journal minnesota school boards association
November–December 2017
VOL. 70 ISSUE 3
: t n e m e v ie h c A t n e Stud , rseverance Passion, Pe ssibility and Po
2018 Leadership Conference Preview Conflicting Duties MSBA’s New Staff Member: Joel Stencel
Conference ip h rs e d a e L l 8 97th Annua 11-12, 201 January
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Minnesota School BoardS Association | Journal
Officers President: Kathy Green, Austin Past President: Kevin Donovan, Mahtomedi District Directors District 1: Heidi Jones, Red Wing District 2: Linda Leiding, Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial District 3: Linden Olson, Worthington District 4: Cheryl Polzin, Wayzata District 5: Suzy Guthmueller, Centennial District 6: George Kimball, White Bear Lake Area District 7: Melissa Sauser, Farmington District 8: Zuki Ellis, St. Paul District 9: Kirby Ekstrom, North Branch Area District 10: Michael Domin, Crosby-Ironton District 11: John Berklich, Hibbing District 12: Ann Long Voelkner, Bemidji Area District 13: Deborah Pauly, Jordan Staff Kirk Schneidawind: Executive Director Kelly Martell: Executive Assistant Gary Lee: Deputy Executive Director Greg Abbott: Director of Communications Denise Dittrich: Associate Director of Government Relations Denise Drill: Director of Financial/MSBAIT Services Amy Fullenkamp-Taylor: Director of Management Services Gail Gilman: Associate Director of Board Development Sandy Gundlach: Director of School Board Services Barb Hoffman: Administrative Assistant to Government Relations/Finance/Meeting Coordinator Sue Honetschlager: Administrative Assistant to Management, Legal and Policy Services/MSBAIT Donn Jenson: Director of Technology Bill Kautt: Associate Director of Management Services Grace Keliher: Director of Government Relations Katie Klanderud: Director of Board Development Bruce Lombard: Associate Director of Communications Cathy Miller: Director of Legal and Policy Services Sue Munsterman: Administrative Assistant to Board Development/Communications Jeff Olson: Membership Services Sandi Ostermann: Administrative Assistant to Association Services and Finance/Receptionist Tim Roberts: Production Room Manager Joel Stencel: Director of Association Finance The MSBA Journal (USPS 352-220) is published bimonthly by the Minnesota School Boards Association, 1900 West Jefferson Avenue, St. Peter, Minnesota 56082. Telephone 507-934-2450. Call MSBA office for subscription rates. (Opinions expressed in the Journal are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent MSBA policy.)
MINNESOTA SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION
Where School Boards Learn to Lead
Table of Contents 11 | 2018 Leadership Conference Preview Bruce Lombard and Greg Abbott
26 | MSBA Board Director Spotlight: Linda Leiding Bruce Lombard/Suzy Guthmueller
20 | Conflicting Duties When Special Education Students are Disruptive Jim Walsh
23 | MSBA’s New Staff Member: Joel Stencel
6 | STRAIGHT TALK Kirk Schneidawind, MSBA Executive Director 9 | PRESIDENT’S Message Kathy Green, MSBA President 24 | ASK MSBA By Katie Klanderud, MSBA Director of Board Development, and Gail Gilman, MSBA Associate Director of Board Development
31 | 2018 Leadership Conference Exhibitor List MSBA Staff 38 | VENDOR DIRECTORY Pierre Productions & Promotions, Inc. 41 | Legal UpdAte Cathy Miller, MSBA Director of Legal and Policy Services
Journal | Minnesota School BoardS Association
SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2017 3
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Minnesota School BoardS Association | Journal
Calendar NOVEMBER 2017 2–3 ��������� MASBO Fall Conference 5–6 ��������� MSBA Board of Directors’ Meeting 7 ������������ Election Day (no meetings or activities 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.) 10 ���������� Veterans Day Observed (no meetings) 11 ���������� Veterans Day (no meetings) 13–17 ����� American Education Week 15 ���������� Boardbook Webinar 10 a.m. 15 ���������� Minnesota School District Liquid Asset Fund Plus Meeting 15 ���������� MSBA Pre-Delegate Assembly Meeting, Little Falls 16 ���������� MSBA Pre-Delegate Assembly Meeting, St. Peter 18 ���������� MSBA Pre-Delegate Assembly Meeting, St. Paul 23 ���������� Thanksgiving Day (no meetings) 24 ���������� Optional Holiday
DECEMBER 2017 1 ������������ MSBA Board of Directors’ Meeting 1–2 ��������� MSBA Delegate Assembly, Minneapolis 5 ������������ MSBA Learning to Lead – School Board Basics: Phase I, St. Peter 8 ������������ MSBA Learning to Lead – School Board Basics: Phase I, St. Cloud 9 ������������ MSBA Leadership Foundations – School Finance and Management: Phase II, St. Cloud 25 ���������� Christmas Day (no meetings)
JANUARY 2018 1 ������������ Terms Begin for Newly Elected School Board Members 1 ������������ New Year’s Day (no meetings) 9 ������������ MSBA Learning to Lead – School Board Basics: Phase I, Minneapolis 10 ���������� MSBA Leadership Foundations – School Finance and Management: Phase II, Minneapolis 10 ���������� MSBA Charter School Board Training, Minneapolis 10 ���������� MSBA Board of Directors’ Meeting, Minneapolis 10 ���������� MSBA Early Bird Workshops, Minneapolis 11–12 ����� MSBA Leadership Conference, Minneapolis 12 ���������� MSBA Board of Directors’ Meeting, Minneapolis 15 ���������� Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday Observed (no meetings)
MSBA thanks the students of Stewartville Middle School for sharing their art in this issue. COVER ART:
Ben H., “The Rat Trap,” watercolor Note: In the September-October 2017 edition of the Journal, Kallie Bumgarner’s artwork on Page 12 was a reproduction of Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks” (1942). Journal | Minnesota School BoardS Association
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Straight Talk
We don’t endorse everything we share on social media and eClippings By Kirk Schneidawind, MSBA Executive Director MSBA believes it is important to keep our members informed about relevant and emerging issues. We carry this out primarily through the MSBA eClippings and The Leader newsletter. We also produce the MSBA Journal magazine, an online MSBA Advocate (updates from the MSBA Government Relations staff) and its Advocate Weekly companion. (The Advocate Weekly is a great way of staying informed of issues during the legislative session. Email MSBA’s Bruce Lombard at blombard@mnmsba.org to sign up.)
We’ve been called “too conservative” a number of times, including once for a Facebook post announcing Gov. Mark Dayton’s Flags at Half-Staff notice for a Minnesota soldier killed in the line of duty. MSBA has great respect for our armed forces, but we post ALL Flag at Half-Staff proclamations (regardless of which political party the governor represents or whom the proclamation honors) in order to let our administrators know when they need to lower U.S. and state flags at their school buildings.
We believe there is great value in all of our communication avenues. Our eClippings service is one of our members’ favorites. Originally called the News Clipping Service, this daily email update was spawned years ago when MSBA staff members would literally clip news stories from newspapers to share among themselves. If this was good enough for our staff, then the information would also be helpful for our school board members and administrators.
Also, we’ve been accused of being “too liberal” at times, including once for a Facebook post of February 23 story — “President Trump’s withdrawal of guidance on transgender student rights leaves bathroom questions up to schools and states” — from The Washington Post. The Post’s story provided a balanced view, offering opposing perspectives from the mother of a transgender girl in the state of Virginia on one side — and a Utah school board member who felt President Barack Obama’s original guidance on the issue was a federal overreach on the other side.
In addition to those publications, MSBA occasionally shares news stories on our Facebook and Twitter social media pages. From time to time, we have been questioned by some for certain content we have posted on our eClippings and those two social media sites.
Running a certain article in the eClippings or retweeting a particular post on Twitter doesn’t necessarily mean we agree with or endorse it. We simply put information out there to inform members about what is happening in the education world — with a heavy emphasis
6 SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2017
on our Minnesota public schools and some important national stories. Part of a board member’s responsibility is to be aware of education-related stories on a local, regional, state and national level to help them gather information and gain perspective for decisions they could likely make today or in the future. Trust me, in these politically charged times, we are very sensitive to our members’ political convictions. We take great pride in focusing on how we can better serve our boards by working with both sides of the aisle (at the state Legislature and U.S. Congress) to promote and advance policy and funding proposals — that come from our membership via our Delegate Assembly — that help our public schools and the students that they serve. If any member has any concerns about any stories we share, please contact me and we can have a conversation. As a leading advocate for public education, MSBA’s mission is to support, promote, and strengthen public education and the work of your school board. Kirk Schneiawind is MSBA’s Executive Director. You may contact him about this column at kschneidawind@mnmsba.org.
Minnesota School BoardS Association | Journal
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Minnesota School BoardS Association | Journal
President’s Message
Parents wanting the best education for their children is universal By Kathy Green, MSBA President Being a school board member has been one of the most rewarding endeavors of my life. I was drawn to it by my intense desire to be able to positively impact my children’s experience in our public school system. I, like many in any community, would tell you I already believed in what our district was doing and the dedication of our teachers and staff. I wanted to build on a district with a rich legacy of excellence, all the while knowing my kids were my motivation. That motivation soon grew to include our entire student body. In 2017, our student body looks strikingly different than in 2000. In 2001, our English as a Second Language program served 7 percent of our student body — last year, that number was in excess of 16 percent. We currently have a robust refugee and immigrant population who speak more than 42 different languages at home. What is abundantly clear is that a parent’s desire for what is best for their children is universal. This fall I had on opportunity to view a screening of an independent documentary
by Ansley Sawyer and Corey Embring, “Like We Don’t Exist,” the story of the longest ongoing civil war in Myanmar (formally Burma) that has been fought since 1947. The film told of the plight of the Karenni people, who are virtually without a country as many of whom fled their land and home to refugee camps on the border of Thailand. Austin has become the home of a significant number of Karenni refugees. What struck me in the film were the statements made by parents that fleeing to the refugee camp was about getting their children to a structured education that was nonexistent in the war-torn country. The understanding that their children’s education was their only means of survival and prospering drove these people. The similarities of a parent’s desire to seek what is best for their child, with consequences many of us will never comprehend. A discussion of the film afterward allowed several different refugees from around the world to speak to their experience. The opportunity for education in the refugee camps was a common thread. Parental support of education is a leading indicator
Journal | Minnesota School BoardS Association
of student success. I have witnessed magnificent achievements by some of our newest residents. “Inspirational” comes to mind. As a school board member sitting in the audience, I was humbled by story after story of the courage of these journeys and the perseverance in the face of adversary to get these students to us. The next element of parental drive was to voice their gratitude for what we have given their children. In our eyes we still have work to do, in their eyes, they are blessed beyond measure. We will combine our drive and continue to provide the best education possible for all of our futures. Our work is vital. We do make a difference. “Like We Don’t Exist” will be available to view on YouTube in the near future. The trailer can be seen on http://likewedontexist.com. Contact Kathy Green at kathyannegreen@gmail.com.
SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2017 9
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Minnesota School BoardS Association | Journal
2018 MSBA LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE PREVIEW
Student Achievement: Passion, Perseverance, and Possibility
97th Annual Leadership Conference January 11-12, 2018
Minneapolis Convention Center
Where School Boards Learn to Lead Speakers Mark J. Lindquist, Manny Scott to headline MSBA Leadership Conference MSBA’s marquee event returns in January. The 97th annual Leadership Conference is scheduled for Thursday, January 11, and Friday, January 12, 2018, at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The theme of this year’s conference is “Student Achievement: Passion, Perseverance, and Possibility.” The conference will feature a wide variety of workshops, skills sessions and round table mini-sessions to help school board members, superintendents and other school district staff find
Journal | Minnesota School BoardS Association
new ideas and connect with their colleagues from across the state. Mark J. Lindquist and Manny Scott will be the keynote speakers at this year’s event. Lindquist is a nationally recognized motivational speaker, a highly sought-after success coach, the lead singer of the Mark J. Lindquist Big Band, a world-touring entertainer, a U.S. Air Force and Afghanistan war veteran, and author of
SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2017 11
2018 MSBA LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE PREVIEW the books, “Passion! 8 Steps to Reignite Yours,” “Passion! 8 Steps to Find Yours” and “Service! My Way of Life.” Via his website, “Mark has performed live for more than 2.5 million people in 22 countries and 44 states throughout his career. He has performed for Grammy-winning artists, Academy Award-nominated actors, foreign dignitaries around the world, as well as staffers at the White House.” Learn more about Lindquist on Page 14.
Scott — an original Freedom Writer whose story is told in part in the 2007 hit movie, “Freedom Writers” — has energized nearly two million leaders, educators, volunteers, and students worldwide with his authentic, inspiring messages of hope. Also, Scott is the author of four books and the founder of Ink International, Inc. — an education consulting firm that has helped hundreds of organizations raise student achievement and leader effectiveness over 48 states and
Pre-Conference Sessions Learning to Lead — School Board Basics: Phase I Workshop Learning to Lead — School Board Basics: Phase I Workshop When: 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 9 Where: Hilton Minneapolis, 1001 South Marquette Avenue, Minneapolis Tuition: $105 for advanced registrants; $115 for walk-ins.
“Learning to Lead — School Board Basics” helps new board members hit the ground running. This session covers the role of the school board, the role of the superintendent, the leadership team relationship, and common scenarios facing new board members. Visit www.mnmsba.org/Phase-I-Workshop for more information and to register.
Leadership Foundations — School Finance and Management: Phase II Workshop When: 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, January 10 Where: Hilton Minneapolis Tuition: $185 for advanced registrants; $205 for walk-ins.
Presented by MSBA staff and state experts, “Leadership Foundations — School Finance and Management” includes the training school boards are required to have by state law. The session covers core topics such as the budget, school finance, local levies, policies, significant laws affecting school boards, and personnel issues. Visit www.mnmsba.org/Phase-II-Workshop for more information and to register.
Charter School Board Member Training
When: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 10 Where: Hilton Minneapolis Tuition: $185 for MSBA Charter Associates ($250 for non-MSBA Charter Associates); walk-ins add $20. Presented by MSBA staff, this training covers the three state-mandated areas for charter school board members: governance, employment and finance. Charter board members are required to start these trainings within six months of election to a charter school board and complete the trainings within one year. Visit http://www.mnmsba.org/CharterSchoolBoardTraining to download a registration form.
12 SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2017
Minnesota School BoardS Association | Journal
2018 MSBA LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE PREVIEW four continents. Ink has also helped prevent thousands of dropouts and suicides. According to his official website, “Manny has a gift: the ability to connect with, hold the attention of, and energize all kinds of audiences. From inner-city youth to business executives, Manny has learned to speak, and command, the language of his audiences with relevant, riveting, and compelling messages, moving them from cheers, to laughter, to tears, and go-forward determination.”
Read more about Scott on Page 17. Visit http://www.mnmsba.org/LeadershipConference for additional information about the Leadership Conference. Also, be sure to reserve your hotel room early. Go to http://www.mnmsba.org/LeadershipConferenceHousing to view your lodging options.
Evening Early Bird Sessions Designing an Effective Superintendent Evaluation When: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, January 10 Where: Minneapolis Convention Center Tuition: $105 for advanced registrants; $115 for walk-ins.
Sandy Gundlach Amy Fullenkamp-Taylor
Steve Niklaus
Presenters: Sandy Gundlach, MSBA Director of School Board Services; Amy Fullenkamp-Taylor, MSBA Associate Director of Management Services; and Steve Niklaus, MSBA Consultant Leadership is important, and evaluating the superintendent’s performance and its own performance are two of the school board’s most important duties. Whether the school board is evaluating its own performance or the performance of its superintendent, the evaluation can be a powerful tool for growth and professional development. In addition, having a positive working relationship, between school board members and between the school board and its superintendent, is critical to accomplishing a school district’s mission and priorities. One way to develop this relationship is by having an effective, constructive evaluation process and procedures that help drive school district improvement efforts. Workshop participants will review the principles of effective evaluation and become familiar with the “MSBA/ MASA Superintendent Evaluation: A Resource for School Board Members and Superintendents.”
Data Privacy and Data Breaches – Are You Prepared? Do You Know What to Do? When: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, January 10 Where: Minneapolis Convention Center Tuition: $105 for advanced registrants; $115 for walk-ins. Presenter: Ryan Cloutier, Certified Information Security Professional (CISP)
Data breaches are becoming ever more prevalent, Equifax being the most recent significant example. It’s not a matter of if, but when! Are you prepared to speak with parents and the community about a data breach? Do you know where all of your data is, including non-digital assets? Hear about what steps you need to take to be better prepared and have a more robust, legally defensible posture.
Ryan Cloutier
Visit http://www.mnmsba.org/EarlyBirdSessions for more information.
Journal | Minnesota School BoardS Association
SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2017 13
2018 MSBA LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE PREVIEW
Mark Lindquist
Eight Steps to Reignite Your Passion to Lead Opening keynote Mark J. Lindquist will help MSBA members find their strengths By Greg Abbott Mark J. Lindquist likes to help people find their passion. As a young man growing up in Ortonville, Minnesota, it took him a while to figure out what he was good at and how his talents could help others. As the MSBA Leadership Conference’s Thursday keynote speaker, Mark runs through eight steps to reignite your passion. One of his most important steps was to find his strength zone.
14 SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2017
“There are things that I simply do not do well,” Lindquist said. “There’s a process of trying and failing and getting back up.” But he learned to focus on things he did well — those things, when put on a scale of 1 to 10, he scored a 7, 8, 9 or 10. “Once you find those strengths, you’ve arrived. You have fun,” he said. That’s why he sings the national anthem for the NFL. That’s why he’s a speaker whose mission
Minnesota School BoardS Association | Journal
2018 MSBA LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE PREVIEW
Savanna W., “Untitled,” fiber arts
Nick D., “My Game,” fiber arts
is to help other people find their strengths and develop their passions.
are going to need eight to 10 years out, you move some supports in place and design a path to reach the goals.
“Once you find those strengths, you start to run fast in life,” he said. “But it’s a hard journey to find what you need to give to the world.”
“If you have a big enough ‘why’, you can live with all the ‘whats’,” he said. Setting those future goals will involve lots of work — developing that grand vision, explaining why you are moving in a certain direction, finding out what strengths each board member brings with them to reach the goals and then getting buy-in from the community and staff and students.
That process is important for school board members, as well — finding out what strengths you bring to the board and how you can help your school board team. The recognition of those strengths also has to come from the superintendent or board chair and veteran members. “If you’re in a situation where there are several rookies, it’s got to go back to the basics of spending some good one-onone time with them,” he said. In this email and text society, looking people in the eye over a cup of coffee is what people on a team need to go back to doing, he said. Ask people on your team what their vision for our young people in society is. “I follow the principle that a team doesn’t care how much you know until they know how much you care,” he said. “You need to show that you care about what they bring to the table.”
But, when everyone can bring their passion to the table, that’s when things take off, he said. “I’m hoping that people who walk away from this presentation — those people who have been volunteering on boards for years and have made it their life’s work — that they will have a new breath, new excitement for what they can do and believe they can make an impact,” he said. Greg Abbott is the Communications Director for MSBA. To comment on the article, you can reach him at gabbott@mnmsba.org. Learn more about Mark J. Lindquist at http://www.markjlindquist.com.
Putting your passion to work can be as simple as getting behind a solid strategic plan. By thinking about what students
Journal | Minnesota School BoardS Association
SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2017 15
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Minnesota School BoardS Association | Journal
2018 MSBA LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE PREVIEW
Manny Scott
The Power of One — Perseverance and Possibility Closing keynote Manny Scott will explain how school leaders can help troubled children succeed By Manny Scott
There are a lot of children in the world today who are living with the pain that I used to have. I see — like it was yesterday — the face of a young man who stopped me in the hallway after I spoke at his school. He was trembling, with a pain in his eyes that was so overwhelming that he could not speak. After I sat with him for a while, he was eventually able to share with me that he had just walked into his front door and found his father dangling from a rope. His dad had committed suicide.
