By Melanie Stegner

News @pctribune.com

Danielle Kulzer Douvier was recognized for her contribution at WIN Academy at last week’s Minnewaska Area School board meeting. “She’s an awesome member of the WIN team. She keeps students engaged, is caring, consistent and dependable and she can remain calm in some of the most difficult situations,” stated Susan Knutson, Principal of WIN Academy.

Minnesota Reading Corps tutors were also recognized for their contribution to the district. JoAnne Kocher and Megan Tapio are full-time MRC tutors. “The data on how the MRC program interventions impact kids is extremely strong and we are very thankful to have them on the Laker team!” stated MAS Superintendent Chip Rankin.

Mrs. Byer and two students gave a report on their trip to Puerto Rico. “We had some transportation issues. The bus company cancelled so we had to recruit someone and Mr. Milbrandt filled in,” Byer stated.    

During the trip, students toured Old San Juan, had salsa dancing lessons, sampled local cuisine, attended a Catholic mass with the governor, went snorkeling and kayaking, explored caves and immersed themselves in the Puerto Rican culture.

Several students went on a trip to Washington D.C.recently.  Mrs. Hoffman did a short presentation on the trip. “We are proud of our group, we always receive compliments on the kids’ behavior,” she stated. They visited Arlington Cemetery, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, several memorials, Mount Vernon, Gettysburg and many other sites while visiting the D.C. area.

A resolution was approved to engage with Clyde Machines to purchase certain products. Clyde Machines is able to purchase equipment as low as or lower than the price at which the same products can be obtained from other sources. The products include equipment and metal.

Minnewaska Elementary staff provided a board report regarding their curriculum, operations, partnerships, communication and ensuring a safe and welcoming learning community. “For many years we focused on math and reading and science and social studies were pushed aside. We want to make sure we’re teaching those things as well,” stated Scott Lemka, Principal of MAES.

Megan Boutain, school nurse did a presentation on the status of the district’s health department. The health department provides case management, immunization review and hearing and vision screenings. 

The district calendar was approved for the 2023-2024 school year, resolutions were passed for the nonrenewal of two teaching contracts for teachers in the Physical Education department. The board approved the maintenance and game prep bids for the baseball, softball, track and football fields. Lux Cut Lawn Care will be taking care of the track, football field and softball field. The Minnewaska Baseball Association won the bid for the baseball field.

The board approved a position of Director of Teaching, Learning and Technology to coincide with the contract of the Minnewaska Principals Association for the 2023-2024 school year.

The board reviewed school policies with no changes according to the three-year annual review cycle as well as curriculum updates on professional development, English and Phy. Ed.

The next meeting of the board will take place on April 17 at 7 p.m. in the District Office Board Room.