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BLUE EARTH-- One of the first things on the agenda at the Blue Earth Area School Board meeting on Monday was an update on something that had happened at a closed session at last month's meeting.
Board chairman Sara Hauskins gave the report on last month's closed session that was an evaluation of the performance of BEA superintendent Mandy Fletcher.
"Superintendent Fletcher was evaluated on three goals being accomplished," Hauskins said. "After it was all tabulated, she received a rating of 3.6 out of a possible four points."
Those three goals were 1. Continuous Improvement Plan Implementation, 2. Community, Family and Staff Engagement, and 3. Culture of Cooperation.
"The board viewed superintendent Fletcher as effective and particularly strong communicator who demonstrated excellent leadership throughout the referendum process," Hauskins reported. "The board appreciates her organization, availability, professionalism and ability to communicate with the board and community."
Hauskins said one area identified for growth was strengthening trust and relationships with staff and ensuring staff feel supported.
Another item taken care of by the board at the meeting was to approve an initial levy 2026 payable 2027.
After hearing an update on the preliminary budget for 2026-2027 from Fiscal Services coordinator Alan Wilhelmi, to board voted to follow Wilhelmi's proposal to set the preliminary levy at the maximum amount allowed.
No numbers were discussed, but Wilhelmi stated that the actual proposed increase, or decrease, in the levy will be done after the Truth In Taxation Hearing which will be in December.
In other business at the meeting, the Blue Earth Area School Board:
-- Heard a report from superintendent Fletcher that included information on a proposed amendment to the state constitution, enrollment numbers and an update on the start of school and the projects that were done over the summer.
-- Approved a resolution authorizing entry into a Joint Powers Agreement to form a Declaration of Trust establishing the "MN Trust" that will handle the proceeds of the bond referendum.
-- Approved a contract with Arrowhead Regional Computing Consortium at a cost of $8,928.
-- Approved donations including an anonymous $25,000 donation and Dairy Queen Reward Coupons in the amount of $585.
-- Approved personnel changes that included: contracts for Rachel Petersen (Gifted and Talented), Nick Milbrandt (FFA advisor) and Jordan Kuehl (FFA assistant advisor); new hires Liz Minor, Jazmyn Eggert and Quyen Chessy as high school paraprofessionals and Nyla Anderson as a full time guest teacher; resignations of Brent Nissen (maintenance), Rachel Petersen (CE Program coordinator) and Airyana Shaffer (high school paraprofessional); lane changes for Carter Bell and Karen Dressler.