St.

Michael Albertville Independent School District 885

School Board Minutes
District Office Boardroom -- Middle School West (Door A)

Dr. James Behle, Superintendent of Schools

"Excellence
is Our
Tradition"

Doug Birk, Chair | Drew Scherber, Treasurer | Gayle Weber, Vice-Chair

Jeff Lindquist, Director | Carol Steffens, Clerk | Jennifer Peyerl, Director
May 18, 2015

The St. Michael-Albertville School Board held a Regular Meeting in the District Office Boardroom -Middle School West (Door A) at 7:00PM.
Board Members

Present: D. Birk, G. Weber, D. Scherber, C. Steffens, J. Lindquist, J. Peyerl

Absent: None
Staff

J. Behle, M. Barthel, B. Driver, J. Herfel, L. Jennissen, A. Merfeld, Recording Secretary: S. Gallagher

1. Call to Order
All board members present.

2. Approval of Agenda Items

Lindquist/Weber. Motion to approve agenda as presented. Motion carried.
3. Correction and Approval of Previous Minutes
A. May 4, 2015 Regular Meeting
Weber/Peyerl. Motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of May 4, 2015 as presented.
Motion carried.

4. Student Recognition
A. High School Nationally Recognized Students
The school board brought forth and acknowledged the following students for their
accomplishments:
A. National Speech and Debate Association: Marissa Stifter, Alyson Astleford and Brianna
Goodchild

B. National Council of Teachers of English Achievement Awards in Writing: Mackenzie

Burke
C. National FCCLA (Family, Career & Community Leaders of America): Julie Adams
D. National Scholastic Art Award: Michael Bryant
E. National Business Professionals of America (BPA) Competition: Blake Berning, Anne
Caron, Kate Drimel, Tyler Hayes, Ryan Larkin, Daesha Merkl, Olivia Rooney, Julia
Schade, Mary Jo Schmidt, Mallory Schneider, Krista Slavin, Alexa Wilkes, Meghan
Winans, and Abby Wold
Superintendent Behle and High School Principal Driver congratulated the students on their
accomplishments. Board Chair Birk, on behalf of the board also congratulated the students stating
they are remarkable assets to the school and St. Michael-Albertville community.

5. Visitors
A. Persons not on the agenda wishing to address the school board
6. Reports
A. Page Academy Program Changes for 2015-2016
Principal Merfeld told the board that the district will redesign the school within-a-school program,
Page Academy for the 2015-2016 school year. Merfeld said that since Page Academy began, both
Middle School East and West have increased student academic supports, including RtI resulting in
less referrals to Page Academy. The redesign of academic and social emotional support will
assign the 1.0 FTE between Middle School East and West, focus on math and utilize the new
guidance counselor position.

7. Old Business
A. Update on Student Transportation Services Agreement
Dr. Behle said that Dons Bus has not met the terms of the Student Transportation Services
Agreement and is concerned about the effect on having drivers and buses ready for the next school
year. Behle said that he and Transportation Director Hoistad met with Albert and Stanley Barthel
on Friday, May 15th after the 45 day deadline passed for filling the two positions of Operations
Manager and Maintenance Supervisor. Behle stated that he and Hoistad will meet with Sargent
Paul Davis, Office of Pupil Transportation Safety to review Don's Bus performance and readiness
for next year. Dr. Behle asked if the board wanted to utilize a provision in the contract whereby
the district notifies Dons Bus of willful violations of the contract and give them thirty (30) days
to remedy. Behle said that the only option is to terminate the contract if they do not meet their
obligations; however, it may be too late to bid for the 2015-2016 school year. The board decided
to send a letter to Don's Bus notifying them that they are in violation of the March 16, 2015
amended agreement.

