[Winona Online Democracy]
Greetings,
Below is Dr. Bartleson's "From my Perspective" summary of last night'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
2.26.04
from my perspective....
Eric Bartleson
PRESENT AND FORMER BOARD MEMBERS HONORED FOR THEIR SERVICE. Prior to the
meeting a reception was held to honor present and former board members
during School Board Recognition Week.
During the Staff and Student Recognition portion of the meeting board
members were recognized with a certificate for their years of service.
Former board members Ed Thompson, Mike Bernatz, Ruth Marg, and Paul Double
were also in attendance and were recognized for their contributions.
THANK YOU BOARD MEMBERS FOR ALL YOU DO FOR THE CHILDREN OF OUR COMMUNITY!
BOARD APPROVES REINSTATING ALL DAY, EVERY DAY KINDERGARTEN FOR 2004-2005
SCHOOL YEAR!
The board took action to reinstate a full five day, all day Kindergarten
program in lieu of the four day "wonderful Wednesday" or a half time
program. Nancy Wondrasch, and Jefferson Kindergarten teachers reported on
their visit and testimony to the legislature. They met with legislative
leaders in the House and Senate and were encouraged by comments that the
Senate would more than likely approve full funding for all day Kindergarten
programs beginning in 2005. The House may be a more difficult sell.
BOARD APPROVES GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR CLASS OF 2008.
Susan Roehrich, Curriculum Director, presented the District Wide Curriculum
Committee Recommendation to the board for approval The school board
approved new graduation requirements for the class of 2008 (next year's
incoming 9th graders) that added back a .5 credit in Language Arts, and a
.5 credit in Social Studies that had not been recommended by the Curriculum
Committee.
2004-2005 School Year- no changes from previous year
Seniors, Juniors, and Sophomores diploma requirements:
58 credits
2 standards
MN Profile of Learning Academic Standards in Technical Reading
and Space, Shape and Measurement
3 tests- MBST reading, mathematics and writing
2004-2005 School Year- changes based on legislative action on laws and
Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) changes in rules.
Freshman (class of 2008) state diploma requirements: at least 21.5 credits
Minnesota Academic Standards for Language Arts 9-12
Minnesota Academic Standards for Mathematics 9-12
Minnesota Academic Standards for The Arts 9-12
Analysis and Interpretation through participation in
dance, media arts, music, theater or visual arts
Creation and Performance through participation in
creative writing, dance, media arts, music, theater or
visual arts
3 tests- MBST reading, mathematics and writing
Credit Requirements for freshman 2004-2005:
MDE Current WSHS New WSHS
Arts 1 0 1*
English 4 4.5 4.5
Health and PE 0 1.5 1.5
Mathematics 3 2 3*
Science 3 2 3*
Social Studies 3.5 4 4
Electives 7 15 12
Total 21.5 29 29
* Required changes for compliance with new laws and MDE rules
The District Wide Curriculum Committee recommended maintaining the 29 (58)
credits for graduation. The committee recommended keeping the 1.5 credits
in Health and PE. The committee acknowledges the additional credits needed
in Science, Mathematics and the Arts to meet the new state requirements.
The committee recommended aligning with the state on the credits in English
and Social Studies. The changes would have reduced the number of electives
from 15 to 13. Classes that were previously required in English and Social
Studies would have been offered as elective classes.
BOARD MEETING
The meeting was called to order at 6:13 p.m.
STAFF AND STUDENT RECOGNITION
February 2004 Recognitions
? Recognition of School Board Members
? Champions for Children Award: Winona National Bank
? Tim Van Cleave, WMS 6th grader: City-wide Spelling Bee Champ
? WSHS Music Listening Team Sixth Place Finish at State Music Listening
Contest:
Nick Lowery (senior), Anne Grossardt (senior), Peter Compton (senior)
Coach: Cindy Johnson
? WSHS Boys and Girls Nordic Ski Teams were both selected as the Section
Academic Team ?highest gpa in the section.
? Garrett Heath: Minnesota State Nordic Ski Champion in Classic and
Pursuit Races
Second Place in Freestyle race
? WSHS Girls' Nordic Ski Team Seventh Place finish at the Minnesota State
Nordic Ski Meet. Team members are: Pamela Chapman (senior), Julia Chapman
(sophomore), Kate Dennehy (sophomore), Darcy Mundahl (8th grade), Britta
Horeck (senior), Maureen Keane (sophomore-Cotter), Bethany Wolvington
(junior-Cotter).
