February 12, 2024 at 6:00 PM - Regular Meeting of the School Board

Discussion:  The Board of Education of Hermantown Independent School District No. 700 met in regular session on February 12, 2024. Chair, Heather Holst, called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.

Discussion:  MEMBERS PRESENT: Lindsay Clauson, David Hokanson, Heather Holst, Ashley McFarland, Matthew Munger, Tim Peterson, Wayne Whitwam, Superintendent, Lance Takkunen, Director of Business Services

VISITORS: Sarah Turcotte, Jason Wilcox, Leah Hare, Wayne Stephenson, Katy Stephenson, Jordan Watkins, Eduardo Sandoval Luna, Ryan Fauseh, Kara Lynn Fauseh, Leon Bruhjecc, Melanie Musick, Evan Williams, Ethan Stephenson, Matt Erickson, Emma Klyn, Mateo Sandoval Luna, Amelia Magnuson, John Wojciuk, Alisha Wargin, Bill Wietman, Heather Hren, Anna Katich, Madelyn Jaros, Lorelei Martin, Garlynn Rosandich, Liesa Klyn, John Muenich, Stacey Dennee, Amy Andrews, Ren Carlson, Colleen Erickson, Joe Wicklund, Jillian Godfrey, Jennifer Olson, Linda Hare, Angela Sandoval, Gretchen Appelwick, Katie Marciniak, Monica Marciniak, Stephanie Youngman, Lori Sinnott, Lindsey Beier, Jill Hansen, Sadie Kukowski, Nick Allen, Dana Carlson, Lisa Esterbrooks, Katie Ekholm, Ken Ahlberg, Alan Nettland, Cindy Vittorio, Shawna Jokinen, Grace Billman, Stacy Sosniecki, Connie Adamec, Julie Lenz, Susan Cox, Lorene Botten, Noah Blomquist, Miranda Gustad, Alex Olsen, Tyler VanKeese, Brent Chouanard-Nguyen

Discussion:  Muenich. Recognized the efforts for Snow Week, which concluded with the Sweetheart dance on Saturday. Thanked Pam Pilon, Student Council Advisor, and student council members for making it a fun week. 
Wietman. Middle School raised over $2,000 with the Hawks for a Cause Change Challenge. Great effort by students and staff for the challenge. Currently partnering with the YMCA to create opportunities for connections with middle school students. Middle School Students of the Month - Emma Tommaro (5th), Camden Zimmerman (5th), Anders Hagglund (6th), Logan Carlson (6th), Lily Griffith (7th), Brayden Suonvieri (7th), Faith Mesojedic (8th), Ashton Wigg (8th). 
Appelwick. National School Counselors Week last week. Appreciate all that they do for the district. 
Whitwam. Accepted the retirement of Karen Kucza tonight. Appreciate her for her years of service and wish her much happiness in retirement. 
Munger. Thanked the middle school staff for Experience Day. Successful and well coordinated. 
Hokanson. Thanked the robotics teams for inviting him to practice last week. 

Discussion:  Shawna Jokinen. Spoke about Hermantown Arena Naming Rights agreement. 

Discussion:  No Correspondence

Discussion:  Members of the Hermantown robotics teams presented about their programs, including areas where they could use assistance.  

Discussion:  Enrollment. Stays steady at this time of the school year. 

Discussion:  CTE grant was sent in thanks to a lot of hard work by McFarland. The community members that participate really make this a power group. If awarded, the grant would be used for a part-time CTE coordinator. 
PLC group met. Brainstorming on how to set aside some time for PLCs in each building. 
Communications/Community Engagement will be meeting next week. 

Discussion:  Gave an update on teacher and paraprofessional negotiations, which included a brief budget rundown.  

Discussion:  The curriculum committee met shortly after the last meeting and discussed READ Act and LETRS training for the Elementary School; Science curriculum review, science pilot program, Earth and Space and Physical Science switch, math curriculum and Fastbridge testing at the Middle School; Hybrid learning, creative scheduling for PSEO and assessing staff development at the High School.