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Hibbing school board swears in new director, approves consent items and compliance documents; discusses iPads for early grades
Summary
At its Jan. 22, 2025 meeting, the Hibbing Public School District board approved the agenda and consent items including payroll and claims, adopted a donations resolution, accepted American Indian Education AIPAC compliance documents, and discussed a proposal for iPads for grades 1–3. Newly elected Director Egan was sworn in.
The Hibbing Public School District board met Jan. 22, 2025, in the high school board room and approved the meeting agenda and consent items, accepted a donations resolution and American Indian Education AIPAC compliance documentation, and heard administrative updates and a discussion about iPads for grades 1–3.
Chair John Berklich called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. and newly elected Director Egan accepted the oath of office. Student Representative Sara Cowles gave a brief recap of recent spirit week events and the One Act performance. Director Kim McLaughlin reported on the MSBA conference, said she will testify at an upcoming Senate meeting, mentioned the Local Leadership Committee, and noted she will serve as the district board representative on the ARDC Commission.
High School Principal Ranae Seykora updated the board on the high school and FastBridge assessment results. Assistant High School Principal Chad Snider reported on registration and an increase in virtual school enrollment. Lincoln Middle School Principal Derek Gabardi reported on seventh-grade registration work with the technology department on PowerSchool, announced an author visit by Mary Casanova on Feb. 19, and said the groundbreaking for a new playground is scheduled for June 3.
On a motion by Director Jeff Polcher supported by Director Egan, the board approved the meeting agenda. The board next approved the consent agenda, moved by Director Polcher and supported by Director Derek Gabardi. The consent agenda included the minutes of the Jan. 8, 2025 regular meeting; consideration of claims in the amount of $1,592,660.67; electronic fund transfers of $625,564.89; treasurer’s and investment reports; and payrolls totaling $2,442,830.69. The board also accepted the retirement resignation of James Jukich, Custodian Supervisor (Job #29) at Lincoln Middle School, effective March 31, 2025.
Director Galatz moved and Director Kim McLaughlin supported approval of a resolution accepting donations; the motion carried unanimously. The board also, on a motion by Director Polcher supported by Director McLaughlin, accepted the American Indian Education AIPAC and the district compliance documentation and passed a resolution of concurrence as presented.
Director Egan introduced a discussion item proposing the purchase or use of iPads for students in grades 1–3. The transcript records the topic was raised for consideration but does not record a staff presentation, funding source, formal motion, or vote on the proposal at this meeting.
Director Jeff Polcher moved to adjourn the meeting; Chair John Berklich seconded, and the meeting was adjourned at 4:00 p.m. The minutes were signed by Chair John Berklich and Clerk Jeff Polcher.
Details not specified in the meeting record include whether the student representative participated in votes and the funding plan or timeline for the proposed iPads; those items were not decided at this session.
