Minutes
Sleepy Eye ISD #84
Board of Education
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
5:30PM
Conference Room
Call to order: Attendance: Sandy Gonzalez, Joleen Dittbenner, Brian Nelson, Darla Remus, Casey Coulson, Adam Barka, Sheila Wurtzberger
Good News Items: The Girls Basketball team are continuing their winning ways and playoffs start next week for them. They are co-champions. Boys Hockey playoffs start tomorrow night and Austin Uecker was the high scorer for Hockey. Congrats Austin!! Board recognition week.
Recognition of visitors: Press and Staff. Mike Hardin and Bob Elston for the city piece.
Approve Agenda M Casey Coulson 2nd Joleen Dittbenner M/C
Approve minutes of January 09, 2024 M Casey Coulson 2nd Sandy Gonzalez M/C
Approve financial transactions and reports M Joleen Dittbenner 2nd Casey Coulson M/C
Reports
Board: Mascot committee met 4 times, the committee was made up of board members, community members, administrative and staff members and 2 students. We began with 55 names that were submitted to us by community members. From there we narrowed it down to 16 names and then voted on the order of those names. From there we went to 8 names, voted again and then took the 4 final names to the staff and students to have them vote, the 4 names were Bison, Bearcats, Phoenix and Storm. The students overwhelmingly voted for the Bearcats while the staff were equally divided by all 4 names, from there it was recommended to only bring the Bearcats to the Board for consideration. Staff Development met and went over Read Act and some of the training coming up. Community Ed met and discussed Drivers Ed and Community Spring offerings. Facilities met and roofing issues are being addressed.
Principal: Finished up teacher evaluations, offerings were made for classes and is working on the master schedule, parent teacher conferences are lacking participants and had presentations on AI and how to use it for staff and students.
Superintendent: February is school board appreciation month: Thank you for all you do for students, staff and the community of Sleepy Eye. Read Act Update . Building and grounds update Andrew Pettit; Personnel Information We are fully staffed Kevin and Amaris are doing a great job on the second floor and science/band wing. Training Conducted February Training is Asbestos refresher. Inspections Monthly fire extinguisher and exit light inspections. Employee monthly audits are completed. Progress on Projects John, Amanda, Tim and I are still working on the Cafeteria roof to figure out the best course of action to get the roof redone and keep the budget in check. Contacted UHL last Friday they are waiting on one piece of equipment for the control update for the Ag wing. Everything is moving along, it seems like we got the boilers working without issues finally. Been working on trying to clean and organize custodial areas as time permits. Legislative update: The 2024 legislative session convened on Monday, February 12. Legislators have until Monday, May 20, 2024, to finish their work. Because the legislature passed, and the Governor signed, a two-year budget during the 2023 legislative session, the focus will be on a capital investment bill, policy issues, technical fixes to last year’s budget bills, and potentially a supplemental budget bill. Note: Minnesota does not have to pass a supplemental budget. Kindergarten Round Up March 5th 3:00PM-6:00PM. Elementary round two goal setting 95% completed. Third round of observations in progress
Presentation
FY 2024 revised budget by Amanda Boomgarden she went over the revised budget due to the amount of students that we have.
Discussion Items
Christensen grant supported positions they will fund the 3rd Ag teacher for us, because due to need we need 3. Thank you!!
Facility addition: The city is requesting a recreation center that would benefit the community and school needs. Looking for additional funding and it is nothing that would happen right now. The Rec Center will be connected to the school by a separate entrance and would not impact school security. We decided that along with the city we would bring this in for a community interest survey to see if there is even a need or support for this venture. Obviously, this is a big funding opportunity and would provide needed space that the school and the community would benefit from. The school could possibly see a new Arts & Entertainment center along with locker rooms for the new United Football team and some classrooms for a possible middle school.
Mascot: Board members had a spirited discussion that saw that not all board members were happy with the process that took place. Some members would like input from MDE or other entities to correct us on the names that we are able to use. We are not voting on this tonight. We made a motion to submit all 4 names to local tribes and MDE for their recommendation to proceed. Some members were not happy that the students were allowed to see and vote on the names before the rest of the board saw the names.
