3/19/20 Business Meeting
3/19/20 Business Meeting
Meeting Notes
The following is an unofficial summary of the meeting.
At the beginning of the meeting a motion was made to pull Action Item F: Administrative Leave from the agenda. The motion was voted down 3-4 and the item remained on the agenda.
Report for Information: 2020 District Wide Pavement Rehabilitation
School board members received a report on the district-wide pavement rehabilitation project scheduled to take place over the summer. The estimated cost for the project was $854,115 and actual bids came in under budget. The project would replace the west student parking lot and portion of the Grounds Department trail at Stillwater Area High School; sealcoat the main parking lot and bus area at Stillwater Middle School; sealcoat the parking lot, sealcoat the bus area, and overlay the overflow parking at Rutherford Elementary. The board is expected to take action to approve a bid for this project at its next meeting.
Report for Information: COVID-19 Response and Preparation
Superintendent Pontrelli shared an update on the district’s response and the many preparations that have been underway since the Governor’s announcement of school closures from March 18-27 to slow the spread of COVID-19. The governor, along with the department of education, provided a list of more than 20 guidelines for schools to follow in order to ensure that every student in the state of Minnesota receives an equitable education and has equal access to learning and instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our top three priorities have been to (1) develop systems to support and provide food services for our students; (2) providing childcare for emergency workers and our educators; and (3) creating a distance learning program that effectively meets the needs of our students. More information about these items are available on our website.
Action Item: Auditor Services
The school board unanimously approved Clifton, Larson, Allen, LLP as the district auditor for fiscal year ending June 30, 2020.
Action Item: Policy Final Readings
The school board unanimously approved several policies, including Policy 101 – Legal Status of School District; Policy 101.1 – Name of the School District; Policy 102 – Equal Educational Opportunity; Policy 103 – Complaints-Students, Employees, Parents, Other People; and Policy 104 – School District Mission Statement.
Action Item: Technology Purchases
School board members unanimously approved a resolution to designate $200,000 from its fund balance surplus for technology purposes related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds will allow the district to purchase additional Chromebooks to ensure equitable access to devices for all students in grades 6-12, as well as update the district’s phone system to support staff working remotely.
Action Item: Emergency COVID-19 Release of Funds
School board members unanimously approved a resolution to designate $250,000 from its fund balance surplus for future COVID-19 related needs. The board will receive updates as funds are used.
Action Item: Investigation on Bus Terminal Project
The school board voted 5-2 to authorize an investigation of the bus garage project and to retain attorney Pamela Harris and audit firm KDV Bergan for this purpose.
Action Item: Administrative Leave
The board approved a motion 4-3 to direct the superintendent to place the individual identified as “employee A” on paid administrative leave effective March 30, 2020. This does not preclude employee A from performing tasks related to COVID-19 work.
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Additional Meeting Notes
There are a limited number of speaking slots. It is a first come, first served system.