November 25, 2024 at 6:00 PM - Regular Meeting of the School Board

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

VISITORS: Sarah Turcotte, Jason Wilcox, Lori Sinnott, Lindsey Beier, Bill Wietman, John Muenich, Josey Peterson, Kristine Holt, Melanie Olson, Jodi McShane, Terry Gilbert, Kristal Berg, Alex Olsen, Eric Griffith, Gretchen Appelwick, Dana Carlson, Heather Hren, Julie Patton

 

Discussion:  Muenich. Recognized Nick Allen and Ken Ahlberg for their work on the fall musical, The Little Shop of Horrors, which was quite amazing. Also, recognized Allen for directing the Hermantown High School Marching Band in the Christmas City of the North Parade. Lastly, he gave a shout out to Norah Gunderson, who placed 13th in the 100 breaststroke and earned points for girls swimming and diving at the State Tournament for the first time in nine years. 
Wietman. Thanked the Middle School counselors for expanding the cadet programs. Also recognized custodian, Terry Rock for taking two students under his wing as custodial cadets.  
Appelwick. Recognized Sue Kyllonen for her service to the Hermantown School District since 2006. Spoke about how much she will be missed and how many great things she has done in her time at the Elementary School. Thanked the district counselors for organizing the Thanksgiving food pick up for district families. 
Whitwam. Reminded the group that Dec. 2 is Special Education Recognition Day and recognized the amazing special education staff across the district.  
 

Discussion:  No Visitor Business. 

Discussion:  Muenich reported on initial trends regarding the hybrid-learning model at Hermantown High School in its first year of implementation. Becoming more competitive with the online environment and have seen PSEO numbers plateau. Will continue to assess as the year progresses. 
 

Discussion:  Takkunen gave an update of the current budget. 

 

Discussion:  Down five students to 2,074. The budget is set for 2,080 students. Enrollment is typically stable this time of year.  

Discussion:  Northern Lights Special Education Cooperative has updated the shared document with areas of responsibility. 

Discussion:  Hermantown Arena Board asked if we are willing to do anything with the garages next to the arena. The small blue one is pretty much cleaned out, however, the other garage is used for multiple items across the district. The City of Hermantown is checking with the YMCA to see if we would have access to store items in the garage across the street. We are waiting to hear back. 

Discussion:  LHB would like to present to the Board regarding the Elementary project on December 9. With the number of agenda items for the meeting, the Board agreed to start the meeting at 5 p.m. 

Discussion:  Peterson. Attended the Arena Board meeting. It was announced that Dave Huttel is retiring at the end of January and Amber Manion will also be resigning from her position at the Arena. The Board is currently working to replace both  Dave and Amber. There is a good number of applicants for Dave's position, and Amber has agreed to stay on until they find Dave’s replacement. 
McFarland. Attended the Activities Liaison Committee meeting. There is currently a proposal to add boys swimming and diving and to change vendors for electronic ticketing. There was also a discussion about how booster clubs are raising money and how/if that money is being run through a school account. Boys volleyball is deciding whether or not they want to be a part of the MSHSL as travel will be too far.