The School Board of North Star Public School District #10 met in regular session on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 in North Star Room 101.
PRESENT: Chris Doehler, Michelle Gibbens, Vickie Jacksen, Jeana Jorde (left meeting at 9 am), Bob Kennedy, John Peters, Paul Wagenman; Administration: Jeff Hagler, Jessica Gunderson, Nancy Reiser, Cathy Johnson. VISITORS: Ruth Lutz, Sherry Walters – Cando, ND residents.
Board President Jacksen called the meeting to order at 7:30 a.m. No changes to the agenda.
MOTION made by Michelle Gibbens, seconded by Jeana Jorde, to approve the minutes of the July 21, 2021 annual meeting. MOTION CARRIED - all voting aye. MOTION made by Bob Kennedy, seconded by Jeana Jorde, to approve the minutes of the July 29, 2020 special board meeting. MOTION CARRIED - all voting aye.
MOTION by John Peters, seconded by Chris Doehler, to approve the August bills presented for payment. MOTION CARRIED -all voting aye.
Monthly financial reports for July 2021 were reviewed.
Principals’ and Activities Director Reports:
Elementary Principal’s report by Mrs. Gunderson: registration day; K-6 initial enrollment: 183 (decrease from 195 at FY21 yearend); grades 1-4 each have 2 sections; teachers will use a schedule that anticipates hiring a fulltime elementary music teacher by the end of the first quarter: hire date depends on the resolution of current contract termination by the candidate for the position.
High School Principal’s report by Mrs. Reiser: Initial JH/HS enrollment: 121 (decrease from 122 at FY21 yearend); JH/HS schedule available for review.
Activities Director report by Mr. Hagler: PWGBB coaches are Lana Nicholas and Kirstin Ahlberg; JHVB coaches are Torie McTaggart and Liz Wilke; PWFB (not a North Star sponsored activity) is underway; parent inquiry has been received re: FB coop with Leeds.
Superintendent’s Report by Mr. Hagler: Initial draft of the FY22 Health and Safety Plan was reviewed and discussed at length by the board; wording was revised and/or clarified in sections dealing with face covering requirements and quarantine or attendance options for students/staff identified as close contacts; board also concurred with suggestion by administration to optionally grant up to 4 extra days of sick leave to staff who are absent from work due to COVID. Four (4) no-charge tuition agreements were presented for board approval.
MOTION made by Michelle Gibbens, seconded by Bob Kennedy, to approve four no charge tuition agreements: with Devils Lake Public Schools for 7th grader (Wessels) to attend in Devils Lake, with Leeds School District for 10th grader (Bisbee) to attend North Star, with Munich School District for 4th grader (Westphal) to attend North Star.
Bid specifications for new white activity bus were provided for review; bids to be reviewed at September meeting.
Old Business: Updates on special projects: Bell/Clock/Intercom System - installation is partially completed with working bells and intercoms in hallways; waiting for delivery of classroom clock and intercom components; Chimney - installation is complete; Tennis Court - fixtures will be installed when all have been received; Activity Bus – build start date is August 18th; Air Conditioning – North Country Heating has done a site review but has not submitted a quote; FB/Baseball Field – lots of discussion but no firm decision on anticipated/preferred final plan.
New Business: Milk bid from Lakeview Dairy presented for board approval.
MOTION made by Chris Doehler, seconded by Paul Wagenman, to approve the bid for FY22 for milk and dairy products from Lakeview Dairy. MOTION CARRIED on a roll call vote: Doehler-yes, Gibbens-yes, Kennedy-yes, Peters-yes, Wagenman-yes, Jacksen-yes (Jorde absent).
After school daycare rates need to be set for FY22 by Mrs. Gunderson and the Business Manager.
Need to engage a new audit firm due to Emil Schoenfish’s retirement. Cathy Johnson presented information from preliminary contact with a Fargo firm and plans to also contact a Grand Forks firm; board delegated authority to choose the audit firm and schedule the FY21 audit to administration.
Next meeting set for Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. with Budget Hearing at 8:00 p.m.
Meeting adjourned at 9:12 a.m.