School Board organizes for 2012-13

The Montgomery-Lonsdale-Le Center consolidated school board met in Montgomery Tuesday evening to organize for 2012-2013 school year.
The board voted in Liz Krocak as the board chair with Denny Lang retaining his position as vice-chair. Deb Struckman was elected as the clerk/treasurer.
Ken Helland was approved as the head football coach with Nick David named the assistant football coach.
The board heard presentations on All Day Every Day Kindergarten (ADED). The benefits of ADED Kindergarten include greater gains in reading/language arts and in mathematic achievement than those in half day programs. Closer relationships with students resulting in more individualized instruction. Increased social and emotional development and reduced retention and remediation rates.
“Benefits to the families could possibly be lowered childcare costs, less difficulty scheduling childcare and transportation and an opportunity for lower-income families to enroll children in a higher quality early education,” said Melissa Barnett, sixth grade teacher and administrative intern at Montgomery-Lonsdale. “Other benefits included increased opportunities for parents to get involved in their children’s classroom, as well as to communicate with the teacher.”
Benefits listed for staff included a less rushed feeling and can take advantage of “teachable moments,” well-adjusted students and positive parents, time available in the afternoons for lesson follow-up and re-teaching makes the pace of learning much more relaxed than in half day settings. More time to get to know and communicate with parents is another benefit for the staff.
“We have DIBBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) test scores which show the classes not offered Kinder-connects(not in school all day) have 10-15 students not making target growth,” said Superintendent Matt Helgerson. “Compared to four students which three are at risk students in the Kinder-connects classroom (in school all day) in the Montgomery-Lonsdale school district. The bad news is ADED Kindergarten isn’t fully funded by the state and the questions you need to ask yourself is A - can we afford it and B- do we have the space to house it?”
The board chair, Liz Krocak commented, “We all know what is best for the kids. We will discuss this more at our workshop on Monday, January 30.”
Retirement incentives were discussed for staff at both districts as well as property and liability insurance.
“Currently the two districts use different insurance companies,” Helgerson told the board. “Montgomery-Lonsdale used Indiana and the Le Center district uses River Port. We will need go compare the two and decide where we want to go with this.”
The board was informed nine firms have shown interest in providing quotes for transportation next year.
“By requesting quotes prices and be negotiated,” Helgerson told the board. “There will be an information meeting on Monday.”
Montgomery-Lonsdale AD Tony Steffes informed the board St. Peter School district is requesting to join the Minnesota River Conference.
“I just need to get a feel on how you would like me to vote,” said Steffes. “If St. Peter joins the MRC there would be 9 teams. The only sport this might play a role in would be football where a team would have to have a bye week unless we get a tenth team in. GSL is a consideration as a tenth team.”
“Another team closer to home would be welcomed,” commented Krocak, and echoed by other board members.
The board approved 11-0 to include Cleveland in the fall sport of Tennis and the winter sport of Wrestling next season.
“I know this issue can be a hot topic,” said Helgerson. “However, you need to look at what is better for our school district. In Tennis, Montgomery-Lonsdale hasn’t had a high number of members participating where Cleveland has. Without the Cleveland players Tri-City United wouldn’t be as strong of a team. In Wrestling Cleveland brings one student to the mat. It’s my understanding she will be a senior next year.”
“As long as its understood the team will be Tri-City United and athletes will wear Tri-City United uniforms,” said board member Jim Miller.
Two different 2012-2013 calendars were discussed. Calendar B had graduation being held on Friday, May 31 (a Le Center tradition) and calendar A had graduation being held on Sunday, June 2 (A Montgomery-Lonsdale tradition). A motion was made and seconded to approve calendar A which was voted down because of a tied vote.
The board will be holding a work session on Monday, January 30 at 6 p.m. in the Le Center High School Media Center with a special board meeting following at 7:30 p.m.
The Tri-City United consolidated board meetings were set for the second Monday of every month beginning at 6 p.m. with board work sessions and possible special meetings later in the month.
The February board meeting will be held on Monday, Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. in Le Center.