001Stand for the pledge, please. I pledge algiance 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. >> Roll call. Lisa here. Lorie >> here. >> Chuck >> here. >> Linda's here. Tanya >> here. >> Jeremiah >> here. >> Tom >> here. All are present and accounted for. Please take a gander at your agenda. As far as I know, there are no further additions to the agenda. >> Can I make a motion to pull off policy 520, 503, and 524? You wait to do that in the consent. Y >> is there any additions to the regular agenda? >> I don't add the resignation of >> that's the consent agenda. >> Oh, >> both of those are consent
002agendas. >> You can probably remove the uh Well, yeah, they're both consent agendas. >> Okay, so regular agenda. Do I have a motion to >> second by Lori? There any discussion? Any discussion? All those in favor of approving the regular agenda say I. >> I. >> Opposed. >> Motion carries. >> Now we're on the consent agenda. Sorry. >> 520 520 is not on there, but I know it was listed in the handbook. So I make a motion to pull policy 520,503 and 524 off and place maybe by the handbook since it relates to those which is where >> uh old business >> old Is this >> pump? >> Lori, just so I'm clear, it's just 524, not 524.5. Also, >> um >> 524.5, if it helps you, is about like cell phone and stuff in
003it. >> Cell phone policy. the Montreal one that we approved in March. I don't know which part it is. Does it have its own policy number? I don't see it any on this. It would be like this one. >> Yes, you're right. >> Yes. Um, does the 24.5 relate to some of the cell phone policy in the handbook? >> Take a look. >> I don't know exactly. >> I think it does, but 20 524.5 is a one I got from MSBA. >> That would be this one. Correct. Or is that five? This says 524. See there's there's a 524 and then there's 20 524.5 which I know specifically does deals with uh cell phone and like uh I think video is yeah video recordings addressed in there because it it's a brand new one that
004MSBA finished because I was asking them about policies we were working on and then uh because we've been waiting basically a year on it so they finally came up with one. Otherwise, we can just put 524 SL524.5. Talk about both that when I come. >> I believe that makes sense. >> Okay. And then you wanted to take what else? >> Um the John Deere tractor that probably doesn't really need to be brought up at this time. >> Okay. >> And then you said there were personnel things. >> Yep. uh the resignation of Caitlyn Petron pair professional to the consent agenda and just a point of clarity not in addition the case CX70 tractor loader is case 2255 >> that's the CX70 not 2255 the 2255 was just the loader >> okay >> that's where I
005didn't see the whole number when I put the thing so we went and checked it all out >> so I guess that would make it a correction That would be the case CX70. >> So then that motor is also >> the motor >> motor is the 2255 >> 2255. Yeah. >> So point of clarity. >> Any other changes to the consent? >> I will need a motion. I'll second >> Jeremiah. Any further discussions? Any further discussion? >> Any more discussion? All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion carries. Was there a reason why Caitlyn? >> Um, personal reasons. >> Okay. down to reports, correspondents, and guests, student representatives. >> Okay. I >> We have sometimes we have FFA. >> I think they're with Kurt. >> That's They're with Yeah. to speak to
006us. >> Okay. Then we have just one guest. It's Kurt. That's the only one you saw. >> Yeah. >> Kurt, you're up. >> I'm going to yield my time to Preston. to the fire. If he passes out, I got to stand by. >> Good evening, LPG School Board. I am Preston Wenberg. I am the 2025 to 2026 treasure of the LBG FFA chapter. We are here to ask permission to attend and support the FFA National Convention held in Indianapolis, Indiana. The dates for the convention are Monday, October 27th to Saturday, November 1st. We have made reservations through WD tours, the same group we produce in 2023. We will be leaving after school Monday, October 27th, and loading the chartered bus for Indianapolis. We will drive through the night and get to the convention center on
007the 28th for registration. We will attend the opening ceremony sessions along with other sessions during the convention. There are numerous workshops and the largest agricultural career fair in the United States. Student meet with prospective employers and secondary education contacts to assist them with their future plans. We have tours planned during the events for local attractions like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, convention concerts, rodeos, and other fun events. Our chapter members have been assisting with activities this summer to help pay for the trip. Individual registration is $95 for the early rate. The concert will run about 75. We can get tickets. The rodeo is 40 and $20 for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. We went to any scare park in 2023 and it was a hit and we would like to go again and that'll be another $30.
