001So, let's call the meeting to order. We've got everyone present, present. Nicole is with us online. So shall we stand and say the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Okay, we have a few changes to the agenda. Uh we have an addition of 9E2. Uh the activities department recommends approval of Trevor Kerry or junior high boys basketball coach. Uh 9E3 would be the the activities department recommends approval of volunteer coach Bob Drees for girls basketball and the addition of 9E4. The activities department recommends approval of volunteer coach Samantha Cisco Samantha Cisco for the girls basketball program. Are there any other changes to the agenda? >> Um, one thing on
002here, um, doesn't already have a background check for when being a volunteer for the >> probably. We'll look. I mean, we have no matter what. So, Okay. Um, and I would I would uh I would like a few minutes to to to talk about um some things in the past the past meeting that I'd like to add a couple couple comments about. Okay. Um would you like to just we just do that? Uh on number 11, board committee reports and comments. >> Sure. >> Okay. Okay. Anything else? Any other changes? If not, is there a motion to approve those changes to the agenda? >> Thanks, Dan. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thanks, Kyle. All those in favor say I. >> Opposed? Motion carried. Okay, now we need a motion to approve the agenda.
003Someone like to make that motion. >> Thanks, Dan. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thanks, Angie. All those in favor say I. >> Opposed. Motion carried. Any public input tonight? Okay. Well, we'll recognize some good things happening on November 11th. It was Veterans Day. We had a program here. Thank we'd like to thank all those who have served and thank those family members of the P military personnel that serve. The school district understands the sacrifice and is very appreciative. And this is a victor and I'd like to thank the district as well. That was a very nice program. >> Sounds good. Thanks, Dean. I also received thanks from the gentleman that recommended the flag change. Just said, "Thank you for the ceremony. The flag looks great." >> Awesome. Good enough. Thank you. [clears throat]
004Um all right, we'll move on to reports. Student representative report, Kendall. >> Uh girls basketball began November 10th with just varsity and junior high. Boys basketball and wrestling started yesterday. For FFA, teams continue to compete in contests with some already qualifying for state. Music, our middle school and high school winter concert is December 8th. Elementary winter concert is December 15th. Uh student services, college reps are coming in for visits. Our Veterans Day program was held November 11th when we honored Don Olsen and new flag was raised outside the building. parenting teachers conferences are coming up and we will be having a new student school board rep. I'll be mentoring her and bring her to the December meeting and her term will start in January. >> Sounds good. Okay, thank you. Uh Tiffany Kim Alexa. >>
005Well, [clears throat] good evening. We are your presentation for tonight. kind of giving you an update uh from the um egg department. And I have with me my student teacher, which this is Alexa Hower. She is my first one from Iowa from Upper Iowa University. Um has been with us since we started back in August. And I have to say goodbye to her in a month from tomorrow. Not I'm counting unfortunately. We're going to get all the work done we can. So um I'm going to cover the FFA stuff. She's going to cover the classroom because she's carrying my full load currently. Um, so with everything that doesn't mean I'm sitting back eating bon bonss and watching, you know, film. Sorry, it's not happening. I'm We're working together. So, a couple things FFA wise, we
006are 50 members strong. That's including our graduates and everything. Uh, we started off the year, as um Kendall had referenced, we've already had five qualifiers. From those five qualifiers, we've had three teams qualify. Horse was first, meats was first, soils that was coached by Miss Hower, they were fourth. Those are all state qualified as teams and competing individually. Um we have two individuals that are state qualified individually. Lincoln Lunning in livestock evaluation. He was second at River Falls. And just Friday, A uh Audrey Maine was second in the Creed and she'll be at the um December leadership summit up in St. Cloud, which is the state level now because there's not enough room um up at uh the U of M in the spring. So she'll be competing then. We had nine individuals. We are
007waiting results. Uh nine individuals apply for their jackets through the Blue Jackets bright future program in Minnesota. We've had a track record that ever since its inception 22 years ago, we have won coats every year, but one year out of that. We don't know if necessarily we have all the coats uh that the kids will win, but we did have a donor come through and said, "I'd like to sponsor coats if the kids do not win." Um it was an application I had to complete online and everything. So, they took the initiative. I think it's very great that I have a very uh supportive community that says they want their coats and want the kids to have them because a lot of them say they look at that coat and they remember the places that
008that coat took them. You may outgrow it, but you never outgrow your experiences and your memories in that coat. And I think we're proof positive of that. Um we had a great corn drive this year. Corn's not worth a whole lot, but we still gave back to our community and Camp Courage. And overall, the other day was kind of crummy weather, but the kids made the best of it. Um we have been filling out some um applications for our 5K. This was our 12th annual fall frolic for food 5K. 25 competitors we did this year as we've been fortunate almost every year. We got a $500 grant from the National FFA that we wrote back in uh August. They just sent me today. I did all my paperwork the day we finished it and in
