November 8, 2021 School Board Meeting Minutes

The South Winneshiek CSD Board of Education held its regularly scheduled board meeting on November 8, 2021 in the boardroom in Calmar.  The meeting was called to order by president Wendy Mihm-Herold at 5:30 pm. 

After the Pledge of Allegiance was recited, roll call took place; Present: Don Schroeder, Craig Neuzil, Patricia Schissel and Wendy Mihm-Herold.  Absent: Ron Hemesath

Moved by Schroeder and seconded by Schissel to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.

Review and discussion about previous board minutes, bills, appointments, resignations, open enrollments and donations took place.  Moved by Neuzil and seconded by Schroeder to approve the consent items as presented:  Resignations: None.  Appointments: Michael Tieskoetter -PT Para $11.00; Alan Crossland -PT Para $14.60; Harley McCabe – Wrestling Cheer Coach Step I $1,042.20; Ashley Walz ¾ Assistant Varsity Girls Basketball Coach Step I $1,954.13; Alex Smith ¼ Assistant Varsity Girls Basketball Coach Step I $651.37. Motion carried unanimously. 

Mihm-Herold welcomed visitors and made a few public comments.  She thanked the administration, school board, voters and community for taking the time to vote on the school bond issue.  She mentioned that in 1992 the bond didn’t pass on the first go, but that the current bond issue had a much higher yes vote.  Great conversations were had through the process leading up to the vote and we learned a lot about ourselves. 

Mihm-Herold also wanted to thank the public for their support with the South Winneshiek Education Foundation (SWEF) Evening Extravaganza; with a special thank you to the SWEF committee and students who helped make the event a success. 

Old Business: None

New Business: 

  1. Moved by Schroeder and seconded by Schissel to approve the SBRC request for increased enrollment, Open Enrollment out and LEP instruction beyond 5 years for a total of $84,594 in spending authority.  Roll call vote: Aye: Schroeder, Schissel, Neuzil, Neuzil. Nay: None. Motion carried. 
  2. Moved by Neuzil and seconded by Schissel to approve inclement weather days and virtual learning days as follows:  One traditional day, two remote learning days and repeat. The first inclement weather day will be a traditional school closure day.  The next two inclement weather days would be virtual learning days.  The fourth inclement weather day would be a traditional school closure day and the cycle would repeat.  Motion carried unanimously. 

Administrative reports were provided by Mr. Einck and Mr. Halverson.  Congratulations to the girl’s cross-country team of Billie Wagner (4th Individual), Josie Tieskoetter, Anna Dietzenbach, Ella Willey, Megan Hageman, Eryn Sabelka and Karissa Wenthold on their 1st place finish and to Isaiah Kruckman for placing 11th at state. We are very proud of you all!

Announcements: Next regular meeting will be held December 13, 2021 in the boardroom in Calmar at 5:30 pm. 

Moved by Schroeder and seconded by Neuzil to adjourn at 6:25 pm. Motion carried unanimously. 

Respectfully submitted

Kris Smith                                                  Wendy Mihm-Herold

Board Secretary                                         Board Vice President

A work session held November 8, 2021 in the boardroom in Calmar.

At 6:27 pm the South Winneshiek School Board entered into a work session to discuss strategic planning. The discussion centered around where the district would be in the next 5, 10, to 20 years. 

The work session concluded at 7:18 pm.