WRENSHALL, MINNESOTA BOARD OF EDUCATION

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

DISTRICT, NO. 100

WRENSHALL, MINNESOTA

BOARD OF EDUCATION

REGULAR MEETING

TUESDAY - JULY 18, 2006

The Wrenshall Board of Education's regular meeting was called to order at 6:05 p.m. on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 by Chairman Jacobson.

Board members in attendance were Dan Jacobson, Janaki Fisher-Merritt, Tina Zinter, Matt Laveau, Jay Belcastro and Al Tyson. Also in attendance were Superintendent Shawn Northey, Principal Sue Frank, Business Manager Lance Takkunen, and Board Secretary Candy Christensen along with a community member.

Additions or corrections to the agenda: Move item 8-C to item 10-B.

MOTION by Fisher-Merritt; seconded by Laveau to approve the Agenda with above change. Motion carried.

MOTION by Fisher-Merritt; seconded by Belcastro to approve the minutes of the June 27, 2006 Regular Board Meeting. Motion carried.

Update of interest earned and revenue report. No activity report presented due to no change from previous month.

MOTION by Fisher-Merritt; seconded by Jacobson to approve the consent agenda. Motion carried.

Superintendent's report:

• Board was asked to consider hiring Bill Legarde on a consultant status for the computer technician for the 2006/2007 school year.

• Released the results of a survey distributed to the parents of open enrolled students reflecting their reasons for sending their children to Wrenshall School.

• Auditors will be here the 1st week of September with the audit results available the 1st week of October.

Principal's report:

• Discussed the inserts to promote Wrenshall School to be distributed through the Manney Shopper, including cost.

• The B.S.T. retesting of students is being conducted this week

• At this time we have 28 students tentatively enrolled for the 2006/2007 kindergarten class. Discussed the possibility of splitting the class. Board requested for the next meeting, the cost of an additional full time teacher, para, and a part time teacher.

MOTION by Fisher-Merritt; seconded by Jacobson to hire Jon Peterson, with a BA at step 1, as the Business Ed Instructor. Motion carried.
MOTION by Tyson; seconded by Belcastro to set the Truth & Taxation hearing dates as December 6, 2006 for presentation and December 12, 2006 to adopt. Motion carried.

MOTION by Jacobson; seconded by Zinter to set the 2006/2007 Food Services prices as follows:

• Elementary & Secondary Breakfast .85

• Adult Breakfast 1.45

• Elementary Lunch 1.55

• Secondary Lunch 1.70

• Adult Lunch 2.80

• Extra Milk .35

Motion carried.
MOTION by Jacobson; seconded by Laveau to keep the 2006/2007 Activity Fees and Ticket prices the same as last year. Motion carried.

MOTION by Belcastro; seconded by Tyson to call for bids for snow removal, food service, fuel, and newspaper, with approval at the August board meeting. Motion carried.

MOTION by Laveau; seconded by Zinter to accept the Wellness Policy as presented. Motion carried.

Discussion regarding the Fundraising Policy with Superintendent Northey asking the board to consider pre-approval of all fundraisers.

MOTION by Belcastro; seconded by Fisher-Merritt to provide each graduated student with three transcripts free of charge and a $3.00 charge for each additional transcript requested. Motion carried.

MOTION by Jacobson; seconded by Tyson to accept the Computer Usage Policy as presented. Motion carried.

MOTION by Fisher-Merritt; seconded by Jacobson to call for sell of certificates. Motion carried.

Discussion regarding the planning and preparation for the referendum resulted in the decision to begin forming committees each with designated duties. Further discussion regarding the amount will be at the August board meeting.

Open forum: None

MOTION by Fisher-Merritt; seconded by Zinter to adjourn meeting at 8:25 p.m. Motion carried.

(Minutes are subject to approval at the August 15, 2006 meeting.)

Dan Jacobson, Chair

Tina Zinter, Clerk

Published in the Pine Journal on December 20, 2006

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

DISTRICT, NO. 100

WRENSHALL, MINNESOTA

BOARD OF EDUCATION

REGULAR MEETING

TUESDAY - AUGUST 15 2006

The Wrenshall Board of Education's regular meeting was called to order at 6:10 p.m. on Tuesday, August 15, 2006 by Chairman Jacobson.