009they said they will get our check will be out the mail in the next week. that literally basically paid for all of our our um uh costs that we had associated with it. Because of our 5K, we had $490 that we donated to Leroy Food Shelf um to help replenish the the needs that they had with that. Um in and then that led into our food drive. Um, we had, I think, the parents because we were at National FA Convention and we had parents and chaperrons and teachers from the from NHS and student council that helped with the trick-or-treating for the food shelf. Um, and we had a very nice amount of donation there as well as the kids in the school, those elementary kids and the teachers. I commend I commend all our teachers
010for doing it, but they we had one class that brought over 400 pounds of food in for the food shelf. So, it was amazing. It's nice to see that because we all know that times are tough and so it's really nice to see that with it all. Um and so we were at convention. We both went to convention. She got to see it from a advisor point of view and we took down nine individuals. Very busy. Uh you'll read the paper the upcoming article. The reporter has worked on going out with everything. And then last but not least, Friday while we were at competition with our five LDEs or leadership development kids, I got a what's called a fun Friday email from the director at the Minnesota uh FFA Foundation. I filled out a grant
011back in September. It was due a uh due here the first part of October. We got $1,000 towards uh um we want a legacy grant um so I can get some more materials, build our study library with the kids cuz if many of you know between all these basketball schedules and all the schedules, the kids lives are busy. We practice a ton during our lunches during win time and then after school and after practices at night, OD's Meets stays open and lets us go into the cooler late and practice with the Meets team and amongst that and everything. But to have $1,000 to buy kind of our wish list of some things is really really helpful. So, um, we're kind of good for a little while. So, I told her I said, "Hold on in
012October and November because it's going to be a wild ride." And she's found out just what it is. And so, today we finished up and she'll reference about that with stuff. But now we get just a little bit of downtime because fruit arrives on December um 3rd. So, I'll let you take it. >> All right. So we've done quite a few projects um throughout all the five classes that we are teaching. So the first one we had was our leap ID uh books. Remind me again how many IDs they had? >> 25 in total. Uh so that was for the great outdoors class. Uh they were to go [clears throat] um out and explore. Uh they need to properly identify um the trees and the leaves that they had. uh we mentioned to them that
013it would be a great project to do with a grandparent um as they are more knowledgeable sometimes about that and just to uh spend some quality time with them. Uh and then for my eighth graders I started back in August with or excuse me September with them. Uh and so wrapping up, uh coming into MEA break, we had been talking about our plant section and soil. And so then we got to do snippet heads, which is where we filled nylon um nylons, painting holes with uh soil and grass seed. And then we painted faces or uh glued uh googly eyes and pipe cleaners and whatever they wanted to design them uh for. and then they were able to take them home and it's basically like a chia pet is what we kind of called it.
014Uh and then coming up uh in our greenhouse we have our poinsettas that we are slowly but surely trying to figure out how to keep alive. Uh it's something a few things mother nature's not been a good help but I think we got to the bottom of what we can do. >> Yep. Uh so that's great because I have plant experience uh with my house plants. Uh and then for uh animal science, we did an udder dissection. Uh so we did our dairy industry unit about September and then we went to OD's meats and they were able to process and cut a uh udder for us. So the kids were able to actually dissect and visualize what they had learned in the dairy industry uh unit. Then uh our PEM egg challenge uh the eighth
015graders uh we had seven different CDE areas that they had to properly identify. So we had small animal equin uh forestry crops >> culture >> floroculture >> and landscape excuse me. Uh so there they were able to identify all of those uh and then we did a test and then um on a Wednesday and then that Thursday we went to PEM and that was where they actually competed. Uh there was I believe like 340 students they competed against [clears throat] uh and we finished fairly in the top half. So I was very proud and happy with how we did. Uh and then in great outdoors, we started our welding project. >> Great, >> excuse me, a mechanics, excuse me. Uh for our stick and arc welding. Uh so the students uh have been in the
016booth for almost a week now. And coming up this week, we will have them start with a new piece of metal and we will be grading them as they go. And then we will continue on with our welding unit. And then just today, uh Mrs. Tim took the great outdoors and animal science class to the Minnesota Zoo. Uh there they filled out a worksheet and uh was it was interactive uh so they could go throughout the zoo and fill it out uh in a group. Uh and then that was paid through uh the Carl Perkins grant. So >> they got a behind thescenes tour of the traffic trail. So they get to go in underneath, see the prep kitchen, different things, ask questions. It's you don't commonly get to see it. I found out about
017this years ago and we try to go every other year. But yeah, the two animal classes that I have right now are the two that we we took. So So there's our update. Feel free to ask any questions. [clears throat] It's a lot going on. It's why I love student teacher. She's number seven that I've had. I just feel like we can do so much more when I get the double um with everything. But we're we're utilizing what we can. And also while she's teaching, I mean, not only am I obser doing observations with her and stuff, but I'm not gonna lie, I'm trying to work ahead because when I lose her, it's back to just me and seeing how many ways we can cut myself after that. So, my parent my family has been
018very happy. I'm home a little earlier this semester. So, but that's that's what we got. So, any questions for those guys? >> Keep up the good work. And we have an excellent >> good to hand you too. >> So good luck finishing up school. >> Okay. Principal's report. >> Everybody should have a hand out. >> Yeah, I got one. Um so just first thing I always keep on there just general look at the data diving RCD practices our teacher evals and then obviously the redact stuff. Uh just some updates uh we have already started to work on calendar 26 27. Um we are coming up with two options because Labor Day is late. Um so the two options the consortium is talking about is the September one start date versus the two after. Um, so
