Chokio‑Alberta board approves $81,714.65 in August bills, hires para‑professional and OKs e‑learning days

Mark Gibson, chair of Independent School District #771, called the regular Chokio‑Alberta Public Schools board meeting to order at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 26, 2025, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Board members Matt Westerman, Christina Pederson, Steve Howe and Heidi Brethorst were present; Chandler Erickson was absent.

The board approved the meeting agenda and the July 28 regular meeting minutes by unanimous vote (5-0). Tate Jerome presented the district’s financial report, and the board voted 5-0 to approve August bills totaling $81,714.65.

In personnel actions, the board voted to hire Carissa Green as a para‑professional (motion by Heidi Brethorst, seconded by Christina Pederson). The board also accepted resignations from Kris Quackenbush (para‑professional) and Paula Zimmerman (part‑time preschool teacher aide); both motions carried unanimously.

The board authorized using up to five e‑learning days for weather or emergency school closings during the 2025–26 school year; that motion passed 5-0. Members were presented with information from the accounting firm Eide Bailey; the minutes record the presentation but no formal action on it.

Board members discussed student enrollment for 2025–26 and compared current figures to counts from May 23, 2025; the minutes note the discussion but do not list enrollment totals. No public comments were recorded and no additional business was noted.

A motion to adjourn, made by Heidi Brethorst and seconded by Matt Westerman, carried unanimously (5-0). The minutes were signed by Christina Pederson, board clerk.