Board members in attendance were Dan Jacobson, Janaki Fisher-Merritt, Tina Zinter, Jay Belcastro and Al Tyson. Also in attendance were Superintendent Shawn Northey, Principal Sue Frank, and Board Secretary Candy Christensen. Board member Matt Laveau and Business Manager Lance Takkunen were absent. Also in attendance were representatives from Ehlers and Associates, staff members, and representatives from AWARE.

Additions or corrections to the agenda: Added 2 items to the consent agenda, E & F, removed action from item 10, itemized bids in item 14, and added items 15, 16, and 17.

MOTION by Belcastro; seconded by Zinter to approve the agenda with the above changes. Motion carried.

MOTION by Tyson; seconded by Jacobson to approve the minutes of the July 18, 2006 Regular Board meeting. Motion carried.

Update of interest earned and revenue report. No activity report presented due to no change from previous month.

MOTION by Jacobson; seconded by Belcastro to approve the consent agenda. Motion carried.

Kristen Hanson was present to explain and answer questions pertaining to the $800,000 Aid Anticipation Certificates. She also provided a handout.

MOTION by Jacobson; seconded by Tyson to adopt a resolution for issuance, sale, and delivery of $800,000 in aid anticipation certificates. A roll call vote was conducted: Fisher-Merritt; yes, Zinter; yes, Jacobson; yes, Tyson; yes, Belcastro; yes. Motion carried.

Superintendent Northey distributed handouts to the Board members pertaining to the operating levy. There were no questions for Ehlers pertaining to the operating levy.

Superintendent's report:

• The current student count for the 2006/2007 school year is approximately 350. This includes the anticipated 27 students enrolled in kindergarten.

• There will be a Special Meeting held August 29, 2006 to make a decision on scheduling due to the excessive number of kindergarten students.

• Will be out of the office the next 3 days for conferences in Minneapolis/St. Paul. Next Tuesday has a meeting regarding the relocation of the well.

• The school will be ready for opening on September 5, 2006

• There are 29 members on the football team, 22 members on the volleyball team, and 7 members on the cross country team (5 boys & 2 girls).

Principal's report:

• The Northeast Service Cooperative calendar has been released and out of 13 featured drawings, 11 of them are creations of Wrenshall students.

• Provided a handout on Lack of Educational Funding

MOTION by Jacobson; seconded by Zinter to approve the High School Handbook changes. Motion carried.
MOTION by Jacobson; seconded by Fisher-Merritt to approve the bids as presented. Motion carried.

MOTION by Tyson; seconded by Zinter to hire Lagarde Computer Service for the 2006/2007 school year. Motion carried.

A representative from the AWARE group stated their intention to donate $2,000 for a grant to be used for music lessons. It will be announced at a later date the determination of who can use this grant money. AWARE also proposed an additional donation ear-marked for an Academic Specialist for the K-3rd grade at 3 hours per day in the amount of $10,000 with the district picking up the difference. The board extended their appreciation of the generous offer and set a Special Meeting on Monday, August 21, 2006 for further discussion and possible action.

MOTION by Tyson; seconded by Belcastro to set the Learning Levy amount at $450 per pupil unit for a 3-year period, which the District anticipates to be $150,000, with 30% being paid by the state. Motion carried.

Open forum: Staff member suggested that email addresses and extensions of all staff be published in the September IMAGES for the parent's reference.

MOTION by Belcastro; seconded by Zinter to adjourn meeting at 8:47 p.m. Motion carried.

(Minutes are subject to approval at the September 19, 2006 meeting.)

Dan Jacobson, Chair

Tina Zinter, Clerk

Published in the Pine Journal on December 20, 2006

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

DISTRICT NO. 100

Wrenshall, Minnesota

Special Meeting of the Board of Education

MONDAY - AUGUST 21, 2006

The Wrenshall Board of Education's special meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. on Monday, August 21, 2006 by Chairman Dan Jacobson.

Board members in attendance were Dan Jacobson, Matt Laveau, Janaki Fisher-Merritt, Tina Zinter, and Al Tyson. Also in attendance were Superintendent Shawn Northey and Principal Sue Frank. Board member Jay Belcastro was absent.