019I sent that I've kind of made a rough draft, sent it off to a couple staff members to take a peek at it, the teachers union any what we think about it. So eventually we don't usually don't come to the board until Feb February I believe um with that. So but there could be an early start. I'm looking at um next year too. the the everything's kind of wonky on that, especially even NBA. Trev and I were looking at football schedules and stuff and it's going past. We've never had a Wednesday past that NBA. It looks like the football season continues after. So, a lot of different weird things with holidays and scheduling and things that uh we're going to have to look at for the calendar. So, keep you posted on that. Uh some
020staffing updates. Uh teachers are still looking for PE and special ed. Um we do have in the fall or the spring a student teacher for special ed and a student teacher for PE coming in uh for student teaching. Um and then hopefully there is a student teacher that finishes up in um December for in a PE uh lensure that might be able to take over the elementary PE and the spring if that all falls into place. So cross your fingers. Uh still looking for a custodian um as well. and paras. We are short about one and a half two on the paras as well. So everything's posted. If you know anybody, send them my way. Uh we need to get some more bodies in the building here. Um read update. Uh we are we had
021to purchase dibbles this year and test all our K3 kids on reading fluency and comprehension. Dyslexia is a new test that all students in grades 4 through 12 have to be administered. Um we are in the process of doing all those things. So we complied to the read act requirements with the state. Um PAR training is also part of that. Our parents have completed two out of the three sessions that they needed. They needed eight hours. Um they have one more session left to complete their training. And phase two for middle school high school staff training um will to be determined but I believe that is starting sometime this year. Just waiting for the start date on that. Um RCD we have Larry Thompson coming March 27th. That is going to be a full day
022training for everybody, parents and teachers. You guys are more than welcome to attend that. Um I just couldn't make it work on a Tuesday where you can come in for a school board. So we do not have students that day that has a staff development day. So all are welcome. I'm going have do I'm going to have him do initial training for everyone because it's been some time since he has been here for the full training. Um something I just found out about um the success we're having in the RCD uh model. Uh we're going to be a case study for the company. Um it's going to be nationwide here. I have a video conference on Thursday. Um so I'll get more details what that entails. I know they want to come down do some
023interviews. Um this company's out of uh Virginia. Uh by the way, they and they want us to be kind of their poster child for the way we've implemented things here and the programming we have through this student service center. Um so video conference Thursday, get more details what that actually entails. I know an individual is going to come do videos, interviews, um, and put together something like that. So, as I find out more about that, I'll let you guys know. That's kind of a cool of going to be nationally known for a thing we have going on here. >> Can you report on them in December of course? >> Uh, yeah, because I should know more hopefully by that one, but I literally just got asked or they called they emailed me and then I
024called them back and they wanted they picked us up to be the case study. So, um, that's about all I know if that's why I'll get the information from the first Thursday. Uh, first quarter just ended. Uh, that's 46 days already in the books. Uh, second quarter has started. Uh, just put that that ends of January. So, January 23rd, we're already halfway through the year. So, flying through that. Um, we had staff element day with the consortium. Um, we did some I think I told you guys this, but we did the AI and cyber security. Um, we've met since then. Um, in the future, the consortium wants to go back to the two two joint staff element days. They want us to put the one in October and they want to add the one in
025February. Um, they want to start looking at more sharing. Um, we had done this in the past many, many years ago. Um, we had gotten away from it. Um, but for example, we were sharing staff, we were sharing programs, high school classes, even sharing directors, um, things like that. So, we were going to start kind of circling back around to what we were doing years ago. um as a consortium working together. So hopefully that um gets back on track. Some positivity with the cardinal time. That's what we do monthly with the elementary kiddos. That kind wall you might see out there. Leanne posted pictures on there. Uh teachers recommend each kid or a couple kids each month. Kind of we have an assembly in the big gym and kind of make a big deal out
026of that. And then for the middle school high school, we do Cardinal Pride. We do that quarterly. Um same thing. They get Leroy bucks. that's based on um teacher recommendations uh honor roll things like that. So some things we try to do to for the positive behaviors around here make it a little fun for the kids. So uh concert I think uh Kendall kind of gave some dates already. Elementary is the 15th, high school is the 8th on those concerts coming up. Um other than that like I said we're just wrapped up the first quarter. um moving to second court now. We got all the holidays and things coming up and weather. So next thing will be January and see what happens. So >> any questions? >> Yeah, you you'd mentioned AI in your staff
