SHERBURN — The Martin County West (MCW) School Board met on Monday evening. Superintendent Cori Reynolds gave a report on finances, with 22 percent of the budget paid and enrollment at 626 students. She said that construction progress is going well so far since the weather has cooperated. She also reported on special district events like the preschoolers decorating pumpkins and the elementary students using science to engineer the tallest tower. The 8th graders did a chemical reaction experiment, and Trimont School congratulated 60 students who had perfect attendance for the first quarter.

Principal’s reports included activities at the Jr. Sr. High School from Principal Autumn Welcome. They had a Veterans Day program on Nov. 11 with Clint Cole as speaker and presentations by five students. There is a therapist available one day a week from Family Services based in Mankato and Blue Earth. Winter athletics have started. There is a Food Drive Challenge ending this week. The National Honor Society and Student Council sponsored a Red Cross Blood Drive on Nov. 12, and so are eligible for scholarships from the American Red Cross. They plan another blood drive in March.

During the holidays, there will be Maverick Holiday Helpers through FFA and a giving tree in Trimont sponsored by Windom Health. The Shop with a Cop/Hometown Hero is sponsored by the Sherburn/Welcome Police Department with the help of donations from the area so children can shop for their families. This week is Education Week and all staff are included. The Drama Department will present the School Play “Newsies” at the Sherburn Theatre this weekend. The Fall Break is scheduled for Nov. 27-28.

The Principal’s report from Trimont was given by Michelle Baker. They have a Literacy Night on Nov. 21 and a Book Fair this week. The students will attend a matinee production of the School Play “Newsies” at the Sherburn Theatre on Friday afternoon. They will show their gratitude (November’s monthly theme) at a fun Turkey Bingo on Nov. 26 and celebrate Education Week this week.

Sherburn Elementary Principal Nickole Bowie reported hearing and vision screening done with help from a doctor for some re-screenings, saving the parents an appointment. The visit to the construction site was rained out, and it will be rescheduled. There was a staff workshop and there will be a Pizza with the Principal for students doing gratitude experiences. Education week is planned too.

The list of events for the Community Education and Recreation program is full. The four-star-rated Preschool is doing well. The Dance teacher, Alexis Bryant, is also doing well. The Mini Magic Gymnastics has learned to take down and put up the equipment in an hour. Coaches are needed. Spanish classes are being offered for young and old in the winter and spring. Caroline Porter is starting art classes for adults with plans for more after the holidays. The Early Childhood and Family classes are scheduled one afternoon and one evening and are getting underway.

Reynolds also gave a report of the Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness Summary. A chart of the goals and results for last year were used to explain the results of MCA tests and Fast Bridge results, which about 97 percent of the eligible students participated in during the last school year. The goal was to meet or exceed the achievement levels from the previous year. The levels were high on that goal. Most of the goals were near the state average. There were reports on the Math, Reading and Science scores from MCA tests and Fast Bridge Math and Reading for grades kindergarten to 8. The preschool readiness and screening goals were met or exceeded in the previous year. The fall-to-spring growth was evident. Curriculum training for teachers’ goals was met. The report of the seniors’ completion of college or career readiness was high. The graduation rate was 95 percent, with a goal of 100 percent next year. The information given is available on the school’s website at https://www.martin.k12.mn.us.

In other business:

— The board accepted the following donations : $100 from the Welcome All School Reunion for the MCW Band; $2,500 from Odell Wind Farm for the Ag Program; $10,000 from the Southern MN Initiative Foundation for the Maverick Prairie Path and Outdoor Classroom project; $510 also from SMIF for preschool training; $500 from Federated Rural Electric for preschool; $1,620 also from FREA for projects at the Sherburn Elementary; and $5,000 from the Fox Lake Conservation Club for Drama and also $5,000 from them for the Robotics program.

— The board approved the hiring of several coaches: Basketball – girls assistant coach Tyler Wille and assistant boys coach Zach Krumweide; Junior High Basketball coaches for boys Jarvis Weber and Ryan Melkert; Girls Junior High Basketball coach Stuart Geldart and volunteer Doug Blue; and Gymnastics assistant coaches Justin Thedens and Courtney Schultz.

— The board approved the seniority list for teachers, nurses and workers.

— The board approved the agreement with the MCW Education Association, which was ratified in October by union members.

The next meeting of the MCW School Board will be at 6 p.m. on Dec. 15 at the Sherburn Elementary.