MINNEWASKA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT #2149

GLENWOOD, MINNESOTA

MONDAY, APRIL 17, 2023

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

The Minnewaska Area Schools Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, April 17, 2023 in the Minnewaska Area Schools Board Room. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Vice-Chairperson T. Reichmann. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Present: Barsness, Holtberg, T. Reichmann, A. Reichmann, Lagred

Members Absent: Barsness, Zavadil, Ogdahl

Motion by Lagred, seconded by, Holtberg to approve the agenda as presented. 

Roll Call Vote:  Aye: T. Reichmann, A. Reichmann, Lagred, Holtberg

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Visitor’s Comments: None 

Special Recognitions & Honors:

• In honor of School Principals’ Day on May 1st, the school board would like to recognize and honor the district’s principals, Nate Meissner, Sarah Suchy, Scott Lempka, and Susan Knutson. You are the backbone of our schools, and your impact on the lives of our students, teachers, and staff is immeasurable. You work tirelessly to create a positive learning environment, inspire and empower our students, and support and develop our teachers and staff.

• The school board would like to express appreciation to all of the staff in the Buildings & Grounds Dept. who worked hard to keep the snow removed all winter long. The winter season can be particularly challenging, with heavy snowfalls and freezing temperatures making it difficult for people to get around. This staff worked tirelessly to keep the snow removed from sidewalks, parking lots, and entrances and deserves recognition for their hard work and dedication this winter season.

Motion by A. Reichmann, seconded by Lagred, to approve the minutes of the March 27, 2023 Special Board Meeting-Public Hearing on Flexible Learning Year Calendar, and March 27, 2023 Regular School Board Meeting

Roll Call Vote:  Aye: T. Reichmann, A. Reichmann, Lagred, Holtberg

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Superintendent Rankin gave an update the summary of bills, K-12 board revenue and expenditures, foodservice, and school enrollment report.

Motion by Holtberg, seconded by A. Reichmann, to approve the Claims & Accounts totaling $1,358,229.41.

Roll Call Vote:  Aye: T. Reichmann, A. Reichmann, Lagred, Holtberg

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Motion by Holtberg, seconded by Lagred to approve resolution No. 04172023 accepting donations/gifts to the school district. 

Roll Call Vote:  Aye: T. Reichmann, A. Reichmann, Lagred, Holtberg

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Minnewaska Area High School Principal, Nate Meissner and the High Schools Building Leadership Team (BLT) presented an update to the school board.

Phil Johnsrud, the District Activities Director presented an update from the department.

Motion by Lagred seconded by Holtberg to approve the 2023-2024 designation of identified officials with authority for the MDE External User Access Recertification system for Charles Rankin.

Roll Call Vote:  Aye: T. Reichmann, A. Reichmann, Lagred, Holtberg

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Motion by A. Reichmann, seconded by Lagred to approve the resolution discontinuing the following positions at the conclusion of the 2022-2023 school year. (1) Title One Support Staff position, (1) Alternative Learning Program Teacher, (2) 4-8 Interventionist, (3) K-3 Interventionists, (1) District Assessment Coordinator (DAC).

Roll Call Vote:  Aye: T. Reichmann, A. Reichmann, Lagred, Holtberg

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Motion by Lagred, seconded by Holtberg to terminate Melissa Hayek, Title I support staff, at the end of the 2022-2023 school year, pending Federal funding for the 2023-2024 school year.

Roll Call Vote:  Aye: T. Reichmann, A. Reichmann, Lagred, Holtberg

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Motion by A. Reichmann, seconded by Holtberg, to approve termination of Meribeth Noyes, Alternative Learning Program Teacher, at the end of the 2022-2023 school year, pending Federal and/or State Funding for the 2023-2024 school year.

Roll Call Vote:  Aye: T. Reichmann, A. Reichmann, Lagred, Holtberg

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Motion by Lagred, seconded by A. Reichmann, to approve termination of Brian Gruber, 4-8 Interventionist Teacher, at the end of the 2022-2023 school year, pending Federal and/or State Funding for the 2023-2024 school year.

