By Melanie Stegner

Reporter

Minnewaska Area High School students in seventh and ninth grade were given a career day recently and Tiffany Kobbermann and Hannah Meagher were recognized at last week’s school board meeting for their work in putting the day together. 300 students visited three destinations and heard from 14 speakers about the job opportunities available for them locally. “We received some really positive feedback from the students,” stated Minnewaska Area Schools Superintendent Chip Rankin.

School Principals’ Day is on May 1 and the board recognized and honored the district’s principals Nate Meissner, Scott Lempka, Sue Currens and Susan Knutson. 

Enrollment is currently at 1,282 students at MAS and according to Rankin, the school’s financial status is solid. Retirements were accepted from Peggy Falk, Nancy Hoffman and Rebecca Reber.

Middle School Principal Scott Lempka presented an update from MMS. He reviewed the strategic goals which include to perform in the top 25 percent of similar schools, exploring AI and its positives and negatives as they relate to the school setting and an increase in communication to families through the use of social media, newspaper and newsletters. 

Recently teachers were given a presentation on blended learning. Blended learning utilizes electronic and online media as well as face-to-face teaching, making class sizes more manageable through the use of the technology available.

A contract for services with Colin Modahl was approved for psychological services. Superintendent Ranking was given the authority for Minnesota Department of Education external user access recertification system.

Certain staff members that are hired through Title 1 funding are non-renewed at the end of the school year and rehired the following year. The board approved this at the meeting.

Board members handing out diplomas will be Chad Barsness, Ted Reichmann, Angie Reichmann and Jeff Holtberg.

A “very provisional” meeting was recently held with Widseth Architects on possibilities to update the security at the school. “We’ve had two males come from Ohio to abduct children recently and our community is experiencing a daycare crisis. We’re looking for ways to address these concerns,” stated Rankin while also reminding the board and those in attendance that the ideas are very provisional.

The Day of Caring is coming up soon and students will be ready to help community members with clean-up and other duties. This year’s day of caring will be held on May 1 and 2. “We look forward to this event each year as it’s a way to give back to our community and express thanks for their support,” said Rankin. A registration form for those wanting work completed is available on the school’s website or those requesting help can call (320)239-4800 or email dayofcaring@isd2149.org. 

The next meeting of the MAS school board will be held May 20 at 7 p.m.