[Winona Online Democracy] Greetings,
Below is Dr. Bartleson's "From my Perspective" summary of last Thursday's school board meeting. Please let me know if you have any questions. -Steve Kranz, Board Member -Winona Area Public Schools ---------------------- Board Meeting Highlights Board Meeting 8.21.03 HEADLINES Board waives requirement on Pledge of Allegiance The board took action to waive the requirement that all public school students recite the Pledge of Allegiance one or more times per week. The law which was enacted this last legislative session provides that school boards may annually waive this requirement by a majority vote of the members. This action should not be construed as opposing the recitation of the pledge. On the contrary, board members felt that the law sends the wrong message about patriotism. It was pointed out that the board opens each meeting with the Pledge and that students recite the Pledge in our schools out of respect for the flag and to honor our country, not because the law requires it. TABLED: The school board tabled three business items from last night's meeting. The items will be considered at the September 4th Study Session/Meeting. The items tabled were: � Weapons Policy � Redistricting Process � Administrative Offices Relocation Options ***************************************************************** 5:00 p.m. The board met in closed session to discuss negotiations strategy. Chairperson Kranz called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm STUDENT RECOGNITION The school board honored Amber Mueller, a 2003 graduate for her record of perfect attendance throughout her entire school career. She has over 2200 days without an absence. Amber is the daughter of Lowell and Maxine Mueller. CONGRATULATIONS TO AMBER Rumor has it that her brother Matthew, a middle school student, also has a record of perfect attendance. STUDENT MEMBER REPORT Student member Stephanie Fix reported on the following: � Athletic practices have started with a few teams having opening events this week. � Student Council is actively involved in planning for Homecoming � Marching Band participated in the recent Goodview Days Parade � Student Council Car Wash next Wednesday PARENT/COMMUNITY COMMENT-NONE INFORMATION Winona police office Kevin Kearney addressed the board regarding his fund raising efforts to maintain the DARE program in district schools. He has been successful in raising $30,000 of the $60,000 needed for the program. He indicated he would be meeting with city and county officials in the near future to discuss the DARE program. Board member Todd Rasmussen proposed a motion to provide $5,000 in district funds if the city of Winona and Winona County would each pledge $5,000 to the DARE program. The motion was approved. Partners in Preparation Presentation- Dr. Carol Anderson, Dean of the WSU College of Education, and others(Jack Kaehler, Ron Helmers, Dan Lintin, Ann Rethlefsen, a WSU student, and Jean Leicester) who have participated in the Partners in Preparation reported on 2002-2003 activities, and what program additions and enhancements that are planned for the 2003-2004 school year. Partners in Preparation includes three levels of service between the district and the university, both new and expanded. 1. Holding WSU classes in WAPS buildings during the school day* A. Spring 2003* i. WSHS: Dr. Dan Lintin: Communication Arts Methods* ii. WSHS: Dr. Terry Price: Secondary Math Methods* iii. Central: Dr. Ann Rethlefsen: Math Methods* B. Fall 2003 i. WSHS: Dr. Terry Price: Secondary Math Methods ii. Central: Dr. Ann Rethlefsen: Math Methods iii. Rollingstone: Dr. Melanie Reap: Science Methods* iv. (Dr. Lintin's class is held only in the spring) 2. Holding WSU classes in WAPS buildings after school hours A. Fall 2002 i. WSHS: Mr. Gene Pelowski: Secondary Social Studies Methods (on-going) ii. WSHS: Ms. Ann Wistrcill: Art Methods* B. Fall 2003 i. WSHS: Mr. Gene Pelowski: Secondary Social Studies Methods ii. WSHS: Ms. Ann Wistrcill: Art Methods iii. WMS: Ms. Susan Roehrich: Secondary Reading Methods* 3. WAPS faculty and administration teaching classes at WSU A. Dr. Eric Bartleson: Education Leadership: On-going B. Mrs. Judy Davis: Professional Educator: On-going C. Mrs. Mary Alice Anderson: Technology in the Classroom: On-going D. Mrs. Brenda Merchlewitz: Music Methods: 2002-2003 E. Mr. David Ludwigson: Science Methods: Summer 2003 Dakota Charter Update- Darin and Linda Shepardson updated the board on their progress to charter Dakota School for the 2004-2005 school year.They have been working on their application with WSU (potential sponsor) so it