(Official Publication)
MINUTES OF MEETING
SCHOOL BOARD OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 11
(Anoka-Hennepin School District)
STATE OF MINNESOTA
The School Board of Anoka-Hennepin Independent School District No. 11 held a regular meeting on Monday, September 28, 2015, at the Sandburg Education Center, Anoka, Minnesota.
Chair Heidemann called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
The following members were present: Marci Anderson, Bill Harvey, Nicole Hayes and Tom Heidemann William Fields and Jeff Simon were absent.
Chair Heidemann led the pledge of allegiance.
Liz Burgard, Community Education volunteer services supervisor, and Linda Rodgers, Community Education parent involvement coordinator, presented a summary of volunteer hours and its value to the district in a 2014-15 year-end report. A total of 162,054 volunteer work hours were reported in the districts 35 volunteer programs last school year, a number that is equal to 78 full-time employee positions. The time donated was valued at $3.6 million as determined by industry standards.
Becky Brodeur, principal of Andover High School, commended students for demonstrated success in academics and activities. Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar (score of 3 or more on three or more tests): Anna Belschner, Madison Chock, Owen Jensen, Benjamin Johnson, Elizabeth Lee, Megan Mathison, Bryan Pietsch, John Portesan, Noah Reep, Charles Roskowiak, Trevor Seibold, Emily Skrypek, Jacob Sorenson, Madeline Walker, and Jordan Wallace. AP Scholar with Honor (average score of 3.25 on all exams and scores of 3 on three or more tests): Kathryn Breuckman, Steven Emmel, Carissa Gillispie, Amber Kavie, and Wesley Thompson. AP Scholar with Distinction (average score of 3.50 on all exams and scores of 3 on five or more tests): Jesse Donahue, Isaac Friendt, Emily Geiger, Nicholas Lovdahl, Phillip Nowak, Matthew Olson, and Samuel Waldon. Results for the Minnesota State Fair art competition: first place screen printing: Vitalii Magu, Madeline Walker, and Haley Tauzell; second place screen printing Austin Crawford and Madeline Peterson; digital photography Sara Rogers.
John Phelps, principal of Blaine High School (BHS), recognized Caleb Van Arragon, who finished third place at the state AAA golf tournament. BHS Golf Coach Kevin Overgaard provided comments and context for Van Arragons achievement and success as a freshman golfer in the Blaine program.
Gwen Poore, activities director at Anoka High School (AHS), introduced students and their teacher/advisors that experienced success in academics and activities last spring. Recognized students included:
Molly Scarborough, score of 3 on AP studio art portfolio.
Carly Kastner, Minnesota State Fair 4H Blue Ribbon Award for an art project, introduced by AHS art teacher Paul Kelley.
Duncan Riley, earned a 5 score the highest score possible on four AP exams, earning him an AP Scholar with Distinction award, introduced by AHS teacher Colleen Dhennen.
Riley Rieck, AHS high jump record holder, was recognized for his second place finish in the high jump at the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) state track meet.
AHS head softball coach Toni Jesinoski introduced team members for their second place finish in the MSHSL state tournament. Members included: Madelyn Jensen, Morgan Paaverud, Makayla Zimmer, Gabby Blomlie, Amber Elliott, Laura King, Molly Swenson, Alyssa Wicks, Kaitlyn Backman, Brynn Hendrickson, Julia Hoeke, Erin Micklin, Rachel Schmitz, Samantha Smith, Gina Wilson, and Peyton Zak. Team managers are Anne Micklin and Liz Kurti. Zimmer and Elliot were named to the all-state team and Elliot also gained recognition on the state tournament all-tournament team.
CONSENT AGENDA
Marci Anderson moved and Bill Harvey seconded the motion to approve the following consent agenda items.
1. Minutes from the September 14, 2015, Board Work Session.
2. Personnel items as follows:
RETIREMENTS
Current or Most Last Day
Name Recent Position Employed
Dorian Aiello ESC-State/Fed Staffing/Acc Supv 10/6/2015
Gary Friend ESC B&G-Building Supervisor 9/15/2015
Timothy Jess Rum River-Building Supervisor 12/31/2015
Barbara Koste Hoover-Paraeducator 12/4/2015
Diana Menster-Sullivan ESC-Community Ed Manager 2/18/2016
A detailed list of the Resignations/Terminations, Layoff End, Leave of Absence, Modified Leave of Absence, Appointments, Extra Service Agreements, Curriculum Writing, Behind the Wheel and Cash Disbursements is available through the Anoka-Hennepin ISD 11 home page on the Internet or at the district office located at 2727 N Ferry Street, Anoka, MN 55303. If you would like a printed copy of this portion of the minutes, please send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to the attention of Sue Seul at the above address.
3. The cash disbursements report:
Fund No. Description Amount
Checks $ 10,516,886.67
Electronic Payments $ 15,626,620.19
Employee Reimbursements $ 133,533.09
P-Card $ 296,336.46
TOTAL DISTRICT $ 26,573,376.41
4. The cash balance report:
FOOD COMMUNITY BUILDING DEBT EMP BENE
GENERAL SERVICE SERVICE CONSTRUCT SERVICE TRUST HEALTH
01-101 02-101 04-101 06-101 07-101 08-101 20-101
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
07/01/15 109,871,788 4,940,501 6,726,277 1,212,795 7,508,393 89,502 19,341,264
07/31/15 90,911,063 4,914,395 6,767,441 (2,357,988) 5,024,806 89,502 14,935,352
08/31/15 104,075,999 4,475,398 6,372,943 5,666,282 5,025,140 89,502 10,476,769
OPEB FY15 Total
EMP BENE EMP BENE DEBT All Balances
DENTAL WORK COMP SERVICE TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL ALL (1 year ago)
21-101 22-101 47-101 CASH INVESTMENTS BALANCES comparison)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
1,309,312 3,458,361 1,437,015 155,895,208 36,134,000 192,029,208 184,465,596
827,101 3,468,304 973,774 125,553,750 45,102,000 170,655,750 156,404,607
397,140 3,488,706 973,814 141,041,693 55,102,000 196,143,693 174,968,261
The donations received for the month of September are $71,242.26. A detailed list of the donations is available through the Anoka-Hennepin ISD 11 Home Page on the Internet or at the district office located at 2727 N Ferry Street, Anoka, MN 55303. If you would like a printed copy of this portion of the minutes, please send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to the attention of Sue Seul at the above address.