Action items
Approve resignation of Sarah Lendt as 4-8 grade school counselor at the end of the 2023-24 school year. Thank you Sarah!!
Approve FY 2024 revised budget
Approve resignation of Justina Andree as High School media paraprofessional as of 2/5/24
Approve resignation of Riley Huppert as Instrumental Music teacher at the end of the 2023-24 school year
Approve hiring of Deanna Nelson as High School media paraprofessional 6.5hrs a day @$17.10/hr
Approve hiring of Mayda Meyer as Bilingual paraprofessional at 6.5hrs a day @$15.52/hr
Approve hiring of Ramiro Briones as Elementary SPED paraprofessional at 6.75hrs a day @$15.52/hr
Approve hiring of Dawn Gregor as High School paraprofessional 6.5hrs a day @$15.52/hr
Approve resignation of Troy Vangsness as Assistant Varsity Football coach at the end of the 2023-24 school year
Approve hiring of Kaleb Walter as Assistant Golf coach for the 2023-24 golf season @$3,185
Approve hiring of Crystal Dauer as Track Assistant coach for the 2023-24 track season @ $3,185
Approve the 2023-24 spring coaching assignments as presented
M: Approve hiring of Kathy Haala as Concession Stand Coordinator for the 2024-25 school year @ $3,109
Approve fundraising request for the softball program as presented
Approve the following open enrollment request: 1 in from New Ulm
Approve resolution directing administration to make recommendations for reductions in program for 2024-25 and positions and reasons therefore.
Approve the following donations: $250 by Paul and Julie Andersen charitable fund to the SEU football program; $500 anonymous donation to the River Valley Wildcat track program; $1001 by Kim Patel (JANU-4 LLC) to the Elementary Fundraiser account; $1000 by the Leavenworth Baseball Association to the SEPS Athletic Department Thank you for all your donations they are greatly appreciated.
Addendum
Sleepy Eye, ISD #84
Board of Education
February 21, 2024
Action Items continued
Approve hire of Brianna Peitso for Instrumental Music for the 2024-2025 school year at
$45,488 plus her band stipend at $4,160. Total of $49,648.
M Joleen Dittbenner 2nd Brian Nelson M/C
Next meeting is Wednesday, March 13, 5:30PM
Adjourn. Time 7:23 p.m. M Adam Barka 2nd Sandy Gonzalez M/C
Respectfully submitted,
Sheila Wurtzberger/clerk
Minutes
Sleepy Eye ISD #84
Board of Education
January 9, 2024, 5:30 PM
Conference Room
Call to order: Attendance: Sandy Gonzalez (virtual), Joleen Dittbenner (virtual) Brian Nelson, Darla Remus, Casey Coulson, Adam Barka, Sheila Wurtzberger
Good News Items: Both Basketball teams are doing phenominal!! Holidays were nice
Recognition of visitors: Staff and Press
Approve Agenda M Brian Nelson 2nd Casey Coulson M/C
Election of Officers:
Chairperson: Darla Remus
Vice Chair: Casey Coulson
Clerk: Sheila Wurtzberger
Treasurer: Joleen Dittbenner
M Casey Coulson 2nd Brian Nelson M/C
Approve Committee Assignments
Riverbend: Darla Remus
CED: Sheila Wurtzberger
Br. Co. Advisory Board: Sandy Gonzalez
Vocational Programs:
Graphic Arts
Construction Trades
Agriculture: Brian Nelson
Meet and Confer 1. Sheila Wurtzberger 2. Brian Nelson 3. Casey Coulson
Negotiations 1. Darla Remus 2. Brian Nelson 3. Casey Coulson
Transportation 1. Adam Barka 2. Sheila Wurtzberger 3. Darla Remus
MNSHSL Darla Remus
Policy 1. Brian Nelson 2. Joleen Dittbenner 3. Sheila Wurtzberger
SE Schools 1. Adam Barka 2. Casey Coulson 3. Sheila Wurtzberger
Legislative Liaison Darla Remus
Staff Development Adam Barka
Food Service 1. Sheila Wurtzberger 2. Darla Remus 3. Sandy Gonzalez
CAT 1. Brian Nelson 2. Joleen Dittbenner 3. Sandy Gonzalez
Facilities 1. Brian Nelson 2. Casey Coulson 3. Adam Barka
Mascot 1. Sheila Wurtzberger 2. Joleen Dittbenner 3. Darla Remus
Approve minutes of December 13, 2023 M Casey Coulson 2nd Adam Barka M/C
Approve financial transactions and reports M Casey Coulson 2nd Brian Nelson M/C
Reports
Board: Negotiations the teachers and principal’s contract were finalized
Principal: Band and choir concert. Finished 2nd round of evaluations with non-tenured
Held department meetings in preparations of January 15th SD day. Working on a master schedule that includes every day band/choir
Superintendent: Enrollment update: Now: El: 284 HS: 243, total 527; 8/9/23: elementary: 303, HS: 259: total 562; big shift hoping some of the numbers pick up. Scheduling midterm goal setting meetings with elementary staff. Meeting with SE Mayor Pelzel: Discussion about facilities needs that potentially the city and the school could work cooperatively. Mascot Committee meetings set up 17 members are involved. Teacher contracts were finalized insurance and wages and 403B contributions were increased. Principal wages and 403B contributions were increased.
