MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION ISD #361 INTERNATIONAL FALLS, MINNESOTA Monday, April 21, 2003 School Board Members Present: Ann Baron, Robin Baumchen, Gerry Bolstad, Mark Lassila, Darrell Wagner, Gina Lucca, Percy Lingen School Board Members Absent: Amy Hardwig-Eberspacher Media Present: Jenny Gray, The Daily Journal A. Baron amended the agenda to move Item 8 e. from the consent agenda to a separate item. Moved by D. Wagner, seconded by M. Lassila, to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried by a unanimous vote. G. Dault and Elk s Member Cathy Engelking presented the April Students of the Month awards to Emily Matiski and Kyle Morrison. Bob Hair addressed the School Board during the Open Forum with concerns regarding the implementation of the bus driver overtime reduction. Moved by D. Wagner, seconded by M. Lassila to approve the minutes of the special meeting of March 13, 2003, the regular meeting of March 17, 2003 and the special meetings of March 31, 2003, April 8, 2003 and April 14, 2003. Motion carried by a unanimous vote. Moved by G. Bolstad, seconded by R. Baumchen to approve the investments as of March 31, 2003 and bills due and payable amounting to $381,894.00 including check numbers 95712 through 95891. Moved by D. Wagner, seconded by M. Lassila to approve the consent agenda items as presented. Motion carried by a unanimous vote. a. Retain the law firm of Ratwik, Roszak and Maloney for legal counsel for negotiations with EM 331. b. Approve the 2004 lease with Kootasca for rental of space for the Borderland Alternative School. c. Acknowledge a donation from Nancy Christianson of a clarinet, trumpet and drum set for the music department. d. Acknowledge donation of cable tv services for Borderland Alternative Learning Center from Charter Communications.
Moved by M. Lassila seconded by R. Baumchen to accept personnel agenda items a-d as presented. Motion carried by a unanimous vote. a. Accept resignation of Pam Urban as Student Council Advisor. b. Accept resignation of Timm Ringhoffer as Math Team Coach. c. Accept resignation of Dee Bigler as Boys Hockey Cheerleading Advisor. d. Approve continuance of Amy Hardwig-Eberspacher as Speech Coach. Moved by D. Wagner, seconded by M. Lassila to approve continuance of Robin Baumchen as a casual paraprofessional substitute. Those voting in favor: M. Lassila, A. Baron, G. Bolstad, D. Wagner. Abstaining: R. Baumchen Moved by G. Bolstad, seconded by D. Wagner to not accept the bid for Transportation Routes. Motion carried by a unanimous vote. Moved by D. Wagner, seconded by G. Bolstad to accept the escalator bid from Bergstrom Oil for Diesel Fuel for the 2003-2005 school years. Motion carried by a unanimous vote. Moved by D. Wagner, seconded by M. Lassila to accept the escalator bid from Bergstrom Oil for Non-lead Gasoline for the 2003-2005 school years. Motion carried by a unanimous vote. Moved by D. Wagner, seconded by R. Baumchen to accept the escalator bid from Franklin foods for milk for the 2003-2005 school years. Motion carried by a unanimous vote. Moved by G. Bolstad, seconded by M. Lassila to not accept the bid from Wherley Motors for the 10-passenger van. Motion carried by a unanimous vote. Moved by G. Bolstad, seconded by D. Wagner to adopt the Substitute Teacher Policy as follows. Motion carried by a unanimous vote. Substitute Pay Policy 1. All substitute teachers, before being employed, must have approval by the Superintendent. A file will be maintained on each teacher at the District Office. 2. All substitute teachers must have a valid teaching license on file. However, while their license is being processed by the Department of Education they may start teaching if a file folder number has been assigned. In the case of a short-call substitute the individual may not begin teaching until the license is received by the district. 3. The principal should use overall judgment on the selection of a substitute teacher in order to place the most effective person in a given situation. 4. The general criteria for selecting a substitute teacher is: A. First, be licensed in the subject area if possible
B. Second, be licensed as a teacher C. Third, be licensed on a Limited Permit/Shortcall Substitute as determined and regulated by the Department of Education. 5. Payment for full day substitute teachers is as set by the School Board from time to time with rates set for: A. $79.00/day up to twenty (20) days of subbing. B. Beginning with day twenty-one (21) daily pay is increased to $85.00. C. Upon permanent assignment for a period of over fifteen (15) days for the same instructor, the daily rate would be the B-3 rate on the salary schedule. This requires an administrative recommendation. Member D. Wagner introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION DISCONTINUING AND REDUCING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND POSITIONS WHEREAS, the School Board of Independent School District No. 361 adopted a resolution on, November 18, 2002, directing the administration to make recommendations for reductions in programs and positions, and WHEREAS, said recommendations have been received and considered by the school board, BE IT RESOLVED, by School Board of Independent School District No. 361, as follows: That the following programs and positions, or portions thereof, be discontinued: 1. 1.0 FTE elementary instructor 2. 0.083 FTE creative writing 3. 0.083 FTE social studies elective 4. 0.167 accounting 5. 0.333 German I 6. 0.083 theatre alive 7. 0.167 health occupations 8. 0.5 peer helpers 9. 0.249 lifetime sports 10. 0.167 math overload 11. 0.646 Title I instructor The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Member M. Lassila, and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: M. Lassila, A. Baron, G. Bolstad, D. Wagner, R. Baumchen and the following voted against: none; whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