Additions or corrections to the Agenda: Add discussion/action to hire a K-3 Math/Reading Specialist.

MOTION by Jacobson; seconded by Fisher-Merritt to accept the agenda with the above change. Motion carried.

MOTION by Fisher-Merritt; seconded by Jacobson to accept the donation from A.W.A.R.E. to hire a K-3 Math/Reading Specialist. Motion carried.

MOTION by Jacobson; seconded by Tyson to freeze open enrollment for the Kindergarten at this time. Motion carried.

The Board would like to extend it's appreciation to A.W.A.R.E. for it's support.

Discussion pertaining to the referendum.

MOTION by Laveau; seconded by Zinter to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 p.m. Motion carried.

(Minutes are subject to approval at the September 19, 2006 board meeting.)

Dan Jacobson, Chair

Tina Zinter, Clerk

Published in the Pine Journal on December 20, 2006

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

DISTRICT, NO. 100

WRENSHALL, MINNESOTA

BOARD OF EDUCATION

REGULAR MEETING

TUESDAY - SEPT. 19, 2006

The Wrenshall Board of Education's regular meeting was called to order at 6:05 p.m. on Tuesday, September 19, 2006 by Vice Chairman Fisher-Merritt.

Board members in attendance were Janaki Fisher-Merritt, Tina Zinter, Jay Belcastro and Matt Laveau. Also in attendance were Superintendent Shawn Northey, Principal Sue Frank, Business Manager Lance Takkunen and Board Secretary Candy Christensen. Board members Dan Jacobson and Al Tyson were absent. Also in attendance were representatives from representatives from AWARE, staff and community members.

Additions or corrections to the agenda: Added 1 item to the consent agenda, donation from the Arrowhead Dog Agility Association, removed item 17 and added items 19 and 23.

MOTION by Laveau; seconded by Zinter to approve the agenda with the above changes. Motion carried.

MOTION by Fisher-Merritt; seconded by Belcastro to accept with sincere appreciation a $550.00 donation from Eleanor Syverson on behalf of the Syverson Scholarship Foundation . Motion carried.

MOTION by Fisher-Merritt; seconded by Laveau to accept with sincere appreciation a $150.00 donation from the Arrowhead Dog Agility Association. Motion carried.

MOTION by Belcastro; seconded by Laveau to approve the minutes of the August 15, 2006, Regular Board meeting, with corrected typo and the August 21, 2006 Special Meeting. Motion carried.

MOTION by Laveau; seconded by Zinter to approve expenditures as presented. Motion carried.

Update of interest earned to date.

Update of revenue report.

MOTION by Laveau; seconded by Zinter to approve the Treasurer's report as presented. Motion carried.

Update of Activity Fund report.

Presentation of the 2007 Senior class trip was conducted with a slide show highlighting the proposed destination being St Augustine, FL at the cost of approximately $800 per student participating. The board will take it under consideration, making a decision at a later date.

Presentation regarding Non-certified coaches was given by Neil Dickenson.

Superintendent's report:

• The new fence around the football field was installed by the Booster Club with most materials being donated.

• DirecTV is being installed in the school.

• Discussion pertaining to a letter received by the board members regarding a busing issue.

• Passed out information sheets for referendum information, explaining their contents for informational purposes.

• Congratulated the board for being fiscally responsible.

Principal's report:

• The 9th graders listened to a speaker about depression and M.S.

• One of our students is a semi-finalist for the National Merit.

• The 6th graders will be holding a fundraiser raffle for a plane ride.

• The 10th graders will be holding a fundraiser selling candles.

• The 11th graders will be holding a fundraiser selling candy.

• Presented a letter from a student requesting assistance in paying for classes to allow him to graduate as scheduled.

Athletic Director's report:

• Welcome to the new foreign exchange student from Korea, Sung Jun Park to our school.

• Fall sports are off to a good start with cross country participation growing, currently there are 4 girls and 8 boys.

• The tailgate party was a success

• Football team is at 3-0

• Jr. High participation numbers are down.

• There will be a survey conducted to determine the number of students interested in baseball and softball.