Action items
Approve the 2023-2025 SEEA Master Agreement
Approve the High School principal’s contract for the 2023-2025 school year
Accept resignation of Christi Gemmill as Concession Coordinator effective at the end of the winter sports season.
Approve Mindy Berkner as Senior HS Knowledge Bowl Coach at $802.00.
Approve Troy Vangsness as Assistant Senior HS Knowledge Bowl Coach at $715.00.
Approve open enrollment from St. Peter to Sleepy Eye. (2)
Approve the following donations: $416.36 by the SE Basketball Boosters for concession stand popcorn; $300 by the SE Basketball Boosters for the basketball coaches clinic costs. Thank you for your donations and we are greatly appreciative.
M Brian Nelson 2nd Adam Barka M/C
Next meeting is Wednesday, February 21st, 5:30PM
Adjourn. Time: 6:01 pm M Brian Nelson 2nd Casey Coulson M/C
Minutes
Sleepy Eye ISD #84
Board of Education
December 13, 2023 5:30PM
Conference Room
Call to order: Sandy Gonzalez, Joleen Dittbenner, Brian Nelson, Darla Remus, Casey Coulson, Adam Barka, Sheila Wurtzberger
Good News Items: Winter sports are up and running and the Girls Basketball team remains undefeated. Landon Wendinger and Paige Haala were named EXCEL winners. The Best Informed Greenhand Team placed first at Regions yesterday! 20 8th graders and freshmen participated. Camryn Maher received 3rd place in the FFA Creed Contest and advanced to state! Fruit delivery is Friday! Our Ag and FFA students have been working on many service projects including: Putting up the Holiday Lights, Food for Kids, and making cards for the elderly. They have also been making blankets and putting together ornaments and personal care items for the Holiday Boxes that go to the families signed up for the Backpack Food Program. Nice win for the boys team last night. It’s almost Christmas.
Recognition of visitors: Press and Staff
Approve Agenda M Joleen Dittbenner 2nd Sandy Gonzalez M/C
Approve minutes of November 8, 2023 M Joleen Dittbenner 2nd Adam Barka M/C
Approve financial transactions and report M Casey Coulson 2nd Brian Nelson M/C
Reports
Board: BCPH met, the 1st Annual South Central Mental Health and Wellness Conference will be held on May 1st at the Sleepy Eye Event Center. They are working on a new social host ordinance. Public Health is recommending that you do not eat cantaloupe at this time and that bed bugs have been reported to Public Health. Negotiations met and there needs to be a few changes with wording, but think they have a tentative agreement. Cat team met and South Central may be offering First Responder training for our students.
Principal: Finishing up round two of non-tenured observations. Contacting households and having meetings with struggling students. Round two of NWEA benchmarking is almost complete. Will be setting up department meetings with the departments that met with content area specialists from SCSC. Band and Choir Concert on 12/14. Worked on a possible schedule for next year that would allow for both JH and SH band and choir to meet every day (currently every other day). Student surveys on teachers will be done later this week.