8. New Business
A. Action on 2015-2016 Bread and Milk Quotes
Dr. Behle told the board that Food Service Director, Dolores Helgeson had reviewed the bread
and milk quotes for the upcoming school year and based on bids recommended Pan OGold
(bread) and Agropur (milk) as providers for the 2015-2016 school year.
Scherber/Steffens. Motion to approve Pan O'Gold (bread) and Agropur (milk) as providers
for the 2015-2016 school year. Motion carried.
B. Action on 2015-2016 School Lunch Prices
Dr. Behle recommended approval of an increase in the school lunch price by 10 cents. Behle said
that the increase is required by Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act. He also said that each year the
district is required to review our paid lunches to ensure we meet the USDA guidelines. St.
Michael-Albertville lunch prices for the 2015-2016 school year for Kindergarten through 4th
grade is $2.40, and 5th - 12th grade is $2.55.
Lindquist/Peyerl. Motion to approve 2015-2016 school lunch prices as presented. Motion
carried.
C. Action on Resolution Relating to Updating School District Population
Community Education Director Maryellen Barthel requested action on a resolution updating the
school district population, based on Minnesota State Demographer data showing the St. MichaelAlbertville population increase from 22, 468 to 24,438 residents. Barthel stated that Community
Education receives $5.42 per person in funding, $1.00 for youth service, $1.85 for the first 10,000
people for after school enrichment and $0.43 for those after 10,000.
On a motion by member Steffens, the following resolution was introduced: RESOLUTION
RELATING TO UPDATING SCHOOL DISTRICT POPULATION BE IT RESOLVED
that Independent School District No. 885, St. Michael-Albertville, pursuant to Minnesota
statute 275.14, does hereby authorize the release of an updated school district population to
24,438. These figures are based on current district census data. This resolution shall be
forwarded to the Minnesota State Demographer. The motion for the adoption of the
foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Weber and upon vote taken thereon, the
following voted in favor: Scherber, Steffens, Weber, Birk, Peyerl, Lindquist, and the
following voted against the same: none whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed
and adopted.
D. Presentation and Action on First American Bank Debit Card Fundraising Proposal
Dr. Behle introduced Nick Shultz, First American Bank who presented a school district
fundraising option. Schultz stated that First American Bank would create personal community
bank debit/credit cards which would include the St. Michael-Albertville logo. Schultz said a
percent of the user transaction fee would be donated back to the school district. Schultz requested
the use of the school district logo and an exclusive arrangement for the next couple of years.
Behle said that Policy 511 - Student Fundraising and 905 - Advertising does not permit exclusive

advertising rights and that the board would need to waive the provision in order to grant the
exclusive arrangement. Schultz stated that the rationale for the exclusive request is because of the
initial commitment of time and cost to set up the program with the debit card company. Dr. Behle
recommended that the district participate in the program and permit use of the logo. Through
board discussion, the board reached consensus and agreed to the use of the school logo and to an
exclusive arrangement for one year from the initial release of the debit/credit cards The board
directed Dr. Behle to continue to work with First American Bank on the final agreement.

E. Action on Health Insurance Bids

Dr. Behle recommended approval of Resource Training and Solutions/Blue Cross & Blue Shield
for group health insurance. Behle stated they were low the bid and maintained the current
aggregate benefit value of our policy, as well as being the districts current provider. Behle also
said the rates decreased 10% with a guaranteed cap the second year of no more than 9%. The
rates will have decreased for two years after decreasing 11% last year.
Weber/Lindquist. Motion to approve Resource Training and Solutions/Blue Cross & Blue
Shield as group insurance providers. Motion carried.
F. Action on 2015-2016 Middle School Handbook
Middle School West Assistant Principal Jennissen reviewed the minimal changes to the 20152016 Middle School handbook.
Lindquist/Steffens. Motion to approve the 2015-2016 Middle School Handbook as
presented. Motion carried.
G. Action on .5 FTE Speech and Language Position
Dr. Behle recommended the addition of a .5 FTE Speech and Language position due to increased
numbers of students who are qualifying for services.
Steffens/Peyerl. Motion to approve .5 FTE Speech and Language Position as presented.
Motion carried.
H. Action on 2015-2016 Girls Hockey Cooperative Agreement
Scherber/Lindquist. Motion to approve the 2015-2016 Girls Hockey Cooperative
Agreement as presented. Motion carried.
I. Discuss Strategic Planning
Dr. Behle said that next year will be the fourth year of the 2012-16 Strategic Plan. Behle
identified several factors to consider in postponing development of a new strategic plan until 20162017. Behle said reasons to develop a new plan during the 2015-16 school year would include
generating new ideas and enthusiasm, engaging staff, parents and community members, and
allowing the School board to establish new priorities for the district. Dr. Behle recommended

developing a new strategic plan in 2016-17 for implementation in 2017-18 stating that this would
allow for a new strategic plan prior to a referendum election, if necessary. Behle proposed that in
2015-16, the district collects feedback from staff, parents and community members in preparation
for developing a plan in 2016-17 by conducting a survey and/or focus groups similar to what was
done in 2009. Through discussion, the board agreed to develop a new strategic plan in 2016-2017
for implementation in 2017-2018.