008Students have been working on the registration entertainment fees in the amount of $260. We are asking for hotel accommodations and busing costs at about $730 per student. We have 16 slot availables with our booking in June and we can adjust numbers if we need to as we're looking for your support to attend the National FA Convention. Any questions? >> What was the amount again for >> $730 per student? >> You have most of that raised. I assume >> I believe so. >> I just gave you $1,000. And that that money goes towards their entertainment stuff and their registration fees. So yeah, we got that. >> Good. >> And how many did you say? Do you have some signed up already to go or >> I have a whole bunch signed up, but I've got 16
009slots available. So >> So how do you decide who goes and who doesn't go? >> The amount of time they've helped us out. >> So like with the ice cream machine and we did three things this summer. We helped out days selling ice cream. We helped out American Foods Group both at their uh afternoon uh banquet at Lake Charlotte and then they did the golf tournament, you know, to mount both of those. So, they've been they've been busy raising money this summer and Gemfest which was like big hit. Uh >> M. >> Yeah. I always assume I'm going to be fried when I get down and that's usually the case. >> At least it wasn't hot this year. >> Oh, I'd have been dead if it was. I think I think myself I think I
010fried up over seven boxes of >> hers. >> Um is that about $10,000 you're asking for? >> Yep. >> Okay. Um do you have like like other you know music programs? They have so much. Do you plan on raising any money for that? Yeah. >> Okay. >> We're continuously fundraising until we go. >> But we just want to make sure >> the $10 if you just need whatever extra. >> Yeah. We want to make sure that we can cover it because on September 4th I have to have firm numbers to them to keep our spots >> and it's a week long. >> Yeah. >> When do you come back? November >> November 1st. first >> and then do they have to do they have to approve it with their principal just so that their grades
011are good at school. Good. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Beyond the wall. >> It's a fantastic opportunity that >> any other questions in 2023. Do you happen to know how much you raised towards that help get perspective? >> Um it was somewhere around $4,000 towards that. So, I said we're now we've got the ice cream machine and stuff like that, we're doing all right. So, but it's going to take time. >> Yep. >> Yeah, we'll have quite a few games even before we go. >> So, we're hoping we can generate some more funding that way. >> How much have you raised so far? >> Uh, we've raised about $3500. >> Okay. >> Yep. So, we've got a ways to go, but >> I just gave you a th00and. >> There you go. I know American
012Foods Group is going to be giving us a thousand for the one day. I'm not sure what they're giving us for the next one. And I think we made six 700 bucks for selling ice cream days. It all adds up, but it takes time for the >> So, it's still flowing. The donations are still coming in. >> Yep. >> Congratulations. And go have a good time. >> Thank you. >> Need a motion. We need a motion to make that work. Yes, we do. >> I'll make a motion to allow them to go. I'll >> second it. We got a motion in a second to allow the FFA to head down to the nationals. They will earn all the money to get there. Do we have any further discussion? Any more discussion? All those in favor
013say I. >> I. Opposed. >> Motion carried. activities report for me. >> Got your coaches hired yet? >> All for fall we're good to go and a couple for winter yet and a couple for spring, but I got most most of them. So, >> good. Good. And the donkeys are coming for sure. >> November 22nd. >> Wearing your pads. >> Yeah, really excited about that. It'll be a fun different fundraising opportunity. >> Will that be an afternoon or an evening? >> It's going to be a Saturday at 7:00. >> Okay. >> I'm sure she needs people to write down. >> They do about October 22nd, I'll start marketing more for that. >> There's a couple teachers out there that look like they might have fun doing it. >> I will be quite busy that day.
014music. >> Yeah. So, our hope is that his full length, right? That's what >> musical the musical beh two two or four. We haven't decided yet. >> Um and then we'd have hopefully have like a community meal and then we go to Donkey B. So, we're hopefully going to make a whole day of it. >> Sure. Cool. Sounds good. >> Donkeys have been around for a long time. We used to do them in great >> They were crazy. They hurt a lot too. Okay, nothing else for our Kelsey. >> Okay, then community head. Congratulations, Mary Schmidt. I'm first. >> Okay, from presentation tonight, um, and all of you probably know her, but she's been around for a while. Tonight we have the privilege of recognizing someone whose impact on our school, our families, and our
015community runs deep. It is with immense gratitude um that we celebrate Mary Schmidt. Mary's been at the heart of our community program for over 30 years. Over that time, she has taught more than 400 classes, reaching children, parents, preschoolers, and adults. Think about that for a moment. 400 opportunities to share knowledge, inspire curiosity, to build confidence, and to bring people together. Mary's classes have not just taught skills, they have created memories for many of of the families, including mine. Her classes were the first step into school, the experiences of learning, and the first connections to our community with many of our kids. She has been a steady welcoming presence, offering both expertise and kindness to every student who comes through the door. What makes Mary truly remarkable is not her dedication, but her heart. Everything
016she does, she does with passion. She does it for the gift of helping people educated. Her patience, her encouragement, and her joy in teaching have left a lasting mark on this school district. Mary, on behalf of our school, our community education program, and all of the students and families that you have touched, thank you. Thank you for giving so generously of your time, your talents, your energy. Thank you for reminding us what it means to serve with a passion. We are deeply grateful for your years of commitment and we look forward to many, many more. Please join me with a round of applause for Mary. As a sign of our gratitude, we have a plaque for you. It says, "In recognition of our outstanding service as a community education instructor for Long Prairie Regal, your
017dedication to teaching children, adults, and preschools has enriched lives, strengthened our community, and inspired a lifelong love of learning. With appreciation, Long Prairie Grey Eagle Schools Community Education, August 2025. [Applause] Turn around everybody up there. >> So, >> thank you Mary. >> We want to thank Mary. >> I used to hire her. >> Yes. >> So, we have we have uh Tammy. I know Tammy when she was community ed director she did a number of classes for Tammy and a number for Linda also. So, thank you. I'm sure you talk for Deb Ger as well as >> anything else for me since I'm up here. Um I'll give you a little update on 21st century. There is no update. Um, I called last specifically called Monday and I specifically called Wednesday um, to ask and
018I the the I got a hold of the head of the department of of competitive grants and she told me the exact same thing as the other person I had talked to. What is happening is that this has become a political football and it is stuck in what she to quote her um, in an area that's way above her pay grade. So, they are waiting to um hash it around, make it work. Um, and I did um tell her that, you know, how important it is to our our community and um all the things that we do with it. And she knows that um because she's been at a lot of the meetings that we've went to. Uh she also said that um you know she feels sorry for us because um we've had to
019we haven't hired back two people because and we've been trying to run the the program with two people because uh we didn't want to hire somebody and then have to let them go. Um she knows that that's a huge um thing for our for our community and for our school. So um they have passion for us, but she said there's there's just no movement at all. So we're hoping and we keep trying. Our plan um is to go ahead with everything. We're going to try to offer as many programs as we possibly can for pay and if we get the grant, we would pay the the kids back. Um that's what we're doing with cheerleading is our first one probably. Um we're doing cheerleading. We had to we um because of the cost we thank
020goodness we have some volunteer coaches that were nice enough to say that they'll do it. Um, and then we're offering um the kids uh they have to pay $50 and then some money for a uniform um rental that they're or they're that they're going to keep. Um and then if if we get the grant, we'll pay every one of those kids back those things. So that's how we're trying to move forward. So we still offer those opportunities for the kids. Um we're running it all through community ed at this point. So um there might be some fluctuation up and down with community ed funds, but that's what we're going to try to do so that um kids still have the opportunities. The big things that of course are going to make a difference are we're
021still working at the activity bus, bolt, tap. Those things are um very expensive programs. So, uh that's where it's going to get tough. Same way with our like robotics. Um in order to offer robotics, we figured it out, Barb and I did, and it would have cost us $455 a kid last year. Um and that does not include entry fees and those kind of things that Dave Nelson got a grant. Um I helped him write a grant last year that paid for those. So um we're hoping that something comes through. So >> and with cheer, it didn't really deer the girls. No, we still have 14 out. So there's still a good number out even with >> Are we offering a sliding scale for the individuals that maybe couldn't afford both price? >> We we
022always do. Um so there's the Lions Pay It Forward um which Kelsey and I both have. Um we I how we do it is that we go on free and reduced price lunch applications. So, if they're if they're free, and this is for any community education plan, if they get free lunch, um they get the program for 75% off. So, if it was $10, it' be $250. Um if they're reduced, they get it for 50% off. So, it would be $5 for a $10 class. So, that's how we handle it, and that's how we're going forward with this until, you know, money runs out, which we hope it doesn't. So, and you know, I know Daniel has talked to people too trying to trying to rally them to to make a decision. So, thank you.