027development data. >> So um as kids uh start using that to kind of cut corners, how are we dealing with that kind of stuff? Um, I would say that was just kind of the we we actually had a company that like Greywolf or something. I can't remember the name of the company was, but kind of how to use it. Um, there actually apps out there to actually one was called Magic School or something like that where actually they're showing teachers how to use it to be more effective with letter writing and coming up with lesson plans and activities. So, it's a kind of a way that they're trying to promote in a positive way of how to use it. So it's not just a cheating device or a replacement for their work. So really it's
028at the beginning stage of how do we, you know, combat that. I know like the English teachers, they'll run the paper through a through a process to see what it's copied or not. But I think we're looking at more using it even as an educational tool. How instead of battling it, how do we, >> you know, embrace it and implement it and make >> because it's here to stay. >> Yeah. You know, so we're right. Like I said, they want to do more training. So, that was just kind of an initial it was one guy in the middle of hundreds of teachers. So, it wasn't very it wasn't personal. It's just kind of an overview of everything. But, um some good info. But now, if we want, that's one of the things that if we
029want to continue with more in-depth training, that's one of the options we have with the other staff development consortium. We're being encouraged to use it at work um to help with uh writing emails to make it more professional um to help identify different operations on the shop floor. Um there is software that can detect when used. >> So you can use that to deter cheating, but it's it's a good tool if used correctly. Yeah, it's a tool. >> I'd like kids to know know how to write a report and know how to do stuff without, >> you know what I mean? Something else do it for them. >> Yep. >> Okay. Any other questions for Aaron? >> Okay. Thanks, Aaron. Jen, your turn. >> Okay. Couple things tonight. uh met with the community education director
030Ian Thomasson last week and he plans to come to the school board meeting in February to talk all things community education. So you'll be able to meet him and talk with him and see all the fun things he's doing. Uh don't forget that our December school board meeting is our truth and taxation meeting that starts at 6:01 and then we reconvene with a regular meeting right after that. Um and our audit will be presented that night too. Uh so don't forget that on Friday I have a virtual meeting for the hazard mitigation update through Mau County. Keep in mind we have both Filmore County and Mau County that we deal with. So the up the plan update meeting is held this Friday for Mau County. Uh, also in the audits, if you look back at
031my email to all of you on October 31st, I sent you a Department of Education sheet related to federal funding and how that that money is being tracked right now. Where is it going? What are we going to do? How can we prepare? Um, so the audit will the auditors will be talking to that night as well and Sharon and I plan a presentation to talk about that too. Um, so just kind of look back at that email, the October 31st email. It's right in there. Uh, Kendall mentioned this earlier that we have a new student representative for the school board. She will be starting in January. You will meet her in December. It's Katrina Maine. I met with her today and congratulated her. She came with outstanding recommendation letters and she's looking very forward
032to um, taking on the position. Um, let's see here. I'll end with this tonight. If you could take a peek at some handouts I just gave you. They're right in front of you. They look like this. They're blue. They look like this. They say Minnesota paid leave on one of them. And one of them looks like a PowerPoint. So, if you could take this one first. Take a peek at this one first. What this is, it's the Minnesota paid leave. And basically, it's effective January 1st. And we'll likely talk more about this in December or you'll be receiving emails because a lot of this has to be in writing to our staff. Um, but Minnesota Paid Leave, it provides payments and job protections when our staff need time off to care for yourself or family.
033So, I've started a PowerPoint. Now, this is not complete yet. I don't have all the data for you yet, but I want you to see I'm going to have a PowerPoint available for all of you and our staff related to basically what is it? What kind of coverage and eligibility are there? The types of leaves that fall under this because it is state statute, any kind of details within the benefit guidelines. I'll make sure we get all that to you. also funding and employer responsibilities, what the district has to do with this and what we need to plan for. Um, also I thought I'd run some data and I don't have it in this PowerPoint yet, but run data on like our substitute teaching and substitute non-certified costs are and how that is projected to
034be impacted. um the impact on L schools. If you take a peek at our at the powerpoints I handed out, you know, it'll impact our payroll and HR systems, operational plannings, our budget, our communications and trainings, all of that. So, there's a lot going on and all of this was happening kind of behind the scenes, but now that we're getting closer to January 1, we want you to be aware of this um and and kind of what our plans need to be. So, one other thing and I just want to show you this. I don't have a handout for you, but I'm working on and this will be part of our policy committee in January of kind of what a possible policy could look like too related to this. Um, being there is some I
035mean it's it's soaked in Minnesota statute. So, I know it's a lot in front of you right now and that's why I didn't want to do a PowerPoint. And I want you to take this home, chew on it a little bit. Specifically, look at this cuz this is the poster that will be um taped up in our district. We legally have to tape this up in our teachers lounge or hallway, wherever we choose to tape it, but it has to be up there by December 1st. So, I'll be probably putting it up next week. But anyway, needless to say, please take some time when you go home. If you have any questions about this, let me know or feel free to follow the links or scan in the QR code here. Uh because tons people
