NRHEG School Board
By REED WALLER
Staff Writer
“We still don’t know anything,” said NRHEG Supt. Dale Carlson at Monday’s school board meeting, concerning the nature of the 2020-2021 school year.
“We expect three plans to be put forth,” he said. “An open model, a closed model, and a hybrid model.”
The Governor is expected to issue a new set of guidelines next week, and only then will the Minnesota School Board Aassociation follow through with their recommendations.
Local districts may decide to be more restrictive, but not less.
The plans will be discussed at the August board meeting.
Referendum
The board voted to approve the resolution authorizing a referendum to increase district revenue to be put on the ballot this November.
The referendum calls for an increasse in general revenue by $560 per pupil for 10 years.
Discussion over this move, which has been talked about for several months, is in agreement that it is necessary.
Increase in State aid over the past years has not kept pace with the District’s operational expenses, mandated purchases and employee wages/benefits.
“After making more than $160,000 in operationoal expenditure reductions for the 2020-2021 school year while still planning for a $200,000 deficit in spending, additional revenue is needed in order to maintain current programs and operational services,” wrote Supt. Dale Carlson.
Others agreed. It is known that schools throughout our region are investing more in their students than we are.
“If we are not competitive with our neighbors,” said board chair Rick Schultz, “We will lose enrollment.”
Donations
Donations were received from:
Finly's Wings at Work, $500 for Gratitude campaign;
Misgen Auto Parts $150, Waseca Sleigh & Cutter Festival $500, Virgils Auto Clinic $200, Rick's Appliance $25. Woodridge Interiors $150, Eagle Concrete $75, Midwest Repairables Inc. $100, Budach's NAPA $100, Hartland Firefighters $500, Geneva Lumber $100, Trappers Lanes $100, ARO Accounting $150, Pederson Trucking LLC $500, and Blue Knights MN VIII $100, all for the Clay Target team. Total: $3,250.
MSBA and MREA
The board approved renewing its membership in the Minnesota School Board Association and the Minnesota Rural Education Association.
Workforce
Contract renewal was approved for Cortney Klocek.
Reassignment of Wendy Schultz (moving from Grade 3 to Physical Education) was approved. Not having a Physical Education licensure, Schultz will be placed in the position for the coming school year and it will be reposted in 2021.
Non-tenured contracts were approved for second year candidates Marcus Fischer. Olivia Erickson, Erin Krenik, Brittney Nesbit, Sara Misgen, Cassidy Williams, Cynthia Gail, and Liz Stiernagle.
Also renewed were third year candidates Kelly Delacruz, Neil Fuchs, Marc Kruger, and Brittney Waters.
Recommended for Tenure were Missy Dunn and Kiley Lassahn.
Ann Lange was contracted for nursing services throughout Mrs. Petsinger’s leave of absence.
Shawna Peterson-Brown will provide psychologist services for up to 37 days.
MSHSL
After postponing it last month, the board voted to continue the district’s membership in the Minnesota State High School League.
10 Year Long Term Facilities Maintenance Plan
This plan enables the district to levy for the Alternative Facilities pay-as-you-go, Debt Service on Alternative Facilities bonds and Health and Safety Funding for the 2021-2022 school year.
Bus Lease Agreement
After several postponements, the board voted to approve the Bus Lease Agreement with Santanger. Carlson expressed that he was “nervous” about putting it off. Board Treasurer Neil Schlaak voiced a thought that with hybrid buses, we may need more of them.
The next regular meeting of the NRHEG School Board will be Monday, August 17 at the Secondary Media Center, at 6:30 p.m.