023>> Congratulations again, Barry. >> So, anybody knows any businesses that want to sponsor robotics or interested, >> we'll put your logo on the robot. >> Let Daniel know. >> Yes. >> All right. >> That was serious, by the way. Hey, technology folks. Anything for Mitchell? >> Did I see that seventh and eighth graders are now bringing their home books home? >> That somewhere? >> Everything's staying the same the last year. >> Okay. Cuz they were staying at school, not coming home. >> Okay. >> I thought I read that somewhere. >> There was enough time to make changes. >> Okay. >> Thought I read that maybe in one of the handbooks somewhere. I read it, >> right? And then um me and Mr. Rude visited and we just figured we need more time for detail. >>
024Okay. >> So that we roll it out that it's well organized and set up for success. >> So maybe next year they would keep them. >> Yeah, we're still looking at it because like I mean as you guys remember at the end of last year we had the trying to set the Chromebook on fire and I'd like to point to the experience that fourth grade actually had. And uh this is feel free to jump in if you feel like it. But um the fourth grade teachers, kudos to them, actually did kind of like a little experiment where they kept the Chromebooks at school. And the thing I noticed is the guy that walks around in the morning is kids started talking to each other instead of playing their games in the morning. And then when
025we compare that against Mitchell's data that they weren't using it for uh schools primarily that um it seemed like it was a better use of the technology because the one thing you got to keep in mind is every time you run that battery down it's shortening the lifespan. >> So like if it's not being used for school then it's a pretty pretty expensive not school thing. >> Like there's a big non-school expense is the way I put it but It's definitely a great tool for our kids. So, it's like how do you balance that? >> More questions for technology folks? >> All right. Business manager, Miss Sherry. Anybody have a question for Sherry? >> Uh, thanks for including these graphs in our book. >> You're welcome. Yeah, there'll be some good details going forward. We
026get our year of >> information. I can look at numbers all day and stuff here presented in a graph form. >> We were speaking with the finance committee beforehand and just something so that you guys are aware, we're taking a look at what we could possibly do with our general fund dollars to invest. And like last year, we earned $400,000 in interest. And that's because the market is high right now over here. And if we could find a way to lock it up so that we keep that revenue as the market goes down, we're like looking at what that might look like. Anything else for Sherry? Principles, you're up. National night out was a success. I hear it turn out not as good as last year, but it was spring and rained right away, but
027everybody showed up after it started to settle down. We just had a delayed group coming through. So, that was compensation. So I do believe the participation in our little area was very very good. Like maybe we had less overall people but higher number of people going through. We didn't have too many backpacks left and a lot of names on the football throwing and the um scavenger hunt. Thanks Mr. Shibila for putting together the items on that and we we had a lot of people participate in them. Thank you to everybody who did that. You know makes it a little more fun. >> Makes my night go fast. It's a good thing I can ask questions. >> Are you ready for questions? Sure. >> How are we doing on staffing both schools? Are we are we
028there? We still got a few openings or >> um I am short a win teacher at this point and then and because that is a grantf funed position, I'm kind of have to work within a a salary cap. Um and then I am short two pair of professionals yet at this point. >> Your candidates >> for pair of professionals. Yes. For wind teacher and this >> I'm short three pairs right now. We had an internal movement saying one over to cover Janice's position. So now we need student support center. So that is a unique position in itself. So that's going to take a unique individual because we also run um we also have an intervention center there. We're working on that end of it also in that position along with you know uh disciplinary but
029it's mainly that intervention portion that's going to be the meat of that time. Um then we have uh two two sped meets uh that are coming over to us. So that are going to be requirements there. So we're short. I've got two possibly trying to nail mail them down. They're getting it's getting tough. So I might if it all works out this week, it'll be only one short. We've got it advertised. We just don't have the applicants. But it's you know any district. We're all we're all seeing the same thing. >> Um looking through the handbook. Uh I just had a question. I didn't see in there the the topic. I could have missed it though because I was quickly browsing over it. But um medical devices that connect to cell phones >> put under
030electronic devices. >> Okay. Okay. >> Yeah. It's a umbrella. We didn't go through I mean smartwatches are thing but put under electronic. >> So but like for the individuals that have sensors and stuff like that connected to their phone. >> Yeah. There's a firewall for those. I think that's >> okay. Yeah, I think there is. >> Yeah. The exception on the policy, the approach is >> so we've got kids who've got those for diabetes and >> sensors >> and you got to have that. I've got nieces that got the same situation. So, um it's very handy. It's very life-saving. So, >> any more questions. Are you back at the high school yet with the HVAC system? >> Well, it depends on how long you can tolerate the humidity. If you can stand it for 3,
031four hours, God bless Amy and Audrey. It's just tougher than nails. But we're getting the glycol. So, they were lifting. If you drove by day, um we had cranes out there. We didn't know the crane. So, we're lifting units out. The glycol's been pumped out and flushed out, so it's ready to go. It's going to take a while, but it's gonna take So, we should be actually 20 seconds. And Daniel might have more about that than I do, but 20 seconds are hard to get back. And everything's been cleaned up. It looks good in there. Um, I know Russ and the screw are scrambling to get everything squared up. I'm not too concerned about that. I'm concerned with getting that glycol in there cuz it's going to you don't flip the switch overnight and just
032go because there can be leaks and everything else. So, it's skinny there. >> It's just a little stuffy. >> And the system should be functional outside of the glycol. So, a matter of getting switched in there and circulating like people should be able to be in the building. You don't need hard hats or stuff like um and I need to get an update from them where they left off because they were kind of hustling to clear everything out on last Friday. And um as I said in my one weekly update, there was a leak um a small one, but um that affected the FCS room with family consumer science. So yeah, just lot lot of moving parts at the very end. I know the custodians are able to move things back into your room. >>