J. Resolution Designating Public Depository and Authorizing Withdrawal of County, City, Village,
Town or School District Moneys and Other Miscellaneous Public Accounts
Dr. Behle recommended the board approve a new public depository resolution for CDs and other
investment funds through Ehlers.
Weber/Lindquist. Motion to approve the Resolution Designating Public Depository and
Authorizing Withdrawal of County, City, Village, Town or School District Moneys and
Other Miscellaneous Public Accounts as presented. Motion carried.
K. Action on Memorandum of Agreement with Bemidji State University for Student Training
Experience/Internship for Non-Allied Health Programs
Steffens/Peyerl. Motion to approve Memorandum of Agreement with Bemidji State
University for Student Training Experience/Internship for Non-Allied Health Programs as
presented. Motion carried.
L. Action on Memorandum of Agreement with St. Scholastica
Steffens/Weber. Motion to approve Memorandum of Agreement with St. Scholastica as
presented. Motion carried.

9. Action on Resolution for Non-Renewal of Contract

A. Action on Resolution of Non-Renewal
Dr. Behle stated the Resolution for Non-Renewal is for Sonny Wang, Chinese Teacher. Behle
said the district must do this annually because Wang is a non-licensed community expert and the
Minnesota Board of Teacher Licensure requires us to advertise each year for a licensed teacher.
Behle said he anticipates that the district will not find a licensed Chinese teacher and will rehire
her.
Member Steffens introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: Resolution
Relating to the Termination and NonRenewal of the NonLicensed Community Expert
Xiaxia (Sonny) Wang. Whereas, Xaixia (Sonny) Wang is a NonLicensed Community Expert
teaching Chinese in Independent School District No 885. BE IT RESOLVED, by the School
Board of Independent School District No. 885, that pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 122A.40,
Subdivision 5, that the teaching contract of Xaixia Wang a nonlicensed community expert
teacher in Independent School District No 885, is hereby terminated at the close of the
current 2014-2015 school year. Be it further resolved that written notice be sent to said
teacher regarding termination and non-renewal of his/her contract as provided by law, and
that said notice shall be in a Notice of Termination and Non-Renewal letter to the employee.
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Peyerl and

upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Scherber, Steffens,
Birk, Weber, Peyerl, Lindquist and the following voted against the same: none. Whereupon
said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.

10. Consent Agenda

Weber/Lindquist. Motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Motion carried.
A. Claims and Accounts
Payroll
General Fund (01)
Food Service (02)
Community Service (04)
Agency Fund (09)
Total

$1,516,383.98
$986,666.53
$14,220.09
$31,671.15
$5,078.09
$2,554,019.84

B. Treasurers Report
C. Trip Requests
D. Resignations, Retirements, Terminations and Layoffs
1. Arlien, Eric (HS) -- 9th Grade Football Coach, resignation, effective 5-4-2015
2. Beehler, Kevin (HS) -- Science Teacher Long Term Substitute, temporary employment
concluded, effective 6-4-2015
3. Jenkins, Kristen (HS) -- Special Education Teacher, resignation, effective 6-4-2015
4. Johnson, Derek T (HS) -- 9th Grade Football Coach, resignation, effective 5-4-2015
5. Koch, Sara (HS) -- Spanish Teacher, resignation, effective 6-4-2015
6. Lenneman, Bridget (HS) -- Special Education Long Term Substitute, temporary
employment concluded, effective 6-4-2015
7. Pratt, Amanda (FE) -- Summer School 4th Grade Teacher, resignation, effective 6-5-2015
8. Raiche-Krueger, Katie (ME) -- 7th Grade Math Long Term Substitute, temporary
employment concluded, effective 6-4-2015
9. VanHoorik, Shawna (BW) -- 3rd Grade Teacher Long Term Substitute, temporary
employment concluded, effective 6-5-2015
E. 2015-2016 Certified Staff Employment
1. Bartunek, Michael (HS) -- Instrumental and Vocal Music Teacher, .5 FTE, BA Step 3,
effective 8-26-2014

