SHERBURN — The Martin County West (MCW) School Board meeting on Thursday began with the election of the officers of the board. President Sarah Rohman and Clerk Laura Borchardt were elected by acclamation. Vice Chair Mark Wohlhuter was elected on a 4-3 ballot and Treasurer Nathan Vrieze was elected on a 3-2 ballot.

The committees were designated as: Danielle Wilmes for the Staff Development and Technology committees; Jeff Scholl as the Special Education committee; Laura Borchardt on the Community Education committee; Darren Thate, Nathan Vrieze and Mark Wohlhuter on Operations committee; Sarah Rohman, Nathan Vrieze and Mark Wohlhuter on the Policy committee; Laura Borchardt, Danielle Wilmes and Darren Thate on Personnel committee; Sarah Rohman, Jeff Scholl, and Laura Borchardt on the negotiations committee. The Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) representative will be Sarah Rohman.

Superintendent Cori Reynolds reported on the finances and 46 percent of the budget spent. She remarked that the debt service made the larger amount happen in comparison to last year.

MCW Principal Autumn Welcome shared that the Course Catalog was updated and will be presented to the students for their next year course choices. An early dismissal will be on Jan. 23 and teachers will use the extra time to finalize quarter and semester grades.

Mr. Neduzak is working on the National Honor Society paperwork and will form a team to review the applications. A Dollars for Scholars meeting was held to review the information for seniors. The new CAPTI test will be given grades 7 to 11 in January. This is a diagnostic reading test required by the state of Minnesota. The test data will help teachers personalize the curriculum and instruction.

Trimont Elementary Principal Michelle Baker said the grade 4 sections are now three in number. The larger number (28) was not what the school felt was optimal. Mr. Crosby will teach mathematics classes, Mr. Melkert will teach science and social studies classes and Mrs. Glidden will teach all reading/language arts classes. Parents indicated they were pleased with this change. All students will be given FastBridge and CAPTI Read Basix tests and a base line will be formed. Later struggling students may be tested again. This will help teachers measure student progress in reading and math.

Sherburn Elementary Principal Nickole Bowie reported that they will use FastBridge testing, and that the monthly character trait for January is Perserverance. Bowie reported on the Community Education and Recreation at MCW. Preschool is going very well. The Mini Magic Gymnastics competitions is going well. Virtual Spanish classes during are in the works. The adult art classes will make bookmark and cup art. Upcoming classes are 55 Alive Driving program, estate planning and evening ECFE.

In other news, the board:

— Designated Bank Midwest, MN School District Liquid Assets Fund and UMB as depositories, Martin County Star as the newspaper and Ratwik, Rozak and Maloney P A as district legal counsel.

— Approved the discussion of the Transportation Contract with Cedar Mountain Bus Service and will begin contract negotiations.

— Approved the open enrollment options for the 2026-2027 school year.

The next meeting of the MCW School Board will be at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17.