Teri Larson
Erin Spencer
Caledonia Area Public School board members met Monday, July 15 at Caledonia Elementary School in room #162. Board member Mike Peterson called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m., led with the Pledge of Allegiance, then conducted roll call with all board members present. School district employees present included Superintendent Craig Ihrke, Middle/High School Principal Nathan Boler, Elementary Principal John Wahlstrom, and Community Education Director Gretchen Juan.
The agenda received full board approval. Afterword, the board got to listen to two board showcase presentations.
High school teachers Teri Larson and Erin Spencer sought board approval to move forward with a student travel opportunity to Europe. Larson informed that the travel opportunity is through the Education Foundation. The Europe trip is self-funded and would not cost the school district any money. The trip is expected to be 10 days with visit locations that include London, Paris and Barcelona. The fee for each student participating in the trip would cost $4,800.
Spencer added that the Europe travel trip would include 1-6 students per chaperone with the trip being available to students in grades 9-12. She shared her prior experience with student abroad trips during her time with Lewiston-Altura High School in Lewiston, Minn. She is well knowledgeable when it comes to student safety abroad and has dealt with situations that may present when traveling abroad such as a student losing their passport.
Larson feels high school students will gain of lot of experience with a travel abroad opportunity, stating, “We expect the students to have an educational experience.”
Spencer reached out to past Lewiston-Altura High School students to see what their travel abroad experience brought them. She shared that one student said their school abroad trip had been the only opportunity they had to travel. Another student said that they learned a lot of life skills such as being responsible for one’s passport, money, and being mindful of one’s surroundings. One student was inspired by their travel abroad trip to enlist in the military after their high school graduation.
To fund the trip cost, Larson explained, “We would encourage some fundraising.” Education Foundation suggested two travel trips be planned, one trip for the students who can afford to attend and the other trip for the students who need extra time to fundraise.
Board member Small questioned about insurance when traveling abroad. Larson stated yes, that insurance will be covered. Larson also informed that if any turmoil occurs in any planned location, there are backup options planned in advance.
“I think it’s a great opportunity!” Board member Yohe stated.
Board member King questioned what the $4,800 fee covers. Larson explained that the fee covers one roundtrip, transportation, hotel stays, food, the tours abroad, and a couple of special events with a tour guide being with the group 24/7 over the course of the trip.
After listening to the presentation, Yohe moved, King seconded, to approved to move forward with the student travel opportunity to Europe. Motion carried.
Up next, Deb Marcotte, executive director of HVED (Hiawatha Valley Education District) provided an update in regards to Winona Mall in Winona, Minn. The design for the mall is expected to be completed by September 2024. State approval is expected to be completed within 16-18 weeks. The construction processes and requirements are expected to start in fall 2024. The demolition is expected to begin early January 2025. Construction and occupancy have yet to be determined.
Board member Adamson moved, seconded by Small, to approve the consent agenda. Motion carried. The following resignations were accepted for Kathryn Schleich as special education paraprofessional, Sarah Burfield as CAPS Care Aide, and Sue Felten as health office assistant. Lisa Chellew was hired as the elementary school’s new full-time media paraprofessional.
Action items included
• The school crossing guard agreement between the City of Caledonia and ISD #299 received full board approval.
• The fall coaching contracts for the 2024-2025 school year received board approval with one abstained. Football coaches: Carl Fruechte, head coach; Brent Schroeder, assistant; Mitch Mullins, assistant; Ryan Pitts, assistant; Zach Hauser, ninth grade coach, Mason Staggemeyer, eighth grade coach; Mitchell Bechtel, seventh grade coach. Girls soccer: Chris Jandt, head coach, and Jessy Whalen, assistant coach. Boys soccer: Jay Marschall, head coach. Volleyball coaches: Dan Reinhart, head coach, Tori Burmester, assistant, Alissa Diersen, junior high-ninth grade, Rachel Welsh, junior high-eighth grade, and Rachel Stackhouse, junior high-seventh grade.
• The co-curricular contracts for the 2024-2025 school year received unanimous board approval. Dustin Moburg – band, jazz band, and marching and pep band; Steven Munderloh-choir; Tricia Babinski – school musical assistant; Erin Spencer – Minnesota Honor Society; Stacey Meyer – school musical and yearbook co-coach; Teri Larson – yearbook co-coach, student council, and BPA (Business Professionals of America); Rich Larson – FFA (Future Farmers of America) advisor; Becky Breeser – junior high Knowledge Bowl; Daniel Winkler – senior high Knowledge Bowl; Jeff Babinski-robotics.
Principals Boler and Wahlstrom, Community Education Director Juan, and Superintendent Ihrke shared their board reports. For Old Business there was the district’s Strategic Plan update. For New Business there was brief discussion about school board candidate filing dates. The board reviewed a number of school policies with policies #413 and #613 being discussed further at August’s regular board meeting. Lastly, the board held a closed session to discuss the superintendent evaluation, with the meeting adjourning at 9:53 p.m.
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Publish date : 2024-07-22 14:18:16
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