Roll Call Vote:  Aye: T. Reichmann, A. Reichmann, Lagred, Holtberg

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Motion by Holtberg, seconded by Lagred to approve termination of Kasey Douvier, 4-8 Interventionist Teacher, at the end of the 2022-2023 school year, pending Federal and/or State Funding for the 2023-2024 school year.

Roll Call Vote:  Aye: T. Reichmann, A. Reichmann, Lagred, Holtberg

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Motion by A. Reichmann, seconded by Lagred, to approve termination of Becky Reber, K-3 Interventionist Teacher, at the end of the 2022-2023 school year, pending Federal and/or State Funding for the 2023-2024 school year.

Roll Call Vote:  Aye: T. Reichmann, A. Reichmann, Lagred, Holtberg

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Motion by Lagred, seconded by Holtberg to approve termination of Bobbi Jo Johnson, K-3 Interventionist Teacher, at the end of the 2022-2023 school year, pending Federal and/or State Funding for the 2023-2024 school year.

Roll Call Vote:  Aye: T. Reichmann, A. Reichmann, Lagred, Holtberg

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Motion by A. Reichmann, seconded by Holtberg, to approve termination of Debra Mathias, District Assessment Coordinator, at the end of the 2022-2023 school year, pending Federal and/or State Funding for the 2023-2024 school year.

Roll Call Vote:  Aye: T. Reichmann, A. Reichmann, Lagred, Holtberg

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Motion by Lagred, seconded by Holtberg, to approve termination of Stephanie Thoen, K-3 Interventionist Teacher, at the end of the 2022-2023 school year, pending Federal and/or State Funding for the 2023-2024 school year.

Roll Call Vote:  Aye: T. Reichmann, A. Reichmann, Lagred, Holtberg

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Motion by A. Reichmann, seconded by Lagred to approve the MOU with Amber Gremmels, a probationary teacher at Independent School District 2149, Minnewaska.

Roll Call Vote:  Aye: T. Reichmann, A. Reichmann, Lagred, Holtberg

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Motion by Holtberg, seconded by Lagred, to approve the MOU between Minnewaska Area School District and Central Square starting the 2023-2024 school year.

Roll Call Vote:  Aye: T. Reichmann, A. Reichmann, Lagred, Holtberg

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Motion by Holtberg, seconded by A. Reichmann, to approve the 2023 contract with Green Lawns.

Roll Call Vote:  Aye: T. Reichmann, A. Reichmann, Lagred, Holtberg

Nay: None

Motion carried. 

Motion by Lagred seconded by Holtberg, to approve the consent calendar as listed. New Hires: Brian Gruber, Junior High Baseball Coach, BS+10 Step 10, effective 04/11/2023 • Olivia MacDonald, School Age Childcare Assistant, Grade 4 Step1, effective 04/11/2023 • Brooklyn Noyes, School Age Childcare Assistant, Grade 4 Step1, effective 04/11/2023 • Raquel Schmitz, Early Childhood Teacher/Coordinator, BS Step 5, effective 07/01/2023 Resignations: Miriah Johnsrud, Elementary Education Teacher, effective 06/30/2023 Retirements: Steve Sampson, Information Technology Assistant, effective 06/30/2023

All School Board Members will be on stage to hand out diplomas during the 2023 Graduation commencement.

Announcements: 

• May 15, 2023, Regular Board Meeting, 7 pm in the Minnewaska Area Schools District Office Board Room

• May 26, 2023, High School Graduation, 7 pm at the Minnewaska Area Schools Gymnasium

• June 19, 2023, Regular Board Meeting, 7 pm in the Minnewaska Area Schools District Office Board Room

Motion by Lagred, seconded by Holtberg, to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 p.m.

Roll Call Vote:  Aye: T. Reichmann, A. Reichmann, Lagred, Holtberg

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Angie Reichmann, Clerk

Minnewaska Area Schools,

ISD 2149

Glenwood, MN

May 29