MINNEWASKA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT #2149

GLENWOOD, MINNESOTA

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2023

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

The Minnewaska Area Schools Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, October 16, 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: T. Reichmann, Lagred, Zavadil, A. Reichmann, Ogdahl, Holtberg

Members Absent: Barsness

Motion by Zavadil, seconded by, Ogdahl to approve the agenda as presented.

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

Nay: None

Motion carried. 

Visitor’s Comments: None

Special Recognitions & Honors: 

• The School Board would like to acknowledge the entire community for their overwhelming support in approving the technology levy during the November 7 election. This resounding endorsement reflects a shared commitment to providing our students with cutting-edge educational opportunities. Your support not only ensures access to modern technology but also strengthens the foundation for their future success in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

• The Board would like to recognize the following individuals, teams, and coaches for their achievements. 

o Gator Swim & Dive: Congratulations to the Minnewaska/Morris Area Gators Swim and Dive Team and coaches Sam Oellien, Summer Rydell, Ruth Hovel, and Kathleen Walker as they had a great Section  8A Swim & Dive Meet in Detroit Lakes! Many personal bests, new records, and top finishers. Qualifying for the 2023 Minnesota State Swim & Dive Meet was Lyla Stadtherr in the 100 Breaststroke as well as the 400 Free Relay Team consisting of Becca Femrite, Melena Longtin, and sisters Lyla and Soffia Stadtherr. Lyla and the 400 Free Relay Team set new school records with their state-qualifying performances. These individuals will compete at the MN State Swim & Dive Meet at the University of Minnesota on November 16th-18th.

o Laker Girls’ Tennis: Congratulations to the Lady Laker Tennis Team and coaches Tara Reichmann, Chad Quelle, and Lucas Barkeim on winning the 2023 West Central Conference Championship.

o Laker Cross-Country: Congratulations to Laker Cross Country team members sophomore Lauryn Ankeny and senior Mason Tank on qualifying for the 2023 Minnesota State High School Cross Country Meet. They qualified them for the State XC Meet held at the Les Bolstad Golf Course of the University of Minnesota. The Laker Girls Cross Country Team also won the 2023 West Central Conference Championship. Congratulations team members and coaches Jennifer Johnsrud and Linda Mills.

Motion by A. Reichmann, seconded by Lagred, to approve the minutes of the October 16, 2023, Regular Board Meeting and November 16, 2023 Special Board Meeting

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

Nay: None

Motion carried Superintendent Rankin presented the summary of bills, investment report, foodservice report and presented the Superintendent report.

Motion Ogdahl, seconded by, Holtberg, to approve the Claims & Accounts totaling $2,764,449.98. 

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

Nay: None

Motion carried. 

Motion by, Zavadil, seconded by, Lagred, to approve Resolution No. 11202023 accepting the donations to the school district.

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

Nay: None

Motion carried. 

Motion by Zavadil, seconded by A. Reichmann to approve the resignation of Zach Lagred as the School Board Treasurer.

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

Nay: None

Motion carried. 

Motion Lagred to nominate Ogdahl for Treasurer, it was seconded by Zavadil. A vote was taken Ogdahl was elected Treasurer.

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

Nay: None

Motion carried. 

Motion by, Holtberg, seconded by, Ogdahl, to approve the consent calendar as listed.

New Hires: Luke Barkeim, Junior High Boys’ Basketball Coach, BS+10 Step 3, effective 10/24/2023 – Salary to be paid by the Laker Boys’ Basketball Booster Club • Maria Gremmels, Special Education Paraprofessional, Grade 5 Step 2, effective 11/06/2023 • Paul Malloy, Robotics Coach, BS+10 Step 3, effective 11/15/2023, New position to be approved by MTA • Oliver Rivera, Junior High Speech Coach, BS +10 Step 3, effective 12/01/2023 • Michael Schumann, Night Custodian, Grade 6 Step 6, effective 11/01/2023 • Jordyn Walstrom, Early Childhood Special Education Paraprofessional, Grade 5 Step 5, effective 12/18/2023 Change of Status: Jeremy Armstrong, change from Interim Buildings & Grounds Director to Buildings & Grounds Director, $35.61 rate of hourly pay, effective 12/01/2023 • Barbara Haaf, Cook, Bobbie will be relocating to elementary school, Grade 4 Step 12, effective 11/06/2023 • Audrey Frey, After-School Program Director, changed from Grade 7 Step 12 to Grade 8 Step 10. Will remain Grade 7 Step 12 for MAES Administrative Assistant for 4 hours a day. Effective 12/01/2023 • Judy Soderholm, Change from cook to sub cook, Grade 4 Step 11, effective 11/22/2023 Resignations: Megan Greene, 7th Grade Volleyball Coach, effective 10/23/2023 • Michele Johnson, Head Volleyball Coach, effective 11/14/2023

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

Nay: None

Motion carried. 

Phil Johnsrud, the District Activities Director, gave a presentation and an update from the department.

Lars Ossmo, the Site Manager at Palmer Transportation, gave a presentation and an update from the department.

Superintendent Rankin presented a comprehensive presentation providing the latest updates on the collaboration with Lakes Area Enrichment Center. In recent weeks, informative tours have been conducted at the Starbuck campus in conjunction with Lakes Area Enrichment. Superintendent Rankin will delve into the details of these tours, shedding light on the key findings and potential opportunities that have emerged. The primary focus of these tours has been to explore the possibility of leasing space at the Starbuck campus for Lakes Area Enrichment Center’s initiatives. Superintendent Rankin will elaborate on the discussions and negotiations that have taken place, addressing the potential benefits for both the school district and Lakes Area Enrichment Center in terms of educational enrichment and community engagement. These tours involved key education stakeholders and included county commissioners, representatives from the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA), and Head Start. Superintendent Rankin will highlight the collaborative efforts and partnerships being forged with these entities, emphasizing the shared commitment to community development and educational advancement. Discussion surrounding the potential remodeling of the first floor of the Starbuck campus. This remodel aims to create a conducive and tailored space that aligns with the objectives of the Lakes Area Enrichment Center and Head Start. 

Principal Scott Lempka and Director of Teaching, Learning, and Technology Sarah Suchy gave a presentation and update to the board on the World’s Best Workforce.

Motion by A. Reichmann, seconded by Lagred, to approve the Worlds Best Work Force Report. 

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

Nay: None

Motion carried. 

Announcements:

• Monday, December 18, 2023, Truth in Taxation Public Hearing, 6:30 pm in the MAS District Office Board Room

• Monday, December 18, 2023, Regular Board Meeting, 7:00 pm in the MAS District Office Board Room

• Thursday, January 4, 2024, School Board Organizational Meeting, 7:30 am in the MAS District Office Board Room

Motion by, Ogdahl, seconded by, Lagred, to adjourn the Regular Meeting at 7:53 p.m.  Motion carried.

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

Nay: None

Motion carried.

/s/ Angie Reichmann

School Board Clerk

Minnewaska Area Schools,

ISD #2149

Glenwood, MN

Dec. 25