Superintendent: Negotiation Update: TA with SEEA; Meeting with HS Principal next week. The Giving tree in elementary school is up. They had a great climate building activity “guess the person”, starting another one as well; 5-6 holiday concert this week; round two observations in progress
Presentations:
Audit Presentation: Lane with ABDO was presenting us with audit reports. Audits are looking at the numbers and found that we have a clean audit, there are no findings and everything looks good.
World Best WorkForce Presentation: Samantha Whittington, Kevin Schneider
Truth and taxation by Amanda Boomgarden (6:00PM promptly)
Action items:
Approve SEPS World Best WorkForce plan
Approve winter coaching assignments
Approve FY 2023 Audit
Approve the following Donations: $1,000 by Sleepy Eye Servicemen’s Club to Sleepy Eye Public School to support the arts and athletic programs ($500 to athletics, $500 to arts) Thank you for your donations, they are greatly appreciated.
Approve addendum to the confidential employees’ contract
Approve hiring Kevin Schneider as 3rd Senior HS Knowledge Bowl Coach (participation based) @$612
Approve hire of Billy Hewitt as assistant Track Coach for the 23-24 school year.
M Joleen Dittbenner 2nd Casey Coulson M/C
Approve Truth and Taxation Continuation hearing or Approve 2023 payable 2024 Levy. $1,013,292.62.
M Casey Coulson 2nd Brian Nelson M/C
Adjourn Time: 6:24 p.m. M Casey Coulson 2nd Sandy Gonzalez M/C
Next meeting: Tuesday, January 9th 2024, 5:30PM
DECEMBER 2023 EDA BOARD MEETING SUMMARY
by Kurk Kramer, EDA Coordinator
The December EDA Board Meeting was called to order on December 19. The minutes from the November Meeting were approved as printed. I presented the financial reports from the Revolving Loan Fund, Business Assistance Loan Fund, and summary reports of all 2023, and 2014-YTD EDA program disbursements. I also presented the annual contribution for 2024 of $1000.00 to be submitted to Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF). The Board approved this contribution for 2024.
Old Business:
I informed the Board that I signed all documents for the closing of the 108 West Main property. The EDA now owns this property again. There was discussion on what the next options would be for the property. The Board directed me to get a building inspection done before we take any further action. There has been some interest shown from others in this property, so the Board wants to be sure there are no unknowns before moving forward.
I have continued to stay in contact with a couple of businesspeople that have an interest in expanding their businesses to Sleepy Eye. We have done some preliminary building views and continue to look for an appropriate location. These efforts have been put on hold until after the holidays, due to busy schedules.
New Business in October:
Over the course of the past year, during EDA Board Meetings there were topics that were discussed, and suggestions were made at these monthly meetings to address certain aspects of these topics for consideration of changes, revisions, or possible elimination. This included looking at the restructuring of the EDA Business Assistance Program which would include the requirement of having a business succession plan outlined in the application criteria. Considerations on how the EDA Board distributes funds to applicants. Review of the current Sign and Awning Program. Continue to focus on what could be done to address the concerns with the inactive/empty buildings on Main Street. These discussion points were listed for the Board members to begin brainstorming and considering prior to the Annual January Board Planning Meeting. This meeting in January is when the Board sets the goals for the coming year and sets the priorities for the EDA to focus on.
A local businessman has recently made a suggestion for the addition of pickleball courts here in Sleepy Eye with the offer of a substantial donation. Mayor Pelzel shared with the Board some very preliminary thoughts on the topic that was presented to the City Council in December on the consideration of a community recreation center which could possibly include an early childcare center as well as pickleball courts, other recreation facilities, meeting rooms, senior center, and possibly a number of other community amenities. He is in the process of forming a committee to study this suggestion and see if it would be something that the community has an interest in and would support. At this time there are no specifics on cost, location, design, content, etc. This would be the responsibility of the committee to consider and compile. Any interest in serving on this committee should be voiced to Mayor Pelzel.
by Kurk Kramer, Ecomonic Development Authority Coordinator
JUNE 2023 EDA BOARD MEETING SUMMARY
The June EDA Board Meeting was called to order at 12:00pm on June 27. I took the Board through the financial reports from the Revolving Loan Fund, Business Assistance Loan Fund, and summary reports of all 2023, and 2014-YTD EDA program disbursements.