Journal | Minnesota School BoardS Association
I also see the face of a young, blonde-haired, blue-eyed, high school student who stopped me on my way out of her school’s gymnasium. She looked just like a Barbie doll. She said, with a tone of directness, “I have two parents. I have straight A’s in my classes. I’m on the honor roll. I’m a leader in our Student Body Government. My family has a lot of money. I live in a big house … but two days ago,” her voice softened, “I tried to kill myself.” I was not expecting her to say that. She continued, “I work hard in school, and try to get my
SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2017 17
2018 MSBA LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE PREVIEW
Mesa W., “Camping,” mixed media
Michael A., “The Feather,” fiber arts
parents to notice me, but they travel all the time, and throw money at me. But I don’t want their money.” She then started weeping. Through her sobs, she whimpered, “I don’t know if anybody really loves me.” I also see the face of a hardened young man who was reduced to tears as he tried to tell me about his 3-month-old baby sister whose insides were destroyed by his mom’s boyfriend, who had raped and killed her. Then there’s the face of the young man who walked up to me, perspiring, with his head hanging, and tears falling from his face. As I hugged him, blood just started gushing from his nose onto my clothes and shoes and onto the gymnasium floor. Through the blood,
18 SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2017
all he kept saying to me, over and over again, was, “thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you …” I have thousands of stories like that weighing heavy on my heart as I write these words. Those children are living in an abyss of despair, and there are thousands of kids in your schools in Minnesota who are just like them. They need hope and practical help. With all that is already on school districts’ plates — having to do more with less, fewer things better, and having to learn how to navigate your increasingly diverse classrooms — what can board members, school leaders, teachers and staff do realistically to help troubled children succeed in school and come out prepared for work and life?
That is what I will address in my keynote presentation on Friday, January 12. I will share an approach informed by the teachers and loving adults who helped me overcome my environment, and how they helped me go from earning Fs and Ds to As and Bs — an approach honed through 18 years of connecting with kids who desperately need someone to show them a path to a more positive future. Since 1999, I have been on the road up to 300 days a year, speaking primarily at conventions, conferences, and schools to nearly 2 million administrators, teachers, leaders, and students. Roughly half of those audiences were, and are, middle and high school students. In urban contexts, the students with whom I work are primarily Caucasian,
Minnesota School BoardS Association | Journal
2018 MSBA LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE PREVIEW
Michael A., “The Feather,” fiber arts
African-American, and MexicanAmerican. Most of my student audiences are living at or below the poverty line. They are typically the kids that many teachers have had a hard time reaching and teaching. Using the approaches I will share in my keynote, I have been able to reach many students, and in quite meaningful ways. For example, not too long ago, a state superintendent of public education invited me to speak in a rural school district to nearly 2,000 middle and high school students. During the hour I was speaking at the assembly, I sensed something special happening in the room. I learned later that after my presentation, 43 students went to counselors to confess that they had been thinking about committing
suicide and needed help. All of them received help. Because of my work, I have seen many young people who were once thinking about dropping out of high school go on to college. I have seen those who were getting Fs and Ds turn things around academically. I have seen young people who were molested learn to view themselves as survivors and to live with zest and purpose. I have seen young people come to me with tears in their eyes and tell me that they are no longer going to cut themselves, no longer going to disrespect teachers, no longer going to dishonor their parents. I have seen real changes take place, and I am so very grateful to have played a small part in those transformations.
Journal | Minnesota School BoardS Association
My keynote presentation will aim to help you and your district have this kind of impact on the young people in your schools. I look forward to meeting you in Minnesota very soon. Manny Scott was an original Freedom Writer whose story is told in part in the 2007 film, “Freedom Writers.” In 2007, he founded Ink International, Inc., an education consulting firm that has helped hundreds of organizations raise student achievement and leader effectiveness. Ink has also helped prevent thousands of dropouts and suicides. Learn more about Manny Scott at http://www.mannyscott.com.
SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2017 19
Sarah E., “The Rose,” ebony pencil
Conflicting duties When special education students are seriously disruptive By Jim Walsh
When I speak to classroom teachers about our special education laws and how they impact student discipline, I can predict what will happen when it’s question and answer time. It will go something like this:
Jim Walsh
20 SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2017
“I teach fifth grade, and I have 22 students in my classroom. Actually. I don’t think of them as 22 students anymore. I think of them as 21 students — and then there’s Eric. Eric is taking up most of my time. He’s very disruptive. Sometimes, he’s violent. Eric is the one I’m worrying about as I drive to school. Eric is the one who has me thinking that maybe it’s not too late to go to law school. I’m getting
phone calls and emails from the parents of the other kids, asking why Eric is in our classroom. “I know that Eric deserves a good education, and I try my best to give it to him — but what about the other kids? Don’t they have any rights?” This question comes after I have spent 45 minutes talking about the rights that Eric has, due to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The teacher’s question is an excellent one. And it’s one that school board members should be able to answer.
Minnesota School BoardS Association | Journal
Garrett J., “Sunset,” photograph
The short answer is that, of course, the other kids also have a right to a good education, provided by wellqualified educators in a safe and orderly environment. But creating that school has become more complicated since the passage of federal laws guaranteeing a “Free Appropriate Public Education” to kids like Eric. Long ago, public schools simply expelled students like Eric. Prior to 1975, there was no legal requirement to serve all students, much less to do so in the “least restrictive environment.” There was no legal duty to consider how a student’s disability might impact the student’s behavior. Troublesome kids were just moved out of the way. That all changed in 1975 with passage of the federal law now known as the IDEA. To comply with IDEA, your campus administrators must balance two duties that sometimes conflict with each other. First, there is the duty to maintain a safe and orderly campus. The other duty—spelled out in detail in IDEA — requires schools to serve all students appropriately, including those with disabilities who commit serious or violent offenses at the school. Not only does the law require schools to serve all such students, it also reads that
services must be provided in the least restrictive environment. These two duties occasionally bump into each other.
Court precedent The U.S. Supreme Court addressed these conflicting duties in 1988 in the only case it has heard involving the discipline of students with disabilities. Honig v. Doe arose when California school officials attempted to remove John Doe and Jack White from school after they had engaged in seriously disruptive behavior. Both boys were identified as having emotional disabilities, and all parties acknowledged that their behavior was a manifestation of disability. The parents challenged the removal and invoked the “stay put” provision in the statute. School officials argued that their duty to maintain safety overrode the “stay put” rule. The court emphatically rejected the school’s argument. It wrote: “We think it’s clear, however, that Congress very much meant to strip schools of the unilateral authority they had traditionally employed to exclude disabled students, particularly emotionally disturbed students, from school.” That certainly put it clearly.
Journal | Minnesota School BoardS Association
That was 30 years ago. Much has happened since then, but the basic tension between two competing duties remains. Schools must simultaneously maintain a safe and orderly school, while appropriately serving students like John Doe, Jack White — and Eric — in the least restrictive environment. For the most part, this tension is resolved on a case-by-case basis. The law emphasizes individualized decision making by a group of educators working in collaboration with the parents — the IEP team. This team ultimately has the duty of determining how to balance the duty to serve in the least restrictive environment with the duty to maintain safety. On top of that, the IDEA regulations identify seven things administrators can do to address safety issues while still serving all students appropriately. • The principal can seek parental agreement for a change of placement. If the school and the parent agree, a change of scenery is easily accomplished through an IEP meeting. • The principal can propose a change of placement when the parent does not agree. The district must be prepared to defend this proposal in a due process hearing, and the “stay put” rule will likely keep the student in
SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2017 21
Anushka M., “Brother,” photograph
the current placement until that hearing runs its course. • If the principal believes that a change of placement is urgently needed due to safety concerns, and the parent will not agree, the school can seek an order via an expedited hearing before a hearing officer or judge. • If the student has committed one of three “special circumstances” offenses — drugs, weapons, infliction of serious bodily injury — the principal can order an immediate removal of the student to an interim, alternative setting for a period consistent with the district’s code of conduct, not to exceed 45 school days. • The principal can suspend a student from school, without any services, for up to 10 cumulative days during the school year. • The principal can report possible criminal activity to the police, consistent with how the school would treat similar behavior by nondisabled students. • Most importantly, the principal can ask the IEP team to develop a behavior intervention plan for the student with the goal of improving the student’s behavior.
22 SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2017
Providing resources What is the school board’s role in this? Primarily, it is about providing resources in two ways. First, you need to provide the physical resources for schools to continue to serve students who engage in inappropriate behavior. There is no such thing as giving up on students’ education when they are protected by special education laws. Students may be removed from the school they would normally attend, but the school has a duty to continue providing appropriate services. It’s up to the school board to make sure that the administrators have the resources to do this. Every district in the country needs to have access to an Interim Alternative Educational Setting — where students can be served by qualified staff. Do you have such a program? Is it staffed by certified teachers? Can you deliver the services that the student needs in that setting? Second, your administrators need professional resources to carry out their responsibilities effectively. Your school needs access to experts. Your school is serving students with a wide array of complex issues. You have students with learning disabilities, autism,
and emotional disturbance. You have students who are medically fragile. Have you provided the resources your school will need to meet the needs of all these students effectively? IDEA put the force of the law behind an important moral commitment — to serve every student without exception. This is a worthy commitment that school board members and educators support. No one wants to give up on the Erics of the world. But the law has never been adequately funded by the federal government, and so it can be challenging for districts to fulfill the requirements of the law. Board members who understand how the law works and what it requires will be in a better position to provide leadership to the district. Jim Walsh (jwalsh@wabsa.com) is a co-founder of Walsh Gallegos Treviño Russo & Kyle P.C., in Austin, Texas. Reprinted with permission from “American School Board Journal,” August 2017. Copyright 2017 National School Boards Association. All rights reserved.
