SHERBURN — Martin County West School Board met Monday, May 17. The first action was to hear a presentation from Harold Remme of the South Central Service Coop about a superintendent search. He asked questions like, what needs do you have? what can you afford? and does the district want to hire for three years or only interim and full-time or part-time? The school board discussed the possibilities and decided to offer an open ended position for one year or more and for full or part time. Applications should be gathered by June 4, and a June 10th date for interviews was set. Mr. Remme also mentioned that there are retired persons that could do the job and staff that have superintendent licensure. The candidate pool has narrowed. Chad Brusky has been the interim superintendent since the fall and principal of the Trimont elementary building for several years. The board thanked him for his service and they also approved his resignation (with regrets) to work as a co-principal in Fairmont.

Mr. Brusky gave his report for Trimont and mentioned that the summer programs are being worked on through the Coop and will be four days per week from June to July.

The ESY continues and will be expanded to eight weeks to help students recover skills especially in reading and math.

There will be a Field Day on May 20 and 21 with an obstacle course in the gymnasium.

As interim superintendent, Mr. Brusky reported that the facilities report would be available for the board. The playground equipment In Trimont needs to be replaced and it will cost about $18,000.

The grounds committee did a report and during the summer the equipment will be ordered to be here in 2022. The furniture needs for the high school and elementary school were discussed and Mr. Brusky showed the tables and chairs that will be ordered. They have castors and removable drawers and adjustable heights as does the

teacher’s lecturns. The chairs and tables have been shown to the staff and they will get more information from the staff. There were special chairs and tables demonstrated at the meeting. The media center and computer rooms and staff chairs should be discussed in

the future. There is a company that would inventory and sell the old furniture and athletic equipment for a fee of 5,000 plus dollars.

Hiring policies was discussed with experienced staff hired at more than the existing staff and supervisors. They talked about how to compensate staff or give incentives to staff to continue their education so that the open positions can be filled and they can

obtain lane changes. The board agreed that excellent staff and teachers should be hired.

The Jr./Sr. High School Principal, Michelle Baker, also reported to the board. She said 59 students were distance learning and had not been inside the school buildings during the year. The senior class went on their trip to South Dakota. She attended the Principal’s

Association meeting and found it very helpful. The math position is being worked on and graduation will be 2 p.m. on June 6.

The elementary principal in Sherburn, Chad Pederson, also reported that interviews are ongoing for positions and he mentioned several events and activities the school had. He especially wanted to thank all the staff for their hard work this year.

The board talked about highlighting staff each month similar to the students highlighted. The confidential records housed at the Welcome building should be housed in Sherburn. This would help with insurance payments.

The last day of school for students is June 4 and the teachers will have a June 7 workshop to end their year. The next regular school board meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on June 21, and the board is meeting June 10 to interview candidates for the superintendent

position.