? 2004 Triple A Award winners: Garrett Heath and Pamela Chapman
? WSHS art students recognized in the 2004 Minnesota Scholastic Art Award
Competition. Gold Awards advance to the National Competition
* Chris MacDonald (senior) Gold and Silver Awards in visual arts. Chris
also had his artwork used on the program cover for the Orchestra Tea
selected for the cover of Fall 2003 edition of "String Notes", The Journal
of Minnesota String and Orchestra Teachers Association
* Holly Gibbs ( sophomore) Gold Award in Photography
*Sam Beyers (senior) Silver Award in Photography
? WMS Eighth Grade FACS Students and Teacher Sandra Wernimont: UNICEF
Ambassadors Award for their donation of $2345 raised from projects students
implemented upon learning about the plight of hunger around the world and
here at home.
STUDENT MEMBER REPORT
Stephanie Fix reported on the following activities at the high school:
Dave Dreas now holds the season record for most points in Boy's Basketball
Gymnastics team will be competing in State tournament this Friday and
Saturday
Musical "Brigadoon" will be performed in March
Battle of the Bands to take place Friday at WSHS
Successful "Pork and Pops" event held last Sunday
MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT COUNCIL REPORT
This month the update was provided by Matt Wagner. He reported:
Winter after school sports were winding down
Self-esteem speaker is scheduled for month of March
Knowledge Bowl had four teams competing from WMS
MCA tests will be administered to grades 5,6,8 in March
PUBLIC COMMENT
Deb Birdsal-Stressed importance of band program and that it had experienced
cuts in previous years. Asked board to support at present level.
John Ruggeberg and Kathy Nuttall spoke on behalf of the Language Arts and
Social Studies staff requesting that the board maintain the present level
of requirements in Language Arts and Social Studies.
Wayne Dunbar-spoke to the loss of students and presented information
regarding the number lost each year. He presented a report to the board
for their information.
Ted Hazelton ? spoke about his concern for waste in the district due to
mailings to parents of items that could be sent home with students. He also
spoke in favor of all day Kindergarten programs. He also asked the board
to re-evaluate the two-tiered bussing system.
INFORMATION
Elementary Band/Orchestra Report
Cindy Johnson and Gary Urness presented information on the band and
orchestra programs at WAPS.The stressed the value of the programs and the
need to maintain a strong elementary program as a foundation for a strong
high school program.
Role of Counselors in WAPS
The Counselors' role in Winona Area Public Schools was described by
Theresa Bauer, Mary Dennis, Lisa Mullen, Mark Godsey, Linda Skwierawski,
Pat Berkely, and Kathy Little of the WAPS Counseling staff. They spoke
about how, at each level, they support the mission of the school district.
WSU/WAPS Partnerships
Carol Anderson, Dean College of Education at WSU reaffirmed the commitment
of WSU to work with WAPS.WSU and WAPS have a continuing Teacher Ed
Partnership (TEP) that the board has heard about called Partners in
Preparation. We have been focusing on extending and deepening our
partnerships and simultaneously this winter a grassroots effort by parents
in conversation with the Mayor and City Manager rose in response to
financial concerns in the district. She spoke of a combined initiative of
parents, citizens, city leaders, WAPS leaders, WSU and our TEP together
committed to exploring relationships that would seek to benefit the
district and the students and faculty of both WAPS and WSU. She also spoke
briefly about the New University visioning process currently going on at
WSU.
MSBA Day at the Capitol Report
Board members who attended the MSBA Day at the Capitol on February 23
reported on their meetings with our legislators and other information
picked up at the general meeting. Fred Petersen, Larry Laber, and HS
principal Ron Helmers visited with Senators Kierlin and Murphey and
representatives Pelowski and Sviggum. They all felt that the visits were
worthwhile.
Updated Financial Projection
Jeff Seeley noted that the financial projection would not be available
until next week. We have encountered an adjustment made by the auditor
that didn't match with our state report. This adjustment had to do with
the reconciliation of the Question #2 referendum funds that had to be
returned to the state following a successful challenge to the results of
that question in the 2001 vote. The good news is that this adjustment
should reduce the amount that will need to be reduced from the 2004-2005
budget.