Member G. Bolstad introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE TERMINATION AND NONRENEWAL OF THE TEACHING CONTRACT OF HAROLD SCHUMACHER, A PROBATIONARY TEACHER WHEREAS, Harold Schumacher is a probationary teacher in Independent School District No. 361. BE IT RESOLVED, by the School Board of Independent School District No. 361, that pursuant to Minnesota Statues 122A.40, Subdivision 5, that the teaching contract of Harold Schumacher, a probationary teacher in Independent School District No. 361, is hereby terminated at the close of the current 2002-2003 school year. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that written notice be sent to said teacher regarding termination and non-renewal of his contract as provided by law, and that said notice shall be in substantially the following form: Mr. Harold Schumacher 3069 C. Road 125 International Falls, MN 56649 Dear Mr. Schumacher: NOTICE OF TERMINATION AND NON-RENEWAL You are hereby notified that at a regular meeting of the School Board of Independent School District No. 361 held on April 21, 2003, a resolution was adopted by a majority roll call vote to terminate your contract effective at the end of the current school year and not renew your contract for the 2003-2004 school year. Said action of the board is taken pursuant to M.S. 122A.40, Subd. 5. You may officially request that the school board give its reasons for the non-renewal of your teaching contract. For your information, however, this action is taken because of discontinuance of your position; namely, a secondary teacher, the financial condition of the school district and decrease in enrollment. Yours very truly, SCHOOL BOARD OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 361 Gerald Bolstad, Clerk The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by D. Wagner and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: M. Lassila, A. Baron, G. Bolstad, D. Wagner, R. Baumchen and the following voted against the same: none; whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
Member M. Lassila introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE TERMINATION AND NONRENEWAL OF THE TEACHING CONTRACT OF MARCI NEMEC, A PROBATIONARY TEACHER WHEREAS, Marci Nemec is a probationary teacher in Independent School District No. 361. BE IT RESOLVED, by the School Board of Independent School District No. 361, that pursuant to Minnesota Statues 122A.40, Subdivision 5, that the teaching contract of Marci Nemec, a probationary teacher in Independent School District No. 361, is hereby terminated at the close of the current 2002-2003 school year. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that written notice be sent to said teacher regarding termination and non-renewal of her contract as provided by law, and that said notice shall be in substantially the following form: Ms. Marci Nemec 1407 13 th Street International Falls, MN 56649 Dear Ms. Nemec: NOTICE OF TERMINATION AND NON-RENEWAL You are hereby notified that at a regular meeting of the School Board of Independent School District No. 361 held on April 21, 2003, a resolution was adopted by a majority roll call vote to terminate your contract effective at the end of the current school year and not renew your contract for the 2003-2004 school year. Said action of the board is taken pursuant to M.S. 122A.40, Subd. 5. You may officially request that the school board give its reasons for the non-renewal of your teaching contract. For your information, however, this action is taken because of discontinuance of your position; namely, an elementary teacher, the financial condition of the school district and decrease in enrollment. Yours very truly, SCHOOL BOARD OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 361 Gerald Bolstad, Clerk The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by D. Wagner and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: M. Lassila, A. Baron, G. Bolstad, D. Wagner, R. Baumchen and the following voted against the same: none; whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
