Regular Board Meeting
Independent School District 564 – Board of Education
September 23, 2024
6:00 p.m.
DSC Board Room
A Regular Meeting of Independent School District #564 Board of Education was held on Monday, September 23, 2024, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the DSC board room. The following board members were present: Ryan Walseth, Misty Hempel, Michelle Westerman, Chris Melbye, Wayne Nomeland, and John Syvertson. Absent were: Mike Spears.
Staff members present were: Dr. Chris Mills, Angie Dahlen, Kayla Lian, Tony Greene, Sara Olson, and Tanya Monson-Ek.
Also present were: Gannon Zutz, Avery Koop, Autumn Fladeland, Lindsay Gregory, Diane Lion, and Jared Kainz.
Board Chair Walseth called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The pledge of allegiance was recited. Clerk Melbye confirmed that a quorum was present.
A motion was made by Misty Hempel and seconded by Wayne Nomeland to approve the September 23, 2024 agenda, as presented. Motion carried.
A motion was made by John Syvertson and seconded by Michelle Westerman to approve the minutes of the September 9, 2024 regular school board meeting, as presented. Motion carried.
A motion was made by John Syvertson and seconded by Chris Melbye to approve the bills as submitted and on file in the School District Business Office. Motion carried.
Public Comment: None
Presentations:
A. Tony Greene gave an update on the start of the school year at Franklin Middle School. FMS promotes House of uncommon, and they have a House Council. 10/9 is TTZD, 10/15-16 is P/T Conferences.
B. Kayla Lian gave an update on Lincoln High School. They will be using the early outs to rebuild schedules & classes. They will be having Lunch & Learn events, Emma Benoit will present “Be the Voice”, Prowler Hour will start on 10/7 and will be from 3:15-4:15 every Monday & Wednesday.
Recognitions:
A. Congratulations to the 2024 Homecoming Court: Freshman Class Attendants: Harper Vigen & Connor Hart, Sophomore Class Attendants: Skye Peters & Ian Winter, Junior Class Attendants: Samantha Rodahl & Ryan Flaagan, Senior Queen Candidates: Brenna Alby, Autumn Fladeland, Avah Waldal, Senior King Candidates: Everett Nelson, Landon Wikert, Gannon Zutz, Jr. Attendants: Coya Geiser & Beckett Lian.
B. We would like to officially welcome our Student Representatives for the 24-25 school year. Welcome: Gannon Zutz, Avery Koop, Alt-Ruby Geiser, Alt-Autumn Fladeland
Reports:
A. Student Report:
Gannon Zutz, Avery Koop, and Autumn Fladeland gave an update on LHS Activities & Events including Homecoming activities such as coronation, the Powderpuff football game, XC Ball run, Hall of Fame Assembly, Pep Fest, Tailgating at the Football game, and the Dance. 10/8 is College application day, 10/28 is NHS new Inductees, and Student Athletes of the week: Elory Mossestad, Curtis Griffin, & Kaitlyn Kruse. The “Be the Voice” event was eye opening and a good opportunity to visit with friends about the topic.
B. Superintendent’s Report:
Dr. Chris Mills discussed his notes from 9/9 – 9/23, including referendum meetings, school visits, and that it’s too late to change E-learning so we will use it again this year.
Business Action Items:
A. A motion was made by Wayne Nomeland and seconded by John Syvertson to approve the consent agenda as presented, and as appropriate, per negotiated contract, salary and benefits, and an acceptable background check. Motion carried.
Personnel:
1. Approve the employment of Lexie Walseth, Latchkey Student Assistant, effective September 23, 2024.
2. Accept the resignation of Beth Limesand, Paraprofessional, effective August 25, 2024.
B. A motion was made by Chris Melbye and seconded by Misty Hempel to approve the following 2024-25 Extra-Curricular Assignments. Motion carried.
1. Shelby Erickson-Coexist-HS
C. A motion was made by Michelle Westerman and seconded by Misty Hempel to approve the Leave of Absence without pay for Steve Beich from September 23, 2024 – October 1, 2024. Motion carried.
D. A motion was made by John Syvertson and seconded by Michelle Westerman to approve the Memorandum of Agreements with the Minnesota Teamsters Local No. 320 (Paraprofessionals) regarding pay for interpreting/translating duties. Motion carried.
E. A motion was made by Misty Hempel and seconded by Chris Melbye to approve to Establish and Post for the following position. Motion carried.
1. Bi-Lingual Paraprofessional
Effective Date: Immediately
Location: CES
F. A motion was made by Wayne Nomeland and seconded by John Syvertson to accept the Retirement of Gary Dahlen, after 45 years in the Buildings & Grounds Maintenance Department, effective November 29, 2024. Motion carried.
G. A motion was made by Michelle Westerman and seconded by Chris Melbye to approve the request for the lane change effective September 1, 2024. Motion carried.
1. Malena Hanson – MA10/7
H. A motion was made by Misty Hempel and seconded by John Syvertson to approve to certify the preliminary 2024 pay 2025 proposed levy to the MAXIMUM amount. Motion carried.
Please note: The Truth in Taxation meeting will be held with the regular board meeting on December 9, 2024 at the District Service Center Board Room. The Truth in Taxation portion of the meeting will be discussed at 6:15 p.m. or later.
I. A motion was made by John Syvertson and seconded by Misty Hempel to approve the renewal of insurance coverage with Employers Mutual Insurance Company (EMC) through North Risk Partners, Thune Division, at a premium of $257,922, for the period of October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025. The insurance coverages include the following areas: Commercial Property, General Liability, Business Auto, Commercial Inland Marine, Commercial Umbrella, Crime, Linebacker and Cyber Solutions. Motion carried.
Other:
A. There will be a Public Community Forum held on Monday, October 14, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in the Franklin Middle School Cafeteria. Another Public Community Forum will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in the Challenger Media Center.
B. There will be a Special Meeting on Oct. 2, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in the Lincoln High School Training Center. This is a joint County/City/School District meeting. This is an open meeting.
C. The December 9, 2024 Regular School Board Meeting will begin at 6:00 instead of 5:30 as was originally posted.
Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 6:52 p.m.
Ryan Walseth, Chair
Chris Melbye, Clerk