can be submitted by the October 15 deadline. They reiteritated their desire to lease the Dakota building for the charter school. Committee and Building Assignments for 2003-2004 School Year-Steve Kranz and the board discussed the possibility of making these assignments for the school year, instead of the calendar. The consensus was to leave the assignments as they now exist and to revisit the issue before next school year. Board Meetings, Study Sessions, Workshops- The board discussed format options for board meetings and study sessions. In the past we have discussed making our study sessions more informal and possibly holding them in different locations throughout the district. Holding study sessions in different locations would allow district residents easier access to attend these sessions. We also have discussed not having the study sessions broadcast on local TV. The board agreed to move toward a schedule that would allow informal discussion and the opportunity to meet in locations other than City Hall for study sessions. This will be discussed further at the September 4th Study Session. MSBA Seminar Report Steve Kranz and I reported on sessions we had attended at the recent Minnesota School Boards Association Summer Seminar. Lincoln Update-Margaret Schild updated the board on the progress of the committee that is working on finding a suitable location for the Early Childhood programs currently located in Lincoln school. The committee has brainstormed 15 different options and will meet next week to reduce that number to 5. Margaret noted that they are still on schedule for an October recommendation to the board. Family-School Liaison Program- I reported that the hiring process was complete for these positions. The new School & Family Liaisons are as follows: Mark Morris - serving Lewiston and St. Charles Darrell Warnke - serving elementary students in the Winona Schools Nicole Ranzenberger - serving students at Winona Middle School Jen Whetstone - serving elementary students in the Winona Schools All four will have their office in the Jefferson School building. Nicole will have an office space at the Hiawatha Valley Education District as well. Curriculum Office Update-Sue Roehrich, Curriculum Director reported on the following: Timeline for "No Child Left Behind" New State Report Cards State Standards Demise of Profiles of Learning Curriculum Projects for 2003-2004 Professional Development Projects for 2003-2004 CONSENT AGENDA The board APPROVED the following items with one motion: Minutes- July 17, 2003 - Regular Meeting These minutes can be found on the district website at www.winona.k12.mn.us Follow the links..District Wide > Superintendent & School Board > School Board Southeast Service Cooperative Membership Renewal- The Southeast Service Cooperative (SSC) located in Rochester provides a number of services to schools in Southeast Minnesota. The major program that we participate in is the insurance pool. Membership fee for 2003-2004 is $3500.00 WSU Memorandum Agreement-This is with the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. The agreement allows undergraduate and graduate nursing students to be involved with our schools for clinical experiences. Food Service Catering Agreements- These agreements are between WAPS and Family & Children's Center, WAPS and St. John's Lutheran School, and WAPS and Ridgeway Community School for purchase of lunches. Our food service program caters lunches to these non-district schools. Ridgeway Lease- The terms of our lease with Ridgeway Community School allows for it to be renewed for the 2003-2004 school year at a 5% increase. The lease document has been updated to reflect this change. Security Quote- Approval of the quote submitted from Valley Security Service for security at Senior High School, 03-04 school year, at $13,552.00. The only other bid submitted was from Avalon Security Corporation, $17,394.96. Prime Food Vendor- Five bids were submitted to be considered as the prime vendor for food purchases. They were Zeches/Indian Head, Reinhart, US Foodservice, Harker's and Hawkeye. By entering into a prime vendor contract WAPS agrees to purchase 80% of the total food purchases from the vendor. The board awarded the bid to US Foodservice as the low bidder. Special Needs Transportation Contract- Approved a contract with Philipps Bus Company for transportation services to/from Chileda School in LaCrosse. Personnel- The following personnel items were approved: The following licensed person is recommended for employment in the Winona Area Public Schools: Angeline Norberg is recommended for employment as a Social Studies