Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting

Monday, March 23, 2020

Mercer School District

CALL TO ORDER:    The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Board President, Bob Davis.

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:    Bob Davis, Jim Hannemann, Sue Loth, Jeff Nehring with Micki Holmstrom absent.

OTHER PERSONS PRESENT:    Sr. Financial Analyst/Sr. Bookkeeper, Tricia Thompson

OTHER PERSONS PRESENT VIA ZOOM MEETING: Interim District Administrator, Sheri Kopka, Natalie Allen, Julie Hoffmeister, Deanna Pierpont, Dick Kemplin, Jackie Lamberty, Nancy Lundquist, Amanda Kopka, Sue Benzel, Vic Ouimette, Travis Davis, Craig Griffin, Keisha Holland, Bill Gust, Robyn Schoeneman, Hank Joustra, Jake Saarnio, Tenley Shilts, Brian Baltz and Ed Tice.

Motion by Jeff Nehring, seconded by Jim Hannemann to suspend regular rules of the board (By-laws) temporarily. All ayes, motion carried 4-0.

Motion by Jeff Nehring, seconded by Sue Loth to approve as amended Regular Meetings Policy #0164.1, (a) as presented and in whole. All ayes, motion carried 4-0.

Motion by Sue Loth, seconded by Jim Hannemann to reestablish the rules of the board (By-laws), and return to the order of the day. All ayes, motion carried 4-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT:  Chair explained the public comment portion/process given the new “livestream” process.  No Public Comments

APPROVAL OF BOARD MEETING MINUTES:    Motion by Jeff Nehring, seconded by Sue Loth to approve the regular board meeting minutes of Monday, February 24, 2020 as presented. All ayes, motion carried 4-0

APPROVAL OF SPECIAL BOARD MEETING MINUTES:      Motion by Jim Hannemann, seconded by Sue Loth to approve the special board meeting minutes of Wednesday, March 4, 2020 as presented. All ayes, motion carried 4-0

APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT:    Motion by Sue Loth, seconded by Jeff Nehring to approve February Treasurers report as presented. All ayes, motion carried 4-0.

APPROVAL OF DISTRICT PAYMENTS:        Motion by Jim Hannemann, seconded by Jeff Nehring to approve voucher check number’s 60193-60313 as General in the total amount of $116,150.85. All ayes, motion carried 4-0.

ACTION ITEMS:

Motion by Jeff Nehring, seconded by Sue Loth to approve Final Exam Policy #345.1 as presented. After some discussion. All nays, motion failed 0-4.

Motion by Jim Hannemann, seconded by Sue Loth to approve Start College Now applications as presented. All ayes, motion carried 4-0.

Motion by Jeff Nehring, seconded by Jim Hannemann to approve pay for permanent hourly 3K teacher, food service, custodial and office employees at their current wage for 40 hours per week for full time employees or the normal average part time hours from their budgeted position until the end of the COVID-19 health crisis or the end of the school year which ever should come first, and Furthermore pursuant to the Department of Labor-FFCRA  (Effective 15 days from its enactment and sunset through Dec 31, 2020).  Pursuant to the FFCRA these hourly employees may be asked to assist in other areas of the building and may complete different duties during the school building shut down period, or the end of the COVID-Health Crisis.  All ayes, motion carried 4-0.

Motion by Jeff Nehring, seconded by Sue Loth to adjourn meeting. All ayes, motion carried 4-0.

Meeting adjourned at 6:06 p.m.