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Mesabi East board directs review of program and position reductions, ratifies teacher contract and approves coaching slate
Summary
At its March 9, 2020 regular meeting, the Mesabi East School Board directed the superintendent to recommend program and position reductions due to budget and enrollment declines, ratified a 2019–2021 teacher master agreement and approved multiple personnel actions including coaching appointments and a $15,000 property purchase agreement.
Vice-Chair Cyndi Worshek called the Mesabi East School District board to order at 5:30 p.m. on March 9, 2020; Directors Rob Hill, Gene Maki and Kathy Undeland and Superintendent Allen were present. The board approved the meeting agenda as amended.
The board voted to adopt a resolution directing the superintendent and administration to examine and recommend reductions in programs and positions because of the district’s financial condition and a decline in student enrollment. Director Rob Hill moved the resolution and Director Gene Maki seconded; the resolution passed by roll call with Ayes — Hill, Maki, Worshek and Undeland and no recorded dissenting votes. The resolution directs administration to identify programs or positions for discontinuance or curtailment and to recommend which teacher contracts may not be renewed or which teachers could be placed on unrequested leave without pay.
The board approved routine business on a consent agenda that included computer checks, payroll and hand payables totaling $1,126,707.55, minutes from recent meetings and a tuition agreement with Minnesota Virtual Academy for one student with a start date of Jan. 28, 2020.
The board accepted multiple personnel resignations: Mary Ellen Dorman (General Education Paraprofessional, effective Feb. 7, 2020); David Hillman (JH football coach, effective Feb. 19, 2020); Ted Fredrickson (assistant baseball coach, effective Feb. 13, 2020); Brooke Dahl (Special Education Paraprofessional); Denise Erchul (Early Childhood Parent Educator); and Tom Gustafson (JV girls basketball coach). Motions to accept the resignations were approved.
The board approved a step increase for Finance Officer Pamela Zahn from Step 2 to Step 3, retroactive to July 1, 2019. It also approved an extensive slate of spring 2019–2020 coaching recommendations, naming head and assistant coaches and multiple volunteers for baseball, golf, softball and track.
The board ratified the master agreement for 2019–2021 between Education Minnesota – Mesabi East Local #1255 and the Mesabi East School District. That ratification was moved by Director Kathy Undeland and seconded by Director Rob Hill and carried on the board floor.
The board approved a purchase agreement for property involving Bradach Lumber and Fuel, Inc. The district agreed to purchase a three-sided shed and attachments located north of Fourth Ave. North in Aurora, Minn., for $15,000.
The board accepted monetary donations of $1,836.58 earmarked for STEM (grades K–8), $500 for Prom Committee/Class of 2021 and $137 from various groups for Giants Ridge 6th Grade Ski Day. The board also approved a resolution supporting the district’s application to the Minnesota State High School League Foundation for a Form B/C grant; roll call recorded Ayes — Maki, Worshek, Undeland and Hill.
Reports to the board were provided under separate cover. The board scheduled its next regular meeting for March 30, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. and adjourned at 6:05 p.m.
