PELICAN RAPIDS BOARD OF EDUCATION 

REGULAR BOARD MEETING 

April 15, 2019

The Pelican Rapids Board of Education held a regular meeting on April 15, 2019 in the board room at the high school at 6:30 p.m. Board members present: Michael Forsgren, Jon Karger, Anne Peterson, Brittany Dokken, Greg Larson, Brenda Olson. Board members absent: None. Others present: Superintendent Randi Anderson, Brian Korf, Dr. Ed Richardson, Derrick Nelson, Logan Petznick, Grace Peterson, Rudy Martinez, Barb Ripley, Cary Haugrud, Lou Hoglund, Trevor Steeves, Jill Roisum, Harold Holt, Chris Hovden, Lori Paakh, Sherri Larson, Terra Fitzsimmons, Steve Gravalin, Deb Gravalin, Renae Reynolds, Bernie Reynolds, Bill Simmons. 

The meeting was called to order by Jon Karger. 

Anne Peterson moved to approve the agenda with the following changes:

a) Consent agenda 

1. Add to approve the resignation of Shawn Gravalin as high school para effective April 15, 2019.

b) Change 

1. Move Denise Evenson’s name from the list of Termination and Nonrenewal of Teaching Contracts to the list of teachers being placed on Unrequested Leave of Absence. 

The motion was seconded by Michael Forsgren and carried. 

Michael Forsgren moved to approve the consent agenda consisting of the following items: 

a) Approve board minutes of the meeting on March 18, 2019

b) Approve Financial Claims – March bills 

c) Approve the Treasurer’s Report 

d) Accept donations:

– To Special Olympics in memory of Faith Westby – $95

– Denise & Alan Johnson

– Chris & Tori Olson

– Jeff & Ronda Ellingson

– To SADD – MN National Bank/Jean Machine $135

– To ISD 548 – Pelican Press $25

– To ISD 548 – Bell Bank/Custom Cards $20

– To Class of 79 Scholarship – Lori Johnson $100; Richard Groth $50; Alicia Mickelson $20; Julie Ohman $25

– To Roots – Essentia Health $200

– To Arnie Scholarship – Lakes Country Cruisers $500

– To Scholarships in memory of Larry Albright – Anonymous $20

– To Viking Elementary for Mathseeds Subscription – Shada Seed & Ag Svcs $905 To Scholarships – Lake Region Electric Co-op $500 

– To ISD 548-TV Production Class – Natl. Academy of Television $1,800 

e) Acknowledge receipt of the Notice of Desire to Negotiate from the Pelican Rapids Education Association

d) Personnel: 

– Approve the resignation of Len Thompson as high school custodian effective April 12, 2019

– Hire Jenna Nava as full-time high school custodian

– Hire Bryon Koch as high school custodian pending completion of background check 

– Approve the resignation of Shawn Gravalin as paraprofessional effective April 15, 2019

– Approve the resignation of Robert Kohler as paraprofessional effective April 26, 2019 

– Approve the resignation of Avery Beck as head girls soccer coach and assistant dance coach

– Approve a medical leave for David Haugen from April 17-May 24

– Hire Deb Bruns as a long-term sub for David Haugen 

The motion was seconded by Brenda Olson and carried. 

Greg Larson introduced the following Resolutions Relating to the Termination and Nonrenewal of the Teaching Contracts of probationary and part-time teachers and moved their adoption: 

RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE TERMINATION AND NONRENEWAL OF THE TEACHING CONTRACT OF JOSHUA FULLER, A PROBATIONARY TEACHER 

WHEREAS, Joshua Fuller is a probationary teacher in Independent School District No. 548. 

