Official School Board Minutes

Regular Meeting of the School Board
February 2, 2021

The regular meeting of the Board of Education of Independent School District 270 was conducted virtually on Tuesday, February 2, 2021. The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m.

School Board members present online: Treasurer Steve Adams, Director Fartun Ahmed, Vice Chair Shannon Andreson, Chair Jennifer Bouchard, Director John Kuhl, and Clerk Katie Pederson. School Board members absent: Director Tanya Khan.

Student Board reps present: Keymora Searles (10) and Elliot Berman (12). Student Board reps absent: None. Staff members present: Superintendent Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed. Staff members absent: None.

Open Agenda:

Bouchard explained that Open Agenda is facilitated through a designated voicemail box for recorded messages to be played at the meeting. Bouchard noted that no Open Agenda comments were submitted.   

Reports:

Student Board Representatives:

Berman updated Board members on events/activities taking place at Hopkins High School, sharing comments focused on returning to in-person learning and the positive response from both staff and students.

Superintendent:

Mhiripiri-Reed updated Board members on the back to school processes and timelines. She also provided information on the district's COVID-19 Vaccine operation and prioritization practices. Mhiripiri-Reed added additional information surrounding enrollment changes for Hopkins and surrounding districts.

Approval of Agenda:   

Adams moved, Andreson seconded, to approve the agenda as presented. Those voting in favor thereof: Adams, Ahmed, Andreson, Pederson, and Bouchard.  Those opposed: None. Carried.  

Consent Calendar:   

Andreson moved, Adams seconded, to approve the Consent Calendar as presented: A) Approval of Minutes — Regular Meeting Conducted on January 19 2021; B) Human Resources — Personnel Updates; C) Clerical, Kids & Co., Paraprofessional Seniority List, 2020-21; D) Director Kuhl’s Committee Assignments. Those voting in favor thereof: Adams, Ahmed, Andreson, Pederson, and Bouchard. Those opposed: None. Carried. Exhibit “A”.

Treasurer’s Report:

Treasurer Adams highlighted expenses of interest. Adams moved, Pederson seconded, to approve financial disbursements in the amount of $3,282,367.71 for the period of January 12, 2021 through January 25, 2021.Those voting in favor thereof: Adams, Ahmed, Andreson, Pederson, and Bouchard. Those opposed: None. Carried.  Exhibit “B”.

New Board Member — Oath of Office:

Chair Bouchard welcomed newly appointed Director John Kuhl to the virtual Board table and administered the Oath of Office. Interim Director Kuhl accepted the Oath of Office and is officially appointed to the Hopkins School Board of Education.

Secondary Learning Models Update:

Interim Director of Innovation, Design and Learning (IDL), Ann Ertl shared information surrounding learning experiences for elementary through secondary scholars. She highlight the roles of Hopkins’ Digital Learning Coaches who have provided extensive support for educators and students as they’ve navigated the ups and downs of COVID-19 and the success of online learning.

Ertl introduced the Hopkins Instructional Leadership Team (HILT) that will guide work related learning across the E-12+ systems. Board members, community members, parents and staff are encouraged to contact Director Ertl to join.

Board Member Reports: 

Board members reported on recent educational activities/events in which they have participated.

Adams moved, Andreson seconded, to adjourn the meeting 8:10 p.m. Those voting in favor thereof: Adams, Ahmed, Andreson, Kuhl, Pederson, and Bouchard. Those opposed: None. Carried.

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Katherine Pederson, School Board Clerk