036are asking tons of questions. We're not getting a lot of answers yet. I hope we do because it's kind of a big deal. You know, this is a big deal. Many of you Dave, for example, you work, you know, in a system that will have this for you. And so there's still a lot of questions for the employers, but there will be for the employees, too. Um, but I just wanted to make sure you guys are well aware this is coming also in public schools too. Um, and again need to disclaim my PowerPoint is not complete but I want you to know where I'm kind of going with this a little bit. So that's it. Okay, any questions for Jen at all? Okay, thanks Jen. All right, moving on to our consent agenda then. Um,
037we need to approve the uh regular meeting minutes from October. Are there any corrections or additions to those? Okay. Treasures reports. Any questions on the treasures reports, the bills, etc. Okay. Uh, looks like there's a fundraiser for the Washington DC trip. It's going to be a tip night at Steuartville and Austin Pizza Ranch. So, that'll be fun. So, be sure you go to the pizza ranch. Um, no donations personnel. Uh, it's recommended that we approve the medical leave of Carrie Olsen starting December 11th through February of 26. The activities department recommends the approval of Trevor Carrier as a junior high boys basketball coach. Um, they also recommend the approval of volunteer coach Bob Drees for girls basketball and they recommend the approval of uh volunteer coach Samantha Cisco for the girls basketball program. Any questions
038on any of that? If not, is there a motion to approve the consent agenda? >> So move. Kyle, is there a second? >> Second. >> Thanks, Dan. Any uh any discussion before we vote? Okay. Hearing none. Uh all those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion carried. Okay. Um policy. So, we're looking at the second reading of the following policies. 701 Establishment and adoption of the school district budget. 701.1 Modification of the School District budget. 702 Accounting. 703 Annual audit. 704 Development Maintenance of an inventory of fixed assets and a fixed asset accounting system. 705 Investments. 706 Acceptance of Gifts. 707 transportation of public school students and 708 transportation of non-public school students. Is there anything that's been changed or anything since the first reading? >> Okay. Anybody have any questions on any
039of those? If not, is there a motion to approve the second reading of those uh previously [clears throat] mentioned policies? >> I will move uh to approve the polic from 701 to 7:08. >> Okay, thanks Dan. Is there a second? I'll second. Thanks, Dave. Any discussion before we vote? Hearing none. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion carried. Okay. Uh first reading of the following policies. Uh 709, student transportation safety policy. 710, extracurricular transportation. 711, video recording on school buses. 712 video recording other than on school buses. 713 Student Activity Accounting 714 Fund Balances. 720 Vending Machines. 721 uniform grant guidance policy regarding federal revenue sources and 722 public data requests. Okay. Um what's the video recording other than on buses? Is that just like everywhere else or what? >> That
040was one we talked about and there's a red line in there. We're keeping the red line. So just so that everybody's aware that we don't do that. It's more about we we're not going to video record in bathrooms, locker rooms, things like that. And it's been kind of >> a good idea not to do that. >> It's been kind of a hot topic. There's been some other schools that have had some issues with this lately um been on the news. So, >> we're I think we're keeping that line in there, but read out just for transparency issues purposes. >> Okay. Any other questions on any of those? the first reading of those policies. Okay. If there isn't, is there uh a motion to approve the first reading of policy 709 through 722? Make a motion
041to approve the first readings of 709 through 722. >> Okay. Thanks, Dave. Is there a second? >> Second. Thanks, Dan. Any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion carried. Okay. Uh, schoolboard committee reports. Are there any committee reports? Okay. Uh Dave, you had something that you wanted to comment on. >> Yes. Um last month um we had a lot of data thrown at us and I appreciate all the hard work uh that was put into that. We also have input from the community and I appreciate the input from the community as well. Having open discussions between the district and the community makes a thriving district. Um, I appreciate the well written letter, Dave, but uh that just doesn't stand with me. Um, even though we we are gaining
042families in, we're still losing families. And that doesn't sit right with me. I'm from Leroy. I've been here my whole life. And when I see families that are vested in our community and our district, that hurts me. Um, and I want to know why. So, I would like to form a committee to do exit interviews to find out why. We we we should root cause the issue of why people are leaving and get down to the bottom of it because right now I think we are doing a lot more with a lot less. And I am not okay with that. >> Our kids deserve more. Our community deserves more. Our district deserves more. And we should excel at everything, not just one thing. And when we have people that are invested in the district, in
043the community, and we treat them like crap, that's not okay with me either. I'm disappointed. I'm offended. And things need to change. Is there some sort of a form that people fill out when they do leave that's sort of a >> sort of addresses the exit interview thing? I mean, I'm not I I agree with your exit interview. I think it's a great idea. Um, I think it's a fantastic idea, >> but it's only a fantastic idea if we take those concerns serious and unlike some of the things that we did with Mr. Apen Hor's letter. Yes, I understand some of it is back and forth. Um, but it's a problem. And if if uh you don't think it is and want to throw up numbers of 285 is not our enrollment. We're right around
044250 and that that might be SMMET kids. Um, and again, it's the it's the I don't know how to say it without sounding condescending towards somebody listening, but these are families that have been here. These are families that have their roots here. These are families that have multiple generations were a Cardinal and they're out the door. These are families that regardless if they have a volleyball player, regardless if they have a football player, regardless if they have a one act play person, regardless if they have a kid in a concert are showing up to these things, supporting the community, trying to bring it together. Um, I brought these concerns in September. I wasn't very happy with the way things were handled as far as our city maintenance van and it it it's snowballs rolling big