033I drove by school today. It's the first time I've been on that side of the building for a long time. I see the the symbols or the things in the doors >> and they're on that door that nobody ever uses. How come we chose that door instead of >> on the elementary? >> Yeah. >> Because that door looks directly into the hallways and you can see children in the hallways. So, I covered it. I knew there was a logical reason for that. Now I know >> these doors right over here or they're over there. >> They're new doors that never had windows in before and when they put them in, they came with windows and suddenly I understand that. >> Pretty way to address a safety concern. >> For sure. It looks very nice. I
034like it. >> Yeah. Um, uh, they're for board stuff. We had our first strategy session for negotiations with custodians today. Anybody gone to any workshops or anything fun like that? Any board members got anything to say? Fun and exciting? >> I want to extend a thank you and a good job to those that were at the National Night Out, the Latino Fest and involved it. It's good to see you out in the public and >> giving us positive >> vision for things to see in the public. >> Okay. Anything else? So quiet, Mr. Superintendent, sir. Um, I'll first start with questions. Any questions on the reports? >> Obviously, it's a quieter month usually. >> So, will they be paying for the activity bus? >> Um, we don't know if we have 21st century. Well, I
035guess I that is a question for you guys. like um I think there'll be a lot of things to cover in costs and I guess from before we had 21st century we didn't have the act the activity bus had been something that been cut previously and so um I think if we don't get 21st century we'll probably be looking for other places to spend the money and one of the possibilities that goes along with that and Mr. Hi son alluded to that we probably have to reduce the number of days that we offer bold and that can either be done by squishing the calendar together so there's less days that way or having it less days per week >> and right now it's three days a week is that right? Yeah, we can and they
036can maintain that cuz cuz Target services does pay for that, but we pay we pay for all the overages, all the pair of professionals. Um, and then we pay for we help pay for Tuesday because it used to be both just Monday, Thursday, and then we added Tuesday and so we paid for a lot of the the stuff on Thursdays and then obviously in summer a lot of them. So those be the two areas that are pretty obviously with all the teachers and stuff pretty big financial >> I have put on some communications there just to prepare parents that hey like you know you're likely going to see fees if we don't get 21st century we have to currently move forward like we're not getting it and that like I anticipated there being an issue
037continuing that activity with us and so I guess that is a good thing to ask as what what is the opinion on that and mine is largely shaped on that if if the compensatory aid does not include using paper forms that that I mean I don't see how we would avoid having to downsize in some ways I don't mean to scare anybody I'm just saying that if that's the case like that's going to be problematic for our school district due to how the free and reduced numbers we gain through um paper forms, which is why we uh wrote that article for the paper about direct certification. And so if your family qualifies for um county programs, I mean, from the school's perspective and they may feel a bit differently about it, but we'd encourage you
038to be counted um because those numbers have really have a pretty significant impact on our audience. How soon do we need to decide with the activity bus like when do these programs start? Do we have like till September when we can >> um uh generally bolt starts the either the week or the it depends on the calendar and how many weeks we have. So what we do is we try to run bolt for about 30 weeks. So you take out Christmas break, you take out some other things. Um NBA take out some of those. So if you think about that, it's usually probably like that third week in September or so. >> Okay. >> Um we have supplied the activity bus before that for um seventh and eighth graders playing sports. >> So generally the
039activity buses started um next week or the week after at the latest is what it's been first week of school. >> Um so yeah, that's that's a tough one. And I know was that in your report that November and December drop with people writing? >> I I had uh in the updates like >> it was in my report but you guys would have received a detail weekly update that had the month by month >> and so you can see that there's periods of time where it's lower and higher not too surprising. So it varied the bill from you know a just shy of a thousand which would be the exception to almost four I think it was and that detail and I just didn't include all that in the reports because you have enough paper
040>> right I'm just wonder you know like if we need to decide something now or if we can wait or you know >> well I'm thinking we can cover at the beginning because we may have some leftover money. Um, that's what we're working on right now. Sherry and I are supposed to work on that tomorrow or Wednesday. What we're doing is we're crunching all the numbers cuz I was very conservative over this last 6 months when we didn't know. So, there is some money available to probably prepay. So, there might be a possibility to do that with taxes to prepay at least a couple a month or two so that we can have a buffer. That's what we're trying to leave with that. So, there is a little bit of money there that can be
041build if we can. If they'll allow us to pre-build by um I think we have to have it in by September 30th, I believe is the last day we can bill. If we can bill by September 30th, we could pay for a couple of those months pre-bill so that the school will actually get some free activity bus off of last year's money. So, that's what we're trying to do. Trying to be, you know, preventative so that kids would have a chance to to ride it. So, and then then at some point the road we will meet the road though, but at least we'll have a we'll have a start of the school bus and the school year and stuff. >> Well, then maybe those, you know, like cuz I think my seventh grader would probably
042ride it. I mean, I'd be willing, you know, to pay your make because it's going to save me time and picking up, >> right? So, yeah. So, there is a little bit of money left. Um because we had a red reduction in staff. Um we um we didn't when Mary left we didn't replace her. Um Alyssa left we didn't replace her for a whole year which was significant. Now there was some increase in cost because of negotiations and stuff etc. But there's some money there. So our plan is to try to repay that and then at some point you guys are going to have to make that choice. >> That's program. >> Sounds like a sticky situation. We're going to see more of it, I'm sure. >> Sounds like they just need to give us
043our money. >> Yeah, that would be >> Well, we need an answer for at least. I mean, like it's kind of insane if you think like I mean we're fortunate to have the staff we do because I mean I know other programs like I mean you have to have you can't expect people to wait around to just see if they have a job or not. So just a reminder um the executive committee is collecting feedback on what the goals for that would feed into how the superintendent evaluation will be structured is. So just a reminder for that and then we present a something for the board next month. and the board manage. You guys can all read it. He's got it in the board book. So, >> it's a good good article there. Really is.
