MINNEWASKA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT #2149

GLENWOOD, MINNESOTA

MONDAY, AUGUST 19, 2024

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

The Minnewaska Area Schools Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, August 19, 2024 in the Minnewaska Area School District Office Board room. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairperson Barsness. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

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

Members Absent: None

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

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

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Visitor’s Comments: None

Special Recognitions & Honors: 

Minnewaska Area Schools Community Education had an incredibly successful summer! Each program had impressive participation, showcasing the dedication of both the staff and the students. Here’s a summary of the highlights: Laker Legends Child Care Program – Hosted a maximum of 80 children under the leadership of Magan Anderson, Amanda Sayles, and their team. Summer Strength and Speed “MAD” Training – 160+ student-athletes in grades 7-12 participated in this 9-week program, coordinated by Jeremy Christensen, Jared Lyle, and members of the MAHS coaching staff. June Summer Recreation Program – Over 150 elementary students enjoyed morning sessions four days a week, coordinated by Linda Mills and her staff. Youth Art Camps – Minnewaska Art Instructor Bryan Draxten led three art camps, engaging 36 students in creative activities. Junior Lakers Swimming Program – Nearly 50 participants took part in the program overseen by Linda Hoffmann. A big thank you to all the coordinators and staff who made these programs possible! The excitement for the upcoming school year and next summer is clearly building, promising even more opportunities for our district’s youth. 

Motion by A. Reichmann, seconded by Barsness, to approve the minutes of the July 22, 2024, Regular Board Meeting.

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

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Motion by Holtberg, seconded by Ogdahl, to approve the Claims & Accounts totaling $1,625,865.20. Zavadil abstained.

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

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Superintendent Rankin reviewed the investment schedule, and gave a superintendent’s report.

Motion by Lagred, seconded by T. Reichmann, to approve resolution No. 08192024 accepting donations/gifts to the school district.

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

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Motion by Zavadil, seconded by Ogdahl, to approve the consent calendar as listed: New Hires: Morgan Ball, Assistant Swim & Dive Coach, BS+10 Step 3, effective 08/12/2024 • Jessica Davies, Head Cook, Grade 5 Step 11, effective 08/19/2024 • Kasey Douvier, 4-6 Interventionists, BS Step 4, effective 08/26/2024 • Beth Pryble, Cook, Grade 4 Step 12, effective 08/27/2024 • Samantha Raw, High School Administrative Assistant, Grade 7 Step 12, effective 09/04/2024 • Allecia Salminen, Cook, Grade 4 Step 11, effective 08/27/2024 • Julie Seibert, Cook, Grade 4 Step 11, effective 08/27/2024 • Joann Tauber, Cook, Grade 4 Step 11m effective 08/27/2024 • Stephanie Thoen, 4-6 Interventionists, BS Step 7, effective 08/26/2024. Change of Status: Gay Finn, Change from head cook to sub cook, Grade 5 Step 12, effective 07/12/2024 • Maranda Gullickson, Change from cook to head cook, Grade 5 Step 11, effective 07/01/2024 • Roxanne Lucas, Change from cook to kitchen manager, Grade 8 Step 12, effective 07/01/2024. Resignations: Kelly Bleick, High School Principal Administrative Assistant, effective 08/16/2024 • Andrea Gullickson, Part-Time Custodian, effective 08/13/2024 • Kaye Kriel, Assistant Speech Coach, effective 07/31/2024 • Deb Medalen, cook, effective 07/01/2024 • Tracy Merriman, Paraprofessional, effective 08/06/2024 • Kristin Toohey, Paraprofessional, effective 08/08/2024

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

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Superintendent Rankin discussed the district’s strategic plan and gave a broad overview. Building Principals, Nate Meissner (High School), Blake Karas (Middle School), Sue Sarah Suchy (Elementary School) and Susan Knutson (W.I.N. Academy) each gave a presentation on the goals and objectives for the upcoming 2024-25 school year for their respective buildings.

Activities Director Phil Johnsrud was in attendance and gave an update on the 2024-2025 fall sports and activities.

Motion by T. Reichmann, seconded by Ogdahl, to set the Truth and Taxation Hearing on Monday, December 16, 2024, at 6:30 pm.

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

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Motion by Lagred, seconded by A. Reichmann, to approve the memorandum of understanding with the Minnesota Teamsters Publix and Law Enforcement Employees Union, Local No. 320.

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

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Motion by Ogdahl, seconded by Holtberg, to approve the 2024-25 Mobile Device Policy. 

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

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Motion by Lagred, seconded by Ogdahl, to approve the adoption of the e-Learning Plan for the 2024-25 school year.

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

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Foodservice Director Bridget Gallagher presented an update on school lunches for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. Gallagher discussed the free breakfast and lunches for students. The meal price must be set high enough so that the cost of the meal is fully paid by the customer. The calculation is based on the state and federal reimbursement rates plus the national average per meal value of U.S. Department of Agriculture Foods, rounded up to the nearest five cents. Sponsors contracting with a vendor meal provider or food service management company may need to adjust upwards in order to cover the full cost of the meal.

Motion by Holtberg, seconded by T. Reichmann, to approve the lunch meal prices to remain the same for non-program adults starting at $5.00 for the 2024-2025 school year.

Motion by A. Reichmann, seconded by Ogdahl, to close meeting at 8:03 p.m., to hold Superintendent Evaluation.

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

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Motion by Zavadil, seconded by Ogdahl, to reopen the meeting at 8:38 p.m.

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

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Announcements:

• District Advisory, Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 5:30 pm in the MAHS media center.

• September Regular Board Meeting, September 16, 2024 at 7:00 pm in the MAS District Office Board Room.

• October Regular Board Meeting, October 21, 2024 at 7:00 pm in the MAS District Office Board Room.

• November Regular Board Meeting, November 18, 2024 at 7:00 pm in the MAS District Office Board Room.

Motion by Holtberg, seconded by Ogdahl, to adjourn the meeting at 9:19 p.m.

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

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Angie Reichmann, Clerk

Minnewaska Area Schools,

ISD 2149

Glenwood, MN

Sept. 23