Battle Lake School Board May 13, 2024 Minutes

The school board of ISD #542, Battle Lake, met in regular session on Monday, May 13, 2024 in the media center. The meeting was called to order by Chair Paul Ness at 6:00 p.m. Members present: Paul Ness, Sheila Newark, Ashley Altstadt, Aimie Hallberg, and Rachel Logan. Members absent: Jonathan Hartman. Others in attendance were: Rob Nudell, Ryan Severson, Kate Scherfenberg, Brady Speicher, Pete Amundson, Jenny Mansker, Amy Wicklund, Tessa Grewe, Jennie Mills, Shauna Heggem, Cassi Buchite, Heather Thormodson, Mike Thormodson, Rebecca Meder and Elizabeth Klintworth. All in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

Motion to adopt the agenda as revised. (Hallberg/Newark). UC.

Cassi Buchite spoke to the board in regards to the District Assessment Coordinator Position.

Motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting on April 8^th as printed. (Altstadt/Newark). UC.

Motion to accept the following donations as specified: First Lutheran Men’s Group $200 – Womenade. BL Lions $500, Amor Township $500, Clitherall Township $300, Larry’s Foods $200 and JC Electric $100 – all for Summer Recreation. Blackbaud/Ashley Altstadt $200 – Advanced Biology. BL Lions $400 – Speech(Newark/Hallberg) UC.

Motion to approve the following consent agenda items: Payment of bills including checks # 59366 – #58389 – #59465 in the amount of $76,733.55, electronic fund transfers in the amount of $464,690.41 and payroll checks #21916 in the amount of $725.22. Acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report as presented. Acknowledgement of enrollments per grade – current enrollment for K-12 is 420. Approval of recommendation for hire of Rachael Johnson and Cora Kujava as elementary teachers to begin the fall of 2024. Approval of recommendation for hire of Derek Meissner as Trades and Industry Teacher. Approval of recommendation for hire of Cora Kujava as summer splash teacher. And the first reading of the MSBA Tobacco Free Environment Policy. (Altstadt/Logan) UC.

The Board gave updates on meetings and conversations they have had with community and staff members during the past month.

Rachel Logan presented information on School Mascots, American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC) and Indigenous Education for all.

Aidan Heggem gave a Student report prepared by Madison Cameron.

Tanya Maethner had a written report for the board regarding Community Education items along with testing updates.

Mr. Severson gave the Elementary and High School Principal’s report.

Mr. Ukkelberg presented his vision for the Summer Agriculture Program.

Mr. Nudell gave the Superintendent’s report.

Motion to approve the MOU for an E- Sports Advisor and for that advisor to be paid for this past year’s work.   (Newark/Logan) UC.

Motion to approve the MOU for Kindergarten Advisors and to pay them a stipend for the Kindergarten Roundup that takes place outside of the regular school day. (Altstadt/Hallberg) UC.

Motion to approve Aiden Heggem as the new student representative to the board. (Newark/Logan) UC.

Motion to change the November regular meeting date to November 12, 2024 due to Veteran’s Day. (Altstadt/Hallberg) UC.

Motion to approve the MOU for the Summer Agriculture Program at $2000 per summer for the summer of 2024 and 2025. (Altstadt/Hallberg) UC.

Motion to approve the MOU with Jenny Roisum for the Community Ed Director position as presented. (Newark/Logan) UC.

Motion to approve the payments to Site LogIQ as presented. (Newark/Altstadt) UC.

Motion to give authority to the Superintendent to allow payments to be made for building expenses that are incurred due to the new remodel and addition to be paid out of bond proceeds that will be approved by the board at the next meeting. (Newark/Logan) UC.

Motion to schedule a working meeting on Monday June 3, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. for the board to discuss the disbursement of District Assessment Coordinator responsibilities, School Mascot possible exemption and contract updates (Logan/Newark) UC

The next meeting is set for June 10, 2024 beginning at 6:00 p.m.

With no more items of business on the agenda, Paul Ness called the meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m.

Sheila Newark, Clerk

(This publication constitutes the legal printing June 19, 2024 of the official minutes of this meeting.)