the Evaluation of Teachers Policy up to date. The Graduation Requirements Policy includes an addition on High School Credit by Assessment.

Motion by Wayne Lenzmeier, seconded by Brad Schmidt, to approve the Policy Revisions for Section 400 and Section 600. Motion carried.

Kathy Leedom reviewed District Policies Requiring Annual Review. Even if the policies do not merit any revisions, it is required that the Board survey these policies. These included policies: 1] #418 - Harassment and Violence; 2] #435 - Mandated Reporting of Child Neglect of Physical or Sexual Abuse; 3] #436 - Mandated Reporting of Maltreatment of Vulnerable Adults; 4] Student Sex Nondiscrimination; and 5] #516 - Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy. Kathy briefly reviewed each policy and indicated that no changes have been made.

Motion by Mike Carlson, seconded by Sandi Unger, to approve District Policies Requiring Annual Review. Motion carried.

Kathy Leedom reviewed the Fundraising Requests for Fall Semester of 2005-2006. She shared a chart describing each of the fundraising requests. Kathy noted that the requests are conducted by students with sponsorship by district staff. Kathy noted that many other fundraising activities are going on around the community that are not under district supervision. The Fundraising Requests for the Fall Semester are very similar to the past years. Kathy indicated that the administration tries to limit door to door sales and any unnecessary competition with local businesses.

Motion by Brad Schmidt, seconded by Eric Roberts, to approve the Fundraising Requests for Fall Semester of 2005-2006. Motion carried.

Bob Haines reviewed Junior High Roof Project Change Order #1. The change order for $203.50 relates to a clogged drain due to tar from prior roof efforts. The original cost of the roof was $93,420.

Motion by Brad Schmidt, seconded by Wayne Lenzmeier, to approve Junior High Roof Project Change Order #1. Motion carried.

Kathy Leedom introduced the topic Annual Waiver of Open Enrollment deadline. Currently the district welcomes any students who wish to open enroll from another Minnesota school district at any time throughout the school year. Most students do make the open enrollment decision prior to the beginning of the school year; however, there are occasions when students wish to enroll after the school year has begun. In order to have district protocols in order it is important that the School Board annually waive the open enrollment deadline of January 1st so the district clearly indicates there is no deadline for accepting or denying students. The School Board completed this waiver last fall as well.

Motion by Wayne Lenzmeier, seconded by Shawn Mueske, to approve the Annual Waiver of Open Enrollment Deadline for 2005-2006 school year. Motion carried.

Bob Haines reviewed the 2005-2006 Gas Bids. The district requested quotes from seven local vendors for gasoline and diesel fuel. The district received three quotes for gasoline from Willmar Auto Plaza, Cenex, and Walt's. The low bid on gasoline was 3.9 cents on a cost plus basis and was from Willmar Auto Plaza. The district received two quotes for diesel fuel from Willmar Auto Plaza and Cenex. The low bid was 3.9 cents on a cost plus basis by Willmar Auto Plaza.

Motion by Mike Carlson, seconded by Eric Roberts, to award the 2005-2006 Gasoline and Diesel Bid to Willmar Auto Plaza, effective September 1, 2005 through August 31, 2006. Motion carried.

Bob Haines thanked Cenex for their excellent customer service the past few years as the district's gasoline and diesel fuel provider.

Kathy Leedom asked the Board to change the regularly scheduled Board Meeting date of November 14, 2005. Kathy will be gone on the State of Minnesota Trade Mission to China November 11th through 19th. Kathy suggested moving the date to noon on November 9th or 10th at which time the Board could also canvas the School Board Elections that will take place earlier that week.

There were no committee reports.

There was no public input.

Kathy Leedom updated the Board on the recent Ridgewater Advisory Committee meeting. Kathy is the chair of the committee this year. The focus of the meeting was to review Ridgewater's Strategic Plan. Kathy noted the upcoming MSBA Area Meeting will be on September 14, 2005 at 7 p.m. at ACGC. The Willmar Public School's theme for 2005-2006 is "Willmar Public Schools - Educating the Future in an All-America City!" All staff are working very hard preparing for the school year. The agenda and activities are ready for the August 31, 2005 staff Welcome Back Session. A number of local business and government leaders will update staff as part of the celebration of Willmar being awarded the " All-America City" designation. Kathy encouraged all parents and students to attend the Open House events at the schools in August. Kathy noted that the kindergarten enrollment numbers are being monitored daily. The district has now hired five additional kindergarten teachers in preparation for All-Day Every Day Kindergarten. Kathy has heard a lot of enthusiasm within the district and from the community about All-Day Every Day Kindergarten.

Dion Warne thanked staff for all of the last minute preparations for All-Day Every Day Kindergarten.

Shawn Mueske asked that administrators update the Board more periodically and provide more detailed reports on their sit/program objectives that are a part of the District Strategic Work Plan.

Chair, Dion Warne acknowledged the gifts and donations.

There being no further business, motion by Mike Carlson, seconded by Shawn Mueske, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.