045down the hill right now. And I will say to all the former or all board members, I urge you to go talk to the people in these positions in this school who are getting overloaded because we don't have well, you saw Aaron's report. We don't have a handful of things. Well, somebody else has to do those things. And um there's certain people they're very important and if we don't start to make some changes immediately it's going to be gone along with plenty of other kids. Um it's just the fact of the matter and and you can you can say that it's uh oh you only care about the the kids that play sports. No, that's that's not not at all true. Um, it is it is not at all true. And uh it's sad because
046like I like I said, these aren't you get the transient families that move in and then move out because we have low income housing here. Those aren't the people I'm talking about. Now, yeah, some of them do end up sticking around, get things figured out. that everybody has their own things in life that they're dealing with, but when we are losing the people that we are losing, it's not okay. And I I believe it it starts at the top of our administration. And I um I I got a couple other things here I'd like to to reference as well. >> Can we back up just a second, Kyle? Yeah. >> Who would you like to see on this? >> Um, I'm making myself available. Um, anybody else on the board that would like to join
047me. Anybody on the administration that would like to join me? >> I'd say a teacher, a staff member would be very good on that as well. Um, but again, it it can't be this file that when they leave, we snicker about it and put it over here. it small town America bleeding all over the world all over the country and we can't have these people leaving because well I mean you see it we don't have anything other than we have a great FFA program I will say that but not everybody is into that genre if you will um we have to we have to do something to incentivize teachers paras coaches. Um, we have four paras compared to the rest of the schools around us with probably close to 20 and the pay difference from
048our district to their district is pretty incredible. Um, so we we you pay for what you're going to get, I guess. And um >> and and for coaches, you want coaches that want to be there. You don't want coaches that you're telling you because then you don't have the passion. They don't want to be there. The kids un the kids can read that a mile away and then your program might as well not even be there anyways. >> Kids will get hurt. They won't take it seriously. So, you want the people that want to be here um in regards to the uh confidential HR email that we all received. I if you all go to the word finally in the first paragraph remain confidential. >> Um, >> got to got to stay confidential. >> Yeah,
049>> I'm sorry. >> Okay. Well, that's >> we can talk afterwards. >> Yeah, we're not going to do that. I'm not going to do that. That's it's a lack of transparency is all it is. And it's uh it's bad practice. That is it's bad. And I urge you all to talk to everyone involved in that. Um the other thing we've got retired teachers, we've got um teachers who have bent over backwards for this district and are still in the building and they're not re receiving years of service sub pay. Um I this I I know for a fact has been why why that would be an issue. I mean, >> didn't we address that like last year or the year before? >> Well, it's a retirement somewhere. >> It's not getting done. >> So, >>
050I mean, I would expect that to come from your office, Jen, with >> the business manager who >> again is not here, but is allowed to send directive to our people in this building that are working every day. it the money just doesn't add up. We We have what, two, three teacher salaries that we're not paying this year and we constantly cutting more things. We can't we can't get people in. We have to find a way to do that and we sure as heck cannot let these people leave. And I I it's a lack of transparency. It's uh I I don't know how I can say it. um that I I think there's maybe a little bit of fear because every teacher now is >> Mhm. >> scared that they're the next one on the
051block when we I mean these coaching positions that we just filled. And I know you're going to tell me it was a contractual thing that we could move a person. Well, when you move a person who's been around, who does so much for the community uh and for our kids without any kids or any real ties other than a graduate, which is dirty business? Yeah, sure, it's in the contract, but we already have this established position. the person is already doing it. And I bet if you pulled the parents in with that, you would have outstanding reviews >> yet only not 10 year. And what do you expect somebody to stick around for on that? because we're going to move them and then hire somebody else who has coach co coaches other places, chooses to
052come here, not coach in one of our 12 positions, but then volunteer at another district on on the way home. We continuously push people away. Um whether it is save the bottom line or what it's something that I will be vested in more now to figure out why that is. Where's all Where's these teaching salaries? There had there's money, but yeah, we keep cutting things or like I said, we we've got room to hire. Aaron Aeron's uh overview shows it, but at [clears throat] $12 less than you're going to make in Southland, $10 less than you're making in Grand Meadow, and they're probably already commuting. So, why come this far for to waste your gas money when you can stop at one of these other ones that are hiring? Um, and the last it would
053be [clears throat] well the years of services needs to be addressed tomorrow. They need to be back paid. They need we need that. Um, >> absolutely. >> Can you give me that name after the meeting? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Thank you. um why that would even be a hiccup or why >> yes because that should be yes we have board policy on that >> we do but it things slip through the cracks when the leaders aren't in the building every day and others are so plum full of stuff that they're about to explode at the seams and it's the honest god truth there's no other way to put it to slice it or dice it you need you need to reach out to the people in this school and it and and find out the