Minnesota School BoardS Association | Journal
Joel Stencel
Meet MSBA’s New Staff Member: Joel Stencel MSBA hired Joel Stencel on September 5, 2017, as its new Director of Association Finance. Stencel spent the previous 17 years employed at Eide Bailly in Mankato as an auditor, where he worked mainly with school districts and other local governments. He attended Minnesota State University, Mankato and holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business administration. At MSBA, Stencel will be responsible for the association’s annual budget and audit, monthly financials, and investments.
Amelia M., “Mugs,” photograph
Journal | Minnesota School BoardS Association
He will also serve as a staff liaison to the Minnesota School District Liquid Asset Fund Plus (MSDLAF+), the Minnesota Tax and Aid Anticipation Borrowing Program (MNTAAB), PaySchools, Minnesota Association of School Business Officials (MASBO), the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), and the Financial Management, Accounting and Reporting (FMAR) Advisory Council. Stencel lives in Mankato with his wife, Andrea, and his two children, Ethan and Owen, and enjoys spending time with his family camping, golfing, and other outdoor activities.
Madi L., “Mystery,” clay
SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2017 23
ASK MSBA
New mentoring guide available for MSBA members By Katie Klanderud, MSBA Director of Board Development, and Gail Gilman, MSBA Associate Director of Board Development QUESTION: What is the purpose of a “mentor” school board member? ANSWER: When new board members join the team, matching them with mentor board members can make for a smoother transition. A “mentor” is a designated, experienced, current board member that the new board member may contact to ask questions and to accompany him/her to some of the trainings. MSBA offers a discounted registration to “mentor” board members who have previously attended the “Learning to Lead — School Board Basics: Phase I” and “Leadership Foundation — School Finance and Management: Phase II” workshops. Questions that arise may revolve around board processes, members’ roles at and away from the board table, and/or providing a history regarding current issues. Not only is matching a new member with an experienced member-mentor an opportunity to make training more relevant and specific to the particular district, but also it allows board members to get to know each other better. MSBA has a detailed resource for board mentors, superintendents, and staff. MSBA’s “New Board Member Orientation Year At-a-Glance” can be accessed on the MSBA website at http://www.mnmsba.org/Mentoring. This resource is a guide and can be adapted to your school district and board.
24 SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2017
Experienced board members need to remember to mentor new board members — even though meetings and issues may seem to be running smoothly. Stopping to make certain everyone understands the process is important. Board members should remind each other to slow down and describe the processes currently in place — doing so also helps when communicating to the community and staff. In addition, experienced board members and staff need to be careful when using acronyms. Do not assume new board members are familiar with “education-ese.” Finally, all board members should keep in mind the emotional commitment required to be a board member and be supportive of one another. Remember, you can always call MSBA staff with questions. Contact Katie Klanderud and Gail Gilman at kklanderud@mnmsba.org and ggilman@mnmsba.org, respectively. Additional resource: MSBA’s “Running for the School Board: A Primer for School Board Candidates” which is available at http://www.mnmsba.org/ BecomingASchoolBoardMember under the Candidate Resources links. After accessing the link, press F5 on your keyboard to view the presentation.
Minnesota School BoardS Association | Journal
A NATIONAL FIRM W I T H A LOCAL PRESENCE COLLABORATIONS THAT CREATE CONNECTED COMMUNITIES
PLANNERS | ARCHITECTS | ENGINEERS | woldae.com
Journal | Minnesota School BoardS Association
SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2017 25
MINNESOTA SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION
Where School Boards Learn to Lead
board director SPOTLIGHT
Linda Leiding: “Learning is a lifelong process”
MSBA Director District 2 Board Director enjoys giving back to the community via service on the Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial School Board By Bruce Lombard/Suzy Guthmueller Last year, Linda Leiding ascended to the Board Director position for MSBA Director District 2 — which covers school districts in south-central Minnesota. At an early age, Leiding was instilled with the importance of education by her father. “My dad was the department head for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology,” said Leiding, who was raised in Rapid City, South Dakota. “One of the things that he helped us understand was that education and learning are
26 SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2017
a lifelong process. That’s what helped me start thinking about serving on the school board when I got to that point in my life.” Prior to her present-day school board years serving the Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial (LCWM) School District, Leiding amassed a plethora of knowledge along the way. She graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a bachelor’s of science in Recreation, Parks, and Community Education with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation — and then followed up with a master’s degree in Public Administration.
For most of her professional career, Leiding has worked to help people with disabilities, including a tenure as a vice president of an organization that helped people with disabilities find employment. Leiding and her husband, Brad, raise corn and soybeans on a farm north of Lake Crystal. The couple have five daughters and five grandchildren. “When I grew up in Rapid City, my graduating class was 500 students,” Leiding said. “Our daughters went to school in Lake Crystal, where they had graduating classes of about 75 students. Our daughters were able
Minnesota School BoardS Association | Journal
Linda Leiding joined the Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial School Board in January 2009.
to participant in so many activities. Large schools and small schools all offer many different opportunities for students.”
for the school board. Serving on the school board is a way for me to give back to the community and be able to promote lifelong learning.
Leiding was seated on the LCWM School Board in 2009. In the following interview below, Leiding explains why that time was right for her to run for a board seat, what key issues her fellow school districts in Director District 2 are facing, and what advice she would give to new board members.
MSBA: Are there any current issues LCWM or MSBA Director District 2 are facing?
MSBA: What made you want to join the Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial School Board? LEIDING: I had a good friend call and said that there were going to be several openings on the school board and she asked if I would consider it. The timing was right because I had always thought about running for school board, but wanted to wait until our kids were out of school. It was important to me to be able to attend all of their activities. So, when the openings were available, I ran
LEIDING: I had the opportunity to ask that question during an MSBA Advocacy Tour meeting in September. We have a diverse Director District — we have large schools and we have some of the smaller schools in the state. One of the issues that was prevalent among most board members is having access to qualified teachers and to be able to hire teachers during a time of worker shortages. MSBA: What’s been the most rewarding aspect of serving on your local school board? LEIDING: It is an honor to serve on the LCWM school board and be able to give back to the community. I am very fortunate to work with a
Journal | Minnesota School BoardS Association
team of talented and knowledgeable board members and administrators. Everyone at LCWM works as a team. I am always so impressed with dedication and commitment of the administration, teachers, paraprofessionals, and all support staff members. Everyone is focused on enhancing student achievement and providing the best opportunities for all students. MSBA: What advice do you have for new school board members? LEIDING: My advice to new board members is to learn as much as possible, to take advantage of all the different trainings that are offered, and to always ask questions. There are no stupid questions. When I first got on the board, our superintendent sat down with me the day after the election. He had an inch-thick binder and said, “These are all the different levies and funding structures that we have.” As he watched my eyes glaze over, he said, “You don’t have
SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2017 27
The Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial Academic Decathlon team has been a juggernaut in recent years. The school has won 12 state team championships during its history.
to know all this, we’ll help get you through it.” The best advice is don’t be intimidated — ask the questions. MSBA: What’s the best part about being on the MSBA Board of Directors?
Linda Leiding and her husband, Brad, live on a farm in Lake Crystal and have five daughters.
Linda Leiding: Life Outside the Board
LEIDING: It’s an honor for me to represent Director District II on the MSBA board. I love serving with the talented leaders that are on the MSBA Board and having the opportunity to work closely with the MSBA staff members. Each board member brings a unique perspective to the board. We are afforded a forum to learn about innovative services and programs being offered around the state, to understand the issues that will impact student achievement at the state and national levels, and to share the information with the members of our director districts.
Family: Husband, Brad, and five daughters (listed with their husbands and children) — Jess and Mathias Phelps (Henry, 6, and Claire, 3); Jenni and Joel Spangenberg (Morgan, 3, and Mason, 1); Jessica and Ben Ruby (Payton, 4); Jacquie and Andy Lamm; and Erin and Tyler DeSaer.
MSBA: Why is it important for school board members to utilize MSBA as their go-to resource?
Favorite author: Louise Penny
LEIDING: MSBA’s tagline is “Where School Boards Learn to Lead.” MSBA is the go-to organization for any school board member — if you are a new board member or if you are a seasoned board member — to find answers to almost any question. MSBA has knowledgeable staff and they are responsive to all members. They are advocates for all students and promote student achievement. They represent school boards at the Legislature and provide guidance to school board members about current issues. They strike a balance in meeting the needs of all school districts including rural and urban schools and large and small districts. MSBA has a big job and they do it very well.
Favorite music: Folk music
Contact Linda Leiding at leidil@hickorytech.net.
28 SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2017
High school: Stevens High School (Rapid City, South Dakota) College: Minnesota State University, Mankato Favorite TV shows: “The Big Bang Theory,” “Downton Abbey,” and “The West Wing” Favorite movie: “On Golden Pond” Favorite book: “The Butter Battle Book” by Dr. Seuss Favorite Minnesota food: Walleye Fun facts: • I love living in the country on the farm and helping with planting and harvest. Learning to operate a tractor was a new experience for a “city girl!” • My husband and I enjoy cooking together and trying new recipes. • We love to travel. • I am passionate about spending time with my family, promoting school board issues, agriculture, gardening, and feeding birds. • I have a black belt in shopping.
Minnesota School BoardS Association | Journal
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SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2017 29
You can join more than 600 of Minnesota’s school districts, cities and counties to provide affordable, high quality health insurance to your employees. Seven Minnesota Service Cooperatives have joined together under a new name, Minnesota Healthcare Consortium. Together we provide the cost savings of being self insured with the financial safety of being in a pool. Contact your local Minnesota Service Cooperative representative to learn more.
Dan Weir Northwest Service Cooperative danjw@ebisinc.net
Melissa Walvatne Lakes Country Service Cooperative mwalvatne@lcsc.org
Doug Deragisch SWWC Service Cooperative doug.deragisch@swsc.org
Jeanette Mellesmoen Northeast Service Cooperative jmellesm@nesc.k12.mn.us
Dan Weir Resource Training & Solutions danjw@ebisinc.net
Larry IntVeld South Central Service Cooperative lintveld@comcast.net
Protection assurance when you need it. The Minnesota School Boards Association Insurance Trust (MSBAIT) endorses companies with a proven record of service.
