Staff is set for next year at Clearbrook-Gonvick

The Clearbrook-Gonvick School board hired a person for the last position that was needed for the upcoming school year at their meeting on Monday, June 19, 2017. A motion was made to hire Ms. Darcy Hegg as the First Grade Elementary teacher.  She was placed on the district contract on Step 8 at the Master Level. 

Principals’ report

Principal Jeff Burgess gave his report on the updates for the student handbook. They include dress code, electronic devices/cell phones and athletic eligibility. The board will have the opportunity to look at them before the board meeting in July. They will be able to make updates and it can be finalized before the start of school.

On the subject of retention of a student, Burgess gave what has been done. Phone calls and letters have been made to every parent and online summer school is available to avoid retention.

Science curriculum has been updated this year in 4 to 6 for Biology, Chemistry and Anatomy. The curriculum team has been meeting after school was out now to map the standards and to review test results. They have been looking at test results from the state to see what areas are up to all standards and areas that are weak and need more emphasis.

Staff development has been set for the fall. Amy Mullry will be back with ENVoY for the staff.  She will be showing how to use influence rather than power to manage the classroom. This series is based on Michael Grinder and Associates (MGA), who are the founders of the program. They provide training in non-verbal communication, group dynamics, influence skills and “permission” based development for school districts, schools and individuals. Staff development time is also used to continue emphasis on standards and curriculum review.

The Trap Club had three students who went to Alexandria for the championship. There were over 7,500 participants who competed based upon class. The students placed 4th and 8th place in their class.

Superintendent’s report

Wayne Olson informed the board on the corrective action plan for the Title program. Results were received from the evaluation plan two months ago. One item is documentation for meetings that they have had. Plans have to be done by March of next year.

Test results show that reading levels have improved in grades 1 to 3. This will only increase as the students advance to the next levels.

The state will not pay for all students to take the ACT test. Only free and reduced students will receive payment. 

Testing for lead was done in the school drinking water.

If the district needs to put a staff member on unrequested leave of absence they don’t have to use the last staff member hired for the first staff member to be put on leave. A request has to also be made with the staff to use evaluations and other information for the decision.

Superintendent Olson does not recommend Governor Dayton’s program for Pre-K in the district. Funding for the program is only guaranteed for two years. Then it would be up to the district to find funding for the added program. 

There are 13 new policies and requirements that the district has to do for next year.

The district received a thank you from the Seniors for their class trip that they took at the end of the school year which was read by Olson

Committee Reports

Policy – Health and Safety, Wellness with not much change and unpaid bills. What to do if the account runs out of money they can charge $25 for the next week and then go on alternate meals until it is paid.

Certified Negotiations – Board members have finished and it is being sent back to the teachers organizations for a vote. They will get it back to the board.

Finance – A proposed 2017-2018 district budget was presented to the board. They will be able to contribute some to the fund balance. Unknowns such as cost of gas and the building is getting older and there will be repairs that need to be done.

Consent Calendar

Bills, electronic transfers and treasurer’s report were approved. Bills include: Stein’s Bus Service LLC $21,581.66; Marco $10,422.38; Clearwater-Polk Electric $9,88301; Community Oil $6,916.72; Garden Valley Telephone Co. $3,628.63; Clearwater County Nursing Service $3,472.15; 2 Loons Letters & Threads  $1,931.26; Anderson Disposal 41,809.70; City of Clearbrook $1,773.19; Northland Community College $1,570.00.

New business

The board approved the resignation of Mike Rettinger as the head boys’ basketball coach. Kyle Christianson, the Athletic Director, has prospects for the position. 

They approved the resignation of Bob Westrum as the assistant football coach He felt he has been at it long enough. The elementary Physical Education teacher will move into that position.

The board approved the Summer Recreation staff. They included: Coaches: Shawn West – PeeWees, Kloster and Mites; Kaitlyn Martine – Bantam/Ponies, Midgets and Kloster; Ty Nelson – Cadets and Kloster and Morgan Cornell – T-ball and Kloster. Assistant Coaches: To work with various coaches and instructors were Isaac McQuown and Allison Lewis.  In addition to the duties they may help with other classes/activities and trips as needed.

Sarah Goudge gave a report on the QComp for the past year. The ENVoY training is part of the professional development. 32 teachers claimed Q Comp dollars last year. It is based on observations and individual goals and meets the requirements of the Department of Education. The staff had $70,000 in payments last year.

Action item for the July meeting will be the transportation contract for next year.