December 20, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. - Regular Meeting
Call to Order - Gary Michael, Chairperson
In attendance were board members, Jon Bakken, Gary Michael, June Rezac, Jay Schneider, Jeff Stangler, and Jon Velishek. Absent was Travis Bowman. Also in attendance were both Principals and Margaret Jewison.
Unfortunately, we had some technical difficulties that would not allow us to broadcast the full meeting online. I believe it was fixed in the middle of the Truth in Taxation presentation by Margaret. We will do our best to ensure this does not occur again, and all school board meetings are available for viewing remotely.
No additional agenda items were added.
Approval
The following were all approved with limited discussion:
- Agenda & Additional Items
- Meeting Minutes from Regular Meeting, November 22, 2021
- Financial Transactions from December Finance Report
Following a presentation by Margaret Jewison on Truth in Taxation, the motion passed unanimously to approve the 2022 levy in the amount of $3,493,717.17 (an increase of $38,269.26).
Visitor Comments
There were no visitor comments. Comments from visitors should be informational in nature and not exceed 3 minutes per issue. The Board will not engage in a discussion or debate in those 3 minutes but will take the information and find answers if it is appropriate. As part of the protocol, visitors must keep their ideas and opinions related to policy issues. It is unacceptable for any speaker to slander, engage in character assassination, or discuss student or personnel issues (i.e., teacher, coaches, bus drivers, principals, Board Members, etc.) at a public board meeting. The person wishing to address the Board must stand at the provided lectern.
Reports
The board heard a joint Principal Report from Bobbie Jo Bastian, Elementary Principal, and Jennifer Wilson, 7-12 Principal. Some of the items they mentioned included the 3rd and 4th grade Christmas Program, as well as the 7-12th grade band and choir performances. I remember going to several of these programs over the years as my children went through the various grade levels, and they are always a joy to see and hear. This year, I attended the choir program, and it was amazing.
The Principals congratulated the various students and teachers involved in these events. Of note to me is how improved our band is over the last several years. One thing about a band that struggles, it is very noticeable. Lately, though, I credit Mr. Larson and his students for doing a wonderful job in putting together a quality band.
A paper report was provided by Jeff Boran, Community Education & Activities Director. (See the report linked in the agenda.) There were no board member reports or board committee reports.
Superintendent Joel Whitehurst provided an update on the State’s budget forecast and what he is hearing at his School Superintendent legislative committee meetings. There is hope for one-time budgetary assistance due to a $7.7 billion surplus, potentially in Special Education or compensatory money that would be helpful. As always, we would prefer a per-student increase to the state funding formula, but that seems unlikely.
We also discussed what the board’s wishes were around the 8.8 acres of land that we are looking into either selling or repurposing. Finally, Joel and board member Schneider recently met with the City of Elysian to discuss a proposal by the City to make some improvements to the Elysian baseball/softball field and grounds near the Elysian school.
Action
The Board unanimously approved the following action items:
July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2023, Master Agreement with Teachers with a total package increase of 3% per year and the following one-time stipend (not Included in the 3%)
- $2,300 For Teachers employed in the 2020-21 school year and are currently employed with the district
- $450 for Teachers hired in the 2021-22 school year
Thank you to the board’s negotiation team members, Stangler, Bakken, and Bowman for successful contract negotiation with the Teachers and Principals. I believe this is the earliest I have seen agreements in my 13 years on the board.
July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2023, Agreement with Principals. Salary and benefit increase 3% per year plus a one-time payment of $2,500 in the 2021-22 school year with the contract language added to address night supervision as follows: 50% of each fall and winter season, assigned supervision duties will be a part of administrative duties. The other 50% of each fall and winter season supervision duties will be paid at $100 per event.
Principal Bastian 2021-22 2022-23
$95,373 $98,121
Principal Wilson 2021-22 2022-23
$95,120 $98,157
Personnel
The following personnel items were approved unanimously by the board:
- Resignation letter from Debra Lamont, Cook, effective immediately
- Letters of Retirement:
- Sara Quiram, Elementary Teacher, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year (Sara has been with the district for 35 Years!)
- Mark Meyer, Elementary Teacher effective at the end of the 2021-22 School Year (Mark has been with the district for 34 Years!)
- New Hires:
- Robbin Olson, 3 Hour Cook - A13/Step 6, 12.92/Hour
- Corderro Castillo, Special Education Paraprofessional - B21/Step 1, $13.35/Hour
- Brian Svendsen, Grades 5 & 6 Math Masters Co-Instructor - $30/hour
- 2021-22 Seniority Lists
I must give a shout-out to both Sarah Quiram and Mark Meyer who will both be retiring at the end of the school year. These two teachers have been rock solid for our district for a long time and will be sorely missed. While I am happy to see them be able to take this next step in their lives, I know that their departure will be a loss to the district. Each one of these wonderful educators has made a huge impact on the lives of countless children. I will also note that every time I come across them in the halls of WEM schools, they have a big smile on their faces and typically inquire about something going on with me. They will be missed!
Adjournment
UPCOMING MEETING DATES:
There will be no work session in January because the board will be participating in the MSBA Annual Conference in Minneapolis during the usual time, which is January 13.
January 24, 2022
5:30 p.m. Organizational Meeting
6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting
Also, please note the many special meetings scheduled regarding the Superintendent search as listed below. These are open to the public.
