October 14, 2024 at 6:00 PM - Regular Meeting of the School Board

Discussion:  MEMBERS PRESENT: Lindsay Clauson, David Hokanson, Ashley McFarland, Matthew Munger, Tim Peterson, Wayne Whitwam, Superintendent, Lance Takkunen, Director of Business Services

VISITORS: Sarah Turcotte, Jason Wilcox, Emily Corrin, Andrea Erickson, Natalia Benson, Michele Mogen, Billie Jo Steen, Bill Wietman, Sadie Kukowski, Jessica Williams, Anna Hazebroke, Dana Carlson, Lindsey Beier, Lori Sinnott, Teri Cadeau, Sarah Marchand, Carolyn Petruga, Garlyn Rosandich, John Muenich, Miranda Gustad, Kristal Berg

Discussion: 

Muenich. Congratulated Pam Pilon on her upcoming retirement. She spent time in the district as a paraprofessional, librarian and secretary at the High School. She is a wonderful person who always puts people first. Sad to see her leave at the end of 2024. 
Wietman. Thanked the counselors and Student Counsel for Kindness Week, which was lots of fun. Invited the Board and community members to come to Hawks Connect program, in partnership with the YMCA at Essentia Wellness Center, every Thursday beginning Oct. 24 through the end of the year, from 9:35-10:05 a.m. 
Berg. Thanked Anna Escobedo and Anna Wood for their work on the first Family Night of the year, which brings families together without screens. Hosted a successful Fall Fest at the Proctor Indoor Sports Complex. Big shout out to the Community Ed leadership team for their help in preparing to host the Community Education Conference at the DECC. The conference is expected to bring in over 500 community educators from across the state. 
Whitwam. Coaches Appreciation Day was on Oct. 6. We appreciate all the time and dedication our coaches put into our student-athletes.     

Discussion:  No Visitor Business. 

Discussion:  Michele Mogen presented her Summary of Findings on the K-12 Special Education Program. 

Discussion:  Lance Takkunen presented the current budget, changes to current budget and budget projections. 

Discussion:  No Correspondence. 

Discussion:  Steady enrollment. 

Discussion:  Replaced the fiber from here to the elementary school. Fiber from here to the HS/MS will remain under the trail. Concrete walls will go up on Nov 11 and roof will go up mid November. Currently, the City and the Arena Board are having discussions about lighting options and funding for advanced lighting. 
Fichtner Park project is taking shape and looks very nice. 

Discussion:  Decision in next five days regarding MSHSL freshmen student-athletes to be added under insurance. 

Discussion:  Clauson. Attended the Community Education Meeting. All classrooms at all sites now have updated furniture. All Early Learning and Kids Zone staff had staff development training on co-regulation strategies. Staff enjoyed the training and requested similar training for future staff development. Kids Zone - Summer was successful, all sites are full for school year, are in a much better position with staffing at this point than last year. Community Events have been fun and successful, including the Bubble Dance, Community Lua and Transportation Night. Trying to find creative ways to find subs for Early Learning. 
McFarland. CTE Meeting. Scott Larson reported great community connections. In terms of the grant, we are doing the things that need to get done. Limitations on time are the biggest concern.