All speakers are asked to complete the Listening Session Sign-in Form including as much detail as possible and including a printed / written copy of your presentation if one is available. This is an opportunity for the Board to listen, the Board will not engage in dialogue. As a general rule, the Board will not comment on or respond to any comments made by speakers. Please do not include names of Greenbush Middle River employees or representatives, their title, or location in your remarks for your own legal protection and the legal rights of staff.

Each speaker will have five (5) minutes to speak: speakers may not roll their time to another speaker. Speakers will be timed and are asked to complete their comments in this time frame. Board members may ask questions if needed.  Please begin your presentation by stating your name and topic only.
In the spirit of fairness to all participants, we request that you respect the format above. Thank you for taking the time today to attend this meeting and share your concerns and suggestions.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, members of the public may wish to email Board communication(s) to <info@greenbush.k12.mn.us>

As requested by board member, document will be provided on monthly basis.  Attached

Budget consists of 6 fund balances:

o  01 General Fund
o  02 Food Service
o  04 Community Services
o  07 Debt Redemption
o  08 Scholarships
o  09 Student Activities

A motion was made by ______________, seconded by _________________ to accept the following donation(s):
ROLL CALL VOTE

Anonymous donation to GMR School to reduce unpaid meal balance(s)  ................. $1,0000

Central Boiler to FCCLA .......................................... $25.00

[Monsanto] America's Farmers Grow Communities donation, sponsored by the Bayer Fund as recommend by Steve & Sandy Harder to First Robotics ................ $2,500.00

https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-s-high-school-robotics-teams-design-gear-for-covid-19-first-responders/570307672/

... they [First Robotics] jumped into the fight against the novel coronavirus, turning their engineering skills to designing and manufacturing personal protective gear for nurses, doctors and first responders across Minnesota and beyond.

The 2020-2021 Academic Calendar Adopted by the Board in March 2020 had the incorrect date for graduation for the class of 2021.  The calendar "Notes" listed the [correct] date for Commencement as May 30, 2021, however, on the calendar per se had Commencement as May 23, 2021.  The correct date for Commencement for the Class of 2021 is Sunday, May 30, 2021.


A motion was made by ________________, seconded by ____________________ to Amend the 2020-2021 School Calendar to reflect the accurate date of Graduation for the Class of 2021.  Exhibit 9.1

The GMR School District's financial situation has been brought to the attention of the Board, staff and community recently.  Notably in March, April and a May special school board work session meeting(s).

In a short period of time, things have changed which affect the District's financial position.  For the 2019-2020 budget year, the nation-wide and state-wide COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in the State of MN (Dept. of Education) permitting schools to make one-time fund balance transfers, which in the past have not been permitted.

For the 2019-2020 budget year, the nation-wide and state-wide COVID-19 outbreak resulted in Federal funding to the GMR School District through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

These and other cost saving efforts will provide relief to the district's 2019-2020 estimated school budget.

We know the 2020-2021 estimated school budget will be in deficit.  For the 2020-2021 school budget year, before budget reductions items are made, the District needs to exhaust all options which include:
a) consider operating referendum in the future, and / or
b) cooperation discussions with area schools ( eg:  Karlstad , Badger)  to share opportunities.  see May 2012 Board meeting Agenda   https://www.middleriver.k12.mn.us/Page/1004

What has also changed,  a neighboring school within Open Enrollment distance just passed a $40 million school building project... Question, when Badger (or Greenbush) is looking to recruit people to their community, where will these potential families go  ---> to a bright shiny new school with options for kids.... or a school who cut teachers and resulting academic options for kids?  Not all families desire to send their children to a school with 1,100+ students.  Some families desire a small school setting WITH educational programming opportunities for kids.

Discussions with neighboring schools should take place let's say July 2020 thru January 2021.  If both schools make progress - great.  If not, begin reduction process in early 2021.  By that time, any and all who are affected by budget reductions know in advance what could be coming their way.