Old business included the following: The Board approved the purchase agreement for the Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, and it has been sent to the attorney in South Dakota for approval and signing. The closing date for the Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery Association to take over ownership will be on or before July 14. There was nothing new to report on the joint effort with the HRA and EDA regarding addressing the housing needs in Sleepy Eye. The Board spent time again discussing the empty, vacant, and inactive buildings on Main Street. The EDA is currently looking at two buildings and has been in conversation with the current owners to purchase them. There are a number of things happening currently in these efforts and will hopefully become a reality in the near future. The Board was also updated on the efforts by the owner of the former Berg Hotel and City Hall buildings. It is the hope of the EDA that this will become something that we will soon see some positive activity regarding both properties.
New business in June: The Board was informed that there was another application in the works for the EDA Sign & Awning Program. I informed the Board that there was approximately two thousand dollars available that could be awarded for this application should it be approved.
Other EDA related information outside of the June meeting: The Farmer’s Market will be held on Saturday mornings from 9:00am until Noon on the south side of the parking lot at Schutz’s Family Foods. The plan is to have one each Saturday morning into October.
The landscaping work, sprinkling/water system, all the concrete, and the history of the Huey and all donor plaques have been installed around the Huey helicopter in Veteran’s Park. I personally would like to thank Michael Sprenger, Bleu Stem Garden Works, Jon Hanson, Harry Wurtzberger, and Borth Memorial for doing all the work in the final phase of this project.
It looks fantastic!
All eight of the benches have been installed along Main Street. This was part of the SMIF Grant that was awarded for revitalization of the Downtown District. The benches are in the following locations: one at the library, one on the corner of Hi-ways 4 and 14, two in front of City Hall, one in Wooldrik Park by the Chief Statue, one by the museum, and two in Veteran’s Park.
I would also like to encourage all Main Street businesses, if they haven’t been doing so, to display the US Flags, that were donated to them by First Security Bank, on the sidewalk in front of their business. It takes very little time and effort to put them out, and it shows support for our veterans and country!
If you would like more information or have any questions regarding EDA related topics, please feel free to contact me at 794-5636 or eda@sleepyeye-mn.com.
by Kurk Kramer EDA Coordinator
The September EDA Board meeting was called to order by President Kathy Haala at 12:02PM. The board members present were Mike Carr, Casey Coulson, Kathy Haala, Joann Schmidt, Toby Arneson, and Gary Windschitl. Advisory board members present were Bob Elston, Wayne Pelzel, and Kurk Kramer. There were two board members absent, Mark Kober and Christina Andres.
I presented the financial reports for the Revolving Loan Fund, Business Assistance/Rehab Fund, Active EDA Resources Report, and the 2021 EDA Program Disbursement Report. These funds all have current and up to date balances. The EDA Coordinator’s Report and the Chamber Director’s Report were also presented as written.
Old Business included my sharing an update on the progress that Chasing Our Tails is making in the former Del Monte building as well as the status of the sale of the former Del Monte ponds. Bob Elston gave the Board an update on the status of the apartment project with Alliance Building Corp. I also reported that I am almost finished with the details and criteria for advertising the Snow Second Addition lots to those interested developers in these properties.
New Business discussion included the former China 14 building being for sale and the condition that the building was in. The Board also discussed the cemetery property in Mitchell, SD and will be consulting in the coming weeks with the city attorney on considering an option regarding the future of the EDA ownership. Much of the time spent discussing New Business items was focusing on the 108 Main Street property. Information regarding exempt status from the Brown County Assessor, the sale ad information and criteria, and the decision-making process regarding all submitted offers and proposals were discussed. All proposals for purchasing this property need to be submitted to the EDA by 5:00PM on October 13. Anyone interested in submitting a bid and proposal for use of the property can contact me for more details. The EDA also received details on outstanding liens on the former Shane’s Tire property from the Brown County Auditor. The EDA is once again working on getting the legalities all taken care of on this property to have this also available for purchase by those who might be interested in purchasing it. Finally, I relayed an invitation from GreenSeam to EDA Board members to attend an upcoming workforce workshop to discuss the challenges and opportunities for incorporating and expanding workforce options for our local businesses.
As always, if you have any questions, or want more information on current EDA activities please feel free to contact me.