BE IT RESOLVED, by the School Board of Independent School District No. 548, that pursuant to Minnesota Statute 122A.40, Subdivision 5, that the teaching contract of Joshua Fuller, a probationary teacher in Independent School District No. 548, is hereby terminated at the close of the current 2018-19 school year. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that written notice be sent to said teacher regarding termination and non-renewal of his contract as provided by law, and that said notice shall be in substantially the following form: 

NOTICE OF TERMINATION AND NON-RENEWAL 

Dear Mr. Fuller: 

You are hereby notified that at a regular meeting of the School Board of Independent School District No. 548 held on April 15, 2019, a resolution was adopted by a majority roll call vote to terminate your contract effective at the end of the current school year and not to renew your contract for the 2019-20 school year. Said action of the board is taken pursuant to Minn. Stat. 122A.40, Subd. 5. 

You may officially request that the school board give its reasons for the non-renewal of your teaching contract. For your information, however, this action is taken because of the discontinuance of your position, financial limitations; namely, an elementary teacher. 

Yours very truly,

SCHOOL BOARD OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 548 

Anne Peterson,  Clerk of the School Board 

RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE TERMINATION AND NONRENEWAL OF THE TEACHING CONTRACT OF KAITLYN GANOE, A PROBATIONARY TEACHER 

WHEREAS, Kaitlyn Ganoe is a probationary teacher in Independent School District No. 548. 

BE IT RESOLVED, by the School Board of Independent School District No. 548, that pursuant to Minnesota Statute 122A.40, Subdivision 5, that the teaching contract of Kaitlyn Ganoe, a probationary teacher in Independent School District No. 548, is hereby terminated at the close of the current 2018-19 school year. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that written notice be sent to said teacher regarding termination and non-renewal of her contract as provided by law, and that said notice shall be in substantially the following form: 

NOTICE OF TERMINATION AND NON-RENEWAL 

Dear Ms. Ganoe: 

You are hereby notified that at a regular meeting of the School Board of Independent School District No. 548 held on April 15, 2019, a resolution was adopted by a majority roll call vote to terminate your contract effective at the end of the current school year and not to renew your contract for the 2019-20 school year. Said action of the board is taken pursuant to Minn. Stat. 122A.40, Subd. 5. 

You may officially request that the school board give its reasons for the non-renewal of your teaching contract. For your information, however, this action is taken because of the discontinuance of your position, financial limitations; namely, an elementary teacher. 

Yours very truly,

SCHOOL BOARD OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 548 

Anne Peterson, Clerk of the School Board 

RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE TERMINATION AND NONRENEWAL OF THE TEACHING CONTRACT OF HANNAH JOHNSTON, A PROBATIONARY TEACHER 

WHEREAS, Hannah Johnston is a probationary teacher in Independent School District No. 548. 

BE IT RESOLVED, by the School Board of Independent School District No. 548, that pursuant to Minnesota Statute 122A.40, Subdivision 5, that the teaching contract of Hannah Johnston, a probationary teacher in Independent School District No. 548, is hereby terminated at the close of the current 2018-19 school year. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that written notice be sent to said teacher regarding termination and non-renewal of her contract as provided by law, and that said notice shall be in substantially the following form: 

NOTICE OF TERMINATION AND NON-RENEWAL 

Dear Ms. Johnston: 

You are hereby notified that at a regular meeting of the School Board of Independent School District No. 548 held on April 15, 2019, a resolution was adopted by a majority roll call vote to terminate your contract effective at the end of the current school year and not to renew your contract for the 2019-20 school year. Said action of the board is taken pursuant to Minn. Stat. 122A.40, Subd. 5. 

You may officially request that the school board give its reasons for the non-renewal of your teaching contract. For your information, however, this action is taken because of the discontinuance of your position, financial limitations; namely, an elementary teacher. 

Yours very truly,

SCHOOL BOARD OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 548 

Anne Peterson, Clerk of the School Board 

RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE TERMINATION AND NONRENEWAL OF THE TEACHING CONTRACT OF CHELSEA VANRADEN, A PROBATIONARY TEACHER 

WHEREAS, Chelsea VanRaden is a probationary teacher in Independent School District No. 548. 