CONSENT AGENDA
The following items were all approved with one motion:
Minutes
Minutes from the following meetings were included in your mailing packet:
December 17, 2003 - Truth & Taxation Hearing
January 8, 2004 - Organizational Meeting
- Study Session
January 22, 2004 - Regular Meeting
February 5, 2004 - Closed Strategy Session
February 5, 2004 - Study Session
February 11, 2004 - Emergency 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
Personnel
The following licensed persons are recommended for employment in the Winona
Area Public Schools:
Janet Bridwell is recommended for employment as a Homebound Teacher.
She will be employed as needed. Her placement on the salary schedule
will be VII MA, which amounts to $45.14 per hour.
Patti Darbo is recommended for employment as a Long-term Substitute
LD Teacher at Jefferson School. This assignment began January 26,
2004, taking the place of Margaret Marklowitz who did not have the
Special Ed license. Her placement on the salary schedule will be II
BA. The first 24 days are at $85.00 and $161.15 thereafter.
Jennifer Schewe is recommended for employment as a Long-term
Substitute Social Studies Teacher at Winona Senior High School. This
assignment began January 30, 2004. Her placement on the salary
schedule will be II BA. The first 24 days are at $85.00 and $161.15
thereafter.
Approval of these positions 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 non-licensed persons are recommended for employment in the
Winona Area Public Schools:
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANTS:
Rita Jessen is recommended for employment as a Special Ed Educational
Assistant at Washington-Kosciusko School. She will be employed 6-1/4
hours per school day. The beginning date for this assignment was
February 2, 2004, and the hourly rate of pay is $12.89. This is an
internal transfer.
Lori Olson-Woodward is recommended for employment as a Special
Ed/Classroom Educational Assistant and Supervisor at Central School.
She will be employed 3-1/4 hours per school day as a Special Ed
Educational Assistant, 2-3/4 hours per school day as a Classroom
Educational Assistant, and 1 hour per school day as a Supervisor.
The beginning date for this assignment was February 2, 2004, and the
hourly rates of pay are $9.69 (SpecEd), $8.34 (Classrm), and $9.81
(Supvr).
FOOD SERVICE:
Lorie Abnet is recommended for employment as a Cook Helper at Winona
Middle School. She will be employed 2-1/2 hours per school day. The
beginning date for this assignment was February 16, 2004, and the
hourly rate of pay is $7.27.
Sherry Muras is recommended for employment as a Cook Helper at
Washington-Kosciusko School. She will be employed 2-1/4 hours per
school day. The beginning date for this assignment was February 9,
2004, and the hourly rate of pay is $8.87. This is an internal
transfer.
MAINTENANCE:
Scott Albright is recommended for employment as a Custodian/Engineer
at Madison School. He will be employed 8 hours per day. The
beginning date for this assignment was February 9, 2004, and the
hourly rate of pay is $16.27. This is an internal transfer.
Doug Benter is recommended for employment as a Custodian/Engineer at
the Lincoln School building. He will be employed 8 hours per day.
The beginning date for this assignment was February 9, 2004, and the
hourly rate of pay is $16.27. This is an internal transfer
Mark Christensen is recommended for employment as a
Custodian/Engineer at Jefferson School. He will be employed 8 hours
per day. The beginning date for this assignment was February 9,
2004, and the hourly rate of pay is $13.08. This is an internal
transfer.
Kevin Seales is recommended for employment as a Custodian at Winona
Senior High School. He will be employed 8 hours per day. The
beginning date for this assignment was February 17, 2004, and the
hourly rate of pay is $14.89. This is an internal transfer.
NON-GROUP:
Boyoung Yoon is recommended for employment as a Korean Interpreter at
Jefferson School. She will be employed as needed. The beginning
date for this assignment was January 20, 2004, and the hourly rate of
pay is $10.99.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION:
Request approval of the Community Education Staff/Instructors for
February 2004. See attached list.
