(Published in the Brainerd Dispatch, December 27, 2020, 1t.

(Published in the Brainerd Dispatch, December 27, 2020, 1t.)
Pillager Public Schools
ISD #116
Pillager Board of Education Minutes
Regular School Board Meeting, November 16, 2020
Chairman Scott Mudgett called the regular monthly meeting of the Pillager Board of Education to order on Monday, November 16, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. in the school media center. Other board members present were Becky Bennett, Sara Nagel and Steve Uban. Also present was Superintendent Michael Malmberg, School Board Secretary Lori Blumke, and interested staff. Absent was Brian Grimsley and Shawn Hunstad.
Pledge of Allegiance
Cell Phones/Electronic Devices
Chairman Scott Mudgett began by asking if there were any additions/deletions/changes to the agenda. Sara Nagel moved; Steve Uban seconded to accept the agenda as presented.
The motion passed unanimously.
Visitor Comments: NONE
Becky Bennett moved; Steve Uban seconded to accept the Consent Agenda as follows:
A.Minutes of the October 19, 2020 Regular Monthly Board Meeting
B.Monthly Cash Flow Including Investments
C.Monthly Bills Paid: number 79833 through 79965 and electronic transfers
D.Monthly Bills Paid - Activity Accounts: number 4090 through 4092
E.Donations:
Todd Wright, Country Financial - school supplies valued at $75.00
Todd Wright, Country Financial - $300.00 for Husky PRIDE Incentives
Hengel's Ready Mix and Construction - $250.00 for Husky PRIDE Incentives
Lakes Printing - $100.00 for Husky PRIDE Incentives
VanVickle Masonry - $410.00 for Husky PRIDE Incentives
David Grell, Exit Realty - $300.00 for Husky PRIDE Incentives
Dr. Stephanie Parrish, Up North Eye Care - $200.00 for Husky PRIDE Incentives
Dr. Sara Hooge, Northern Hope Veterinary Care - $200.00 for Husky PRIDE Incentives
F.Personnel Summary Sheet
Hires
Laura Wachsmuth, Special Education Long Term Substitute, effective 11/9/20
Chad Koel, AV Club Advisor, effective 11/9/20
Resignations
Iris Miller, Early Childhood Special Education, effective 11/13/20
Leave Requests
Natalie Smieja, Secondary Special Education, effective 9/22/20
The motion passed unanimously.
Learning Model Discussion and Update from Incident Command Team
Superintendent Malmberg informed board members that the number of positive cases of COVID-19 are rising in Cass and Crow Wing counties. Staff illness or needing to quarantine has jumped significantly in the secondary and the filling of staff absences is a significant challenge. Therefore, all students in grades 5-12 will begin Distance Learning full time. Students in preschool - grade 4 will remain In-Person at this time. Childcare will be available for 5th grade students at no cost for Tier 1 essential employees. During distance learning, seven-day meal packs will be available for pickup for all distance learners.
Curriculum Committee met Thursday, November 12, 2020
Committee Chair Sara Nagel reported that Elementary School Social Worker Ashley Ingman, Middle School Counselor Stacy Germundson and High School Counselor Sue Turner shared with committee members the different practices they are using to help support social and emotional learning for all students grades K-12. Other topics discussed were Bridges Career Academies and Workplace Connection will be offering Pre-ACT and vocational instructors will be CTE certified for next year; reviewed STAR fall standardized testing data; science and social standards report; will hold off on any curriculum purchases and K-8 standards base report card update.
Director of Teaching and Learning Dave Olson shared with members that last Friday, December 13th teachers in the secondary were able to spend the day preparing for distance learning and he also shared the agenda for November 25th Teacher Professional Development day.
Facilities Committee met Wednesday, November 11, 2020
Committee Assistant Scott Mudgett reported that the committee, Supt. Malmberg and members from Nor-Son and WSN met to discuss updates to the building project. Elementary addition and classroom roofs are going on; pre-cast walls of the auditorium are done; concrete floors will be poured in January and the woodshop is framed. Parking lot repairs and patching will be funded through LTFM.
Personnel Committee met Wednesday, November 4, 2020
Scott Mudgett moved; Sara Nagel seconded to approve contract addendums for Principals and Director of Teaching and Learning to be paid for 3 days of unused vacation leave. The motion passed unanimously.
Scott Mudgett moved; Steve Uban seconded to approve the contract addendum to the Fornshell Bus contract. Voting for: Becky Bennett, Steve Uban and Scott Mudgett. Voting against: Sara Nagel.
Sara Nagel moved; Steve Uban seconded to approve the 2020-2021 Teacher Seniority list. The motion passed unanimously.
Last item discussed was the Food Service Request for Proposals.
Policy Committee
Committee Chair Becky Bennett informed board members that this will be the 2nd Reading of MSBA changes to Policy#419, 516, 601, 607 and 522.
Budget Committee met Tuesday, November 10, 2020
Business Manager Missy Berry reviewed the presentation of the Audited Financial Statement Summary as prepared by Jon Archer with Schlenner, Wenner & Company. The District had a positive audited balance at the end of the year which will put the FY20 unreserved fund balance at around 17%. After review, Becky Bennett moved; Steve Uban seconded to accept the 2019-2020 Audit Report as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (A complete copy of the FY20 Audit is located in the District Office for public view as well as the school district's website.)
Missy also reviewed a summary of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) funding expenses and county tax dollars received.
Member Sara Nagel introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING COMBINED POLLING PLACES
FOR MULTIPLE PRECINCTS FOR SCHOOL DISTRICT ELECTIONS NOT HELD ON THE DAY OF A STATEWIDE ELECTION
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Member Becky Bennett and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof:
Sara Nagel, Becky Bennett, Steve Uban and Scott Mudgett
And the following voted against the same: NONE
Where upon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
Sara Nagel moved; Steve Uban seconded to set January 11, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. as the re-organization/regular school board meeting date. The motion passed unanimously.
There will be no school for Thanksgiving break on November 25, 26 and 27.
Activities Discussion for Distance Learning
Superintendent Malmberg began discussion by informing members about conversations he has had with the Incident Command team and other Superintendents regarding activities during distance learning. MDE guidelines according to the Safe Reopening Plan recommend schools do not have activities during this time. The Minnesota State High School League recommends that schools should make that decision and may also push back the winter sports season. Governor Walz is excepted to announce new mandates next week. Supt. Malmberg's recommendation would be to only have varsity level activities during distance learning. Further discussion was tabled until the next meeting.
Superintendent Malmberg's report included the following:
•Working on updates to the Strategic Plan
•Donations are being accepted for a Pillager family who has lost their house in a fire
•Meeting with CTC and John Gordon to begin planning the grand opening for the CTC Center
•MSBA conference this January will be virtual
•Committee restructuring for next year
•WBWF Annual meeting will be in December
With no further business to come before this meeting, Sara Nagel moved; Steve Uban seconded to adjourn. The meeting closed at 7:55 p.m. Respectfully Submitted School Board Secretary Lori Blumke