The meeting was called to order by Chair Kersten at 6:32 p.m. with the superintendent, elementary and high school principals, and all board members present. The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all in attendance. Motion by Gillman, seconded by Laabs, to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried (MC). Motion by Kuechle, seconded by Stenger, to approve payment of the listed bills in the amount of $165,776.47 of which $19,952.11 was construction-related costs. A final payment for Kendell Doors in the amount of $11,599.85 was approved but held until several warranty items were confirmed. MC. Motion by Gillman, seconded by Laabs, to approve the consent agenda. MC. The consent agenda included: a. Approve minutes of Nov. 20, 2003, Board Meeting. b. Acknowledge receipt of $425 received from Meeker Cooperative Electric Trust for the Early Childhood Family Education Literacy Outreach project. c. Correct coaching assignments – Dick Grommesh, eighth Boys’ Basketball, and Barry Strand, seventh Boys’ Basketball (these had been reversed). d. Approve hiring of Andrea Elmes, high school special ed. paraprofessional, effective Dec. 1, at category II, step 0 of the non-licensed agreement The treasurer’s report for November was reviewed and discussed. At 6:48 p.m., motion by Gillman, seconded by Laabs, to close the meeting to review the superintendent’s evaluation. Motion by Gillman, seconded by Laabs, to reopen the meeting at 7:45 p.m.. MC. Statement made by Gillman regarding the superintendent’s evaluation. The evaluation was positive and provided feedback for superintendent. Motion by Laabs, seconded by Gillman, to approve the superintendent’s contract for 2004-2007 (three years). MC. Gillman noted that there was no salary increase for the school year 2004-2005, and in the remaining years the salary would be agreed upon by April 1 of the preceding year. Motion by Kuechle, seconded by VanVleet, to authorize signatures on the Assurance of Compliance with State and Federal Law Prohibiting Discrimination. MC. Superintendent Thielman reviewed the 2003 Payable 2004 Levy. Motion by Laabs, seconded by VanVleet, to certify the levy as presented. MC. Dr. Thielman reviewed the proposed school calendar for 2004-2005 school term, noting that students will begin on Sept. 1, which is prior to Labor Day. Motion by Laabs, seconded by Gillman. MC. Motion by Gillman, seconded by Stenger, to accept a grant award from Child Care Choices, Inc., for $5,102 for Cubby Land (daycare) and $2,500 for School- Age Care. MC. Celebration of success of students and staff included the current food drive at the high school; Elementary December Students of the Month; the elementary and junior high Knowledge Bowl meet on Dec. 2 was very successful with assistance from many staff and parents; the junior and senior high band and choir concert on Dec. 15; Cole Loewen in the Student Spotlight in the St. Cloud Times; Mr. Bahn received a $300 grant for the purchase of calculators to assist students with Basic Skills Testing. Mr. Clark reported on the holiday programs, CogAt scores, and the elementary crisis planning to include a code red drill on Jan. 21. Ms. Imholte reported on the start of the winter sports season, the end of semester one on Jan. 15, seventh-grade MCA testing on Jan. 13 and 14, and the tenth- grade BST/MCA written composition tests. Superintendent Thielman reported on the band/choir concert being broadcast on KDUZ radio at 1:30 on Dec. 27; Schools for Equity in Education update; a forum on NCLB held by Senator Dayton’s office; Phase I and II Board Member Training attended by himself and Matt Serbus; the Initiative Foundation grant received; the Stearns County Family Services meeting; and plans for putting together a budget committee. Committee reports included Benton-Stearns Ed. District (BSED) – Gillman reported that the BSED is in the process of negotiating a selling price for the day treatment center and the rental of the new facility for day treatment. He also stated that a board member will have to take his place on the BSED Board. Negotiations – Gillman reported that the teachers have filed for mediation services. He also stated that the negotiation team proposed a 4 percent increase over the two-year contract before the teachers filed for mediation and, if accepted, it will most likely mean reductions in staff beyond the number needed for declining enrollment. Gillman also stated that he will not continue on the negotiation team as his term has expired. Dr. Thielman presented member Gillman with a school bell inscribed with Gillman’s name and the dates of his terms of serving as school board member, and he was thanked for his dedication and service to the Kimball schools. Motion by Laabs, seconded by Kuechle, to adjourn at 9:34 p.m. MC. Marguerite Laabs, Clerk Published in the Tri-County News Jan. 8, 2004.
