SHERBURN– Martin County West School Board met Monday evening. A presentation from Mallory Rudolph, Lisa Crosby and Stephanie Wohlhuter was given about the proposed e-learning for the district. The elementary teachers would be available from 8 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m. High school teachers would be at school but would be available to students from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m. The teachers could work from home and be available through Google phone and email. If staff are unavailable to provide sessions they will

take a leave of absence day and leave an out of office notice.

The students must turn-in work to make attendance and it must be within three days (in-person days) or before. The two elementary students will have guidelines at home to help them and parents work with the teachers. High school students would have 20 to 30

minute sessions. The students must have virtual sessions and technology-based work. Students will have a choice and the teachers plan about five different sessions. It’s new learning not just make-up work and will not always be paper and pencil workbook kind of sessions.

The board discussed some of their concerns and the superintendent mentioned that the state allows e-learning for up to five days. All agreed it would help so that days may not have to be added at the end of the year to make up for snow days. The board approved making a policy for one year to see how it plays out.

– The enrollment report was 650 students with an average of 19.4 students per section. The compliance with the new Data Privacy Law for students was explained. The company, ISG, that will check out all the buildings in the district will come soon, within days. They will report later.

The board also approved the contract with custodians and food service workers. The revised fee schedule was approved with a meal being $4.95 instead of $4 which was the MDE minimum required. There are qualifications for free meals and the medic aid enrollment is now added which will help those students who need extra help with fees.

The board approved the Crisis Management Plan for the district. The board had questions about staff being certified in CPR.

The principals reported that school was progressing nicely. The high school principal remarked that Homecoming is Oct. 3-7 and plans are underway. The new teachers are doing well and asking questions when needed. The Trimont principal remarked that after-school

programs will begin soon. The Sherburn elementary principal remarked that safety drills have been held and Maverick Pride winners will receive pizza. Both elementary principals agreed that bus riding education programs were successful so far according to the bus drivers.

The CER Director discussed preschool and ECFE beginning and how sstudents were screened to help with enrollment with a survey about what they should offer. Pool parties have been a success.

In other news:

— The board approved having a public hearing date for budget and tax levy proposals at 6 p.m. on Dec. 19 at the central office in the elementary building in Sherburn. The

superintendent remarked that the proposed levy was 16 percent lower than the 2022 levy and can be lowered but not raised.

— The board accepted with thanks a donation of $490 from the Fairmont Veterinary Clinic and the donation of kindergarten supplies from the Rotary Club.

– The board approved some hirings: Jordan Neduzak in Phy Ed; Heather Winter as school social worker; Jennifer Beseke as preschool and ECFE family facilitator; Jessica Taylor, Lacey Schmidtke, and Ashley Hilgendorf as paraprofessionals; Pam Warriner for food service at Trimont; and Jessica Fisher as school nurse.

The next meeting of the MCW School Board is scheduled 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 17, in the Central Office at Sherburn Elementary School.