MOTION by Belcastro; seconded by Laveau to approve participation in the TRA part-time teaching program by Sherri Fossen. Motion carried.
MOTION by Laveau; seconded by Zinter to hire Linda Wyman as Assistant Cook. Motion carried.

MOTION by Fisher-Merritt; seconded by Belcastro to approve the Systems Accountability report. Motion carried.

MOTION by Fisher-Merritt; seconded by Zinter to Certify the Levy at its maximum amount, which is currently at a 1.74% increase. Adjustments will be made and a final levy will be certified at the December board meeting. Motion carried.

AWARE update:

• ? A part-time teacher will help with kindergarten 2 hours daily on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

• A part-time teacher will help with lessons 3 hours a day, twice a week, focusing on grades 1 - 3 in math and reading.

• AWARE's portion will be $14,500 and the district's portion will be $4,000.

MOTION by Zinter; seconded by Laveau to approve the requested 3-year leave of absence of Marilyn Sowada as bus driver but continue to her on staff as scheduler and bus cleaner. Motion carried.
MOTION by Belcastro; seconded by Zinter to move Stacey Luyben from .8 F.T.E. to 1.0 F.T.E. to assistant with the kindergarten class and to post for the additional assistant position. Motion carried.

Open forum:

MOTION by Laveau; seconded by Belcastro to adjourn meeting at 7:28 p.m. Motion carried.

(Minutes are subject to approval at the October 17, 2006 meeting.)

Dan Jacobson, Chair

Tina Zinter, Clerk

Published in the Pine Journal on December 20, 2006

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

DISTRICT, NO. 100

WRENSHALL, MINNESOTA

BOARD OF EDUCATION

REGULAR MEETING

TUESDAY - OCTOBER 17, 2006

The Wrenshall Board of Education's regular meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 17, 2006 by Chairman Jacobson.

Board members in attendance were Dan Jacobson, Janaki Fisher-Merritt, Tina Zinter, Jay Belcastro, Al Tyson, and Matt Laveau. Also in attendance were Superintendent Shawn Northey, Principal Sue Frank, Business Manager, Lance Takkunen and Board Secretary Candy Christensen. Also in attendance were staff members and a student.

Additions or corrections to the agenda: Added 2 items to the consent agenda, approval of hiring of Tyler Homstad as track coach and hiring of Carrie Johnson as housekeeper, move items 10, 11, and 13, to items 4a, 4b, and 4c, respectively.

MOTION by Fisher-Merritt; seconded by Zinter to approve the agenda with the above changes. Motion carried.

Athletic Director's report:

• Presented proposal to the board not have Varsity or Jr. Varsity baseball teams this year due to lack of interest in participation with only 6 boys willing to commit.

• There will, however, be a Jr. High baseball team.

• Requested that the board consider allowing girls to participate in both softball and track.

MOTION by Jacobson; seconded by Fisher-Merritt to cancel Varsity Baseball, per the Athletic Director, Joel Swanson's recommendation. Jacobson; yes, Fisher-Merritt; yes, Belcastro; yes, Zinter; yes, Laveau; yes, Tyson; no. Motion carried.
Community Ed report:

• Youth Committee in place with 13 members in grades 6-12.

• The Youth Committee will host a Christmas Tea in early December at Garden Terrace, and serve lunch for the Craft Sale on November 11, 2006.

• They have also expressed interest in painting the bus garage and do yard clean-up on school grounds in the spring.

• Snowflakes and Scarecrows Craft Sale and Firemen's bingo will be held on November 11, 2006 in the gym.

• There is currently a raffle for a cedar-lined white pine chest in conjunction with the craft sale.

• Elementary Basketball will begin with hopes of finding coaches.

• Rhonda Jacobson has resigned as editor of Images. Her hard work and dedication as editor has resulted in several improvements in the paper along with an increase in sponsorships. She will be sadly missed.

Discussion regarding the Senior Class trip resulted in the board requesting that the seniors return with additional information at a Special Board Meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 26, 2006 at 7:00 pm.
MOTION by Fisher-Merritt; seconded by Laveau not to approve the Senior Class trip to St. Augustine, FL as previously presented. The Board will consider this destination with more information at a later presentation. Motion carried.

Update of interest earned to date.

MOTION by Belcastro; seconded by Laveau to approve Consent Agenda

• Expenditures as presented.