Member M. Lassila introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION PROPOSING TO PLACE MARGARET MCBRIDE BE IT RESOLVED by the School Board of Independent School District No. 361, as follows: 1. That it is proposed that Margaret McBride, a teacher of said school district, be placed on unrequested leave of absence without pay or fringe benefits, effective at the end of the 2002-2003 school year on June 30, 2003, pursuant to M.S. 122A.40, subdivision 11. 2. That written notice be sent to said teacher regarding the proposed placement on unrequested leave of absence without pay or fringe benefits as provided by law and said notice shall include a date for hearing if requested and be in substantially the following form: Ms. Margaret McBride 2311 2 nd Ave. E. International Falls, MN 56649 Dear Ms. McBride: NOTICE OF PROPOSED PLACEMENT You are hereby notified that at the regular meeting of the School Board of Independent School District No. 361 held on April 21, 2003, consideration was given to your placement on unrequested leave of absence without pay or fringe benefits as a teacher of Independent School District No. 361, and a resolution was adopted by a majority vote of the Board, proposing your placement on unrequested leave of absence effective at the end of the 2002-2003 year on June 30, 2003, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 122A.40, subdivision 11 upon the grounds described in said statute and which are specifically as follows: discontinuance of your position; namely, a secondary teacher, the financial limitations of the school district and decrease in enrollment. Under the provisions of the law, you are entitled to a hearing before the school board provided that you make a request in writing within fourteen days after receipt of this notice. If no hearing is requested within such period, it shall be deemed acquiescence by you to the school board s proposed action. Yours very truly, SCHOOL BOARD OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO.361 Gerald Bolstad, Clerk
3. That each and all of the foregoing grounds of said notice are within the grounds for unrequested leave placement as set forth in M.S. 122A.40, subdivision 11 and are hereby adopted as fully as though separately set forth and resolved herein. The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Member D. Wagner and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: M. Lassila, A. Baron, G. Bolstad, D. Wagner, R. Baumchen and the following voted against the same: none; whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted. Member D. Wagner introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION PROPOSING TO PLACE MARIA COWMAN BE IT RESOLVED by the School Board of Independent School District No. 361, as follows: 1. That it is proposed that Maria Cowman, a teacher of said school district, be placed on unrequested leave of absence without pay or fringe benefits, effective at the end of the 2002-2003 school year on June 30, 2003, pursuant to M.S. 122A.40, subdivision 11. 2. That written notice be sent to said teacher regarding the proposed placement on unrequested leave of absence without pay or fringe benefits as provided by law and said notice shall include a date for hearing if requested and be in substantially the following form: Ms. Maria Cowman 1814 5 th Ave. E. International Falls, MN 56649 Dear Ms. Cowman: NOTICE OF PROPOSED PLACEMENT You are hereby notified that at the regular meeting of the School Board of Independent School District No. 361 held on April 21, 2003, consideration was given to your placement on unrequested leave of absence without pay or fringe benefits as a teacher of Independent School District No. 361, and a resolution was adopted by a majority vote of the Board, proposing your placement on unrequested leave of absence effective at the end of the 2002-2003 year on June 30, 2003, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 122A.40, subdivision 11 upon the grounds described in said statute and which are specifically as follows: discontinuance of your position; namely, a Title I teacher, the financial limitations of the school district and uncertainty of the Title I entitlement, and decrease in enrollment.
Under the provisions of the law, you are entitled to a hearing before the school board provided that you make a request in writing within fourteen days after receipt of this notice. If no hearing is requested within such period, it shall be deemed acquiescence by you to the school board s proposed action. Yours very truly, SCHOOL BOARD OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO.361 Gerald Bolstad, Clerk 3. That each and all of the foregoing grounds of said notice are within the grounds for unrequested leave placement as set forth in M.S. 122A.40, subdivision 11 and are hereby adopted as fully as though separately set forth and resolved herein. The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Member R. Baumchen and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: M. Lassila, A. Baron, G. Bolstad, D. Wagner, R. Baumchen and the following voted against the same: none; whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted. Member G. Bolstad introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION PROPOSING TO PLACE NICCI WOOD BE IT RESOLVED by the School Board of Independent School District No. 361, as follows: 1. That it is proposed that Nicci Wood, a teacher of said school district, be placed on unrequested leave of absence without pay or fringe benefits, effective at the end of the 2002-2003 school year on June 30, 2003, pursuant to M.S. 122A.40, subdivision 11. 2. That written notice be sent to said teacher regarding the proposed placement on unrequested leave of absence without pay or fringe benefits as provided by law and said notice shall include a date for hearing if requested and be in substantially the following form: NOTICE OF PROPOSED PLACEMENT Ms. Nicci Wood 1205 15 th Street International Falls, MN 56649 Dear Ms. Wood:
You are hereby notified that at the regular meeting of the School Board of Independent School District No. 361 held on April 21, 2003, consideration was given to your placement on unrequested leave of absence without pay or fringe benefits as a teacher of Independent School District No. 361, and a resolution was adopted by a majority vote of the Board, proposing your placement on unrequested leave of absence effective at the end of the 2002-2003 year on June 30, 2003, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 122A.40, subdivision 11 upon the grounds described in said statute and which are specifically as follows: discontinuance of your position; namely, a secondary teacher, the financial limitations of the school district and decrease in enrollment. Under the provisions of the law, you are entitled to a hearing before the school board provided that you make a request in writing within fourteen days after receipt of this notice. If no hearing is requested within such period, it shall be deemed acquiescence by you to the school board s proposed action. Yours very truly, SCHOOL BOARD OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO.361 Gerald Bolstad, Clerk 3. That each and all of the foregoing grounds of said notice are within the grounds for unrequested leave placement as set forth in M.S. 122A.40, subdivision 11 and are hereby adopted as fully as though separately set forth and resolved herein. The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Member D. Wagner and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: M. Lassila, A. Baron, G. Bolstad, D. Wagner, R. Baumchen and the following voted against the same: none; whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted. G. Hilfer, Falls Elementary Principal, gave the following report: Fundraising is in full force as teachers react to budget cuts. April 22-25 Iowa Basic Skills Testing for grades 2-6 April 28-May 2 Iowa Basic Skills Testing for grades 1-2 May 7 Arbor Day presentation May 21-22 Environmental Science Day for 5 th graders G. Dault, Falls High School Principal, gave the following report: Recommendation for Board to change graduation requirements from 28 credits to 27 credits due to the elimination of some electives. Recommendation for Board to eliminate the ½ credit required in a business course. Registration booklets are being printed in-house with registration in full gear Falls Education Foundation is sponsoring a fund-raiser dinner on Tuesday, April 22. Engauge was completed on April 9-10 with goals and an action plan to be forthcoming.
Basic Standard Test Scores will be analyzed with math in particular to see how they could be improved utilizing technology. The contracts for extra and co-curricular activities for the 2003-2004 school year will be presented for approval at the May meeting. Moved by D. Wagner, seconded by M. Lassila to reduce the total number of credits required to graduate from 28 to 27. Motion carried by a unanimous vote. Moved by G. Bolstad, seconded by D. Wagner to eliminate the one-half (1/2) credit in a business course. Motion carried by a unanimous vote. P. Lingen, Superintendent of Schools gave the following report: The Koochiching County Family Collaborative met last week to discuss how to support a child out of treatment and also to plan for the temporary absence of the Family Home Interventionist. The Insurance Committee has surveyed the staff and will write a request for proposal based on the findings of the survey. The resolutions the board just passed dealt with licensed staff. Action in relation to non-licensed staff will be taken at the May meeting. Supply budgets and orders are in the process of being developed. A. Baron gave the second reading of the Laptop Computer Checkout Policy as follows: Laptop Checkout Policy for Teachers 1. Users (lendees) must comply with all existing district policies that cover technology. (http://www.isd361.k12.mn.us/districtwide/iaup.shtml, under the heading District Technology Policies ) 2. Laptops will be checked out with a full compliment of components: a. Dell Latitude C610 Laptop b. Two batteries c. Charger d. 3½ floppy drive e. CDROM drive f. Travel Case 3. Laptops and accessories must be returned to the Technology Director on the first Teacher Workshop Day in the fall. 4. All users must sign the Laptop Checkout Form. 5. Any components not returned are the fiscal responsibility of the lendee.
A. Baron gave the first reading of a Head Coach Hiring Policy as follows: HEAD COACH HIRING POLICY District 361 makes every effort to provide quality coaches and advisors for its extraand co-curricular activities. Coaches/advisors are hired on a yearly contract and must abide by all school board and district rules, regulations and policies. Recommendation for hire/rehire will be made annually by the administration. When a vacancy occurs in a head coaching position, existing assistant coach(es) contracts will not be renewed until a head coach is hired. This allows for the assistant coaches to apply for the head position as well as allowing the head coach to be part of the process recommending assistant coaches. Set a special school board meeting for: Monday, May 5 School Board Room 6:00 p.m. Moved by G. Bolstad, seconded by D. Wagner to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 p.m. Motion carried by a unanimous vote..