MAS holds public hearing on earlier start of school year
News | Published on March 6, 2023 at 2:24pm CST
By Melanie Stegner
news@pctribune.com
A public hearing was held before the regular school board meeting to discuss a flexible learning year. The request is to begin school prior to Labor Day, on August 28, 2023. Minnesota statute requires schools hold three public hearing dates in order to have an early start. The final public hearing will be held on March 27, 2023, at 6:30 p.m.
Sarah Suchy, Middle School Principal, gave an update on the state of the middle school. “We have been sure to really focus on the core classes as it’s the foundation of education,” stated Suchy. Middle School administrators have made site visits to similar schools and are developing a vision for what the middle school should be.
During Bus Driver Appreciation week, Palmer Transportation Bus Drivers were recognized for their excellent service all year round. The school board was also recognized for their commitment to the school in honor of school board recognition month.
The financial reports were reviewed, and a discussion ensued regarding an incident with students that were asked to leave a basketball game in Benson. The students that were asked to leave later apologized for their actions.
The Buildings and Grounds Interim Director Jeremy Armstrong did an update on his department. “We’re fully staffed, and the crew is awesome. They’re a great team and they always give extra,” he stated. He has submitted all of the annual reports to the state as required. The department is currently working on the chemical system for the pool. “It’s been down for a while, and we are working to get that going again.”
The board approved two separate calls for bids. The first is for transportation for MAS. The second is a call for bids for audit services for MAS. Bids for both will open on April 5, 2023, and bid forms and specifications may be obtained from the district office.
The AFSCME Union notified administration on February 15 of their desire to negotiate. This was approved.
A first reading of proposed school policies was reviewed which included items that were updated to state statutes. The community notification of predatory offenders’ policy was the only policy that required the change. The others reviewed required no changes.
At the close of meeting, it was requested and approved to move the March board meeting to March 27 as the prior date was to take place during spring break.