• Approve the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting held on September 19, 2006.

• Approve the hiring of Maureen Holmes as bus driver.

• Approve the hiring of Sherri Fossen as the Elementary math/reading specialist.

• Approve the hiring of Tyler Homstad as track coach.

• Hiring of Carrie Johnson as housekeeper.

• Approve wire transfers of $100,000 on 9/13/06 and $100,000 on 9/26/2006.

Motion carried
Superintendent's report:

• Attended the Superintendent's Conference in Brainerd.

• The grant from the Carlton County collaborative in the amount of $800,000 per year will be ending due to lack of funds sometime in the next couple years. This grant is used by all Carlton County schools for elementary counselors, police liaison, truancy officer, mental health coordinator, and ECFE.

• Thank you to Chris Nyberg for installing the school's DirecTV system.

• The MN State High School League has made changes in the way they classify the size of the school basing the changes on total enrollment. Total enrollment will now be enrollment minus 40% of the total free and reduced students. Northey then stated that this puts extra emphasis on free and reduced numbers and the importance of families completing applications to qualify.

Principal's report:

• ? Attended five meetings since the last board meeting.

• UMD - Meet with Principals

• Polar League Principles

• School Law Seminar

• Alworth Luncheon

• SSHS - Carlton County Collaborative

• Some parents have expressed their concern regarding student's eligibility for extra-curricular activities.

• Testing is going very well.

• Teacher's In-Service is being held on October 27, 2006.

MOTION by Tyson; seconded by Zinter to accept with regret the letter of resignation from Rhonda Jacobson as editor of IMAGES. Motion carried.
MOTION by Tyson; seconded by Zinter to accept with regret the letter of resignation from Denise North as assistant coach of girl's basketball. Motion carried.

There have been three informational/discussion sessions held pertaining to the upcoming referendum.

There was discussion regarding the school board vacancies and it was recommended that the current board members search the community for possible write-in candidates. To-date, there is one person on the ballot for the three vacancies.

It was decided to have the presentation for the 2006/2007 audit on Thursday, October 26, 2006 at 7:30 p.m.

Open forum: None

MOTION by Jacobson; seconded by Belcastro to adjourn meeting at 8:25 p.m. Motion carried.

(Minutes are subject to approval at the November 21, 2006 meeting.)

Dan Jacobson, Chair

Tina Zinter, Clerk

Published in the Pine Journal on December 20, 2006

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

DISTRICT NO. 100

Wrenshall, Minnesota

Special Meeting of the Board of Education

WEDNESDAY - NOV. 9, 2006

The Wrenshall Board of Education's special meeting was called to order at 6:07 p.m. on Thursday - November 9, 2006 by Chairman Dan Jacobson.

Board members in attendance were Dan Jacobson, Janaki Fisher-Merritt, Tina Zinter, and Al Tyson. Also in attendance were Superintendent Shawn Northey and Shane Kuhlmey. Board members Matt Laveau and Jay Belcastro were absent.

The purpose of the meeting was to accept the Resolution Canvassing Returns of Votes of election results in the election for the Operating Referendum of $450 per pupil unit and of School Board Members that was held on November 7, 2006.

MOTION by Jacobson; seconded by Tyson to accept the Resolution Canvassing Returns for the Operating Referendum of $450 per pupil unit with results: Yes - 363, No - 483. Motion carried.

Three (3) school board positions were open for election. The following were elected to those positions each for a four (4)-year term that expires on January 1, 2011: Shane Kuhlmey, Dan Jacobson and Debbie Bryce.

Shane Kuhlmey received the largest number of votes totaling 648.

Dan Jacobson, running on a write-in, received the second largest number of votes totaling 36.

Deb Bryce, running on a write-in, received the third largest number of votes totaling 20.

There were several other write-in votes that totaled 207.

MOTION by Fisher-Merritt; seconded by Zinter to accept the returns of votes for School Board Members in the school district General Election. Motion carried.

MOTION by Tyson; seconded by Fisher-Merritt to adjourn the meeting at 6:15 a.m. Motion carried.

(Minutes are subject to approval at the November 21, 2006 board meeting.)