5. Awarded a contract to G&K Services to furnish and deliver linen services for the estimated amount of $31,731.46.
6. Approved the revision to the School Bus Transportation Policy for 2015-2016 school year.
7. Approved the contracts for the School Liaison and Prevention Program Officer Services.
8. Approved the lease agreement for ice time and office/locker space rental for Coon Rapids hockey at the Coon Rapids Ice Arena.
9. Approved the lease agreement for ice rental for the 2015-2016 hockey season at the Anoka Ice Arena.
10. Approved the Child Nutrition Plan to reduce the growing negative meal balance debt.
11. The immunization exclusionsnames and specifics are not included because of data privacy. Motion passed.
COMMUNICATIONS DELEGATIONS OR PETITIONS
No testimony at this meeting.
Superintendent Law gave a report to the Board and reviewed the Board calendar. We are starting our 4th week of school. Superintendent Law tries to get out to all schools the first week of school. He thanked the transportation department for their weeks of efforts to get kids to and from school smoothly. He also thanked volunteers around the District, welcoming students, helping students get to their lunchroom and classrooms, and helping with locker combinations. Why is Johnsville Elementary School so far behind schedule is the question he is hearing. It is actually on track and hopefully the District will be occupying it before the holiday break. Lunch and Listen is being continued this year to listen and learn from staff. He thanked community members for Putting Kids First. The funds from last year were matched. Coffee with the Superintendent will be scheduled before the Thanksgiving break. There are many 50th Celebrations in the District. Please check our website. Superintendent Law invited the community to come out for athletic talents and academic performances that are happening all over the District.
Michelle Vargas, chief financial officer, provided the School Board with an update of the budget reduction planning process for the 2016-17 school year. Vargas identified a projected $7.8 million budget deficit that needs to be addressed, and outlined a timeline and process for decision-making. Vargas noted that a committee has been formed to bring forward a prioritized list for School Board consideration in November. The School Board would be expected to approve a list of potential reductions at its December meeting, which would be shared at public hearings in January. Public testimony from these sessions would be considered as part of the final approval of reductions. School Board action on reductions is set for the Jan. 25, 2016 meeting, a decision that allows for adequate planning time regarding staff allocations for the following school year.
The Anoka-Hennepin School Board believes in a proactive and unified approach to communicating district legislative priorities to state representatives. Steve Kerr, executive director of community and government relations, presented four focus points for the 2016 legislative session. The legislative platform advocates for additional funding to reduce the Special Education cross subsidy gap by providing additional revenue for the mandated programs. Other focus points included providing improved equity for school districts, direct tax relief for property owners, and a one percent increase in the basic funding formula. The board will also advocate for a permanent solution for funding received through a compensatory revenue grant program that has been subject to legislative approval for more than two decades.
Dr. Jinger Gustafson, associate superintendent for middle schools, and Dr. Nita Kumar, mental health consultant, presented the annual report and status update regarding mental health recommendations to support students. Gustafson aligned the work done in the mental health area to the districts strategic direction. She noted the role of the parent and the ability to partner with them as important to increasing student success while ensuring a caring, highly trained staff working effectively within the resources available. Over the past three school years, Anoka-Hennepin has been implementing 42 action items developed within nine mental health recommendations. These recommendations have included:
Mental health screening.
Early identification of at-risk students.
Increase students ability to cope with adversity by providing resiliency programming.
Co-location and/or management of mental health.
Managing role of the mental health consultant.
Expanding community awareness of mental health issues.
Utilizing multidisciplinary teams to consult on complex issues.
Develop follow-up procedures and support for youth identified with multiple risk factors.
Delivering effective professional development for district staff.
The School Board acknowledged the progress made in providing mental health programs and support for students of the three-year period. A mid-year status report will be provided as an update to the School Board and community.
The School Board approved the building supervisors contract for July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2017. The agreement was presented by Nicole Tuescher, executive director of human resources, and was negotiated within the budget parameters established by the School Board. The contact will increase compensation by 2.25 percent each year with an additional clothing allowance added in the second year of the contract. Marci Anderson motioned to approve the building supervisors contract. Bill Harvey seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Michelle Vargas, chief financial officer, reviewed the timeline for certifying property taxes and recommended approval of a preliminary levy totaling $92,069,075, an increase of only .2 percent from the previous year. This action, which was approved by the School Board, sets the initial tax rates used by the county as they prepare and mail proposed property tax statements to property owners in November.
The board also set a public hearing on the proposed levy on Monday, Dec. 14, at 6 p.m., in the boardroom at the Sandburg Education Center. Marci Anderson motioned to approve the preliminary tax certification for taxes payable in 2016. Bill Harvey seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Bill Harvey mentioned it has been a great start to the new school year. We have a lot to be proud of.
The meeting reconvened in open session at 8:08 p.m. Tom Heidemann moved and Marci Anderson seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed.
(Published in the Brooklyn Center/Brooklyn Park Sun Post & Champlin-Dayton Press on Oct. 22, 2015.) 463219
http://post.mnsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/463219-1.pdf