044So, just a reminder, we have picture tonight. Who's got the camera? >> We do. >> Yes. You're supposed to be ready for a picture. >> Okay. So, I'll stay afterwards, take a picture. But, um, any other board highlights? I think we need to thank Mary Schmidt again. And I need to thank the FFA for coming over to Greenville for the draft polls. They help us out every year. Any other highlights? I'd like to specifically extend one to Brad and Barb because um they have been making up for that lack of a staff member staff members in 21st century and uh you know with no real guarantee of like out of the kindness of their hearts is probably the best way for me to put it otherwise I'll get too many words but community appreciate appreciates
045it and programs that continue because of your work and dedication make positive experiences for our community. Y anything else for highlights? Unfinished business. I think that's where we put the policies that Lori wants to talk about. Well, I actually talked to Barton last week on a few of them. So, um, we just had a we had some discussions on a few with especially with the attendance, a few things that came up. Um, and he said we I should bring them up tonight for us to discuss them. Um, and one of them, well, we I told them I didn't like the word application with the unexcused absences. So, we he came up with a different word because it sounded like you had to fill something out. >> Look up what I put down. Can't remember what
046I used. >> Um, but I don't know if we need to maybe put it I don't know if you want to be more specific with that like in writing or in verbal just so that they know. I got >> I highlighted it. I had not. You could put notifica application. You put notification. >> Notification. >> I can put some in more detail, >> you know, just so that everybody is on the same page of oh, I'm just going to call or I'm going to You have to have it in writing or >> or it could be >> I could put in there. The the reason I do do it that way, this is a board policy. I don't want to get too >> customer friend. I want to keep in the legal framework because again
047I'm not a lawyer and I don't even play one at TV. So I'm really skittish about >> and I don't remember in the handbook what it said. I know I had that >> application was the word MSBA used, >> right? >> And I get where they're coming in. There's like four or five different uses for the word application, but you know, so notification, you got to let us know. I mean, I can if you want me to, but I really want you guys to make that decision. What wordings you want? It's really a legal document. I don't feel real comfortable doing this. >> Well, I know you were going to do it differently in the handbook. Correct. >> Correct. That's more laidback, easy understanding, can elaborate back. >> Right. Yep. And then we also discussed
048the um work at home as a unexcused correct >> right now. Yeah. >> Is what it is >> right. I think what we had talked refresh my memory when you had talked to me about that >> we have to be um probably want to have a discussion if we do that for a one group we got to look at all our students and one of the concerns we have is a number of our students um parents we're working at um advanced prize package this manufacturing sector as opposed to agricultural sector how do we balance those things out the whole goal is not to have an excused absence I know we discussed those things today. I think one of the things came up and we had discussed is there's a lot of leeway already before you
049get you know hit that mark where hey we got a problem here. Um the whole goal and I know this is going to be an ongoing and we're I'm we're both going to our law seminar in the next couple of months and one of the discussions always is and the state of Minnesota is starting to get a little concerned about that is the number of absences not just in our school it's all over any more than 10 the state is recognizing that as a problem and it affects learning well when our students average well more than that I think the driving that point home of you need to here. This is your job. You just get to take off and go. And that's what we built into having preapproval. I know the state of Minnesota
050doesn't recognize college visits. We do. Right. >> It's important. Just let us know you're going a college visit. And kids don't come back and say, you know, I mean, just tell them I went to a college visit. No, I want to talk to your parents. Are you going on a college visit? So, we have that as a preapproved. If you get pre-approved, we're not going to put down excuses. Um, it's just that notification. But drives that point home. we need to be at school, >> right? >> I don't know how you want to handle that. Um that is entirely up to you as a supporter how to handle that. But um you know, I think we just need to be concerned about that because I don't want you know this group, that group, and then
051we got it just >> and I think the other thing we talked about were the appointments other than the medical appointments, correct? That some of them >> have to be done during the day that >> can't be helped. >> Don't disagree. And I think um jump in here while I'm talking I'll talk all night. Um yeah, you're correct on that and it's really up to you. I just I get nervous when this is coming from MSPA to stray too far from the mark because that could come back and then >> right I just you know like because with that the list I think to me would as a you know like a parent who maybe speaks another language >> you look at it and they might get scared because that's what they're going to go
052to. They're not going to read the wordy paragraphs. They're going to go to the list >> and be like oh I can't do this and I can't do that and I can't do this. You know kind of thing. >> There's always that threat. you are correct >> just to make it clear for you know all the other languages >> right >> kind of thing that might not you know >> at the end of the day we want the kids at school right >> and so if a teacher is even one person from missing one day it's one more day to get the kids at school >> but then they're like oh well I'm just going to lie and say they had they were sick because oh they had to work from home or you know
053help us at home or you know like >> y >> that's you know I mean My kids don't have an issue with being >> gone, but I'll be honest, >> and there is like a grace period. So, they don't get dinged immediately. They get three unexcused days, you know, without any consequences. And so, there is that grace period. Okay. And so, >> ultimately, our goal is to have them here because we can't teach them if they're not correct. So, >> if it makes you feel any better. I mean, this this one dates back to >> 2014 and we're, you know, cleaning it up, making sure we're >> locked in legal, but we've never we've never >> penalized kids. We've always gone the extra mile on all the kids. I think that's been more than abundantly
054clear with everybody in our community. We've never been sticklers. We've never penalized. Please go to college. Of course, we want you to think you are healthy visits ourselves. Um, so I think we've been abundantly clear on that. We are very flexible. I think the biggest thing is want to send that message. Well, you got to talk to us. Yeah, we really want to talk. Well, we'll help you out. We'll figure this out. So, >> well, and I just, you know, I'm just hoping like people don't start coming up with exc, you know, different excuses and >> Yeah. I mean, it can always happen, but I think that's a smaller >> I've never run into when you got a mushrooming of, you know, parents saying, "Well, I'm just gonna allow them." I don't I've never seen