Teacher at Winona Senior High School. Her placement on the salary schedule will be II BA, which amounts to $28,652.00. Approval of this position is subject to Minnesota Statute 125.12, Subdivision 2, which requires a unanimous vote of the full board if the teacher is related by blood or marriage, within the fourth degree, computed by the civil law, to a Board member. The following tenured teacher previously placed on unrequested leave of absence is recommended for employment in the district: Name School/Assignment FTE Jon Larson WSHS/Counselor .6 The following non-tenured teachers previously terminated are recommended for employment in the district: Name School/Assignment FTE Cheryl Davis WSHS/Business 1.0 Gretchen Johns-Derbyshire Non-Public/Title I .5 The following non-licensed persons are recommended for employment in the Winona Area Public Schools: EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANTS: Mary Koontz is recommended for employment as a Special Ed Educational Assistant at Winona Middle School. She will be employed 6-1/4 hours per school day. The beginning date for this assignment will be September 2, 2003, and the hourly rate of pay is $9.69. Susan Kunda is recommended for employment as a Special Ed Educational Assistant at Winona Middle School. She will be employed 6-1/4 hours per school day. The beginning date for this assignment will be September 2, 2003, and the hourly rate of pay is $9.69. Mary Jo McKenna is recommended for employment as a Special Ed Educational Assistant at Winona Middle School. She will be employed 6-1/4 hours per school day. The beginning date for this assignment will be September 2, 2003, and the hourly rate of pay is $9.69. Janet McNally is recommended for employment as a Kindergarten Educational Assistant at Rollingstone School. She will be employed 1-1/2 hours per school day. The beginning date for this assignment will be September 2, 2003, and the hourly rate of pay is $8.34. Bruce Morken is recommended for employment as a Special Ed Educational Assistant at Winona Middle School. He will be employed 6-1/2 hours per school day. The beginning date for this assignment will be September 2, 2003, and the hourly rate of pay is $9.69. NON-GROUP: Traci Jensen is recommended for employment as the Interschool Mail Delivery Person for the district. She will be employed 5-1/2 hours per day during the school year and 5-1/2 hours on Tuesdays and Fridays during the summer. The beginning date for this assignment was August 18, 2003, and the hourly rate of pay is $9.11. This is an internal transfer. COMMUNITY EDUCATION: Request approval of the Community Education Staff/Instructors for August, 2003. See attached list. The following persons are recommended for extra assignments during the 2003-2004 school year: Rhonda Aspenson, Business Teacher at Winona Senior High School, has been assigned an overload class. For this 1 section, 2nd term, class she will receive $3,783.60. Terri Bauer is recommended for employment as National Honor Society Co-Advisor at Winona Senior High School for the 2003-04 school year beginning September 2, 2003. For this assignment she will receive $760.00. Michael Belden, Industrial Technology Teacher at Winona Senior High School, has been assigned an overload class. For this 1 section, 2nd and 3rd term, class he will receive $6,485.12. Randel Blaser is recommended for employment as Marching Band Director at Winona Senior High School for the 2003-04 school year beginning September 2, 2003. For this assignment he will receive $3,000.00. Randel Blaser is recommended for employment as Jazz Band Director at Winona Senior High School for the 2003-04 school year beginning September 2, 2003. For this assignment he will receive $2,000.00. Mary Ann Dennis is recommended for employment as National Honor Society Co-Advisor at Winona Senior High School for the 2003-04 school year beginning September 2, 2003. For this assignment she will receive $720.00. Karen Hazelton is recommended for employment as Yearbook Advisor at Winona Senior High School for the 2003-04 school year beginning September 2, 2003. For this assignment she will receive $2,000.00. David Heyer is recommended for employment as Pep Band Director at Winona Senior High School for the 2003-04 school year beginning September 2, 2003. For this assignment he will receive $2,000.00. David Heyer is recommended for employment as Assistant Marching Band Director at Winona Senior High School for the 2003-04 school year beginning September 2, 2003. For this assignment he will receive $1,600.00. Kevin Martin is recommended for employment as Sophomore Class Advisor at Winona