BE IT RESOLVED, by the School Board of Independent School District No. 548, that pursuant to Minnesota Statute 122A.40, Subdivision 5, that the teaching contract of Chelsea VanRaden, a probationary teacher in Independent School District No. 548, is hereby terminated at the close of the current 2018-19 school year. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that written notice be sent to said teacher regarding termination and non-renewal of her contract as provided by law, and that said notice shall be in substantially the following form: 

NOTICE OF TERMINATION AND NON-RENEWAL 

Dear Ms. VanRaden: 

You are hereby notified that at a regular meeting of the School Board of Independent School District No. 548 held on April 15, 2019, a resolution was adopted by a majority roll call vote to terminate your contract effective at the end of the current school year and not to renew your contract for the 2019-20 school year. Said action of the board is taken pursuant to Minn. Stat. 122A.40, Subd. 5. 

You may officially request that the school board give its reasons for the non-renewal of your teaching contract. For your information, however, this action is taken because of the discontinuance of your position, financial limitations; namely, an elementary teacher. 

Yours very truly,

SCHOOL BOARD OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 548 

Anne Peterson, Clerk of the School Board 

RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE TERMINATION AND NONRENEWAL OF THE TEACHING CONTRACT (.5) OF ABIGAIL JIRIK, A PROBATIONARY TEACHER 

WHEREAS, Abigail Jirik is a probationary teacher in Independent School District No. 548. 

BE IT RESOLVED, by the School Board of Independent School District No. 548, that pursuant to Minnesota Statute 122A.40, Subdivision 5, that the teaching contract of Abigail Jirik, a probationary teacher in Independent School District No. 548, is hereby terminated (.5) at the close of the current 2018-19 school year. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that written notice be sent to said teacher regarding termination and non-renewal of her contract as provided by law, and that said notice shall be in substantially the following form: 

NOTICE OF TERMINATION AND NON-RENEWAL 

Dear Ms. Jirik: 

You are hereby notified that at a regular meeting of the School Board of Independent School District No. 548 held on April 15, 2019, a resolution was adopted by a majority roll call vote to terminate your contract (.5) effective at the end of the current school year and not to renew your contract for the 2019-20 school year. Said action of the board is taken pursuant to Minn. Stat. 122A.40, Subd. 5. 

You may officially request that the school board give its reasons for the non-renewal of your teaching contract. For your information, however, this action is taken because of the discontinuance of your position, financial limitations; namely, an elementary teacher. 

Yours very truly, 

SCHOOL BOARD OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 548 

Anne Peterson, Clerk of the School Board 

RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE TERMINATION AND NONRENEWAL OF THE TEACHING CONTRACT (.5) OF VICTORIA STEFONOWICZ, A PROBATIONARY TEACHER 

WHEREAS, Victoria Stefonowicz is a probationary teacher in Independent School District No. 548. 

BE IT RESOLVED, by the School Board of Independent School District No. 548, that pursuant to Minnesota Statute 122A.40, Subdivision 5, that the teaching contract of Victoria Stefonowicz, a probationary teacher in Independent School District No. 548, is hereby terminated (.5) at the close of the current 2018-19 school year. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that written notice be sent to said teacher regarding termination and non-renewal of her contract as provided by law, and that said notice shall be in substantially the following form: 

NOTICE OF TERMINATION AND NON-RENEWAL 

Dear Ms. Stefonowicz: 

You are hereby notified that at a regular meeting of the School Board of Independent School District No. 548 held on April 15, 2019, a resolution was adopted by a majority roll call vote to terminate your contract (.5) effective at the end of the current school year and not to renew your contract for the 2019-20 school year. Said action of the board is taken pursuant to Minn. Stat. 122A.40, Subd. 5. 

You may officially request that the school board give its reasons for the non-renewal of your teaching contract. For your information, however, this action is taken because of the discontinuance of your position, financial limitations; namely, a high school teacher. 

Yours very truly,

SCHOOL BOARD OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 548 

Anne Peterson, Clerk of the School Board 

RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE TERMINATION AND NONRENEWAL OF THE TEACHING CONTRACT OF DAWN FINN, A PART TIME TEACHER 

WHEREAS, Dawn Finn is a part-time teacher in Independent School District No. 548. 