Dan Jacobson, Chair

Tina Zinter, Clerk

Published in the Pine Journal on December 20, 2006

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

DISTRICT, NO. 100

WRENSHALL, MINNESOTA

BOARD OF EDUCATION

REGULAR MEETING

TUESDAY - NOVEMBER 21, 2006

The Wrenshall Board of Education's regular meeting was called to order at 6:03 p.m. on Tuesday, November 21, 2006 by Chairman Jacobson.

Board members in attendance were Dan Jacobson, Janaki Fisher-Merritt, Tina Zinter, Al Tyson, and Matt Laveau. Also in attendance were Superintendent Shawn Northey, Principal Sue Frank, Business Manager, Lance Takkunen and Board Secretary Candy Christensen. Board member Jay Belcastro was absent. Also in attendance were staff members, board members elect; Debbie Bryce and Shane Kahlmey and a community member.

Additions or corrections to the agenda: Add Setting graduation date as item #15, advancing items 15, 16, 17, and 18 respectively. Add discussion on marquee sign as item #17a.

MOTION by Laveau; seconded by Fisher-Merritt to approve the agenda with the above changes. Motion carried.

MOTION by Fisher-Merritt; seconded by Jacobson to approve the Consent agenda.

• Expenditures as presented.

• Approve the Treasurer's report.

• Approve the minutes of board meetings held October 17, 2006 and November 9, 2006.

• Approve hiring Mary Grover as assistant girl's basketball coach.

• Approve the 2006 audit as presented.

• Approve wire transfers of $88,000 on October 12, 2006, $80,000 on October 19, 2006, and $80,000 on October 27, 2006.

Motion carried
Superintendent's report:

• Will be in contact with the City of Wrenshall regarding the increase in cost of water and sewer over the past couple of years, requesting clarification.

• Bridget Ristad has accepted a position elsewhere, therefore will not be returning as Librarian at Wrenshall.

• Will be meeting with Ron Stolberg, along with other area superintendent's to discuss seven platform issues.

Principal's report:

• In the past month has attended four conferences including Title One, Data Retreat, E2T2 Grant, and Stepping Stones.

• St. Scholastica donated two Barnes & Noble gift certificates to the Teen Read Week.

• Conferences were held with attendance being better for elementary than high school.

• NHS is holding a Penny Drive for the family of Scott Heittola and to-date has raised $800.

• Afton Hiswauld Society Press donated 42 copies of "Four Hills of Life".

Athletic Director's Report

• Athletic Banquet is being held tonight.

• The Jr. Varsity girl's basketball position was posted and no bargaining unit applied.

• Jeremy Zywicki applied for the Track and Field Coach.

• Requested that the board consider hiring a third coach for Track and Field.

• Will be posting for Softball Coach position.

There was no report given by the Community Ed Director. It was noted that Community Ed will be overseeing the production of a basketball program for this basketball season. No school dollars will be used in this process.
There was discussion regarding Curriculum & the NWEA results.

MOTION by Jacobson; seconded by Fisher-Merritt to approve an early release for students on Wednesday, November 29, 2006, to provide staff development time for the teaching staff to set in motion a plan to improve curriculum. Motion carried.

The Truth & Taxation hearing will remain as planned for December 6, 2006 at 5:01pm.

MOTION by Fisher-Merritt; seconded by Zinter to set Graduation for Friday, June 1, 2007. Motion carried.

Discussion regarding a referendum will begin in January at which time a committee will for formed.

MOTION by Jacobson; seconded by Laveau to adopt a resolution directing administration to make recommendations for reductions in programs and positions and reasons therefore.

Updating information on the marquee sign will be the responsibility of the day-time custodians with all requests submitted by noon on Monday. It was also decided to purchase new letters and numbers.

Open forum: The board would like to recognize the attendance of the new board members elect, Debbie Bryce and Shane Kahlmey at tonight's meeting.

Chris Grover would like to extend a thank you to the board for granting the staff development request for November 29, 2006.

MOTION by Tyson; seconded by Laveau to adjourn meeting at 7:09 p.m. Motion carried.

(Minutes are subject to approval at the December 12, 2006 meeting.)

Dan Jacobson, Chair

Tina Zinter, Clerk

Published in the Pine Journal on December 20, 2006