Senior High School for the 2003-04 school year beginning September 2, 2003. For this assignment he will receive $280.00. Kevin Martin, Industrial Technology Teacher at Winona Senior High School, has been assigned an overload class. For this 1 section, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd term, class he will receive $1,031.50. Kent Miller is recommended for employment as Math Team Advisor at Winona Senior High School for the 2003-04 school year beginning September 2, 2003. For this assignment he will receive $1,680.00. Gene Pelowski is recommended for employment as Model Legislator Advisor at Winona Senior High School for the 2003-04 school year beginning September 2, 2003. For this assignment he will receive $1,360.00. Linda Pfeilsticker is recommended for employment as Senior Class Advisor at Winona Senior High School for the 2003-04 school year beginning September 2, 2003. For this assignment she will receive $680.00. Chuck Schollmeier, Special Education Teacher at Winona Middle School, has been assigned an overload class 1 hour per school day. For this assignment he will receive $59.26 per hour. Cathy Solem, Physical Education Teacher at Winona Senior High School, has been assigned an overload class. For this 1 section, 3rd term, class she will receive $4,361.60. Mary Stromback is recommended for employment as 9th Grade Class Advisor at Winona Senior High School for the 2003-04 school year beginning September 2, 2003. For this assignment she will receive $400.00. Dale Weegman, Industrial Technology Teacher at Winona Senior High School, has been assigned an overload class. For this 1 section, 2nd and 3rd term, class he will receive $6,485.12. Ann Wistrcill is recommended for employment as Photography Club Advisor at Winona Senior High School for the 2003-04 school year beginning September 2, 2003. For this assignment she will receive $880.00. The following persons are recommended for coaching assignments by Mark Winter, Athletic Director: Yrs. Exp. Total Name Activity Units Exp. Units Units Increment Erin Briggs WSHS Head Girls Swim/ 100 0 0 100 $4,000.00 Dive Coach Warren Deets WSHS Asst. Football Coach 65 2 0 65 $2,600.00 Bethany Franzen WSHS Asst. Girls Swim/ 33 1 0 33 $1,320.00 Dive Coach - .5 Scott Keller WSHS Asst. Football Coach 65 3 1 66 $2,640.00 Mike Lipinski WSHS Asst. Girls Tennis 50 1 0 50 $2,000.00 Coach Brian Mogren WSHS Asst. Soccer Coach 60 0 0 60 $2,400.00 Kelly Skillicorn WSHS Asst. B and G Cross 60 18 10 70 $4,000.00 Country Coach (1-1/2 times) Erin Tierney WSHS Asst. Soccer Coach 60 1 0 60 $2,400.00 The following persons have requested a leave of absence in the district: Judy Beck, Special Ed Educational Assistant at Washington-Kosciusko School, has requested an extension of her medical leave into the 2003-04 school year. Tina Rivers, Key Kids and Preschool Lead for Community Education at the Lincoln School Building, has requested an unpaid intermittent Family Medical Leave to begin immediately. The following persons have resigned from their assignments in the district: Carolyn Kosidowski, School Connector for Family Based Services, has submitted her resignation effective June 30, 2003. Jennifer Whetstone, Family Resource Worker with Family Based Services, has submitted her resignation effective August 19, 2003. Donation-36 office chairs from Fastenal Company to Senior High School; Knights of Columbus to COMPASS, $841.50. THANKS TO FASTENAL AND KC'S!!! Payroll, Bills July Payrolls: (gross $888,399.46) net $596,913.68 July Bills 623,334.07 July 15 MN State Withholding Tax 31,861.19 July 30 MN State Withholding Tax 32,021.30 July 15 WI State Withholding Tax 3,897.72 July 30 WI State Withholding Tax 3,828.37 July 15 Fed/FICA/Med Withholding Tax 206,848.18 July 30 Fed/FICA?Med Withholding Tax 207,435.42 Blue Cross Blue Shield Payment 283,131.07 Total $1,989,271.00 BUSINESS Request for Second Japan Trip The board approved a second trip for WMS students to visit our sister city Kogota, Japan. Matt Smith, WMS teacher who went on the trip last year presented athe request. He noted that they will be reducing the number of chaperones from 5 to 3. Policies: Second Reading A first reading of these policies took place on July 17, 2003 Policy # 834 Pledge of Allegiance-this policy is required to meet the mandates of Minn. Stat. �121A.11, Subd. 3 -The board waived the requirement according to an option in the law. Policy # 947 School Weapon Policy-Revisions due to passage of "Conceal and Carry" Minn. Stat., Sections 624.714 or 624.715 TABLED for action on September 4. Redistricting Process/Grade Level Buildings THE BOARD TABLED ACTION ON THIS ITEM UNTIL THE SEPT 4TH MEETING. Policy # 910 Attendance Area Boundaries requires that the School Board review the Attendance Area Boundaries policy a minimum of once every three years and may make changes or modifications to the policy. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION THAT WAS PROVIDED TO THE BOARD: We have not reviewed the attendance areas for at least three years. The board has discussed the need for changing boundaries in the last few years, but we have not moved ahead. It is time that the board review these boundaries and make changes as needed. The policy further states: The primary purposes for the School Board establishing elementary school attendance area boundaries are, whenever possible, to equalize class sizes between and among public elementary schools in District 861, thus avoiding extreme differences, to maintain the "neighborhood school" concept, and to design attendance area boundaries which will provide for transportation efficiency. All public school elementary students will attend the school building located in their attendance area of residence unless an attendance area boundary exception has been approved. Grade Level Buildings: This has been a topic of discussion since I arrived in Winona. A plan that was drafted by Steve Wiltgen was circulated at the end of the Budget Design process late in the 1999-2000 school year. The plan appears to have had support among many of the teachers and community members. It is very similar to the organization of the WACS school system. This plan never received a lot of consideration due to the perception that increases in transportation costs would outweigh benefits. Changes to our transportation contract and the two tier bussing may make the plan more workable from a transportation perspective. The principals and central office administrators all have recommended that grade level buildings be a part of the redistricting study. The policy also provides us with guidelines: I. Establishing Attendance Areas A. The School Board will review elementary attendance area boundaries on a regular basis. Changes to existing boundaries will be announced no later than April 1. B. When new attendance area boundaries are set, no fifth grade student in their last year in elementary school will be required to change schools. C. In determining attendance area boundaries, efforts will be made to avoid moving any residence(s) from one attendance area to a different attendance area more frequently than once in a six year period. D. In determining attendance area boundaries, schools attended by older siblings or parents will not be a factor. I am requesting that the board authorize the staff to review the current attendance boundaries and draft recommendations for the board to consider that would include: - an option incorporating grade level buildings - an option for W-K to be a two section school to allow for locating Early childhood programs in W-K Once the draft has been presented to the board for discussion, a series of public meetings will be held in each attendance area affected by the recommended changes. The board will review all public comment and make a final decision on boundary changes by April 1, 2004 as required by current policy. SOME BOARD MEMBERS EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER INCLUDING THE GRADE LEVEL BUILDING AND W-K TWO SECTION OPTION IN THE REDISTRICTING PROCESS. THIS WILL BE DISCUSSED IN MORE DETAIL AT THE SEPT 4 STUDY SESSION. Approval of Student Handbooks-The board approved the 2003-2004 handbooks for each of the elementary schools, Winona Middle School, Winona Senior High School. Noting that references to the Pledge of Allegiance statute and Weapons Policy would need to be revised. Administrative Relocation TABLED UNTIL THE SEPTEMBER 4TH STUDY SESSION INFORMATION PROVIDED TO THE BOARD Options for the relocation of district administration have been evaluated. Administration presented three different options which place administration at the Winona Senior High School. Administration requested that the next step in the process would be to hire an architect to detail the scope of the project, draft preliminary designs, and develop cost estimates. Bid Selection for Dental Insurance The board approved the bid from Fortis for dental insurance. Jeff Seeley noted that the District Insurance Committee had approved increased deductibles to keep premiums lower. Thanks to the employee groups who supported this recommendation. The meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m. Next Meeting: September 4, 2003 _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
