(Published in the Echo Journal, September 30, 2020, 1t.

(Published in the Echo Journal, September 30, 2020, 1t.)
BOARD OF EDUCATION
PINE RIVER-BACKUS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
PINE RIVER, MINNESOTA
AUGUST 17, 2020
REGULAR MEETING
A meeting of the Board of Education was held in the High School Media Center at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, August 17, 2020 with Chair Cunningham presiding.
Members present: Katy Botz, Leslie Bouchonville, Wanda Carlson, Chris Cunningham, Dawn Rubner, David Sheley, Ryan Trumble and Superintendent Jonathan Clark.
The floor was opened for comments from the public on agenda items.
Motion by Carlson, second by Trumble, to approve the agenda and addendum. All voted aye and the motion carried.
Motion by Bouchonville, second by Carlson, to approve the minutes of the July 20, 2020 regular board meeting. All voted aye and the motion carried.
Administrative team and director reports were heard.
Consent Calendar - Motion by Botz, second by Carlson, to approve the Consent Calendar, which consisted of the following items:
•Approve bills presented (checks 67290-67406 totaling $629,985.08); approve the investment report; approve the treasurer’s report; approve the report on electronic fund transfers and other banking transactions; and
•Approve the Elementary and High School student handbooks;
•Approve the Pine River-Backus Local Literacy Plan;
Accept the resignation of Kristina Gutzke, Bus Driver, effective July 30, 2020 and authorize posting for replacement; and
•Approve the hiring of Ariana Schendel as a long term substitute first grade teacher from approximately October 19, 2020 to December 18, 2020.
All voted aye and the motion carried.
Discussion Items:
•COVID-19 Learning Plan. Superintendent Clark presented the Pine River-Backus COVID-19 learning plan. The school year is slated to start in the hybrid model. The district will be ready to move between learning models as county COVID-19 numbers fluctuate.
•Resolution for Adoption of Base Learning Model for the 2020-21 School Year and other COVID-19 Related Matters. This resolution sets Hybrid as the learning model to begin the 2020-21 school year in. The resolution also gives the Superintendent authority, after consultation with the School Board Chair and notification to the School Board, to select and implement a different learning model if the Superintendent believes that prompt implementation to a different learning model is necessary.
•Policy 808 – COVID-19 Face Covering. This policy establishes requirements and parameters for employees, students and other persons to wear face coverings on school property in order to minimize exposure to COVID-19. Board recommendation to change policy number to 809 since number 808-School Forest is already in use.
•Athletics. The Minnesota State High School League postponed the volleyball and football seasons until March. Cross Country is currently practicing and will compete in events as scheduled.
•Activities Director/Youth Sports Coordinator position. A committee interviewed four candidates for the Activities Director/Youth Sports Coordinator position. The position was offered to a candidate who accepted the offer but was unable to get released from his contract with his current district until they can secure a replacement. Administrative recommendation is that the Superintendent, High School and Elementary Principals and Community Education Director will cover the duties of the position in the interim. The offer of employment will remain open if the individual can get released from current contract. If the position is still vacant as of January 1, 2021 the district will reassess the situation and post accordingly.
Motion by Sheley, second by Rubner, to authorize posting for a mechanic. All voted aye and the motion carried.
Motion by Carlson, second by Trumble, to adopt a Resolution for Adoption of Base Learning Model for the 2020-21 School Year and Other COVID-19 Related Matters. (Resolution filed in legal minute book.) All voted aye and the motion carried.
Motion by Bouchonville, second by Carlson, to Approve Policy 809 – COVID-19 Face Covering. Botz, Bouchonville, Carlson, Cunningham, Rubner and Trumble voted aye; Sheley voted nay; and the motion carried.
Motion by Botz, second by Sheley, to approve a revised 2020-21 school calendar. Revisions are to move two staff inservice days scheduled in January and February to August to allow for additional planning for the hybrid learning model. Student contact days will remain unchanged. All voted aye and the motion carried.
Open forum – The meeting was opened for comments from the public.
Next board meetings:
•Work session – September 14, 2020 at 5:30
•Regular meeting – September 21, 2020 at 5:30
Chair Cunningham adjourned the meeting at 6:36 p.m.
Katy Botz, Clerk/Treasurer
Recorded by Jolene Bengtson