By MaryHelen Swanson

At the Nov. 15 school board meeting, board member Mark Moulton formally declined to accept the board position to which he was elected on Nov. 6 through a write-in vote. Moulton, who is completing his eighth year on the board, said it was time to step aside, although he said "that doesn't mean forever."

Superintendent Vern Koepp apprised the board of options they have to fill the position, including setting the length of the term, whether or not they want to take the next highest write-in candidate or chose an application process.

By choosing an application process, the board would then have the opportunity to select someone who shows interest in the position. Moulton suggested that the position should carry a four-year term to keep consistency with the board election process. The board has chosen to accept applications from those interested in serving on that four-year position.

Interested school district residents must submit in writing a letter stating why they want to serve on the school board and what qualifications they have for the position. The letter must be submitted to the district office by Nov. 29.

The board expects to make a decision at a special meeting on Dec. 4. This would give the successful applicant time to attend MSBA training for new school board members in December. For more information, call the district office at (320) 358-4855.

The school board ratified contracts with a number of school groups including the principals. The total package increase of $6,891.90 for 2007-2008 represents a 3.21 percent increase. and $6,807,10 for 2008-2009 represents a 3.08 percent increase.

Other groups' contracts approved included :

• Clerical/Clerk Typists staff with a total package of $10,882.83 (3.42 percent) and $9,617.35 (2.92 percent).

• Transportation total package increase of $5, 483.51 (3.1 percent) and $5,619.86 (313 percent).

• Other district individuals (on schedules) $2,593.55 (3.46 percent) and $2,260.54 (2.91 percent).

• Other district individuals (not on schedules) approved a comparable worth adjustments for payroll/communication administrative assistant and business manager $2,703. and total package increase of $16,071.13 (3.52 percent) and $13,280.46 (2.81 percent).

During Positive Points, high school Principal Mark Saari reported that an unannounced drug-sniffing dog search was held recently. No drugs were found in hall lockers or phyed lockers although the dogs responded to a scent in six lockers. Parents were called to inform them of this situation.

Saari also noted that attendance at parent-teacher conferences was down a bit from last year. Fifty-two percent of the families took part in the conferences.

From the elementary school, Principal Melody Tenhoff reported that over conferences, 85 students participated in the Tiger Club program.Tiger Club, a before and after school program, provided child care while parents were at conferences for no cost. Tenhoff also reminded everyone that the follow-up night for dads in the FRED program is Nov. 27 at 6 p.m. starting again with dinner.

In other business, the board:

• Accepted the resignation of Bev Mollberg, high school FACS teacher, approved a leave for Kelly Albright, hired Kathy Emery as .5 paraprofessional at the elementary school, and approved seniority lists for all groups in the district.

• Heard the audit report for 2006-2007 from Aaron Neilson of MMKR Certified Public Accountants who noted that the district's financial record are in such excellent condition the firm is able to efficiently conduct the audit making it possible to be completed quickly. Supt. Vern Koepp offered commendations to business manager Laureen Frost and staff for the excellent work in creating a clear paper trail.There was one issue of lack of segregation of duties, something that is not unusual in a small school district.

• Was visited by Representative Jeremy Kalin and Senator Rick Olseen who reported on education aspect of the last session in the Legislature. The board responded that one area of concern in Rush City is funding for preK programming.

Both legislators praised the school district for its use of geothermal heating saying it is an example for the rest of the state.