055that. We've got great community here. I've never seen that. All our parents I've seen want their kids. >> And as long as I think parents know, as long as they send an email or call, >> just have a conversation with us. So, >> we I've never seen any problems. I don't >> She's never been Then I meet with families when there any concerns. I meet a lot and I explain all this face to face so that >> so they understand the whole like I mean the legal policy versus the >> the fact that it's a law that kids have to be at school. >> Okay. >> Yeah. For sure. >> Going down the line if there is a problem arises or something that policy can be amended or changed at any time. Right. And I've
056had that say uh you know at the at the end of our handbook but before we get to the bendix it says administration reserves the right to make a I can't even remember how I worded it. In other words I can do what I need to do to you know take care of our kids and run the school. Obviously, we can't, you know, we don't go way above the mark in the sense of, you know, broadest thing, you know, skip that whole entire class type thing, but because we have kids that get sick, need tutoring because they're ill. I mean, we have to figure out how to get them, you know, the educational experience and those take some B, you know, we have to accommodate the schools, make them more. Just a point of clarity,
057there is a a difference between a board policy, a handbook policy, and I'll just throw a procedure since we're talking about it. Like a board policy requires a board vote to change. And um like handbook policies are adopted and generally we bring changes here, but they're a little easier to change on the fly. Like like you don't want to be not following your board policy. That's a bigger issue than the handbook. You still want to be following the handbook policy. So tell me about word policies. You want to make sure you're following the letter of that. There's a little more room for interpretation, I believe, is what I'm getting at with your handbook policies. And then procedures are more internal for providing you information. Administration can make changes as necessary. >> I will say that
058if you look at the handbook policy for both of us, we're going to be going to our seminars. Mine's in September, I think. Would you say November? Thank you. Um, we'll get updates. Now, MASSP has been very good about getting ahead of things, but Roger Ericson, our lawyer slash representative, he is going to um give us more information. So, I might be bringing you may I'm not for sure at the next board maybe by October board meeting about maybe we need to make changes for best practices. I don't think it'll be anything major. We had major ones about two years ago. That was when we had 15 changes with that one year. It was just tremendous. But I'm not anticipating that, but just so you know. So >> good with that. >> And I believe
059we need a motion to accept those. Sorry. Motion to Somebody needs to make the motion to accept those. Okay. >> A motion to accept uh policies at 501, 503, 514, 524, 524.5. >> Okay. >> But we didn't talk. I have a question about the cell phone policy, too. >> Oh, and the handbook. >> Well, we got we're doing the policies, dear. >> Oh, well, the policy hasn't changed, correct? >> For the h Okay, you're good. >> Yep. >> Okay. Then I need a second to Jeremiah's motion. >> I'll second it. Is there any more discussion on the policies that we're going to approve? Any more discussion? All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion carries. >> Now, I'm say one more thing. I'll quit talking. I promise. Um, there was a question
060about the length of it. put the appendix in there because it really backs up the handbook policy because it reinforces it from the standpoint of here's a school policy, here's why this is here. That being said, the same thing keeps getting a little bit longer every year because stop. We're not printing these anymore unless it's request just because it takes 2,000 reads of paper to get through one handbook. So this will be sent out electronically to par to parents to students. They will have to sign that they have received it. We've got that worked out. Mitchell working with Mitchell and Dave's guy on that end of it. So that still wants to not freaking out be going through like that. But just so you know that. So will anybody read it? I hope they do.
061who makes their life easier and everybody's life easier. No guarantees but keeps us legal. >> Uh question on that then. So you're saying you're you're PD or you're sending out an email to everybody and then they're signing saying that they received it and reviewed it. So people that don't speak English, how are they supposed to >> We're going to be doing both cuz already translating this. >> All right, sounds good. >> Yeah, we cover that. Parent Square does that for us. It's really >> It's really nice tool to have in the tool chest for our kids. All right, we got those discussed and um we're on to the unfinished business, which is the approval of the handbooks for the high school and the elementary. Any questions or discussion? >> Is milk really.7 cents? >> No.
062>> What's that? >> Is milk really.7 cents? We just when we approved it last month, it was the bids were like 30 cents. >> I It came from the district office. >> Would that be your question? >> We have to check into it. Okay. >> I don't I don't know that off the top of my head. >> There are some mandates from the department of egg. I know we had to increase like our um adult meal prices, for example, because we just had a food service audit. So, let me check on the milk bank. >> Okay. >> Get back to >> I just want I remember when it was like 35 cents a few years ago. >> Y >> I think there's some sort of formula we have to utilize. >> So, you're not making
063money on the kids. >> No, >> because I think the bid had it at 30 31 cents of the milk, >> right? And typically I mean sure they take extra milks but very rarely because of the free meal isn't with the meal >> like if it they bring their lunch they take a lunch and they take a milk then they get charged. >> Well something keep in mind when they come up with the like meal prices is like you're also factoring in the staffing to prepare and serve the meals. >> So like it will be more I I guarantee you we're not >> making money. >> Just I remembered a couple years ago was, you know, 35 cents and it went up like >> inflation's been insane, >> right? >> Okay. So, I we discussed
064handbooks and stuff. Do you have any questions for the two principles? Um the cell phone I know you had mentioned last month you added breakfast and lunch. >> Breakfast I delineated out of conversation and some of my staff and they thought maybe we should just might want to do because I send this out. I just all of a sudden create everything. I want to get this out. I passed amongst my staff around as office staff and we had a discussion. Maybe I'll do best to make sure it's going in and out. Not both breakfast and lunch. No. You know, >> so they can still use them at lunch. >> No, we we have no not at breakfast and lunch. >> Okay. Now, they keep them in their locker. >> What do you care between classes?