2. Carlson, Julie (ME/MW) -- Counselor, 1.0 FTE (.5 FTE Middle School East / .5 FTE
Middle School West), MA Step 2, new position, effective 8-26-2015
3. Kelly, Jody (MW) -- Language Arts Teacher-RtI, new position, transfer from 8th Grade
Language Arts Teacher, Middle School West, effective 8-26-2015
4. Lenneman, Bridget (MW) -- Special Education Teacher, 1.0 FTE, BA +30 Step 2, replacing
Lucas Garcia Silva, effective 8-26-2015
5. McCauley, Cailyn (HS) -- Math Teacher, 1.0 FTE, BA Step 1, new position, effective 8-262014
6. Mesna, Jessica (ME) -- Counselor, 1.0 FTE, MA Step 10, replacing Morgan Hanenberger,
effective 5-15-2015
F. 2014-2015 Coordinator Employment
1. Holmgren, Matt (Technology) -- Network-Server Coordinator, replacing Ryan Lindenfelser,
5 days per week / 8 hours per day, effective 5-21-2015
G. 2014-2015 Support Staff Employment
1. Arns, John (Activity Center) -- Activity Center Paraprofessional, flexible weekend hours, 510 hours per week, replacing Harrison Ranallo, effective 5-18-2015
2. Patyk, Stacey (FE) -- Special Education Paraprofessional, replacing Jennifer Murkins, 5
days per week/6.5 hours per week, effective 5-18-15.
H. 2015-2016 Support Staff Employment
1. Ronning, Kimberly (District Office) -- Food Service Administrative Assistant, increase in
FTE from 5 hours per day/5 days per week to 6 hours per/5 days per week, effective 7-12015
I.
2014-2015 Seasonal
Special Education Extended School Year
1. Anderson, John (ME) Special Education Teacher, 15 days
2. Cornelius, Irene (ME) Special Education Paraprofessional, 15 days
3. Hinz, Bobbi (ME) Special Education Paraprofessional, 15 days
4. Huser, Ann (ME) Special Education Paraprofessional, 15 days
5. Johnson, Brian (ME) Special Education Paraprofessional, 15 days
6. Joos, Angela (ME) Special Education Paraprofessional, 15 days
7. Maas, Lisa (ME) Special Education Teacher, 15 days
8. Madore, Monica (ME) Special Education Paraprofessional, 15 days

9. Pahl, Amanda (ME) -- Special Education Seasonal teacher, 15 days

10. Rothweiler, Steve (ME) Special Education Adapted Physical Education, 5.75 hours
11. Scheffler, Tessa (ME) Special Education Teacher, 15 days
12. Schoenke, Stacey (ME) Special Education Paraprofessional, 15 days
13. Sherry, Tammy (ME) Special Education Paraprofessional, 15 days
14. Stoehr-Fealy, Ginger (ME) Special Education Paraprofessional, 15 days
15. Stoll, Nancy (ME) Special Education Teacher, 15 days
16. Thomes, Judy (ME) -- Special Education Seasonal teacher, 15 days
17. Zahler, Anne (ME) Special Education Paraprofessional, 15 days
Kids Play Seasonal
1. Chartier, Mason (CE) -- Kids Play Seasonal Aide, 4.25 hours per day/4 days per week,
effective 5-18-2015
2. Yue, Olivia (CE) -- Kids Play Seasonal Paraprofessional, approximately 5 hours per day / 3
days per week, effective 5-18-2015
J. Leave of Absence
1. Lichtenberg, Mallory (ME) -- 8th Grade Science Teacher, Leave (non-FMLA), effective on
or about 10-1-2015 to 12-4-2015
2. Osterbauer, Karen (HS) -- Cook Helper, Employee Medical Leave (non-FMLA), effective 420-2015 to 5-11-2015

11. Donations
The board recognized donations made to the district.
A. Wells Fargo Community Support Campaign donated the following amounts on behalf of : R.
Pederson ($60), T. Pederson ($60), M. Lafone ($30), L. Haseman ($25), A. Deming ($23.07) to
Albertville Primary for classroom supplies.
B. Anonymous donated $300 to the STMA Athletic Program to assist players in the program or
students in need.
C. STMA Lacrosse Association donated $9,150 for boys lacrosse uniforms
D. Labels 2 Learn donated $30.65 to Middle School East for student needs.
E. Wells Fargo Community Support Campaign donated $356.75 to Big Woods Elementary for
student needs
F. STMA Football Academy donated $500 to Community Education for 4th to 6th grade tackle
football program

12. Information Items

A. High School Graduation
13. Correspondence
14. Future Meeting Dates
A. Monday, June 1, 2015 -- Regular Meeting
B. Monday, June 1, 2015 -- Special (Closed) Meeting to Discuss Superintendent Evaluation
following the regular board meeting
C. Friday, June 5, 2015 -- STMA Graduation Ceremony, STMA High School, 7:00 p.m.
D. Monday, June 15, 2015 -- Regular Meeting
E. Monday, July 20, 2015 -- Regular Meeting (one meeting in July)
15. Adjourn
Steffens/Lindquist. Motion to adjourn at 8:50 p.m. Motion carried.