MN Healthcare Consortium - AD 1016.indd 1
Property, Inland Marine, and Crime Workers’ Compensation School Leaders’ Legal Liability Automobile Group Term Life Long-Term Disability General Liability
Bill Colopoulos Southeast Service Cooperative bcolopoulos@ssc.coop
9/28/2016 8:54:06 AM Your MSBAIT contacts
Denise Drill
ddrill@mnmsba.org
Gary Lee
glee@mnmsba.org
MSBAIT has addressed the needs of public schools’ risk-management programs since 1972
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Quality Coverage and Service Tailor-Made For School Districts Call 800-324-4459 to find out what MSBAIT can do for your school district.
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30 SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2017
Minnesota School BoardS Association | Journal
Our Distinguished Group of 2018 Conference Exhibitors 2nd Wind Exercise Fitness equipment sales 4.0 School Services Student transportation A.T. Group, LLC Employee benefits Action For Healthy Kids MN State-level, not-for-profit health and wellness resources AIM Electronics/Daktronics, Inc. Electronic scoreboard/message displays, logo tables and chairs, and mats Ameresco Energy services Anderson Ladd - Haldeman-Homme, Inc. 3-D printers, 3-D scanners, FAB labs, engineering labs, STEM labs, laser engravers, DIRTT walls, lockers, science and tech equipment, athletic equipment, athletic floors, bleachers, computer and library furniture, auditorium chairs and seating, and casework Anderson-Johnson Associates, Inc. Civil engineering, landscape architecture, master planning
ATS&R Planners/Architects/Engineers Specialize in K-12 school planning, architecture, engineering, technology, interior design, and site development A’viands Food service management AVID Professional learning Ban-Koe Companies Facility access control, visitor management, crisis management Benson, Kerrane, Storz & Nelson Attorney BerganKDV Financial advisory Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN Insurance BoardBook Paperless board agenda preparation Braun Intertec Geotechnical engineering Breitbach Construction Co. Construction management
Apex Efficiency Solutions, SBC Energy services
Captivate Media + Consulting Public relations/video production
API Supply Lifts Aerial work platforms/lift equipment
CESA 10 Facility management services
Architects Rego + Youngquist, inc. Architectural planning, design, and management of educational facilities
Chartwells School Dining Services School dining services
Architectural Resources, Inc. Architecture and engineering ASSA ABLOY Facility sustainability, doors, frames, and hardware ASVAB Career Exploration Program Career exploration
Contegrity Group Incorporated Construction management services Cooperative Purchasing Connection School procurement Crotega Active shooter solution CTS Group Energy-saving facility and system improvements
Journal | Minnesota School BoardS Association
Cuningham Group Architecture, Inc. Architecture Daktronics Scoreboards and display products Dashir Management Services, Inc. Facility management services DehlerPR/MP&G Communications consulting DLR Group Architecture, engineering, planning, interior design Donlar Construction Construction management, general contracting, and design/build services DSGW Architects Architects EAPC Architects Engineers Architecture, engineering, interior design, LEAN design, sustainability, forensics, and construction management Education Minnesota F.I.R.E. - MEA’s anti-racism training and reports from the Educator Policy Innovation Center (EIPC) Education Minnesota ESI Financial Services Financial services and long-term care Educators Benefit Consultants Third Party Administrator handling flex accounts, HRAs, HSAs, COBRA, 403(b)/457(b) Administration and Compliance, as well as Affordable Care Act management software Ehlers Independent public financial advisory services Eide Bailly, LLP Accounting services EMC Insurance Insurance
SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2017 31
RUPP, ANDERSON, SQUIRES & WALDSPURGER, P.A. Client Focused. Results Driven. With over 100 years of combined experience in the field of school law, our attorneys are dedicated to providing customized, costeffective legal services that fit your needs.
• Creative Problem Solving • Tenacious Representation • Goal-Oriented Advice • Cost-Effective Services • Timely Work Product
612-436-4300 | 333 South Seventh Street | Suite 2800 | Minneapolis, MN 55402 | www.raswlaw.com
32 SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2017
Minnesota School BoardS Association | Journal
Our Distinguished Group of 2018 Conference Exhibitors Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota Education non-profit
IEA Health and safety
FieldTurf Artificial turf
Infinite Campus Student information system
First Technologies, Inc. 3D printing, laser engraving, CNC hardware and software
InGensa, Inc. Facilities consulting and engineering services
Fisher Tracks, Inc. All-weather track surfaces
Innovative Office Solutions School supplies, equipment and furniture, janitorial supplies
FLRSanders, Inc. Sports floors Foster, Jacobs & Johnson, Inc. Consulting Garland Company Roofing, walls, building envelope solutions Haldeman-Homme, Inc. - Anderson Ladd 3-D printers, 3-D scanners, FAB labs, engineering labs, STEM labs, laser engravers, DIRTT walls, lockers, science and tech equipment, athletic equipment, athletic floors, bleachers, computer and library furniture, auditorium chairs and seating, and casework Hallberg Engineering, Inc. Mechanical/electrical engineering design services HealthPartners Health plan benefits Herc-U-Lift, Inc. Personnel lifts, scissor lifts, material handling equipment, forklifts Hiller Commercial Floors Furnish and install commercial flooring for schools in Minnesota Hoglund Bus Co., Inc. IC, International & Collins school buses, parts, service, and sales ICS Consulting, Inc. Owner’s representative/project management
INSPEC, Inc. Engineering/architectural services Intereum Furniture and full-service dealership International Masonry Institute Masonry education IPS Solar Solar provider ISG Architecture, engineering, environmental, planning JE Dunn Construction General contractor JLG Architects Architects Johnson Controls, Inc. Johnson Controls now has the most comprehensive buildings portfolio in the industry. Visit with our K-12 experts to learn how we can help you improve your schools and offset the project costs with savings guaranteed. JWood Sports Flooring Athletic flooring sales, service, and installation Kennedy & Graven, Chartered Legal services KFI Engineers Mechanical and electrical engineering, commissioning services
Journal | Minnesota School BoardS Association
Kiefer USA Athletic/commercial flooring and artificial turf Kline-Johnson Building envelope choices Knutson Construction Construction Kodet Architectural Group, Ltd. Architecture Kraus-Anderson Professional construction services, referendum assistance, and facilities planning and management LAB Midwest, LLC Curriculum, training equipment, and eLearning for educators and industry Larson Engineering, Inc. Civil, structural and curtain wall engineering LHB Architecture/engineering Lightspeed Technologies, Inc. Classroom audio and collaboration LSE Architects, Inc. Architecture Lunchtime Solutions, Inc. Food service management Lyman Companies Building materials, supplies, and carpentry labor Marsden Services, LLC Janitorial/security/HVAC Marsh & McLennan Agency Insurance risk management McKinstry Energy services Midwest Tennis & Track Co. Athletic track and tennis court surfacing
SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2017 33
When you think of bus, think of us! The most dedicated transportation company in southern Minnesota Contracted Student Transportation Services for School Buses, Type 3 Vans, and Wheelchair Mobility Vans.
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www.superiortm.com
Top Marks on Our School Work Employee-owned, Baird runs our public financing business the right way – with an unwavering focus on your best interests. The successes we have helped our clients achieve speak for themselves: #1 underwriter in Minnesota for K-12 education issues (by number and par amount) from 2014 to June 30, 2017
Baird is the most active competitive bidder in Minnesota school district issues, bidding on over 350 issues (87%) since 2014
Municipal advisor or underwriter for The Bond Buyer’s “Deal of the Year” six times since 2005
Baird’s investment in our clients goes beyond just a transaction – we view it as a partnership to assist in any of the district’s financing needs. This partnership extends to over 100 districts across the state. Baird has served as municipal advisor or underwriter on more than $2.5 billion in municipal issuances since March 2014. Contact Baird today, and let us put our proven public finance expertise to work for you. Michael R. Hoheisel, Managing Director mhoheisel@rwbaird.com
Matt Rantapaa, Vice President mrantapaa@rwbaird.com
651-426-8533 rwbaird.com/publicfinance ©2017 Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated. Member SIPC. MC-101657.
