The meeting was called to order by Gillman at 6:34 p.m. with the superintendent, high school principal, elementary principal and all board members present. Motion by Kuechle, seconded by VanVleet, to approve the agenda as amended. Unanimously carried (UC). Motion by Kuechle, seconded by Kersten, to approve payment of the listed bills in the amount of $194,910.44 of which $346.07 was construction-related costs. UC Motion by Laabs, motion accepted by Gillman, to approve the consent agenda. UC. The consent agenda included: a. Approve minutes of Nov. 21, 2002, board meeting. b. Approve minutes of Dec. 10, 2002, Truth in Taxation Hearing. c. Acknowledge receipt of $250 from the Kimball Lions for the National Honor Society’s Toys for Tots campaign. d. Acknowledge receipt of $150 from the Kimball Firemen’s Relief Association for the Enhanced Reading Foundation e. Approve Assistant Gymnastics Coach – Judy Callender. f. Approve maternity leave as requested by Alissa Gunnerson to begin on or about Jan. 21, 2003. g. Approve maternity leave as requested by Margaret Van De Mark to begin on or about Feb. 1, 2003. h. Approve long-term substitute teacher contract with Nichole Thometz beginning Dec. 9, 2002, for Amy Notch. i. Approve long-term substitute teacher contract with Stacy Helgeson beginning on or about Jan. 21, 2003, for Alissa Gunnerson. Motion by Laabs, seconded by VanVleet, to acknowledge donation of Central Minnesota Conference banners for the Leo J. Wirth Gymnasium from B & N Signs and Designs. UC Motion by Kuechle, seconded by Stenger, to acknowledge donation of media equipment repair from Central Satellite & Electronics. UC Motion by Laabs, seconded by Kuechle, to acknowledge donation of toys, clothing, cash and miscellaneous items for the Toys For Tots project from various organizations, clubs and individuals within the community, and school staff. Motion by Laabs, seconded by VanVleet, to acknowledge donation of $300 from the Kimball Lions and $100 from Flavors on Friday for the Artist In Residence program. UC Motion by Laabs, seconded by VanVleet, to acknowledge donation of $100 from Flavors on Friday for field trip scholarships. UC Motion by Laabs, seconded by Stenger, to acknowledge donation of materials and labor of approximately $2,500 for a new floor in the wrestling room from the Elementary Wrestling group and the Wrestling Boosters. UC The Treasurer’s Report for November was reviewed and discussed. Keith Stockman of DLR Group gave a brief review of the project. Contractors have been asked to complete punch list items by Jan. 10 so that the project can begin to close out. One construction payment was presented for payment. Motion by Kuechle, seconded by VanVleet, to approve the payment of $29,833.72 UC After review, motion by Laabs, accepted by Gillman, to certify the 2002 Payable 2003 Levy. UC Motion by VanVleet, seconded by Kersten, to approve reduction of 3.5 hours of Special Education Pupil Assistant time and 1.0 hour of District (lunch/ recess supervision) time at the elementary. UC Discussion was held regarding the contracting with a Watson Consulting to assist the District in gaining revenues, reducing expenditures and working through negotiations for student transportation. Motion by VanVleet, seconded by Kuechle, to authorize signature upon this contract. UC Celebration of successes of students and staff included high school students of the month for November and December, the All-Conference Academic Team for football, volleyball and cross-country as named by the Central Minnesota Conference, performances by the band and choir and the art displays on Dec. 9, the elementary holiday program was well attended on Dec. 9, Kayleen Starcevic and Lindsey Christensen recently highlighted for their participation in the basketball program at Central Lakes College in Brainerd. Mr. Clark briefly reviewed the amended Behavior Plan to be put in place on Jan. 6 at the elementary school. Dr. Thielman reviewed the potential need for a new postage machine for the district and the estimated cost and savings related to replacement of the current machine. Mr. Clark reported on the elementary holiday program, staff holiday breakfast held on Dec. 19, the amended Behavior Plan, and remediation planned to prepare for the MCA tests in the spring. Ms. Imholte reported on preparations that have taken place to prepare for the math Basic Skills Test and the upcoming focus in January on the reading Basic Skills Test. National Honor Society and the college- level social studies classes had a field trip planned for Wednesday, the Dec. 18, but it was postponed until January due to the weather. Dr. Thielman reported on an MREA membership meeting to be held at the MSBA winter conference in January, his recommendation to suspend the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills for this year and possibly eliminate them in future years, the continuation of Life Tracks – the program that tracks graduates and their success following graduation, and the donation of water bottles received from Creative Memor-ies out of St. Cloud. Committee reports included Benton-Stearns Ed. District – Gillman, and a Math Focus Night on Nov. 25 – Laabs and Kersten. Member VanVleet shared with the board that he has painted the walls in the wrestling room and has asked Mike Linn and the art department to do some additional paintings. Motion by Kuechle, accepted by Gillman, to adjourn the meeting at 9:22. UC Dave VanVleet, Clerk
