The Murray County School Board held their regular meeting on October 14, 2024. All members were present. The agenda was approved with one addition, as well as the minutes from the last meeting, claims and other consent items. Under Personnel Recommendations, Mark Holton was hired as a Long Term Teacher’s Sub and Michelle Homan was hired as a High School Para. Lauren Risacher and Chantelle Stelter were each approved for an Extra Duty Assignment to assist in the Nurse / Health Office. Sharon Staab’s retirement from Food Service was accepted. No one was present for the public forum.
Principal Patrick Freeman gave the Elementary School Report. Enrollment is up one from last month. They kicked off the PBIS Character Counts program on Friday, Sept. 27th with an assembly explaining the different pillars, followed by a Color Run. Mr. Freeman gave a shout out to Mr. Tim Bobeldyk, the Honor Society, Student Council and Cross Country team for their help making this a successful event.
The After School Academy officially started on Monday Sept. 30th. This is open to students in grades 4-6 from 3:15-4:00pm Monday-Thursday each week. The goal of the program is to provide extra support for students in areas that they are struggling in or would like extra support.
Literacy Training continues. Nancy Boerboom is working with SWWC to host it locally so it will fit better into our available calendar dates. Early Childhood completed training in LETRS last year and are focused on goals and implementation this year. Various upper elementary, SPED and ESL staff will finish their courses in LETRS ASPIRE this year.
Principal Freeman next thanked the Slayton Fire Department for taking time out of their already busy schedules to help provide meaningful education to our students. The 4th Grade Lunch Buddy program is up and running once again. Mr. Freeman thanked Mary Homan, Nikki Paulzine, Tammi Paulzine and Erin Scandrett for all of the time they put into getting this set up. “We received a grant this year and were able to provide new books for this program and provide lunch for the lunch buddies, if they choose.”
This year, District Mental Health/Social worker Greg Scheitel will provide a Bullying Awareness program for each grade level for our Bullying Awareness requirement. Each grade has a scheduled date for Greg to come in and discuss various topics regarding bullying, appropriate to their age.
Secondary Principal Jake Scandrett gave his report next. He began by thanking all the people and businesses who helped make Homecoming week a great success. “It was a fun week full of activity that brought together both our school community and the greater community of Murray County.” He also thanked teachers Christine Larson and Clayton Hartle for their leadership in organizing the fun week.
Students had required training on Indigenous Peoples Day to learn more about the significance of this day. On Oct. 3rd, all Juniors attended the College Fair at SMSU. There were over 50 colleges represented. The students came home with beneficial information regarding college programs, costs and scholarships. The ‘On to College’ – John Baylor Test Prep is available to all Juniors. Information was given out regarding our On To College ACT prep information. They all have personal accounts and will be working on this individually during AP time.
Mr. Scandrett welcomed and thanked Mr. Holton, who is filling in for Mrs. Sheldahl in Choir. “We are thankful for his help to keep our choir program going.” Oct. 16th is an Early Out with a full schedule of trainings and meetings for teachers. High School Conferences will by Mon. Nov. 4th from 3:307:00. He reminds parents that “this is a good time to connect with teachers and check in on how things are going with your child.” Preparations have begun for the Veteran’s Day Program (Monday, Nov. 11th at 2:00pm.) and American Education Celebration (Thursday, Nov. 14th at 6:30pm social hour and 7:00pm program).
Principal Scandrett attended a law seminar on Wed. Oct. 9th hosted by our MASSP attorney to review the latest Legislative change, legal updates and visit with other districts as to how they are implementing the changes. “A lot of great information was shared. It was encouraging that we are ahead of the curve in addressing and implementing many of the new requirements,” he stated.
Superintendent Joe Meyer then reflected on what he has been working on. He and School Finance Officer Katie Will attended the annual tax levy workshop on Sept. 7th sponsored by SWWC and put on by School Finance Director at MDE, Cathy Erickson. “There have been some additional minor adjustments with the different runs made by MDE. The most recent run on Oct. 3rd shows a 17.57% increase in levy dollars, primarily due to the large increases in property valuations over the last year.” stated Meyer.
He also reported that Greg Scheitel, District Social Worker/ Mental Health will be implementing the Emily’s Hope curriculum in both the high school and elementary schools as part of our awarded Opioid Grant money. This will begin after MEA.
The curb to the north side of the King Ave. property parking lot was poured on Oct. 9th. By the end of the week, it will be cured and Fuller Paving will backfill and finish off phase one of the project. After having some technical issues, AVI has provided a more robust amplifier for our new intercom system and additional programming at no cost. It has been tested and everything seems to be working as it should now.
As this is National School Principal Month, Supt. Meyer publicly thanked Mr. Scandrett and Mr. Freeman for “all that they do for our schools and the students we serve. Their leadership has a direct positive impact on the success of our schools, the students we serve, and the people that they lead.” He went on to recognize the custodial staff for National Custodian Appreciation Day on Oct. 2nd saying, “ Our custodians deserve to be celebrated every day for the work they do, but the 2nd of October was a day to provide them with recognition and goodies to show them appreciation for keeping our schools, buildings and grounds safe and clean.”
The newly formed Climate/ Culture Committee is now set with its first meeting scheduled for Monday, Oct. 28. Board members are Tony Clarke, Robin Gilbertson and Heather Boeve. Administration, Supt. Joe Meyer, Principals Patrick Freeman and Jake Scandrett and teachers, Joe Biren, Dominick Damm, Tim Cariveau and Tim Bobeldyk will make up the rest of the committee. The plan, as of now, is to meet quarterly throughout the school year. Also, Supt. Meyer reminded the board that because of the Veteran’s Day holiday, the November Board meeting will be moved to Tuesday, Nov. 12. MSBA proxy vote resolution was approved.
Activities Director James Wajer reported that fall sports are winding down. Football is 5-2 in the conference, with one game left. They should be seeded 3rd or 4th. Volleyball record is 10-11 with one game left. They should be seeded 5th or 6th. Cross Country is also finishing up their season. The Indoor Marching Band has their indoor concert in the gym on Oct. 28 at 7:00 pm. They have done well this season, placing 1st twice and 3rd in Sioux Falls. “Congratulations to them on their success!” The Fall Musical has been practicing. They will be performing on Nov. 8,9 and 10. The athletic Board of Directors is presently, voting on whether to include 9th grade. Every other state does. We have already submitted our YES vote.
The board next approved 2 resolutions to apply for grants from the Minnesota State High School League Foundation, one to offset Student Activity Fees and one for Speakers in the auditorium.
Finally, the board gratefully accepted the following donations: Hadley Lions, $200, Little Rebels, Kiwanis Club of Slayton, $300, Little Rebels, Richard Morin, $80, Class Dues (various), Good Shepard Lutheran Church, $650, Backpack Program. Due to the Monday Veteran’s Day holiday, the next meeting will be on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024.