34 SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2017
Minnesota School BoardS Association | Journal
Our Distinguished Group of 2018 Conference Exhibitors Miller Architecture, Inc. Architectural services Minnesota Association of School Business Officials Providing education, training, and services to staff that serve in school business management Minnesota Concrete & Masonry Contractors Association Nonprofit trade association promoting masonry and concrete Minnesota Department of Education Division of School Finance Minnesota Educational Facility Management Professionals (MASMS) Association Minnesota Healthcare Consortium Insurance Minnesota National Guard State/government program - free resources for people who work with military families Minnesota School Nutrition Association Education/training Minnesota Service Cooperatives Administrative and educational services Minnesota State High School League MSHSL Minnesota Teachers Retirement Association Retirement benefits MLA Architects, Inc. Architectural/educational planning MN Ag Education Leadership Council/ MN Ag in the Classroom Education materials and grant information MN Rural Education Association Advocacy for greater Minnesota school districts
MN School Food Buying Group Cooperative food buying for school nutrition programs MN State Building and Construction Trades Council Construction MobileModular Training Systems Mechanical and electrical mobile trainers Molin Concrete Products Company Structural and architectural precast concrete Musco Sports Lighting Sports field lighting National Insurance Services Group insurance benefits - MSBAIT Life/LTD plans National Joint Powers Alliance Cooperative purchasing
Palmer Bus Service Student transportation Pemberton Law Firm Legal PFM Asset Management LLC MSDLAF+ MSDLAF+/PFM Asset Management, LLC PFM Financial Advisors, LLC Financial advisor Piper Jaffray & Co. School district cash flow program Plaisted Companies, Inc. High-performance sand (peat athletic field Rootzone mixes) PMA Financial Network, Inc Investment and financial advisory services
Nexus Solutions, LLC Consulting services firm
PrairieCare Child and Family Fund Information about the fund, grant RFPs to schools, mental health and substance abuse information for educators
North Central Bus & Equipment School buses
PreferredOne Health insurance
North Central Insulation Roofing/insulation
Project Build Minnesota Promoting careers in the construction industry for Minnesota’s young people
North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters Carpenter apprenticeships, career connections
RA Morton & Associates, Inc. Construction management and facility analysis
Northland Securities, Inc. Diversified financial securities firm recognized as a municipal advisor and underwriter of tax-exempt and taxable debt issues
RAS Workers’ Compensation Insurance
O’Meara, Leer, Wagner & Kohl P.A. Legal services
Robert W. Baird Public finance
Otter Tail Power Company Utility
Rochon General contractor services
Journal | Minnesota School BoardS Association
Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney, P.A. Legal services
SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2017 35
August 2017 Referendum
ons, ti la tu a r g n o C Sebeka! Architects Educational Planners
Mark Lenz, AIA (651) 770-4442 www.architectsmla.com
36 SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2017
Minnesota School BoardS Association | Journal
Our Distinguished Group of 2018 Conference Exhibitors Ryan Company, Inc. Boiler manufacturer’s representative
Stahl Construction General contractor
Unesco, Inc. Facilities management
SCB Public Finance Tax-exempt government lease-purchase
Staples Advantage Scholastic furniture, technology, facilities and classroom/office supplies
USAquatics Inc. Aquatic consulting and design
School Specialty Furniture and educational essentials SchoolFinances.com Management and planning systems Schuler Shook Performing arts experts: Schuler Shook theatre planners, Kvernstoen Rönnholm acoustics and Peterson audio/visual consultants Scranton Products HDPE bathroom partitions and lockers Seating & Athletic Facility Enterprises, LLC Specializing in outdoor aluminum bleachers, grandstands, press boxes, and indoor telescoping bleachers
Student Assurance Services, Inc. Student accident insurance
Vaaler Insurance, Inc. Property/Casualty/Workers’ Compensation Insurance
SwedeBro Concrete floor coatings
Virco Classroom furniture
Taher, Inc. Food service management
VS - America, Inc. Classroom furniture/dynamic, flexible solutions
Teachers On Call a Kelly Services® Company TOC 24/7, featuring Aesop technology; customized, streamlined, substitute staffing service for Pre-K-12 public, private, and charter schools Tectum, Inc. Acoustical wall and ceiling panels/structural and acoustical roof
W. L. Hall Company Windows, skylights, operable partitions, lockers, and fire doors Webber Recreational Design, Inc. Park and playground equipment Wenck Construction management services
SFE Food service management company
Telin Transportation Group Bus sales
Wendel Architecture Architecture, planning, interior design
Skyward Inc. Delivering a better SIS and ERP experience for more than 1,900 school districts and municipalities
The Retrofit Companies Custom energy-efficient lighting design and implementation and custom environmental solutions
Sport Court North Athletic flooring
TIPS National purchasing cooperative
Widseth Smith Nolting Architecture, engineering, land surveying, and environmental services, with six offices serving school districts throughout Minnesota
Sports Technology Superior outdoor and indoor sound systems specialized for sports and community applications - all of our systems are engineered to focus on pitch and tone to maximize intelligibility and are installed with operational ease of use in mind
Trane Facility consulting and energy efficiency
Springsted, Inc. Provides high-quality, independent financial and management advisory services to public and nonprofit organizations
Tremco Incorporated Roofing products/weatherproofing services TSP, Inc. Architecture, engineering, and planning UCare Statewide retiree health insurance
Journal | Minnesota School BoardS Association
Willis Towers Watson Insurance brokerage and consulting Winkelman Building Co., LLC Construction management Wold Architects and Engineers Architectural and engineering services Writeboard Glass writing boards YHR Partners, Ltd. Architecture services
SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2017 37
MSBA’s Vendor Directory MSBA’s Vendor Directory helps connect school districts with the products and services they need. The directory is always at your fingertips. You’ll find it printed in the back of every Journal magazine as well as on the MSBA Website at www.mnmsba.org. Most listings in the Web version of this directory include a link so you can head instantly to a Website or e-mail address. The directory includes everything you need to know to contact a company quickly—phone numbers, fax numbers and addresses—in an easy-to-read format. If you have a service or product you would like included in this directory, please contact Erica Nelson at 763-497-1778 or erica@pierreproductions.com. Architects/Engineers/Facility Planners Architects Rego + Youngquist, inc. (Paul Youngquist) 7601 Wayzata Blvd., Suite 200 St. Louis Park, MN 55426 952-544-8941, Fax 952-544-0585 www.aryarch.com pyoungquist@aryarch.com ATS&R Planners/Architects/Engineers (David Maroney) 8501 Golden Valley Road Golden Valley, MN 55427 763-545-3731, Fax 763-525-3289 www.atsr.com dmaroney@atsr.com Clark Engineering (Tanya Pierce) 12755 Highway 55, Suite 100 Minneapolis, MN 55441 763-545-9196, Fax 763-541-0056 www.clark-eng.com info@clark-eng.com Cuningham Group Architecture, Inc. (Judith Hoskens) 201 Main Street SE, Suite 325 Minneapolis, MN 55414 612-379-3400, Fax 612-379-4400 www.cuningham.com jhoskens@cuningham.com DLR Group (Christopher Gibbs) 520 Nicollet Mall, Suite 200 Minneapolis, MN 55402 612-977-3500, Fax 612-977-3600 www.dlrgroup.com cgibbs@dlrgroup.com EAPC Architects Engineers (Andrew Jordan) 539 Bielenberg Drive, Suite 115 St. Paul, MN 55125 763-225-5050, Fax 651-702-2646 www.eapc.net andrew.jordan@eapc.net Hallberg Engineering, Inc. (Richard Lucio) 1750 Commerce Court White Bear Lake, MN 55110 651-748-1100, Fax 651-748-9370 www.hallbergengineering.com rlucio@hallbergengineering.com ICS Consulting, Inc. (Pat Overom) 3890 Pheasant Ridge Drive NE, Suite 180 Blaine, MN 55449 763-354-2670, Fax 763-780-2866 www.ics-consult.com pato@ics-consult.com ISG (Rod Schumacher) 115 E. Hickory Street, Suite 300 Mankato, MN 56001 507-387-6651 www.is-grp.com rod.schumacher@is-grp.com InGensa, Inc. (Jacqueline Coleman) 18215 45th Avenue N, Suite C Plymouth, MN 55446 952-222-3551, Fax 952-222-9980 www.ingensainc.com jcoleman@ingensainc.com
Kodet Architectural Group, Ltd. (Edward J. Kodet Jr.) 15 Groveland Terrace Minneapolis, MN 55403 612-377-2737, Fax 612-377-1331 www.kodet.com arch@kodet.com Larson Engineering, Inc. (Matt Woodruff) 3524 Labore Road White Bear Lake, MN 55110 651-481-9120, Fax 651-481-9201 www.larsonengr.com mwoodruff@larsonengr.com Lawal Scott Erickson Architects, Inc. (Jennifer Anderson-Tuttle) 100 Portland Ave South, Suite 100 Minneapolis, MN 55401 (612) 343-1010 www.lse-architects.com jtuttle@lse-architects.com MLA Architects (Mark Lenz) 12 Long Lake Road, Suite 17 St. Paul, MN 55115 651-770-4442, Fax 651-770-1997 www.architectsmla.com mark@architectsmla.com Nexus Solutions (Michael David) 11188 Zealand Avenue N Champlin, MN 55316 763-201-8400, Fax 763-201-8410 www.NexusSolutions.com MDavid@NexusSolutions.com Trane - Ingersoll Rand (Kathleen Donovan) 775 Vandalia Street St. Paul, MN 55114 612-210-1080, Fax 651-468-2720 www.trane.com kathleen.donovan@irco.com TSP, Inc. (Von Petersen) 430 2nd Street Excelsior, MN 55331 952-474-3291 www.teamtsp.com petersenvj@teamtsp.com Unesco, Inc. (Kevin McGauley) 2125 2nd Street White Bear Lake, MN 55110 888-514-1971, Fax 952-487-9389 www.UnescoCorp.com kevin.mcgauley@unescocorp.com Wendel (Jim Wilson) 401 2nd Avenue North; Suite 206 Minneapolis, MN 55401 Phone 612-332-1401 www.wendelcompanies.com jwilson@wendelcompanies.com Widseth Smith Nolting (Kevin Donnay) 7804 Industrial Park Road Baxter, MN 56425 218-829-5117, Fax 218-829-2517 www.widsethsmithnolting.com kevin.donnay@wsn.us.com