BE IT RESOLVED, by the School Board of Independent School District No. 548, that pursuant to Minnesota Statute 122A.40, Subdivision 5, that the teaching contract of Dawn Finn, a part time teacher in Independent School District No. 548, is hereby terminated at the close of the current 2018-19 school year. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that written notice be sent to said teacher regarding termination and non-renewal of her contract as provided by law, and that said notice shall be in substantially the following form: 

NOTICE OF TERMINATION AND NON-RENEWAL 

Dear Ms. Finn: 

You are hereby notified that at a regular meeting of the School Board of Independent School District No. 548 held on April 15, 2019, a resolution was adopted by a majority roll call vote to terminate your contract effective at the end of the current school year and not to renew your contract for the 2019-20 school year. Said action of the board is taken pursuant to Minn. Stat. 122A.40, Subd. 5. 

You may officially request that the school board give its reasons for the non-renewal of your teaching contract. For your information, however, this action is taken because of the discontinuance of your position, financial limitations; namely, a high school teacher. 

Yours very truly,

SCHOOL BOARD OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 548 

Anne Peterson, Clerk of the School Board 

The motion was seconded by Michael Forsgren and upon a vote being taken, the following voted in favor: Brittany Dokken, Anne Peterson, Jon Karger, Michael Forsgren, Greg Larson, Brenda Olson

And the following voted against: 

None

Whereupon the motion was passed and the resolutions were adopted. 

Greg Larson introduced the following Resolutions Proposing to Place Teachers on Unrequested Leave of Absence and moved their adoption: 

RESOLUTION PROPOSING TO PLACE COLEEN GUHL ON UNREQUESTED LEAVE OF ABSENCE (.5) 

BE IT RESOLVED by the School Board of Independent School District No. 548, as follows: 

1. That it is proposed that Coleen Guhl, a teacher of said school district, be placed on unrequested leave of absence (.5) without pay or fringe benefits, effective at the end of the 2018-19 school year on June 30, 2019, pursuant to Minn. Stat. 122A.40, subdivision 11. 

2. That said proposed placement on unrequested leave of absence is not the result of the implementation of an education district agreement. 

3. That written notice be sent to said teacher regarding the proposed placement on unrequested leave of absence (.5) without pay or fringe benefits as provided by law and said notice shall include a date for hearing if requested and be in substantially the following form: 

NOTICE OF PROPOSED PLACEMENT ON UNREQUESTED LEAVE OF ABSENCE (.5) AND NOTICE OF HEARING DATE, IF REQUESTED 

Dear Ms. Guhl: 

You are hereby notified that at the regular meeting of the School Board of Independent School District No. 548 held on April 15, 2019, consideration was given to your placement on unrequested leave of absence (.5) without pay or fringe benefits as a teacher of Independent School District No. 548, and a resolution was adopted by a majority vote of the Board, proposing your placement on unrequested leave of absence (.5) effective at the end of the 2018-19 school year on June 30, 2019, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 122A.40, subdivision 11 upon the grounds described in said statute and which are specifically as follows: 

Discontinuance of Position (.5) 

Financial Limitations

Your proposed placement on unrequested leave of absence is not the result of the implementation of an education district agreement. 

Under the provisions of the law, you are entitled to a hearing before the school board provided that you make a request in writing within fourteen days after receipt of this notice. If no hearing is requested within such period, it shall be deemed acquiescence by you to the school board’s proposed action. 

Yours very truly, 

SCHOOL BOARD OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 548 

Anne Peterson, Clerk of the School Board 

4. That each and all of the foregoing grounds of said notice are within the grounds for unrequested leave placement as set forth in Minn. Stat. 122A.40, subdivision 11 and are hereby adopted as fully as though separately set forth and resolved herein. 

