School Board considers more projects
FAIRMONT — The Fairmont Area school board gathered on Tuesday to discuss miscellaneous news regarding school grounds outdoor projects. Board members Mike Edman and Mari Myren were not present.
According to President Nicole Green, there were no school celebrations to acknowledge. Therefore, Superintendent Andy Traetow proceeded with his Superintendent Report. He said the Buildings and Grounds team will be removing an additional total of 15 ash trees from school grounds. Board Member Julie Laue asked how the trees are selected to be removed and Traetow said that any trees showing notable signs of (Emerald Ash Borer) disease will be taken from the Fairmont High School grounds. He noted that the district was unsuccessful in receiving a grant to immediately replace the removed trees. However, the board has partnered with its financial advisor to gradually replace the removed ash trees with a variety of tree types. So far, there are 35 newly planted tree saplings on school grounds.
In other news,
— A lane marking was added to the High School ‘horseshoe’ entrance to assist car-bus traffic during school hours.
— The former softball building has been deemed unneeded, so the school has reached out to local excavators to demolish the building.
— In the fall, the school will be installing ‘huddle cameras’, thus adding a networking line and outlets to support cameras in the baseball and softball areas. Laue commented that the school may consider bringing awareness to the Huddle program for the sake of family members seeking to easily access events at the school. She explained this was a prominent feature for schools in Mankato, and Fairmont High School could bring awareness to this opportunity officially on the website.
— Traetow suggested that the school district collaborate with the Fairmont docuseries, “My Town” which is created by Community Venture Network and provides information on the community and the schools in the area.
— The board approved the employment of Catalina Cordova as a special education paraprofessional, the resignation of Jody Hemann from the position of special education paraprofessional.
— The board the approved the preliminary 2024 Payable 2025 Tax Levy.
— The board set the Truth in Taxation hearing for Tuesday, Dec. 10.