065You want to check or whatever the case may be. Now, a question will come up if you have a medical situation. Don't let us know. We'll let you keep it because, you know, we have to make those combinations because there's situations that do arise. The whole idea is to get these kids talking with each other and get these cell phones out of their hands for their school day for 165 days. Can you work with us on that? That's our goal. It's gonna be a little tough to start with, but I think delineating that out for breakfast and lunch. Hey, talk with each other. We got >> And I'll be honest with you, do we have kids on cell phones? >> Yes, we do. But also, if you go in there, it's a little noisy, which
066is a good thing. It's not bad noise. So, noise is good. and then noises them talking. So it's not like dead silence in there and you walk in there's everybody on their cell phones. We don't have that. So kids are already talking with each other. We're going to try to foster that and keep that growing and that's >> and the staff will I mean I I just feel like the staff is going to have a hard time at lunch trying to especially at the secondary monitor those who are on their cell phones. >> That's going to be you. Guess what? We're going to have to deal with some of that stuff. That's okay. >> Bring it up there. >> I mean, there's a lot of kids. I've had at the lunch out there at the
067lunch. >> You know, will there kids be sneaking? Will kids sneak their cell phones? Of course they will. I understand that this is going to happen. >> It's going to take time. We have to walk this walk. It's not a bad thing. And the positives behind the kids not on their cell phones at lunch and I reference most locally and recently would have been uh the fourth grade which been spending when they did their little experiment and the the benefits far outweigh the cost. I'll say that much right now and them keeping it in their locker you know obviously then you have AI capabilities you have you know all the things that people look for shortcuts on. We're trying to avoid that. The biggest thing is getting people to talk and communicate, especially our children.
068>> Adults, we're bad enough for that. >> You know, I may add what you're saying like uh the research done lately with cell phones. The thing that sticks out to me as a dad is the impact on stress. And so what they have found when you do have a cell phone policy that minimizes the use is that part of the stress our youth are going through is that little buzz in the pocket and then like what does it say? And what the research has been showing is that when nobody has it and they're not texting each other. Now obviously there's people that sneak into the bathroom and like not going to deny that but like their stress levels come down and their ability to pay attention goes up. And so like even outside of a
069strictly academic it shows a lot of mental health benefits and when I talk to the kids in school like one of the biggest things is that you know like when I did something dumb as a kid I didn't have to worry about YouTube like you know it happened it went we talked about it and now those things can follow kids home which we can't stop the following home part but we can at least give a period of time where you know you don't have to constantly see what your friend told you which is accept, but >> that's what I've seen in the research, >> right? >> Um, obviously, we still want to be able to contact parents in emergencies. They still want kids to be able to do that. But like I mean, and I've
070heard that from other superintendents who have implemented cell phone policies is that there's a there's an adjustment period, but like um it does impact the students stress and mental health in a positive way. >> Right. No, like with those cell phones, are they gonna like if activities change? That's, you know, like my only like concern that I've had from parents, like what if there's an activity change, is it going to be >> how, you know, like to have my kid tell me to I'm riding the bus, I need to be picked up, you know, kind of those kind of communication things that they're worried about not having a lot of time. >> That's okay. >> That's really >> My coaches are pretty active, I would say, on their team reach platform. So if I call
071them and say, "Hey, this is canceled, whatever." They're very good at going in right away. Um I'm not I will update the R school I guess it's arbiter now, but that system usually right away too. Like I have an eightstep process for when that all is done. And with the with the R school orbiter scheduling, as soon as either one of us go in and make that change, it's active the moment we press save. Um there has been in the past and Lisa has kind of helped me navigate this whereas the public platform and mine when it was our school wasn't always driving. Um but I think that's been worked out. Um but I would say my coaches are very active about as long as the parents are in the team reach code which they've
072all they've all had their preseason meeting. They've all gotten their fall team reach codes. The winter and spring coaches have their preseason meetings too. 15 reach code. As long as the parents and the kids are in that, more so the parents, the kids are going to hear me for lang make the announcement on the intercom. I've blasted out on Facebook or Instagram pretty actively. As soon as Megan posted, it's posted. >> Um, >> can you even do something like on Parent Square just, you know, even sending out a message that way that >> parents would get to, you know, just >> We do. >> I know Brad does it a lot. You know, I got which they said. I have I'll have to look at our my access >> and what that looks >> well
073and even just the other activities like mold and you know all those other you know no activity >> you know practice has changed from the elementary to the high school you know >> but sometimes a lot of that like also the whole school district parents don't need to know that practice has changed is now in the high school third station gym instead of sheer practice at the elementary gym like that go out that team reach avenue whereas if I'm a parent my kids not in that >> right >> so I would say between Facebook Instagram team reach and the facility our school arbittor thing I would say that a review I think were covered pretty well >> then we're not cell phones from school >> it's just you know like the parent would say you
074know I don't want to go to the high school and sit and wait for for 20 minutes when now it's at the elementary >> they would have between class to send you >> and two like I will go on the intercom as soon as that has changed with the change and then Audrey is very good at updating the announcements okay that are online >> and I think this is probably more from like newer parents kind of coming in like >> what happens about this >> and Chelsea is very good about being on that stuff on the intercom. So much so that I think I got her convinced to sing the national anthem. >> Nobody wants that. >> Nobody wants >> All right. Is there any more you principles want to say about your handbooks before
