Trending
FAIRMONT--The Fairmont school board met Tuesday and recognized Fairmont's retiring staff members as well as staff members which have been with the district for 25 years.
This year's retirees include science teacher Anne Holm, elementary teacher Bethany Huse, custodian Tom Seifert and administrative assistant Dawn Waterbury. This year marks 25 years at Fairmont Area Schools for special education teacher Anne Simmering, counselor Scott Geerdes, curriculum, instruction, and research principle Kim Niss, art teacher Kandice Petschke, kindergarten teacher Jenni Diegnau and CTE teacher Bob Bonin. Honorees received plaques made by students in woodworking classes and treats made by students in Fairmont's culinary program.
"Every one of you who we recognize tonight I have personally seen influence my own children and I thank you for that; for all of the teachers, the custodial and support staff who are so dedicated to our district and our students. You make a difference," said board president Nicole Green.
The board also passed a resolution which allowed an early release for seniors on track to graduate with no outstanding fines, missing assignments, or unserved detention time on June 1.
In his report to the board, Superintendent Andy Traetow noted Cardinal Community Days have now finished at both the high school and elementary school in addition to noting the district now has roughly one year to utilize the remainder of its ESSER funding before it expires. He also recognized the success of Fairmont's robotics team which reached finals at the state robotics tournament in the Twin Cities this previous weekend. The team ultimately placed fourth out of 36 teams that attended. The superintendent provided no updates regarding buildings and grounds or health and safety.
This meeting was the last attended by student representative Solveig Senf before she graduates in June. She was recognized by Traetow and the board.
"We wish you all the best and thank you for your service to our school district. Our individual meetings throughout the year have been hugely beneficial," said Traetow.
"It really is an additional value for our staff, for our other students, but also for us because you have brought our thoughts and ideas to make everything better for our district," said board member Julie Laue.
"I hope in the years to come more students fill these chairs and continue to work on developing the seeds I got to plant," said Senf.
The board will reconvene on May 23 in the Budd Room at Fairmont Elementary School for a brief business meeting followed by a strategic planning work session.
In other business:
-- The board voted to not extend a contract for probational teacher Audrey Nawrocki.
-- The board voted to approve an employment contract for Megan Hawkins as a high school social studies teacher for the