054truth. Um then I thought we had a great relationship with SME um because of a heater issue. They got removed from the entire buildings uh the smack employees got removed from the Leroy all uh email communications. Why? Uh I don't know. It seems pretty petty to me um when during that week my daughter is going to school with two extra blankets because it's so cold when it was a simple question asked. Um, I I would hate for that smeck to pop up a new building and pull one of the programs out of here, which we were the birthplace of it in 2003 down in the elementary. Um, I I think we have a very good relationship. Um, I think half the people who are paid by SMMEK are community members here. And when we're not
055all on the same page in the same building, um that's a problem especially for two classrooms that house children with um easy triggers if you will things of maybe there was a hallway parade that well they didn't know about it cuz they're not L employees and they well they obviously would have heard about it but I would like to see the the SMMEC employees put back I don't see any reason that they were ever removed or any Yeah. why that would have happened. Um just that just puts another divider in between two. All right. Can't get through it now, right? Um when these are the people who are here every day. So, I'm very disappointed right now in the state of the school. I know that maybe I haven't done my due diligence, but um
056it's uh unless we incentivize for some people to stay around here um and keep the teachers that live in town here fighting an uphill battle that we're not going to win. And I would say I know for a fact that There's other families that are a couple more twists to that thread and it's snapping. And if you don't want to take me serious, you think I'm don't know what I'm talking about, that's fine, too. I've spent pretty much from June to end of October in this building. Uh I was contacted to coach basketball. I love the kids. I would do anything for the kids. Um, but I don't know anything about basketball. And uh, you can't expect these people that continuously bend over for this district to keep doing it without breaking in half. And
057it it's uh >> So, Kyle, what do you what do you mean by incentivize the teachers? You're not talking about money, are you? >> I mean, why not? I we got three teacher salaries that are uh there's >> the problem is the contract with the union it it just prevents you from giving any type of bonus pay or >> to a new teacher to a new hire. >> No, I mean >> Okay. Well, then that then that's >> I thought you were talking about keeping people here. >> Well, that al lo al lo al lo al lo al lo al lo al lo al lo al lo al lo alone but like I I was talking about the list of errands. How many positions are available? There's no way to incentivize that. Oh, I see.
058>> You know, uh, >> come keep people here. >> Well, obviously I would love to be able to do that, too. And maybe that's something >> we need to look at as a board. >> We do have um in terms of the teachers contract for hard field positions like science and math, we have a $5,000 signing bonus if they stay with us. So, we do have that and that's in the contract. So, we do have that. They have to stay with us for what? Three years or five years? >> I want to say five, but I'm just throwing that out there. >> School offer that as well. >> I don't know. Is there any way to compile a report of what other districts are paying their teachers or paying their paras so we can see
059the numbers and see where we fall. I mean, I think that would be extremely helpful. So we can and and so the committee so Dave, Angie, Dave have all received like local contracts >> and I could send that out to the entire board because that's public. >> Um I can send that to everybody. So then you can compare. >> We just got that stuff during negotiations. >> So it's all new. Now keep in mind for example, Southland is not done negotiating. >> So it's an older contract, but you have a general sense. But I can send the same ones I send to these three >> um to all of you because it's public. >> Absolutely. >> Great. Um the other is the consortium you know I mean why why did we go away from that
060where we're sharing you know a lot more things with training with um >> so so we talked about that at the last at one of our last meetings and really the the main thing there that's driving that is people got away from that >> shared calendar right like we people the dis different districts were different days off here and there and that was just throwing things off that that's what kind of was spoken about in the SME meeting. Erin maybe has different >> Yeah. Um, you know, I think the the struggle we have with the consortium is the the turnover when you have turnovers as an admin for other places and stuff. They come in and they don't know how that works. We've talked several times about how to have an onboarding for the consortium
061principles as well. So, they we can continue down the same path. But I think everybody kind of went in there, you know, we didn't meet anymore to offer some high school classes, which we used to always do. >> You know, it was just one of those things that we moved away from. It just felt like the people that started it had moved away. Um because really I'm me and I got surprised too old. I don't say oldest. >> I use Trevor's words all the time. I am the oldest all the time. >> He talks about me, but oldest and all the other people have been new within the last, right? So, it's hard that consistency, but now that some of them are starting to stick around a bit a little bit longer, >> uh, like
062I said, we've talked >> I mean, this goes back to probably my first couple years when I got here, but they're starting to realize that these smaller schools, we need to start combining again. We can't look up for our >> There's been a lot of discussion about that as a smack to really get back to that we want. >> I don't know. It's just one of those things that they have a driving force that kind of kept going away. >> Well, thanks you two. Appreciate it. Um, >> we need do I What do we Is it just that simple? No. >> Now we push it this way because it it's >> it's not. >> No. So, I I mean I for one I don't know about everybody else, but I like this idea of this
