SHERBURN — The Martin County West (MCW) School Board held its meeting on Monday, and Superintendent Cori Reynolds gave the building project update. The excavating is digging footings and more activities are underway. The interest in purchasing the Sherburn Elementary School building and the Trimont School building were mentioned. This is just in the talking stage, but interest is encouraged to utilize these buildings.

The board suggested forming a committee and the Operations Committee members suggested that it is part of their duties. The board reminded the superintendent that the land east and north of the Sherburn Elementary School building was not for sale and would be used for MCW activities. No actions were taken, but there is interest in exploring options for both school buildings.

Reynolds also reported that 6 percent of the budget has been spent and the enrollment is 625 students.

The board approved plans to complete the outdoor concessions building and woodgrain ceiling in the varsity gymnasium. The board asked that the superintendent look for less expensive packets of the wood grain ceiling. The board approved the collective bargaining agreement with the support professionals and cooks at MCW.

The bids for Concrete ($3,240 from Evenson Const.), Steel ($888,775 from Sentry), Painting ($872,173 from Fransen Decorating), Conveying Equipment ($ 250,700 from TK Elevator corp.) and Synthetic Turf ($478,961-plus from Field Turf USA) were approved. Reynolds said that they had two bids for each packet. The board asked about the quality of the turf. The Janesville school has this turf and is satisfied. The MCW turf would be one step better.

In other business, MCW Principal Autumn Welcome reported that policies about cell phones, headphones, dress code, bus behavior, one to one technology and cafeteria expectations were discussed with all the students. The seniors met with Mr. Wille about fundraisers for the Senior Trip. The first fundraiser will be the tailgate feed at Homecoming on Sept. 26. Pictures were taken. The Homecoming plans were discussed and the Homecoming court will be announced. Mrs. Wohlhuter is planning a group to Give Back to the community. If there are any community needs that the students and volunteers could do she would like to know what need they could help with.

The electronic-learning plans were approved. The e-learning days are limited to five days for inclement weather. Some of the board members asked if the e-learning was effective and not just a waste of time. They asked about the future plans for e-learning. Superintendent Reynolds commented on their questions and felt e learning was still in the plans.

To build up the Student Activities Funds which pay for field trips, student experiences to build positivity, parent-student classroom activities, speakers and events for students, and more of the World’s Finest Chocolate Bar fundraisers are planned. Sales start Homecoming week. Any business that would like to purchase a whole box to pass out to their staff or sell can contact a seller or the school office staff.

Safety in the classroom and on the bus will be reinforced throughout the year. Oct. 21 to Oct. 25 is bus safety week. Homecoming week is coordinated with Sherburn and the students will be bussed to the parade and pep fest.Principal at Sherburn Elementary and CER Director, Nickole Bowie, said that CER is very busy with Preschool and ECFE beginning at the beginning of the year. Flag football has 42 students involved. Dance teacher will be Alexis Bryant that will start soon. The Mini Magic Gymnastics move to the Armory went well. There is good room and cooperation from the armory. Wrestling will team up with the MCW CER and Red Bull wrestling for a youth wrestling season. There are plans for Youth Volleyball and Cheer Camp. The Cheer Camp will help with Homecoming. Screenings of those who have not been screened will be done in October. The ECFE has 22 4-year olds and 12 3-year-olds.

In other news, the board:

— Set the date for the public hearing regarding the budget and proposed property tax for Dec. 15, before the School Board meeting at 6 p.m. that night. The proposed 2025 pay and 2026 levy limitation and certification were approved at the maximum.

— Approved the fee schedule for 2025 to 2026 school year. The Minnesota Department of Education issued minimum costs for meals and was reminded that there are Spring and Fall fees. The rental of instruments were decreased for the band.

— Accepted donations from Odell Wind Farm of $2,500 for Ag Education, from Martin County Area Foundation of $15,000 for the drama department.

— Approved the resignation of Barry Kneeland as Jr. High basketball coach, the hiring of Savannah Longton as Jr. High volleyball coach, Ethan Jacobs as custodian and Jaxson Rohman as substitute school nurse and leave of absence for Jordan Neduzak, Summer Firchau and Michael Beatty.

— Approved the agreement with Butterfield-Odin School for services of Michael Mattick as Science teacher for 2025-2026. They approved requesting a Transportation Contractor for bus routes, special education and activities routes.

The next meeting of the MCW School Board will be at 6 p.m. on Oct. 20 at the Sherburn Elementary School.