This action is not kicking the can down the road, but rather, exhausting all options before what could be termed as steep reductions needing to take place.



 

At the end of the 2019-2020 school year, three (3) licensed teacher vacancies were "open."
1)  Industrial Technology
2)  Special Education 
3)   K-12 Music

Other positions "open" include:
Drama Advisor
Head Baseball Coach
Assistant Baseball Coach

A motion was made by __________________ and seconded by ______________ to approve employment of Mr. John Moore as a licensed Industrial Technology Teacher effective with the 2020-2021 school year.

A motion was made by __________________ and seconded by ________________ to approve the resignation of Mr. Nathan Voll as Head Baseball Coach as per submitted notification to Athletic Director.

Changes from the 2019-2020 GMR Student Handbook to 2020-2021 GMR Student Handbook.  see attached

• General Up-dates eg:  dates, courses offered, etc.
• New Staff and / or Staff up-dates
• ADDITION of statement relating to student health insurance as a parent responsibility

Moved by ______________ and seconded by ________________ to approve changes to the 2020-2021 Greenbush Middle River Student Handbook as presented.

 

As an Agenda item in the May 11, 2020 Special Work Session:  Pay-out of end-of-year compensation for Spring Activity Coaches and Advisors as it relates to the MN State High School League canceling spring Activities due to the  COVID-19 pandemic.  See attached options for consideration or "other".

Moved by ______________ and seconded by ________________ to approve compensation for Coaches and Advisors as _____________________

authorize membership in the MNSHSL.  The Resolution for Membership affirms;  (1) that the Board of Education for each school delegates the control, supervision and regulation of League-sponsored athletic and fine arts activities to the MNSHSL;  (2) that the School Board adopts the Constitution, Bylaws, and Rules and Regulations of the League; and, (3) that the administration for and activities are assigned to the official school representative.
           
The resolution to renew membership includes a requirement for board members to view  WHY WE PLAY, a video by the MN High School League.  WHY WE PLAY training video
defines the purpose of education-based athletic and activity programs and assists school communities in communicating a shared-common language.
https://vimeo.com/128275166

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpH3V0GM6kY

The video viewing requirement was in-place for renewal of MN Sate High School League membership became effective in 2017-2018 and continues for the 2020-2021 school year.  The board action indicated below implies Board members will view the WHY WE PLAY training video at a convenient time for each Board Member.

see attached MNSHSL document
 

see attached Notice of Election sent to HOME COUNTY Auditor indicating school election(s) to be held as a part of the General Election on November 3, 2020.  Exhibit 11.1a

The GMR Kitchen staff, para professionals and bus drivers have delivered _____ school meals as of May ____, 2020.

Mrs. Debra Aune recieved a grant from the NW MN Arts Council.  
Painting the MIdwest, Plein Air [open air] Style
Mrs. Aune will take a 7 day, 6-night road trip from Gatzke to Deadwood, South Dakota

Goals for the trip-

• 2 paintings per day
• Present my work on social media daily
• Art exhibit upon return:  most likely at Northland, TRF

 

6th Grade Class Trip................ rescheduled for Fall 2021
Senior Class Trip .................... Canceled... Senior class Activity [eg:  picnic] in-progress
FCCLA National Conference.... Virtual National Conference in lieu of trip to Washington D.C.
Prom......................................... Consider dance event combining with Homecoming in Fall 2020
Baccalaureate.........................   Canceled.  Churches may recognize graduates within their congregation when Churches are permitted to congregate.
Graduation.............................      May 24, 2020 @ 2:00 pm at the Greenbush Race Park
Collection of Computer Devices... Collect school-issued computer devices the week of May 18 

Motion by__________________        Second by ____________________ to ADJOURN

• June 2020 - Begin Negotiations for  employees / employee groups whose employment Agreement expires June 30, 2020.   
• Regular June School Board Meeting - June 15, 2020 @ 7:30 p.m. in GMR School Library