Regular Board Meeting
Independent School District 564 – Board of Education
FEBRUARY 27, 2023
6:00 p.m.
DSC Board Room
A Regular Meeting of the Independent School District #564 Board of Education was held on Monday, February 27, 2023, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the DSC Board Room. The following board members were present: Ryan Walseth, Misty Hempel, Mike Spears, Wayne Nomeland, Chris Melbye, Kayla Lian, and Michelle Westerman. Absent: None.
Staff members present were: Dr. Paula Henry, Melissa Bushy, Holly Ward, Sara Olson, Meg Kolden, Dan Christensen, Leslie Fisher, Kylee Skime, Dr. Tony Greene, Patrick Marolt, and Scott Brekke.
Also present were: Coby Skjerven, Tanya Monson-Ek, Dr. Chris Mills, Marlene Anderson, and Dave Hill.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Chair Walseth called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Clerk Melbye confirmed that a quorum was present.
A motion was made by Michelle Weseterman and seconded by Wayne Nomeland to approve the February 27, 2023 agenda, as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Misty Hempel and seconded by Kayla Lian to approve the minutes of the February 13, 2023 regular school board meeting, as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Chris Melbye and seconded by Mike Spears to approve the bills as submitted and on file in the School District Business Office. Motion carried unanimously.
Public Comment:
A. Shari Braunschweig submitted a public comment regarding doors on boys bathrooms.
B. Dave Rist submitted a public comment regarding bullying and violence in our schools.
C. Lindsay Gregory submitted a public comment on ways to come together to help fight bullying.
D. Jewel Fultz submitted a public comment relating to FMS and recent events.
Presentations:
A. Tanya Monson-Ek presented on the mid-year budget and actual updates.
Reports:
A. Student Report:
1. LHS Senior, Coby Skjerven, provided an update on student life at LHS.
B. Committee Report:
1. Chris Melbye gave a brief summary of the February 14, 2023, Finance Committee meeting.
C. Superintendent’s Report:
1. Dr. Henry spoke about how our schools are safe and secure and unfortunately, the recent events at the middle school are the exception. Behavior data from our schools show a low incidence of disruptive behaviors and bullying. And the top priority of our school district will always be the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff.
Recognitions:
A. February is Minnesota School Board Recognition Month.
Business Action Items:
A. A motion was made by Michelle Westerman and seconded by Misty Hempel to approve the Consent Agenda as presented, and as appropriate, per negotiated contract, salary and benefits and an acceptable background check. Motion carried
unanimously.
Personnel:
1. Accept the resignation of Alexandra Hemmestvedt, Special Education Paraprofessional, effective February 16, 2023.
2. Approve the termination of Nels Brown, Bus Driver, effective February 23, 2023.
B. A motion was made by Chris Melbye and seconded by Wayne Nomeland to approve the contract, as negotiated, with Dr. Christopher Mills, as Superintendent of Schools, effective July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2026. Motion carried unanimously.
C. A motion was made by Michelle Westerman and seconded by Kayla Lian to approve the MOU with Thief River Falls Education Association regarding ECFE/ School Readiness Teachers. Motion carried unanimously.
Strong Fiscal Management:
A. A motion was made by Mike Spears and seconded by Chris Melbye to approve the mid year 2022-23 budget as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Other:
A. Our next Long Term Planning Advisory Committee meeting – Thursday, March 9, 2023 @ 7 am, LHS Training Center.
Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 7:06 p.m.
/s/ Ryan Walseth, Chair
/s/ Chris Melbye, Clerk
