SHERBURN — Martin County West School Board this week heard a presentation from Abbey Smith entitled “World’s Best Workforce – Together Towards Tomorrow.”

She explained some of the results of student proficiency tests in the district, noting that reading, science and math proficiency is equal to or better than the average state scores. She said the science improvement for the district is significant.

Smith explained ways the district is working to make the schools better through kindergarten readiness, elementary school reading, college readiness, and teacher training and development.

In other news, Superintendent Allision Schmidt reported that the pool in Sherburn is filled and warming. Some chlorine issues were resolved and the pool is expected to be up and running by December.

Schmidt also talked about two policies the board should approve. One is to limit the unpaid lunch tab of staff to $15. The board agreed. The other policy has to do with indoor air quality. After discussion, the board asked that the policy be tweaked and resubmitted. It has to do with diffusers or strong air deodorants in classrooms and in the halls. These may have negative effects for staff and students with respiratory problems.

Schmidt commended the school board and announced that it will receive an award from the Minnesota School Board Association at the Leadership Conference on Jan. 16. The board will be awarded a District Award of Distinction because a majority of board members have received either the President’s Award or the Director’s Award, and have more than 100 hours of attendance at MSBA-sponsored meetings and events. The board chairman, Steve Olson, will receive two more awards. He will receive the President’s Award for more than 300 hours of attendance at MSBA meetings and events, and will receive a certificate for 20 years as a school board member.

In another matter, Principal Chad Brusky explained a proposal for a community awareness program. He plans sessions for adults that would help them deal with personal finance, drug awareness, mental health, social media awareness and basic first aid. Child care would be provided. The meetings are planned late February and in the spring.

In other business, the school board:

o Approved Biny Claussen as class play director for 2019-2020.

o Learned Curtis Smith is resigning as a physical education teacher to pursue a position at Dakotah Middle School in Mankato. Board members and Smith expressed admiration for each other. Smith has been teaching at Martin County West for 13 years.

o Learned the next school board meeting will be held 6 p.m. on Dec. 16.