063uh committee for exit interviews. I like I like that idea a lot. >> Yeah. >> Maybe expanding that a little bit to a student and staff retention committee or having a separate staff retention committee. >> I don't know. I mean, we have the meet and confer committee, but I think it's up to the teachers. >> I like that student and staff retention committee. I like that. Okay. Um I see it uh having a couple of board members, probably a principal, uh a teacher. Anybody else? >> I mean, I think they're put their staff here as well. >> Parent. >> Okay. student retention. You maybe want to have some students on. >> Well, we probably don't >> it might have to be separated, >> but we probably don't want to try to intimidate uh parents by
064having >> no 15 people there, you know, >> but you could start small, >> right? >> And then grow, >> you know, get get an agenda, >> get data, get, you know, what what kind of your mission is the goal. You know, we've done that with for our policy committee years ago. How we developed it. >> Started small and then it's gone. >> Okay. >> Dave, did you? >> So Dave and Dan volunteered for that. Aaron, I volunteered you. >> Okay. >> Uh teacher, um >> it would have to be limited to just board members I would like to be involved in as well. >> It could be three but no more. >> Okay. All right. Jess is the third board member. Okay. You got you want to try to find a teacher >> and
065you still want a pair? be willing to do it. >> Okay. All right. So, the next time an event happens, uh, we need to put this committee together. >> Well, do we need to wait for an event? Because there's been events the past two, three weeks that don't leave them. Well, I think it's important we all sit down first like Kyle's suggesting too. I think we have to be prepared first and shouldn't it come down to like, you know, there's some legalities to talking about student data, right? We all know that and we need to be okay with that. >> Um, we can't just talk about a student. We can't do that. We can talk about a female student or a male student. We can call them that. That is the law. And so so
066we can that first meeting maybe we talk about yes what we can and cannot talk about what kind of information do we want to share what kind of questions do we want to ask people while they're leaving or do we want to develop a form um do we want you know things like that we can I think I think right it should be wide open right away and let's just put it all out there a first committee meeting >> you could date it back to the beginning of the school year >> and and >> you can do all of that >> not everybody body's going to want to talk to you, but >> because it will, >> you know, >> make it available. >> Y, >> but I think it's a good idea to meet
067and and come up with a list of questions [clears throat] and then let them say whatever they want. >> We said this is a student teacher retention committee. Is it also going to be an interview for people like >> I think that'd be fine. Yeah. Okay. >> The odds that's a step in the right direction, I think. Okay. So, maybe you guys kind of get together and try to come up with a time to meet >> Dave. stand >> and you can report it back to us next month. >> Yep, we can do that. >> Sounds good. Okay. All right. Thanks again, you guys. Appreciate it. >> Um the school district calendar going forward. >> Oh, can I We just have a thank you for the Hub family for our memorial that we sent to
068funeral. >> Okay. You want to read the thank you? >> Sure. Hello school board. Thank uh it's during this time like this we realize how much our family and friends really mean to us. Your expression of sympathy will always be remembered the family of Tom Huggy. Thank you for the windshine and beautiful plant in memory of Tom. >> Y okay. Uh school district calendar the November 20th and 24th the parent teacher conferences. 26th to 28th is the Thanksgiving break. Uh December 9th will be the policy committee meets at 3:10. December 12th will be midquarter. December 15th is our next school board meeting which will start at 6:01 with the truth and taxation. Uh December 15th is a middle school and high school concert. December 19th is early release at 12:00 noon. December 22nd through January
0691st is the Christmas break. Uh January 2nd, staff development, there is no school and January 6th would be the reorganization meeting for the school board at 6 p.m. >> So with that change in the concert, the elementary concert is now December 15th at 6:30 with our >> Okay, say it again. >> That's the high school concert. >> I uh No, they So now the concert starts at 6:30 instead of at 7 and our meeting starts at 6 >> and we do have the auditors secured for that night. >> So if you have to leave Yeah, I would definitely suggest leaving. >> Can we just >> Good questions. Okay. Um, if there's is there anything else? >> Okay. If not, is there a motion to adjourn? >> January 6. There is a there's basketball that >>
070basketball day. >> Does it have to be the first? >> So, it's closest to the first Monday of the month. When is the sixth Monday? >> Fifth is Monday. There's basketball. Fifth, the 6th, you could go up to the seventh, which is a Wednesday. The eighth is also basketball. The ninth is also basketball. So, we want to avoid all of those things. I guess the second would be an option. Oh, does it have to be after the first? >> It has to be after the first. >> I know. came up the board too. >> We might just have to >> Yeah. >> do it regardless if there's that many basketball or whatever on that week. >> But that one could possibly as well. >> You could change the time. >> Move it up an hour
071or something like that. >> And remember that meeting you won't have policy to review and you won't have financials to review because it's a reorg meeting. the time it takes to fill the committees. That's what takes the most time. >> It does. >> So, should we move that to >> 5:00? >> Would that be okay with everyone? >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, on January 6th, we'll change the meeting time to 5:00 p.m. >> Okay. All right. Thanks, Angie, for bringing that up. Is there anything else that we're forgetting to do or anything? If not, is there a motion to adjurnn? >> Motion to a second. Second. All those in favor say I. Opposed. Motion carried. Meetings.