075we approve or disapprove? >> Anything else you need to bring out? Are there any other questions for board members? >> Well, I just have to say thank you for all the work. She said, "Thank you for all of the work that you do." >> I have to go back and find all my notes. >> Are there any other questions? >> Any other comments? >> And I need a motion to approve all the handbooks as presented. >> I move to approve the handbooks. >> I'll second that. >> Motion. Chuck makes the second. Is there any further discussion? Any further discussion or comments? >> Just answered. >> Any further discussion? All those in favor say I. I. >> Opposed. >> Motion carries. Okay. Then we're on to new business. And please bear with me. >> The um
076donations for the month are about $100 from Cali Christensen for Stan Horton's memorial. $10 from Adolf and Wleta Anderson from Stan Hortness Memorial. $715 from Janelle Johnson for the Stan Hortness Memorial. $50 from Gerald and Jan Ruda for the Stan Hortonness Memorial. $50 from Roger and Phyllis Gunderson for the Stan Hortness Memorial. $25 from Vicki and Todd Roupert for the Stan Horton Memorial. $100 from Bernie and Donna Brand for the Stan Hortonness Memorial. $100 from Douglas and Carla Card for the Stan Hortness Memorial. $100 from Craig and Joan Hansen for the Stan Hortness Memorial. $40 from Mary Fiddler for the Stan Hortonness Memorial. $75 from Mark and Kelly Tilson for the Stan Hortness Memorial. $100 from Donald House for the Stan Hortonness Memorial. $250 from Daniel and Gail Lean for the Stan Hortness Memorial. $50
077from Dean Adams for the Stan Hortness Memorial. $50 from Tim and Jeannie Sawale for the Stan Hortness Memorial. $200 from Mark and Beverly Musel for the Stan Hortness Memorial. $40 from Broadway Chiropractic Center, Dr. Steven Hortness for the Stam Hortonness Memorial. Uh $3,75 for the golf program from the Long Prairie Lions Club, $500 from Jenkins Iron and Steel for the weight room fundraiser, $300 from Budget in Long Prairie for 21st century, $500 from Anderson Custom Processing Incorporated for youth football. And there is a typo on the $75 for okie dokie. So then I will need a motion to accept >> the motion. >> Lori, >> I'll second. >> Um, any other discussion of the donations and we wish to thank all of them. They're very, very wonderful. Um, any more discussion? What does anybody know
078about that Stan or memorial? >> It'll go into the dollars for scholars account and they'll give a scholarship to a um maybe more than one student in his memory. >> He was the principal here. >> Yes. >> Y >> any further discussions? Can I say one thing? I would like to um just recognize Centric Care and Jeremiah for what they did for us for we had no weight room this summer if you didn't know and Central Care picked it up for all of our kids to go there. They charged us a nominal fee. I mean, it was nothing and we know that. And um our kids took advantage of it and it was awesome. Um, I think if we would had to charge that out, I'm sure it would have been in the thousands and
079thousands of dollars, but they charged us under $8,000. So, hats off to Centric Care and the Wellness Center. We want to make sure that because I know that's not a donation, but it is a donation. It's a huge donation and we don't know what we would have done without it. >> We would had to move away from here. >> So, it was awesome. So, thank you and thanks for >> I will say that all the staff said that the kids were all super respectful, did a great job. um anything they used they did put back right away. Witness it time just after the students left just walking through to ensure everything was picked up and put away and they did. Um never caused any issues. We're always respectful to all the other members. So it
080was a pleasure having them there. >> I'm sure you played a big part in making that all work, didn't you? >> I mean I know a guy that kind of kind of sets the rates there. So >> thank you for doing that. Okay. Any more discussion on the donations? All those in favor say I. >> Opposed? Same sign. >> Motion carries. >> Okay. Then we have to talk about the resolution to continue with the United Way backpack attack program. Any discussion about that, Tammy? That goes really well, doesn't it? >> It really does. And we have um we were really close to 300 bags a week towards the end of last year. This resolution just allows us to reapply for grant funding to pay for the program again for another year or so. >> I'll
081make the motion to approve the resolution. >> Lori has made the motion. Oh, second. >> Jeremiah the second. >> Any more discussion or questions on that? I'm sure we can all go and pack backpacks when it comes time. Any more discussion? Any more discussion? All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion carries. Turn the page. Uh, LPG activities, scholarship applications, high school league activities. You want to tell us a few words? So, while Amy and I were going through just everything that kind of just was training her in, um, we just kind of wanted to make it more cohesive with what community kind of does and staggering our scholarship fees. If you're free, it's 75% off and if it's reduced, it's 50. And then I have it broken down for grade and
082for first sport, second sport, third board, the family stuff. Um, we just kind of want to make it more cohesive all the way around through the department. >> So, you've had this. You're just making it. >> So, we've had it. It just hasn't been structured around free reduced. >> Okay. >> And this form looks very self-explanatory to me. >> Mhm. >> And then two, I'm kind of hoping it creates more people to go fill out the direct service forms. We need folks to fill that out. >> I'll make a motion to approve it. Has a motion. >> I need a second. >> I'll second it. >> Sure. >> Any discussion on that? >> Will these come out like when you send out the pre-activity, all that information? what um families will come in and generally
083form >> and then Amy will be able to pull up and then highlight and then that'll go home to mom, dad, guardians, whomever to fill out and bring back. >> So you're not advertising, you're just >> but it's there. The kids the coaches know it's there. And it's the same way this will follow and our kids know we try to tell them hey and tell the coaches you have a kid that can't pay please don't turn them away >> don't turn away tell them about the scholarship and generally that helps >> okay >> I think last year I just looked at today um so this comes from the play it forward that the Lions donate um I think my total was $4,868 last year that came out of that fund for sports registration. So, kids
084are definitely utilizing it and know it's it's there for them. >> I think we have a motion in a second. We have any more discussion on >> Any more discussion? All those in favor say I. >> I opposed. Motion carries and I think we are done.