Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop School Board Moves Forward with Construction and School Initiatives
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Meeting Date:
10/21/2024
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Recording Published:
10/21/2024
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Duration:
28 Minutes
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State:
Minnesota
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County:
Sibley County
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Towns:
Alfsborg Township, Bandon Township, Bernadotte Township, Bismarck Township, Cairo Township, Camp Township, Cornish Township, Eden Township, Fairfax, Gibbon, Grafton Township, Home Township, Lafayette, Lafayette Township, Martinsburg Township, Moltke Township, Palmyra Township, Penn Township, Ridgely Township, Round Grove Township, Severance Township, Transit Township, Wellington Township, West Newton Township, Winthrop
- Meeting Overview:
At the recent Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop School Board meeting, topics included a substantial $2.4 million expenditure from the construction fund, updates on school initiatives, and logistical arrangements for the upcoming school musical “Legally Blonde. ” Additionally, the board discussed staffing challenges and educational enhancements aimed at fostering a positive school environment.
One notable topics was the financial report on the construction fund. The board was informed of a notable $2.4 million expenditure in a single month. This figure is anticipated to rise as construction progresses.
In tandem with these developments, the board also addressed the need to enhance custodial staffing to support the school’s growing infrastructure. A proposal was put forward to add 32 hours to the custodial contract with Dasher, funding this increase through June 30th at an estimated cost of $29,500. This expansion aims to improve maintenance and cleanliness, especially in the high school, identified as requiring additional support.
On the educational front, the board reviewed several initiatives designed to enhance student learning and engagement. Among these was the adoption of a new management system, Schoo, which consolidates access to materials, assignments, and communication for students and parents. This move was intended to streamline operations by replacing multiple, previously confusing platforms. Additionally, the introduction of a positive behavior intervention system at the middle-high school site was highlighted. This system, already successful at the elementary level, aims to build a culture of recognition and engagement, with the high school National Honor Society students facilitating monthly events to celebrate good behavior.
The board also received updates on the pilot classroom furniture initiative. New furniture was delivered to select classrooms in social studies, English language arts, and math during the MEA break. These changes are part of an effort to create a more collaborative learning environment and are funded through the construction furniture budget. The superintendent expressed pride in the adaptability of staff and students in welcoming these changes after the school year commenced.
In a creative leap, a community member proposed the idea of a time capsule for the new school building. This suggestion intrigued the board, sparking interest in a project that could unite the community while celebrating the school’s history and future.
The board also discussed the logistics of the upcoming school musical, “Legally Blonde,” scheduled for November 22nd to 24th. The use of the auditorium for three weeks required careful coordination, particularly regarding the impact on student recess activities. The involvement of Joe Voss in organizing the event was noted.
Additionally, the board considered the implications of a potential mascot change, which would require renaming associated groups like the T Bird Club and Thunderbird Foundation. A community committee was engaged in these discussions, with further agenda items slated for future meetings.
Dr. Kelly Smith
School Board Officials:
George Grosam, Dan Merkel, Kenneth Briese, Russel Miller, Mark Turtle, Emilee Stehr
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
10/21/2024
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Recording Published:
10/21/2024
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Duration:
28 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Minnesota
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County:
Sibley County
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Towns:
Alfsborg Township, Bandon Township, Bernadotte Township, Bismarck Township, Cairo Township, Camp Township, Cornish Township, Eden Township, Fairfax, Gibbon, Grafton Township, Home Township, Lafayette, Lafayette Township, Martinsburg Township, Moltke Township, Palmyra Township, Penn Township, Ridgely Township, Round Grove Township, Severance Township, Transit Township, Wellington Township, West Newton Township, Winthrop
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