The following persons are recommended for coaching assignments by Mark
Winter, Athletic Director:
Yrs. Exp. Total
Name Activity Units Exp. Units
Units Increment
Tim Brown WSHS Asst. Boys 60 16 10
70 $2,870.00
Track Coach
Warren Deets WSHS Asst. Boys 60 2 0
60 $2,460.00
Track Coach
Heather Edens WSHS Asst. Softball 30 1 0
30 $1,230.00
Coach - .5
Tim Gleason WSHS Head Girls 90 14 10 100
$4,100.00
Track Coach
John Goplen WSHS Head Boys 90 11 9
99 $4,059.00
Track Coach
Scott Halverson WSHS Asst. Baseball 60 15 10 70
$2,870.00
Coach
Dave Heise WSHS Head Softball 90 32 10 100
$4,100.00
Coach
Jon Hogenson WSHS Head Boys 80 1 0
80 $3,280.00
Golf Coach
Justin Johnston WSHS Asst. Baseball 60 2 0
60 $2,460.00
Coach
Scott Keller WSHS Asst. Boys 30 1 0
30 $1,230.00
Tennis Coach - .6
Terry Kroening WSHS Asst. Softball 60 23 10
70 $2,870.00
Coach
Jim Miller WSHS Head Girls 80 28 10 90
$3,690.00
Golf Coach
Steve Norman WSHS Asst. Baseball 60 19 10
70 $2,870.00
Coach
Tom Sanvik WSHS Head Boys 80 19 10
90 $3,690.00
Tennis Coach
Rod Schwarz WSHS Head Baseball 90 23 10
100 $4,100.00
Coach
Brad Skillicorn WSHS Asst. Skiing 30 0 0
30 $1,230.00
Coach
Cathy Solem WSHS Asst. Boys 50 31 10
60 $2,460.00
Tennis Coach
Kelly Sonsalla WSHS Asst. Softball 30 6
4 34 $1,394.00
Coach - .5
Greg Wing WSHS Asst. Softball 60 31 10
70 $2,870.00
Coach
Brandon Woody WSHS Asst. Girls 60 0 0
60 $2,460.00
Track Coach
The following persons are recommended for extra assignments during the
2003-2004 school year:
Nancy Brown is recommended for employment as Director of the
Elementary School Musical at Madison School during the 2003-04 school
year. For this assignment she will receive $820.00.
Kimberly Grote is recommended for employment as Director of the
Elementary School Musical at Winona Middle School during the 2003-04
school year. For this assignment she will receive $410.00.
James Miller, English/Language Arts Teacher at Winona Senior High
School, has been assigned an overload class. For this class he will
receive $3,830.88.
The following persons have requested a leave of absence in the district:
Wendy Schneider, Math Teacher at Winona Middle School, on leave of
absence has requested a third one-year leave of absence for the
2004-2005 school year to teach at Winona State University as a math
instructor.
Karla Winter, First Grade Teacher at Jefferson School, has requested
a child care leave beginning approximately April 30, 2004, to extend
through the end of the 2003-2004 school year.
The following persons have resigned from their positions in the district:
Jan Baumann, Cook Helper at Winona Middle School, has resigned
effective January 13, 2004.
Vicki Herron, LPN at Winona Senior High School, has resigned
effective January 30, 2004.
CONTRACT WITH HIAWATHA VALLEY MENTAL HEALTH CENTER:
Request approval of Employee Assistance Agreement between Hiawatha
Valley Mental Health Center and the Winona Area Public Schools for a
one year term from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2004. The fee
for each session is the same as last year's agreement.
Donations
Recommend approval of the following donations: Received from Ashley
Furniture to Madison and Washington Kosciusko Schools, $500 and $250
respectively. These two schools won top prizes in Ashley's Christmas tree
contest; $500 from Robert Kielin to Project Compass; Dakota PTA, $147 for
the kindergarten milk program; Wells Fargo donated $4,935 to be spent on
direct classroom expenses, including teaching materials, school supplies
and teacher compensation.
THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS!!!
Bills, Payroll January 15
Payroll (gross: $1,070,485.21)
(net) $ 672,558.71
January 30 Payroll (gross: 908,521.43)
(net) 608,800.74
January 15 Bills
876,884.06
January 30 Bills
333,105.84
January 15 MN State Withholding Tax
34,444.66
January 30 MN State Withholding Tax
31,247.84
January 15 WI State Withholding Tax
3,617.51
January 30 WI State Withholding Tax
3,832.79
January 15 Fed/FICA/Med Withholding Tax
233,696.32
January 30 Fed/FICA/Med Withholding Tax
212,886.03
Blue Cross Blue Shield Payment
283,179.00
Total
$3,294,253.50
BUSINESS
Resignation
My letter of resignation was approved by the board. . I announced my
retirement earlier when the last contract was signed, but an official
letter is also required by the Teacher Retirement Association. The text of
my letter is included in PDF format.(See attached file: Ltr of Resignation
Winona.pdf)
Sabbatical Leave
The board denied the request for a sabbatical for Marianne Texley,
Principal at Dakota School and 5th Grade Dean at Winona Middle School. She
had requested a sabbatical leave for the 2004-2005 school year to begin a
doctoral program.