38 SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2017
Wold Architects and Engineers (Vaughn Dierks) 332 Minnesota Street, Suite W2000 St. Paul, MN 55101 651-227-7773, Fax 651-223-5646 www.woldae.com vdierks@woldae.com Athletic Fields Plaisted Companies, Inc. (Kerry Glader) P.O. Box 332 Elk River, MN 55330 763-441-1100, Fax 763-633-1002 www.plaistedcompanies.com KGlader@plaistedcompanies.com Athletic Sports Floors/Surfacing Fisher Tracks, Inc. (Jordan Fisher) 1192 235th Street Boone, IA 50036 515-432-3191, Fax 515-432-3193 www.fishertracks.com jfisher@fishertracks.com Attorneys Benson, Kerrane, Storz & Nelson (Ross Hussey) 7760 France Avenue South, Suite #1350 Bloomington, MN 55435 952-466-7574 Booth Law Group LLC (Laura Tubbs Booth) 10520 Wayzata Blvd., Suite 200 Minnetonka, MN 55305 763-253-4155, Fax 763-253-4160 www.boothlawgroup.com lbooth@boothlawgroup.com Kennedy & Graven, Chartered (Maggie R. Wallner) 470 US Bank Plaza, 200 S 6th Street Minneapolis, MN 55402 612-337-9300, Fax 612-337-9310 www.kennedy-graven.com contactus@kennedy-graven.com Knutson, Flynn & Deans (Thomas S. Deans) 1155 Centre Pointe Drive, Suite 10 Mendota Heights, MN 55120 651-222-2811, Fax 651-225-0600 www.kfdmn.com tdeans@kfdmn.com Pemberton Law Firm (Michael T. Rengel) 110 N Mill Street Fergus Falls, MN 56537 218-736-5493, Fax 218-736-3950 www.pemlaw.com m.rengel@pemlaw.com Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney, P.A. 730 2nd Avenue S, Suite 300 Minneapolis, MN 55402 612-339-0060, Fax 612-339-0038 www.ratwiklaw.com info@ratwiklaw.com Rupp, Anderson, Squires & Waldspurger, P.A. 333 S 7th Street, Suite 2800 Minneapolis, MN 55402 612-436-4300, Fax 612-436-4340 www.raswlaw.com Building Envelope Choices Kline-Johnson & Associates (Larry Brown) 2950 Metro Dr. Minneapolis, MN 55425 715-651-2500 larry@kline-johnson.com Commissioning ICS Consulting, Inc. (Pat Overom) 3890 Pheasant Ridge Drive NE, Suite 180 Blaine, MN 55449 763-354-2670, Fax 763-780-2866 www.ics-consult.com pato@ics-consult.com Nexus Solutions (Michael David) 11188 Zealand Avenue N Champlin, MN 55316 763-201-8400, Fax 763-201-8410 www.NexusSolutions.com MDavid@NexusSolutions.com
Construction Management & Consulting Services Donlar Construction Company (Jon Kainz) 550 Shoreview Park Road Shoreview, MN 55126 651-227-0631, Fax 651-227-0132 www.donlarcorp.com jon.kainz@donlarcorp.com ICS Consulting, Inc. (Pat Overom) 3890 Pheasant Ridge Drive NE, Suite 180 Blaine, MN 55449 763-354-2670, Fax 763-780-2866 www.ics-consult.com pato@ics-consult.com InGensa, Inc. (Jacqueline Coleman) 18215 45th Avenue N, Suite C Plymouth, MN 55446 952-222-3551, Fax 952-222-9980 www.ingensainc.com jcoleman@ingensainc.com Johnson Controls, Inc. (Lyle Schumann) 2605 Fernbrook Lane North Plymouth, MN 55447 651-775-7548, Fax 763-566-2208 www.johnsoncontrols.com lyle.c.schumann@jci.com Kraus-Anderson (John Huenink) 501 S. 8th Street Minneapolis, MN 55404 763-792-3616, Fax 763-786-2650 www.krausanderson.com john.huenink@krausanderson.com Knutson Construction (Thomas Leimer) 5985 Bandel Road NW Rochester, MN 55901 507-280-9788, Fax 507-280-9797 www.KnutsonConstruction.com tleimer@KnutsonConstruction.com Nexus Solutions (Michael David) 11188 Zealand Avenue N Champlin, MN 55316 763-201-8400, Fax 763-201-8410 www.NexusSolutions.com MDavid@NexusSolutions.com Stahl Construction (Lisa Kalis) 861 E. Hennepin Avenue, Suite 200 Minneapolis, MN 55414 952-767-2104, Fax 952-931-9941 www.stahlconstruction.com lkalis@stahlconstruction.com Unesco, Inc. (Kevin McGauley) 2125 2nd Street White Bear Lake, MN 55110 888-514-1971, Fax 952-487-9389 www.UnescoCorp.com kevin.mcgauley@unescocorp.com Wenck Construction, Inc. (Andy Hoffmann) 7500 Olson Memorial Hwy, Suite 300 Golden Valley, MN 55427 952-837-3304 www.wenck.com ahoffmann@wenck.com Contract Purchasing National Joint Powers Alliance (Paul Drange) 202 12th Street NE PO Box 219 Staples, MN 56479 218-895-4134, Fax 218-894-3045 www.njpacoop.org paul.drange@njpacoop.org Cost Estimating ISG (Rod Schumacher) 115 E. Hickory Street, Suite 300 Mankato, MN 56001 507-387-6651 www.is-grp.com rod.schumacher@is-grp.com
Minnesota School BoardS Association | Journal
Educational Programs/Services Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota (Caroline Olstad) 1600 University Avenue W, Suite 300 St. Paul, MN 55104 800-779-0777 ext 2310 Fax 651-287-2325 efmn.org info@efmn.org The Minnesota Service Cooperatives (Jeremy Kovash) 1001 East Mount Faith Avenue Fergus Falls, MN 56537 218-739-3273, Fax 218-739-2459 www.lcsc.org jkovash@lcsc.org University of South Dakota (Division of Continuing and Distance Education) 414 E. Clark Street Vermillion, SD 57049 800-233-7937, Fax 605-677-6118 www.usd.edu/online cde@usd.edu Electrical Engineers/AV Systems ISG (Rod Schumacher) 115 E. Hickory Street, Suite 300 Mankato, MN 56001 507-387-6651 www.is-grp.com rod.schumacher@is-grp.com Energy Solutions Ameresco, Inc. (Kent Wolf) 9855 West 78th Street, Suite 310 Eden Prairie, MN 55344 612-804-6274, Fax 952-942-5421 www.ameresco.com kwolf@ameresco.com ICS Consulting, Inc. (Pat Overom) 3890 Pheasant Ridge Drive NE, Suite 180 Blaine, MN 55449 763-354-2670, Fax 763-780-2866 www.ics-consult.com pato@ics-consult.com Johnson Controls, Inc. (Lyle Schumann) 2605 Fernbrook Lane North Plymouth, MN 55447 651-775-7548, Fax 763-566-2208 www.johnsoncontrols.com lyle.c.schumann@jci.com Nexus Solutions (Michael David) 11188 Zealand Avenue N Champlin, MN 55316 763-201-8400, Fax 763-201-8410 www.NexusSolutions.com MDavid@NexusSolutions.com The Retrofit Companies (TRC) (Jake Andrist) 1010 Hoffman Drive, Suite A Owatonna, MN 55060 507-414-5087, Fax 651-717-4776 www.retrofitcompanies.com jandrist@retrofitcompanies.com Unesco, Inc. (Kevin McGauley) 2125 2nd Street White Bear Lake, MN 55110 888-514-1971, Fax 952-487-9389 www.UnescoCorp.com kevin.mcgauley@unescocorp.com Environmental Consultants ISG (Rod Schumacher) 115 E. Hickory Street, Suite 300 Mankato, MN 56001 507-387-6651 www.is-grp.com rod.schumacher@is-grp.com
Financial Management Ehlers (Greg Crowe) 3060 Centre Pointe Drive Roseville, MN 55113 651-697-8522, Fax 651-697-8555 www.ehlers-inc.com gcrowe@ehlers-inc.com Eide Bailly LLP (Ross Manson) Fargo, ND; Minneapolis, Mankato, MN 855-220-8634, Fax 507-386-6268 www.eidebailly.com nationaltaxoffice@eidebailly.com MSBA-Sponsored Administration and Compliance Service (A&C Service) Administration and Compliance Service (Paige McNeal, Educators Benefit Consultants, LLC) 888-507-6053 or 763-552-6053 Fax 763-552-6055 www.ebcsolutions.com paige@ebcsolutions.com MSBA-Sponsored CP-DBS, LLC d/b/a PaySchools (Andy Eckles) 12835 E. Arapahoe Road, Tower II, Suite 500 Centennial, CO 80112 720-208-9854, Fax 866-429-6354 www.payschools.com andy.eckles@payschools.com MSBA-Sponsored MNTAAB (Minnesota Tax and Aid Anticipation Borrowing Program) (Stacy Childers, Springsted, Inc.) 800-236-3033 or 651-223-3083 Fax 651-268-5083 www.springsted.com schilders@springsted.com MSBA-Sponsored P-Card (Procurement Card) Program 800-891-7910 or 314-878-5000 Fax 314-878-5333 www.powercardpfm.com MSBA-Sponsored SchoolFinances.com (Todd Netzke, Ann Thomas) Netzke: 507-254-6215 Thomas: 612-598-0930 www.schoolfinances.com tnetzke@schoolmanagementservices.org ann@schoolfinances.com PFM Asset Management, LLC - MSDLAF+ (Donn Hanson) 50 S. 6th Street, Suite 2250 Minneapolis, MN 55402 612-371-3720, Fax 612-338-7264 www.msdlaf.org hansond@pfm.com Springsted Incorporated (Kelly Smith) 380 Jackson Street, Suite 300 St. Paul, MN 55101 651-223-3099, Fax 651-268-5099 www.springsted.com ksmith@springsted.com Fire & Security Arvig 150 Second Street SW Perham, MN 56573 888-992-7844 arvigbusiness.com answers@arvig.com Fitness Equipment 2nd Wind Exercise Equipment (Shon Hartman) 7585 Equitable Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344 Phone 952-240-4512, Fax 952-544-5053 www.2ndwindexercise.com shartman@2ndwindexercise.com
Journal | Minnesota School BoardS Association
Floor Coverings Hiller Commercial Floors (Dave Bahr) 2909 S Broadway Rochester, MN 55904 507-254-6858 or 888-724-1766 Fax 507-288-8877 www.hillercarpet.com/commercial dbahr@hillercarpet.com Food Service Products & Services Taher, Inc. (Erin Marissa) 5570 Smetana Drive Minnetonka, MN 55343 952-945-0505, Fax 952-945-0444 www.taher.com e.marissa@taher.com Health Insurance PreferredOne (Mike Thielen) 6105 Golden Hills Drive Golden Valley, MN 55416 763-847-3549, Fax 763-847-4010 www.PreferredOne.com mike.thielen@preferredone.com UCare Retiree Coverage (Amy Sundem) 500 Stinson Blvd. NE Minneapolis, MN 55413 (612) 676-3669, Fax (612) 884-2005 www.ucare.org groupsales@ucare.org Indoor Air Quality Johnson Controls, Inc. (Lyle Schumann) 2605 Fernbrook Lane North Plymouth, MN 55447 651-775-7548, Fax 763-566-2208 www.johnsoncontrols.com lyle.c.schumann@jci.com Insurance EMC Insurance (Troy Boysen) 11095 Viking Drive, Suite 230 Eden Prairie, MN 55344 612-643-4707 www.emcins.com troy.a.boysen@emcins.com Minnesota School Boards Association Insurance Trust (MSBAIT) (Denise Drill, Gary Lee) 1900 West Jefferson Avenue St. Peter, MN 56082-3015 800-324-4459, Fax 507-931-1515 www.mnmsba.org/MSBAIT ddrill@mnmsba.org glee@mnmsba.org Labor Relations Kennedy & Graven, Chartered (Maggie R. Wallner) 470 US Bank Plaza, 200 S 6th Street Minneapolis, MN 55402 612-337-9300, Fax 612-337-9310 www.kennedy-graven.com contactus@kennedy-graven.com Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney, P.A. 730 2nd Avenue S, Suite 300 Minneapolis, MN 55402 612-339-0060, Fax 612-339-0038 www.ratwiklaw.com info@ratwiklaw.com Public Finance Kennedy & Graven, Chartered (Maggie R. Wallner) 470 US Bank Plaza, 200 S 6th Street Minneapolis, MN 55402 612-337-9300, Fax 612-337-9310 www.kennedy-graven.com contactus@kennedy-graven.com Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney, P.A. 730 2nd Avenue S, Suite 300 Minneapolis, MN 55402 612-339-0060, Fax 612-339-0038 www.ratwiklaw.com info@ratwiklaw.com
