Soil boring complete for new school addition
Tue, 03/05/2019 - 10:34am
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Despite the weather soil boring was done on the east end of the school building for the new addition at the Clearbrook-Gonvick School. The bond fund check has arrived and it was put into the Minnesota Liquid Asset Fund to draw interest before the project starts. Meetings are being planned by the architect to get the project going. Early childhood staff went to Mahnomen to see what their new addition looked like to get some ideas on what should be done in the new rooms.
Spotlight on Education was given by Sarah Goudge at the February 25 school board meeting. Her presentation had what was going on in the school for the month of January. They celebrated the 100 days of school. College and Career Fair day was held at the school. Miss Klinkhammer is now Mrs. Mendick after her recent wedding. Student Art Exhibit will be held until March 8 at the Clearbrook Community Center. This event is open to the public free of charge. All are encouraged to attend. Come see these wonderfully talented young artists.
Principals report
Principal Carl Dugstad gave his report. They have a new long-term sub that will take over for Alisha Rude when she goes on maternity leave. Danielle Zittel will be the new 6th grade teacher along with Mrs. Bagaason. A Thank You from Nevis School district was received for the donation given from the school for the tragedy that happened in Nevis.
Dugstad stated they are 60% done on the 2019-2020 schedule after their three meetings. This is his first time scheduling and he appreciates the help of the committee.
Thursday, February 28 students in 8th grade were to be tested in Reading and Math. The NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) is the only assessment that measures what U.S. students know and can do in various subjects across the nation, states, and in some urban districts. A team from NAEP comes in to do the test.
The (AIPAC) American Indian Parent Action Committee has been meeting to make sure the school is meeting the needs of Indian students.
Superintendent report
Jeff Burgess reported that they are in the process of applying for help with a math tutor. They have reading help.
Lowell Bjerke, the head custodian, is looking for a mixing motor part that will fill the need that is cheaper than the $6,000 that was available.
Burgess attended the Clearbrook City council meeting concerning the rent payment that the district pays to the school. The current rate is $1,500. They are looking at a raise of up to $10,000 dollars. He has requested a breakdown of the costs that he can bring to the board. What they are charging other people who use the facilities.
Finance Committee had met to set up priorities as to what has to be done in the school building. What should go first painting, lighting, flooring or furniture.
Meet and Confer Committee met on Monday, Febuary 25. They will have quarterly meetings. They set up guidelines for grounds keeping, classroom painting and furniture purchases.
Consent Calendar
Bills, electronic transfers and treasurer’s report were approved. Some of the bills included: Stein’s Bus Service LLC $74,493.47; IRS $53,831.08; Teachers Retirement $26,273.29; Pine to Prairie Coop Center $14,271.12; Community Oil Co. $9,706.71; Clearwater-Polk Electric $8,355.42; Marco $5,913.82; City of Clearbrook $3,349.00; 2 Loons Letters & Threads $2,721.25; Ziegler CAT $2,578.77; Knutson, Flynn & Deans $2,541.25; Garden Valley Telephone Co. $1,876.93; Anderson Disposal $1,809.70; Land O Lakes $1,375.40; Thompson’s Sand and Gravel $1,325.00; Mulry Amy $1,200.00. Total was $327,843.31 payments through Feruary 21, 2019.
Old Business
Chester Powell Program Technician with Clearwater Soil and Water Conservation District was at the meeting to discuss the temporary pond and rain garden that would be located on the lowest point of the property, the southeast corner of the school property.
The pond which would be an environmental filter of run off from the roof, parking lot and ditch that would clean the water before it gets to Silver Creek. Funding is available from the Fish and Wildlife Service to pay for items that go into the garden. 25% of the project would be paid for by the district either through local clubs, Red Lake Water Shed District or In Kind by students and staff. This is a good project for FFA and 4-H Clubs in the area. The board wants to see what the project looks like before they commit. Powell will have more information and will work with Kim Anderson the FFA instructor.
New Business
The board approved the achievement and integration project. This will be done with other districts including, Bagley, Fosston, Norman County East, Mahnomen and Red Lake.
The purpose of the Achievement and Integration through the Minnesota Department of Education program is for racial and economic integration, increase student achievement, create equitable educational opportunities, and reduce academic disparities based on students' racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds in Minnesota public schools. To assist with the Early Childhood Education and increase the graduation rate of students.
The 2019-2020 calendar was approved with “B” the choice. School starts after Labor Day and will continue two days after Memorial Day. Seniors will graduate that weekend and not have to return for the May 26 and 27 days for school. Those days would include the track and field day and other activities for the end of the year. Christmas vacation would begin Friday, December 20. The calendar includes 170.5 student days and 177 staff days.
May 10th will be a snow make up day for students and staff at the present time.
The board approved two resolutions asking the State of Minnesota and the Federal Government to fully fund Special Education.
The board approved the hiring of Danielle Zittel as the long-term substitute.
The board closed the meeting for a personnel discussion.