Regular Board Meeting
Independent School District 564 – Board of Education
November 25, 2024
6:00 p.m.
DSC Board Room
A Regular Meeting of Independent School District #564 Board of Education was held on Monday, November 25, 2024, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the DSC board room. The following board members were present: Ryan Walseth, Misty Hempel, Michelle Westerman, Wayne Nomeland, Mike Spears, and John Syvertson. Absent were: Chris Melbye.
Staff members present were: Dr. Chris Mills, Angie Dahlen, Sara Olson, Tanya Monson-Ek, Chris McLean, Erin Wayne, and Kayla Lian.
Also present were: Ruby Geiser, Autumn Fladeland, Lindsay Gregory, Jay Bergland, Brian Opsahl, and Dave Hill.
Board Chair Walseth called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The pledge of allegiance was recited. Treasurer Westerman confirmed that a quorum was present.
A motion was made by Michelle Westerman and seconded by Mike Spears to approve the November 25, 2024 agenda, as presented. Motion carried.
A motion was made by John Syvertson and seconded by Misty Hempel to approve the minutes of the November 12, 2024 regular school board meeting, as presented. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Mike Spears and seconded by John Syvertson to approve the bills as submitted and on file in the School District Business Office. Motion carried.
Public Comment: None
Presentations:
A. Brian Opsahl from Brady Martz presented the 2023-24 audited financial statements. There were no difficulties with the audit.
B. Chris McLean gave a fall update from the Activities Department. Clay Target had 27 participants, Volleyball had 50 HS-62 MS, Cross Country had 16 Varsity-11 MS, Girls Swimming had 17 V-14 MS, Football had 56 HS-85 MS. With the larger fees this year, they have had to allow some flexible payments.
Recognitions:
A. Congratulations to Curtis Griffin on his 77th place finish at the Cross Country State Tournament.
B. Congratulations to the 260 – K-12 special olympic athletes and unified partners from the 14 area schools who participated in our two day Unified Special Olympic Bowling event, and to the 26 TRF students who participated at Bemidji State University for the Regional Unified Special Olympic Bocce Competition. Both events pair students with and without disabilities together for one all-inclusive experience that fosters relationships and promotes inclusion within our schools and our community.
Reports:
A. Student Report:
Ruby Geiser and Autumn Fladeland gave an update on LHS Activities & Events including the Drone Competition, Concerts coming up for band, choir, and orchestra, winter sports are underway, $ Seniors signed to UMC Baseball, Student Council is going to Duluth to volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House, Key Club is hosting a blood drive on Dec. 4.
B. Superintendent’s Report:
Dr. Chris Mills discussed his notes from 11/12-11/25, including the Unified Bowling event, which was a huge success, MREA fall conference and their upcoming agenda at the Capitol-there are a lot of wants, including getting student teachers paid, Finance meeting on 12/4 and starting to plan the budget.
Business Action Items:
A. A motion was made by John Syvertson and seconded by Michelle Westerman 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. Accept the resignation of Deb Butler, Paraprofessional, LHS, effective November 15, 2024.
2. Accept the resignation of Kelly Bohl, Transportation Assistant, effective November 11, 2024.
3. Accept the resignation of Nancy Schley, Cleaner, effective November 19, 2024.
4. Approve the employment of Erica Osowski, Special Education Teacher, effective November 25, 2024 – May 26, 2025.
B. A motion was made by Mike Spears and seconded by Misty Hempel to approve the Thief River Falls Public Schools ISD 564 2023-24 Audited Financial Statements as presented by Brady Martz & Associates. Motion carried.
C. A motion was made by Mike Spears and seconded by Wayne Nomeland to approve to authorize publication of the “District Revenues and Expenditures Budget for FY2024 and FY2025″ in the Times as indicated in the Appendix. Motion carried.
D. A motion was made by Wayne Nomeland and seconded by Misty Hempel to approve the employment of the following Targeted Services positions. Motion carried.
1. Targeted Services – Beginning November 18, 2024
a. One (1) Coordinator – up to 75 hours (CES) – Ken Wiggs
b. One (1) Coordinator – up to 75 hours (FMS) – Jamie Bakken
c. Up to Twelve (12) Gr. K-5 Teachers – up to 45 hours each (CES) – Karlyn Norlin, Julie D. Olson, Rhonda Johnson, Amanda Mutnansky, Susan Finger, Marcy Helling, Jill Johnson, Megan Largis, Paula Praska, Tanya Loe and Darla Hegge.
d. Up to Two (2) Teachers – up to 45 hours each (FMS) – Jamie Bakken and Darci Geiser
e. Up to Two (2) Paraprofessionals – up to 45 hours each (CES) – Marcia Peterson and Jodi Anderson
Policies:
A. A motion was made by John Syvertson and seconded by Michelle Westerman to approve to adopt MSBA 704 Development and Maintenance of an Inventory of Fixed Assets and a Fixed Asset Accounting System policy w/ changes. Motion Carried.
Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 6:49 p.m.
Ryan Walseth, Chair
Chris Melbye, Clerk