BLUE EARTH — The first Blue Earth Area School Board meeting of the year began with Ted Armon, Jeff Eckles and Lindsay Mensing taking the oath of office after the three won election to the board last November.

With the full board in place the nominations were opened to elect a chair person. Both Sara Hauskins and Susie Rosenau were nominated for the position with Rosenau being elected by a 4-3 margin.

The remaining offices were filled by unanimous votes. Hauskins was elected as the vice chairman; Stacey Beyer as the clerk; Kyle Zierke as the treasurer.

During the brief meeting superintendent Mandy Fletcher reported there were currently three active cases of COVID-19 among students and no active cases in the staff.

“Even though there are only three active cases, it is having an impact on some of the activities,” Fletcher said.

Fletcher also updated the board on the learning models for the students.

“Grades 8-12 will remain in the hybrid model for now,” Fletcher commented. “Children in grades K-7 will be returning to all in-person learning on Jan. 26.”

The board also:

— Received an update on Q-Comp from teachers Jayne Kalis and Kris Flohrs.

— Set Jan. 25, for a work session to discuss staffing positions and superintendent Fletcher’s mid-year goals.

— Heard an update from activities director Rob Norman on the winter sports schedules.