Recruitment/Staffing Teachers On Call (Sallyanne Stanton) 3001 Metro Drive, #200 Bloomington, MN 55425 800-713-4439, Fax 800-713-3299 www.teachersoncall.com sstanton@teachersoncall.com SChool safety 3D Response Systems 6224 Lakeland Avenue North Brooklyn Park, MN 55428 Fax 888-445-2842 www.3dresponse.com School Supplies/Furniture WRITEBOARDTM (Karl Glotzbach) 2597 Cleveland Ave N Roseville, MN 55113 651-633-8300, Fax 651-633-8844 kglotzbach@glasstoday.com www.write-boards.com Security/Communications Systems 3D Response Systems 6224 Lakeland Avenue North Brooklyn Park, MN 55428 Fax 888-445-2842 www.3dresponse.com Arvig 150 Second Street SW Perham, MN 56573 888-992-7844 arvigbusiness.com answers@arvig.com Software Systems MSBA-Sponsored CP-DBS, LLC d/b/a PaySchools (Andy Eckles) 12835 E. Arapahoe Road, Tower II, Suite 500 Centennial, CO 80112 720-208-9854, Fax 866-429-6354 www.payschools.com andy.eckles@payschools.com Technology Arvig 150 Second Street SW Perham, MN 56573 888-992-7844 arvigbusiness.com answers@arvig.com Transportation Hoglund Bus Co., Inc. (Jim Gruber) 116 E. Oakwood Drive Monticello, MN 55362 800-866-3105, Fax 763-295-4992 www.hoglundbus.com jimgruber@hoglundbus.com Minnesota School Bus Operators Association (Shelly Jonas) 10606 Hemlock Street NW Annandale, MN 55302 320-274-8313, Fax 320-274-8027 www.msboa.com shellyj@msboa.com North Central Bus & Equipment (Sandy Kiehm) 2629 Clearwater Road St. Cloud, MN 56301 320-257-1209, Fax 320-257-1209 www.northcentralinc.com sandyk@northcentralinc.com Superior Transportation Services Inc. (Joe Schieffert) PO Box 548 Sleepy Eye, MN 56085 507-217-6343 www.superiortm.com joe@superiortm.com Telin Transportation Group (Dave Mohr) 16290 Kenrick Loop Lakeville, MN 55044 952-435-9060, Fax 952-435-9066 www.telingroup.com dmohr@telingroup.com
SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2017 39
Prairie Winds Middle School Mankato, MN
Trust & Transparency To us, it’s about building partnerships as much as building landmarks. We take pride in our ability to make every project a truly positive, worry-free experience. Your success is our top priority.
Objectives:
SECURITY • LIQUIDITY • YIELD Since 1984, MSDLAF+ has offered competitive investment options to Minnesota schools and related entities. As you proceed through the coming months, please remember that MSDLAF+ provides: • Unlimited number of accounts and no minimum investment requirement • Check writing, next day ACH, and same day Fed wires • Variable and fixed-rate investment options • Professionally managed portfolio • A simplified manner of monitoring collateral • A dedicated client service team • Minnesota Association of School Administrators, Minnesota Association of School Business Officials, and Minnesota School Boards Association serve as the sponsors of MSDLAF+ For further information contact: Donn Hanson Managing Director 612.371.3720 hansond@pfm.com
Carole Loehr Senior Managing Consultant 320.202.1421 loehrc@pfm.com
Brian Johnson Senior Managing Consultant 612.371.3750 johnsonb@pfm.com
Amber Cannegieter Key Account Manager 717.213.3871 cannegietera@pfm.com
This information is for institutional investor use only, not for further distribution to retail investors, and does not represent an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any fund or other security. Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing in any of the Fund’s series. This and other information about the Fund’s series is available in the Fund’s current Information Statement, which should be read carefully before investing. A copy of the Fund’s Information Statement may be obtained by calling 1-888-4-MSDLAF or is available on the Fund’s website at www.msdlaf.org. While the MSDLAF+ Liquid Class and MAX Class seek to maintain a stable net asset value of $1.00 per share and the MSDLAF+ TERM series seeks to achieve a net asset value of $1.00 per share at its stated maturity, it is possible to lose money investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Shares of the Fund are distributed by PFM Fund Distributors, Inc., member Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) (www.finra.org) and Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) (www.sipc.org). PFM Fund Distributors, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of PFM Asset Management LLC.
40 SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2017
Minnesota School BoardS Association | Journal
Legal Update
The Organizational Meeting By Cathy Miller, MSBA Director of Legal & Policy Services School board members in Minnesota begin their terms on the first Monday in January following their election. School boards often administer a ceremonial oath of office to the new school board members at the first meeting in January. The official oath of office is taken shortly after the election and must be signed. Minnesota law also requires school boards to meet and organize by selecting their officers on the first Monday in January “or as soon thereafter as practicable” (M.S. 123B.14, Subd. 1.) If January 1 falls on Sunday or Monday, the first Monday in January will be the New Year’s Day holiday, and no school board meetings may be held. If the chair most recently elected is still on the board, he or she calls the meeting to order and presides over the meeting until a new chair is elected. If not, the board should select an acting chair to serve until the new chair is elected. The superintendent is not an elected board member and should not chair the meeting. The law requires three school board officers: chair, clerk, and treasurer. Many school boards also have a vice chair, who performs
the duties of the chair if the chair is temporarily absent. The duties of clerk and treasurer can be combined and delegated to “a single person in the Office of Business Affairs” (M.S. 123B.14, Subd. 1). The school board must pass a resolution to accomplish this, and the school board officers still need to be in place. Typically the duties are further delegated by the “single person in the Office of Business Affairs” to at least one other administrative staff person. Often the school business official performs the duties of the treasurer and the superintendent’s administrative assistant performs the duties of the clerk. The school board officers typically perform oversight of the officers’ duties and continue to sign required documents as the clerk or treasurer. The election of officers often raises questions. MSBA has prepared a booklet, “The First Monday in January,” which is on our website under the “Resources” tab, to help answer these questions. Please review this booklet before your organizational meeting. Your school board should decide on the procedures it will follow before the organizational meeting.
Journal | Minnesota School BoardS Association
Like all votes, the votes for officers must be recorded, so election of school board officers cannot be done by secret ballot. If a tie vote occurs, the election fails for lack of a majority. Some school boards are unable to elect a chair at the organizational meeting and must vote again at the next meeting. The organizational meeting is also a good time to establish the regular meeting schedule for the year, designate the school district’s depositories for funds, decide on the school board members’ compensation, and appoint board committee members. MSBA recommends the school district’s legal counsel be selected and those authorized to contact legal counsel be named. Typically the superintendent and board chair are authorized to contact legal counsel. In larger school districts, the human resources director is usually another authorized contact. If an issue comes up between meetings, legal counsel can then be contacted without the board having to call a special meeting to approve that action. Contact Cathy Miller at cmiller@mnmsba.org.
SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2017 41
Advertisers Arvig ............................................................................ Page 5 ATS&R Planners/Architects/Engineers............................... Page 8 Baird .......................................................................... Page 34 Benson, Kerrane, Storz & Nelson..................................... Page 5 Eide Bailly LLP .............................................................. Page 29 EMC Insurance............................................................. Page 16 Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota................................... Page 10 Foster, Jacobs & Johnson, Inc..................................... Back Cover ISG............................................................................. Page 10 Kennedy & Graven, Chartered ........................................ Page 8 Knutson Construction..................................................... Page 40 Knutson, Flynn & Deans, P.A.......................................... Page 16 MLA Architects............................................................. Page 36 MSBA Policy Services.................................................... Page 25 MSBAIT....................................................................... Page 30 National Joint Powers Alliance......................................... Page 4 Nexus Solutions............................................................ Page 36 North Central Bus & Equipment...................................... Page 42 PFM Asset Management, LLC – MSDLAF+........................ Page 40
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Plaisted Companies Incorporated.................................... Page 32 PreferredOne...................................................Inside Front Cover Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney, P.A. ................................... Page 43 Rupp, Anderson, Squires & Waldspurger, P.A.................. Page 32 Superior Transportation Services Inc................................ Page 34 Taher, Inc....................................................................... Page 7 The Minnesota Service Cooperatives............................... Page 30
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42 SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2017
Minnesota School BoardS Association | Journal
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www.ratwiklaw.com Journal | Minnesota School BoardS Association
SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2017 43
MINNESOTA SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION
Where School Boards Learn to Lead 1900 West Jefferson Avenue, St. Peter, MN 56082-3015