Retirement
James Brugger, Carpenter for the Winona Area Public Schools, has submitted
his formal request for retirement effective May 19, 2004. Jim has served
the district for 27 years. The board approved his request. We extend our
appreciation and best wishes for a happy retirement.
CONGRATULATIONS JIM!!!
Policies ? Second Readings
Bullying Policy ? The board approved bullying policy that had been
modified to reflect the comments made at the last board meeting. The policy
will not take effect until the start of the 2004-2005 school year to
provide time for staff training required by the policy. (See attached file:
Policy 916.4 bullying rev.pdf)
DELAYED UNTIL MARCH 4 MEETING-Use of Peace Officers and Crisis Teams to
Remove Students with IEP's from School Grounds
Staff Listening Session and Board Work Session
The board scheduleD a "Listening Session" with support staff and a board
work session to discuss budget reduction options with administrative staff.
These two sessions will be held on Monday, March 1. The Listening Session
will be held from 5:00 p.m-6:00 p.m and the work session from 6:00 p.m. ?
9:00 p.m. The meetings will be held at Southeast Technical College in Room
205.
Superintendent-elect Expenses
The board authorized payment of expenses(mileage, meals, and lodging)
incurred by Paul Durand when requested by the board to be in the district
for business prior to July 1.
Replacement Process for Board Position
The board discussed the process that they will use to name a replacement
for the remainder of the term of Steve Kranz who announced that he will be
leaving the board on May 1. Steve's term runs through December 31, 2004.
The position will be on the ballot in November for the four year term
beginning January 1, 2005.
The board agreed to have Larry Laber contact former board members who live
in Steve's district to see if any of them are willing to fill the seat
until December 31, 2004. He will report back to the board on March 4.
Ridgeway Charter Lease Agreement/Dakota Charter Lease Agreement
The board authorized Jeff Seeley to negotiate leases with Dakota and
Ridgeway for up to three years with annual renewals. He will report back
to the board on March 4.
Lincoln Building Sale Agreement
The Board's attorney has been negotiating the specific terms of the pending
sale agreement of the Lincoln building to WSU with their buying agent. He
also spent Wednesday in a lengthy phone conversation with representative of
WSU discussing terms of the pending sale. A full report will be provided at
the March 4 study session
Architectural Service
The board approved the administration request to authorize architectural
services to draft specifications for the bid process for roof replacement
services at Winona Senior High School and Goodview Elementary School. In
addition the board authorizated to implement the bid process for these two
projects.
Recommendation is to hire Owen Warneke & Associates as the architect.
Annual Audit Request
Board directive to seek quotes for the annual audit services for one year
with the option of up to four additional years at the district's discretion
Budget Reduction
Natalie Siderius presented a plan for a review of the Special Education
program with a team consisting of Judi Vold, Gary Woodward, Randy Schenkat,
and others. Judi Vold presented the board with the annual Improvement Plan
for their review prior to making a decision on the review at the March 4
study session.
Sue Brown commented that the district needs to make reductions only to the
extent to keep in Structural Balance. She would like the district to stop
and change course instead of continuing to look at closing schools as a
solution to the financial problem.
March 4, 2004, Study Session Agenda
March 4 - 5:30 p.m. - Closed Negotiation Strategy Session, Heritage Room,
City Hall
Items we have so far for the March 4, 2004, Study Session are listed below:
-Media Program Report
-Budget Reduction
Special Education Review
Items carried over if not finalized tonight:
Charter Leases
WSU Purchase Agreement
Next Meeting: March 1-6:00 p.m. Board Work Session Room 205 SE Tech
March 4-6:00 p.m. Board Study Session City Hall
The meeting adjourned at 10:50 p.m.
_______________________________________________
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