The MCC School Board met on Monday December 12th. Newly elected school board members Heather Hoekman and Brent Miller were also present this month. The first item of discussion was the FFA Trip request by Paul Haberman. He had two for the board this week – one in Colton, SD for a FFA Tri Valley Judging Event. The other was in Sioux Falls for Livestock Judging. Both were approved.
The meeting then transitioned to the Truth and Taxation public hearing that was presented by Lisa Rademacher. Rademacher explained to the new board members the reasons for the meeting and when it can happen. She explained the process of setting levy, budgeting, audit, budget revisions, etc. The levy is part of the district’s local revenues. The operating cost per student did go up this coming year as the enrollment numbers went down. The school district levy for 2023 is going down 2.99% - $1,707,450.11 this year which residents should have seen reflected on their proposed tax statements for the next year 2023.
The minutes from the November meeting were reviewed, as were the claims. There were two personnel changes. Joanna Vogel needed to have her workload increased. Also, they hired Bridget Prahm as a paraprofessional effective December 5th. The Board next approved the resolution setting the polling place for special elections to the Slayton Senior Center from 8am to 8pm on election day.
Patrick Freeman, Elementary Principal provided the Board with his update. 4th grade held a music concert. 1st grade had a fun activity day. Kindergarten and 1st grade held their Christmas concert which was a great success. This next year will be a new science curriculum. He is working with each grade level to make sure everything gets covered as needed. They continue to promote and reward positive behavior. Many fun holiday activities in the coming days and weeks weather permitting.
Jacob Scandrett also provided an update. Planning has started for the next year’s course offerings. He was able to provide the Board with an update on the CEO program. They have started a class business which is called Minnesotafied and they are selling Minnesota clothing. He is getting positive feedback from the students that are part of this program. MCA goal setting has started. He is looking to set specific grade level goals and incentives to help improve student buy-in.
The next item was the superintendent update from Joe Meyer. The 2023-2024 school year calendar has been drafted, waiting for some more input before presenting to the Board. The K12itc implementation has been started. The state of MN has a $17.6 Billion dollar surplus. Education lobby groups are being very aggressive on getting schools funded more for the future. One of the top focuses is getting special education fully funded. This is the last meeting for Dan Woldt and Maddy Robinson. Thank you for all of your service to the school district and students during your terms.
James Wajer, Athletic Director also provided the Board with an update. Winter sports have started. There are 130 students out for winter sports. JH knowledge bowl has been competing, headed to sub regions next week. Senior High knowledge bowl starts in January. The shot clocks are up. They should be working by this weekend and will get the bugs worked out.
The next item of discussion was the naming rights agreement. Meyer met with Ken Knuth of Woodstock Communications; they reviewed the legal agreement for the floor naming rights. Knuth did request that it also list Ken and Marlys Knuth as sponsors. However just Woodstock Communications would be on the floor. Woldt thanked the Knuth’s and Woodstock Communications for their generosity in this project. Meyer then presented the option for a Capital Project Levy Authorization. These funds would be used for many parts within the district, one main one being the purchase of software and curriculum to get back on track for classes. There have been a number of items that have come out of the general fund which these funds could help offset. Meyer suggested the Board think and review this and they add this to the January meeting for action to be taken.
The second reading of policy 722 Public Data and Data Subject Requests.
The Board approved the resolution setting the tax levy for $1,707,450.11 payable in 2023. The Board approved the changes to policy 761 Meal Charge Policy per state statute. The next item was the annual World’s Best Workforce summary and Achievement Integration that needs to be submitted to the state by December 31st. This was approved.
Thank you to the following for donations this past month: Terry Giesen, *40.00 Athletic Fees, Gerald Giesen *40.00 Athletic Fees, Luke Radke *40.00 Athletic Fees, Travis Stoel *40.00 Athletic Fees, Nobles Murray Rural Electric 450.00 Kindergarten, Nobles Murray Rural Electric 415.00 Drama, Minnwest Bank 500.00 Winter Clothing, Minnwest Bank 500.00 Backpack Program, Mortenson Northern Wind Project 750.00 Backpack Program, MCC Staff 50.00 Scholarship, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 576 1,000.00 Scholarship, Nancy Thooft 35.00 Elementary, US Bank Fund Match 70.00 Elementary, Slayton Fireman 1,500.00 FFA Trap Shoot, Murray County Corn & Soybean Growers 250.00 FFA, Murray County Cattleman’s Association 500.00 FFA, Corn Drive 13,346.69 FFA, Thrifty White – Rebel wear sales 56.74 General.
The MCC School Board will continue to hold meetings on the 2nd Monday of each month in the school library at 6pm. With no other business the meeting was adjourned.