RESOLUTION PROPOSING TO PLACE DENISE EVENSON ON UNREQUESTED LEAVE OF ABSENCE (.46) 

BE IT RESOLVED by the School Board of Independent School District No. 548, as follows: 

1. That it is proposed that Denise Evenson, a teacher of said school district, be placed on unrequested leave of absence (.46) without pay or fringe benefits, effective at the end of the 2018-19 school year on June 30, 2019, pursuant to Minn. Stat. 122A.40, subdivision 11. 

2. That said proposed placement on unrequested leave of absence is not the result of the implementation of an education district agreement. 

3. That written notice be sent to said teacher regarding the proposed placement on unrequested leave of absence (.46) without pay or fringe benefits as provided by law and said notice shall include a date for hearing if requested and be in substantially the following form: 

NOTICE OF PROPOSED PLACEMENT ON UNREQUESTED LEAVE OF ABSENCE (.46) AND NOTICE OF HEARING DATE, IF REQUESTED 

Dear Ms. Evenson: 

You are hereby notified that at the regular meeting of the School Board of Independent School District No. 548 held on April 15, 2019, consideration was given to your placement on unrequested leave of absence (.46) without pay or fringe benefits as a teacher of Independent School District No. 548, and a resolution was adopted by a majority vote of the Board, proposing your placement on unrequested leave of absence (.46) effective at the end of the 2018-19 school year on June 30, 2019, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 122A.40, subdivision 11 upon the grounds described in said statute and which are specifically as follows: 

Discontinuance of Position (.46) 

Financial Limitations

Your proposed placement on unrequested leave of absence is not the result of the implementation of an education district agreement. 

Under the provisions of the law, you are entitled to a hearing before the school board provided that you make a request in writing within fourteen days after receipt of this notice. If no hearing is requested within such period, it shall be deemed acquiescence by you to the school board’s proposed action. 

Yours very truly, 

SCHOOL BOARD OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 548 

Anne Peterson, Clerk of the School Board 

4. That each and all of the foregoing grounds of said notice are within the grounds for unrequested leave placement as set forth in Minn. Stat. 122A.40, subdivision 11 and are hereby adopted as fully as though separately set forth and resolved herein. 

The motion was seconded by Anne Peterson and upon a vote being taken, the following voted in favor: Brittany Dokken, Anne Peterson, Jon Karger, Michael Forsgren, Greg Larson, Brenda Olson

And the following voted against: 

None 

Whereupon the motion was passed and the resolutions were adopted. 

Greg Larson moved to approve the 2nd reading of the following policies: 519 Interviews of Students by Outside Agencies 

520 Student Surveys

526 Hazing Prohibition

529 Staff Notification of Violent Behavior by Students

530 Immunization Requirements

532 Use of Peace Officers and Crisis Teams to remove Students with IEPs from School Grounds 

The motion was seconded by Brenda Olson and carried. 

Anne Peterson moved to approve the 1st reading of the following policies: 601 School District Curriculum and Instruction Goals

602 Organization of School Calendar and School Day

610 Field Trips 

614 School District Testing Plan and Procedure

615 Testing Accommodations, Modifications, and Exemptions for IEPS, Section 504 Plans, and LEP Students

619 Staff Development for Standards

624 Online Learning Options 

The motion was seconded by Greg Larson and carried. 

Greg Larson moved to approve the 1st & 2nd reading of the following policies: 

605 Alternative Programs 

606 Textbooks and Instructional Materials 

607 Organization of Grade Levels

608 Instructional Services – Special Education 

609 Religion 

611 Home Schooling

The motion was seconded by Michael Forsgren and carried. 

Greg Larson moved to approve the total loss of the van and collection of residual value. The motion was seconded by Brittany Dokken and carried. 

Anne Peterson moved to approve the 6th grade trip to Minneapolis/St. Paul in May. The motion was seconded by Brittany Dokken and carried. 

Greg Larson moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Anne Peterson and carried. 

Jon Karger, 

 School Board Chair

Anne Peterson, 

 School Board Clerk 

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