Battle Lake School March 10, 2025 Minutes

The school board of ISD #542, Battle Lake, met in a regular session on Monday, March 10, 2025 in the media center. The meeting was called to order by Chair Paul Ness at 5:30 p.m. Members present: Sheila Newark, Ashley Altstadt, Bennet Stich, Sean Belmont, Jonathan Hartman and Paul Ness. Members absent: None. Others in attendance were: Rob Nudell, Ryan Severson, Elizabeth Klintworth and many staff and community members. All in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Motion to adopt the agenda as revised. (Altstadt/Hartman) UC. Rachel Logan and Dr. Misty Wilke addressed the board in regards to American Indian Education and Cultural Curriculum. Motion to approve the minutes of the regular February meeting as printed. (Hartman/ Newark) UC. Motion to accept the following donations as specified: An anonymous $25 donation for Library Books in memory of Don Scherfenberg and $400 from Battle Lake Lions for Speech awards. (Stich/Hartman) UC. Motion to approve the following consent agenda items: Payment of bills including checks #60211-#60295 in the amount of $79,947.75; electronic fund transfers in the amount of $516,936.08; Acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report as presented; acknowledgement of enrollments per grade – current enrollment for K-12 is 399; approval of recommendation for hire of Mike Scholten as Summer Grounds Keeper, acceptance of letter of retirement from Anita Schaller with an early retirement incentive; approval to hire Kya Ambuehl as a special ed paraprofessional; approval to hire Jodi Kossan as a preschool para professional; approval of the request from Janell Kramer for a BPA shoe drive fundraiser; acceptance of a letter of resignation from David Marso as Head Girls’ Basketball Coach; and approval of the Achievement and Integration budget for fiscal year 26. (Altstadt/Newark) UC. Board members gave updates on communications and meetings they have had with residents and community members within the past month. Aidan Heggem gave the student representative report. David Marso was not able to attend, but he had provided a written report that the board acknowledged. Ryan Severson gave his School Principal’s report. Rob Nudell gave his Superintendent’s report. Member Sean Blemont introduced the following resolution and moved for its adoption: Resolution Reducing and Discontinuing Educational Programs and Positions. Be it resolved as follows: That the Chinese Program be reduced to .25 FTE. The foregoing resolution was seconded by member Jon-athan Hartman and upon a roll call vote being taken thereon, those voting in favor: Sean Belmont, Bennet Stich, Ashley Altstadt, Jonathan Hartman, Paul Ness; and those voting against: Sheila Newark. Whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted. A copy of the entire resolution is on file in the district office. Member Jonathan Hartman introduced the following resolution and moved for its adoption: Resolution Proposing Placement of a Continuing Contract/Tenured Teacher on Unrequested Leave of Absence. Be it re-solved by ISD #542 that Kathryn Scherfenberg be placed on unrequested leave of absence at the end of the 2024-25 school year with a reduction of position; namely a Chinese Teacher to a .25 FTE. The foregoing resolution was seconded by member Bennet Stich and upon a roll call vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof, Sean Belmont, Bennet Stich, Ashley Altstadt, Jonathan Hartman, Sheila Newark and Paul Ness. Those voting against the same: None. Whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted. A copy of the entire resolution is on file in the district office. Motion to accept the letter of application from Connor Wicklund to be next year’s student representative to the school board. (Ne-wark/Hartman) UC. Motion to accept the proposal from North Point Professionals to lead our district in a marketing endeavor to increase and preserve our enrollment. (Belmont/Newark) UC. Motion to add an additional 1.0 FTE elementary teacher and to increase the art position from .75 to 1.0 FTE, both positions to start in the fall of 2025. (Newark/Hartman) UC. The next meetings of the school board are scheduled for April 14th and May 12th both beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the media center. With no more items of business remaining on the agenda, the meeting was adjourned by Vice Chair Jonathan Hartman at 6:07 p.m. Sheila Newark, Clerk (This publication constitutes the legal printing April 23, 2025 of the official minutes of this meeting.)