The School Board of North Star Public School District #10 met in regular session on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, in North Star Room 101.
PRESENT: Chris Doehler, Michelle Gibbens, Jeremiah Halley, Vickie Jacksen, Jeana Jorde, Brooks Larson, Paul Wagenman; Administration: Jeff Hagler, Jessica Gunderson, Nancy Reiser, Cathy Johnson. VISITORS: Miranda Larson -NS staff.
Board President Jacksen called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. No changes were made to the agenda.
MOTION made by Paul Wagenman, seconded by Michelle Gibbens, to approve the minutes of the December 21, 2022 regular meeting. MOTION CARRIED-all voting aye.
MOTION by Michelle Gibbens, seconded by Jeana Jorde, to approve the January bills presented for payment. MOTION CARRIED-all voting aye.
Monthly financial reports for December 2022 were reviewed. Following discussion, the board concurred with the proposal to move idle savings/MMIS account balances to higher rate CDs at the same banks where funds are now deposited.
Principals’ and Activities Director Reports:
Elementary Principal’s report by Mrs. Gunderson: PK-6 enrollment 183 plus 3 SPED PK, attendance 95.26%; upcoming events on 1/25 include lyceum for K-12 and CPI training for staff.
High School Principal’s report by Mrs. Reiser: JH/HS enrollment of 115, attendance 95.25%; staff PD day included Lion Heart presentation and PLC group meetings; upcoming staff/student events include CPI training, FCCLA STAR Events and CTE Day.
Activities Director report by Mr. Hagler: Update re: purchase of new outdoor scoreboard: American Legion group committed to a $10,000 contribution (1/2 of the expected total cost t/b made available in October); NS will solicit local sponsors for remainder of cost. New FB field/track will require one additional pole/light.
Superintendent’s Report by Mr. Hagler: Pay and/or benefit options for ancillary staff were presented for negotiators to consider this year. Return to Learning (Health and Safety) Plan required for continued access to ESSER funds was presented for board approval.
MOTION made by Michelle Gibbens, seconded by Jeremiah Halley, to approve the Health & Safety Plan currently in place with no changes. MOTION CARRIED on a roll call vote: Doehler-yes, Gibbens-yes, Halley-yes, Jorde-yes, Larson-yes, Wagenman-yes, Jacksen-yes.
Discussed and agreed upon a date change for PT conferences set for February 16th (Thursday): will be rescheduled to Wednesday, 2/15/23 from 3 pm - 6 pm, and Wednesday, 2/22/23 from 4 pm - 7 pm; brief update on current legislative session; North Star received approval of a grant application to USDA for a new cafeteria oven to be
delivered in March/April. New NDSBA Policy GAAE CRITICAL RACE THEORY was presented for board review and approval. MOTION was made by Jeana Jorde, seconded by Brooks Larson, to adopt North Star Board Policy GAAE CRITICAL RACE THEORY as proposed by NDSBA, designating Superintendent as the contact person in the Requests to View
section, and to waive the second reading in accordance with North Star Board Policy BDA. MOTION CARRIED on a roll call vote with 6 yeses and 1 no: Doehler-yes, Gibbens-no, Halley-yes, Jorde-yes, Larson-yes, Wagenman-yes, Jacksen-yes.
Old Business: Miranda Larson presented APPENDIX A: PETITION FOR RECOGNITION OF APPROPRIATE NEGOTIATING UNIT: “Pursuant to Section 15.1-16-10 of the North Dakota Century Code, the North Star #67 hereby requests that the School Board recognize as an appropriate negotiating unit all employees licensed to teach by the ESPB or approved to
teach by the ESPB and employed by the School Board primarily as classroom teachers.” with signatures of James Greenlee, Lindsay Bundermann, and Bethany Grande. MOTION made by Chris Doehler, seconded by Michelle Gibbens, to approve APPENDIX B: BOARD’S
DETERMINATION OF APROPRIATE UNIT: “Pursuant to 15.1-16-10 of the North Dakota Century Code, the School Board of North Star School District recognizes as the appropriate negotiating unit all employees licensed to teach by the ESPB or approved to teach by the ESPB and employed primarily as classroom teachers.” MOTION CARRIED on a roll call vote: Doehler-yes, Gibbens-yes, Halley-yes, Jorde-yes, Larson-yes, Wagenman-yes, Jacksen-yes.
Next steps in the negotiation process were noted. Attendees and the itinerary for the 3/14/23 legislative trip to Bismarck was provided.
New Business: School board seats held by Vickie Jacksen and Jeana Jorde are up for election in June 2023. Next superintendent evaluation is due by March 15th. Superintendent Jeff Hagler informed the board of his intent to retire from his position effective June 30, 2023. Comments from board members followed re: Mr. Hagler’s outstanding job performance over the last 10 years.MOTION was made by Michelle Gibbens, seconded by Chris Doehler, to accept the resignation of Jeff Hagler, effective June 30, 2023, with thanks for his years of service. MOTION CARRIED on a roll call vote: Doehler-yes, Gibbens-yes, Halley-yes, Jorde-yes, Larson-yes, Wagenman-yes, Jacksen-yes. Mr. Hagler suggested that a committee be formed to determine the process to be followed to fill the open superintendent position; board agreed the committee should include the elementary and secondary principals, teachers, community members and board members; Michelle Gibbens, Chris Doehler, and Vickie Jacksen volunteered to be committee members.
Next meeting set for Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. Meeting adjourned at 8:26 p.m.