Loyal School Board Discusses and Approves Wide Variety of Items at Recent Meeting

Friday, April 26th, 2024 -- 10:00 AM

The Loyal School Board heard from some citizens during the Public Comments portion of the meeting.

There were six public comments on which included the following topics: public comments at special board meetings,creation of new positions, concession stand, baseball, trimester scheduling, 2024-25 School Calendar, and staff resignations.

The first item of new business was two presentations. The first presentation was concerning athletic trainer services. Athletic Trainer, Sophia Mertens presented to the Board on the advantages of sharing a full-time athletic trainer with Greenwood.

She reviewed the job description, legal liability issues, teaching possibilities, emergency training and staff wellness possibilities. She answered questions from the Board.

The second presentation was by FCCLA advisor Donna Odeen and three officers, Maleia Smith, Noelle Teschner, and Parker Smith and they talked to the Board about their experience at State FCCLA. All three of the students will be representing Loyal at National FCCLA competition.

The National FCCLA Leadership Conference will be held June 29-July 3 in Seattle, WA. These three officers have earned the privilege of competing in their STAR events at the National level. Donna will be traveling with them.

The Board tabled a handful of items as they would like more information before making their decision. The board accepted the resignations from the following three staff members: Science Teacher Joe Treffinger, Science Teacher Logan Fulwiler, and Special Education Paraprofessional Erin Wilke.

The board approved the Shared Service 66.030 Agreement with Granton for Library Media Specialist. Superintendent Chris Lindner updated the board on the M3 Health Insurance Consortium insurance proposal.

He reported that the health insurance cost increase for 2024-25 with Aspirus will be 8.2%. The health insurance consortium (M3) will decrease or increase for 2025-26 from 15% to 12% if they go with them.

Teacher and Staff salary increases for 2024-2025 were tabled. Teacher Contracts for 2024-25 and Support Staff Letters of intent were tabled until after the Special Board Meeting scheduled for early May.

The following Out of State trips were approved including FCCLA trip to Seattle, Washington for the National FCCLA Leadership Conference to be held June 29th-July 3rd for Maleia Smith, Noelle Teschner and Parker Smith, Advisor Donna Odeen will be traveling with them.

The National FBLA Conference being held in Orlando, Florida on June 29th-July 2nd. Addysen Wolf has qualified for NLC by being the Wisconsin FBLA state champion in Intro to Business Procedures.

Mr. Lindner updated the board on the summer maintenance projects. The Maintenance Supervisor had two quotes for metal roofs for Vater Hall, the Lions Shelter, and the 3-car garage. He would like to get some more bids before making a decision on these projects.

Mr. Lindner recommended to the board that they hire one part-time person to work on the golf course greens and other outdoor work and one full time summer worker. Mr. Lindner reported on the RFP financial feasibility study.

Baird Financial recommends doing the consolidation financial feasibility study before they do the facility feasibility study, but start looking at the facility study. The Board discussed the topic. It was decided that they will ask the Baird representatives to be at the next Joint School Board Meeting with Greenwood to explain the process for the study.

The Board discussed how to create a strategic plan. It was decided that they will try to find a facilitator to help create the plan. No action taken. The Board reviewed the committee/member list and discussed improving committee utilization for better decision making. No action taken.

The following donations have been made to the school and were approved: RZ Builders - Building Materials for the New Concession Stand; Ben Suda - Plumbing services for the New Concession Stand. Mr. Lindner also reported they have also received around $5,200 in donations for the new Timpani Drums. They will put together a thank you ad for all of the people who donated.

The Board also heard the Administrators’ Report. Principal Doug Dieckman reported to the Board, in the past 30 days, they:

• Continued to work through ES master schedule plans;
• Interviews for elementary position;
• Ordered all CKLA materials and set up professional development;
• Budget packets have been turned in from all staff;
• And State testing has been completed.

In the next 30 days:

• The 8th grade reality store on April 26;
• Finalize ES master schedule, lunch rotations, and duty assignments;
• Interviews for upcoming vacant positions;
• 2024-25 Budget review;
• Title 1 Family Game night and Book fair on Monday, April 29;
• Financial Literacy Family night on May 7th;
• Ag day on May 8th;
• Data day on May 16th;
• AP testing on May 6th and 16th;
• ES-MS Fastbridge spring screening;
• Senior banquet;
• End of the year planning and prep;
• Term 3 observations in teacher classrooms;
• And FFA State competition April 25.

Monthly Staff Recognition: ES Staff Member of the Month - Natalie Ruttger; MSHS Staff Member of the Month - Angie Kollmansberger.

Mr. Lindner reported on:

• A Thank You letter from Lori Rentmeester;
• Paul Tishim (school photographer) is retiring, Paul recommends Cahill Photography in Amery to replace him, Mr. Lindner and Christy Zvolena met with him and we will be using Cahill next year;
• Spencer School District would like to buy a new server, would like Loyal to go in with them on one;
• Congratulated and wished good luck to the FCCLA, FBLA and FFA members who will be competing at State and National competitions;
• Congratulated Angie Kollmansberger and Natalie Ruttger for being staff members of the month.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.