United South Central School Board members had been honored for his or her service finally week’s board assembly. Katie Hanson is all smiles whereas receiving her certificates from Topinka.
It’s official, virtually. United South Central might be becoming a member of Blue Earth Area to kind a cooperative gymnastics workforce starting this upcoming season. The USC School Board unanimously permitted the proposed settlement at their assembly on Tuesday, Sept.16 after the BEA School Board had given the thumbs-up to the proposed association the earlier week.
The settlement now must be permitted by the Minnesota State High School League.
“This started one year ago when I had three USC girls approach me who were all members of a club gymnastics program,” USC actions director Joe Kuechenmeister commented. “I am in favor of this. It is a great opportunity for our kids.”
Some of the transportation particulars nonetheless must be labored out. Kuechenmeister shared there might be as many as 5 USC women who can be collaborating within the sport.
In one other matter considerably associated to the college’s athletic applications, the board permitted a lease proposal with Tiny Mobile Robots for a robotic portray system.
“The idea of a robotic field painter has been on our radar for several months,” superintendent Taylor Topinka mentioned. “We have test run multiple units and our Operations Committee has discussed this possibility and the impacts this device could have.”
The value of the machine, nonetheless, was a priority.
“My quandary on the potential of this purchase is that the full purchase price tag, around $25,000 or $26,000, is a large amount for a job that we already have the equipment and man-power (in theory) to do ourselves,” Topinka commented. “Conversely I can see that there can be a financial savings of time, paint, and frustration in having a robotic like this.
“All things considered, our job is to be good financial stewards of public money, and hopefully the solution here is a good middle ground toward this.”
Topinka went on to elucidate that the Education Foundation had donated $2,000 and the Booster Club had given $5,000 in direction of the robotic.
“So we have decided to lease the robot for a year. We will be able to visualize the impact that this has for us as a district and open opportunities for us to explore what this would potentially look like as part of next year’s budget cycle,” Topinka shared. “It we decide to purchase the unit, the money we pay on the lease is credited toward the purchase. If we decide not to move forward, we would not be out a great deal of school funds.”
During his report back to the board, Topinka famous that the Workforce Committee has been assembly with the college’s Education Association consultant as a part of the collective bargaining course of.
“It is such a service to our district that we have great individuals and cordial perspectives on both sides of the table during these conversations,” Topinka mentioned. “It is important to remember that this process is a huge part of creating the foundation that prepares our students for success at USC.”
Topinka additionally reported that he and School Resource Officer D.J. Bullerman had attended a gathering with representatives of the Faribault County Sheriff’s Office, BEA Schools and Genesis Classical Academy with the intent of aligning the emergency procedures at every faculty.
“This would enable a seamless response by the various law enforcement agencies that operate in our county,” Topinka commented. “Both USC and BEA utilize ALICE-type security procedures and are already very close to alignment in procedures.”
Topinka instructed the board his three objectives for this faculty yr are principally the identical as final yr – to enhance group/district involvement, to work on monetary points together with efforts to cut back discretionary spending and to proceed to develop in speaking with residents of the district.
High faculty principal Jen Bye was on the assembly and shared her report.
“USC staff and students experienced our first early out staff development day on Sept. 10,” Bye mentioned. “The Wednesday schedule incorporates a block of dedicated reading time, which supports our Read Act goals. We also have incorporated social emotional lessons into our Wednesday schedule to support our students in learning positive ways to regulate emotions, build relationships and problem solve challenging situations they encounter. The Wednesday schedule is built to ensure our students are receiving support in data-defined need areas.”
She additionally famous a system has been developed at the highschool to offer supervision for athletes who’re ready to follow on Wednesday afternoon.
“Applications for a student School Board representative will be open tomorrow for USC junior class members,” Bye remarked. “The representative will join Alyssa Winkle, our senior School Board representative, at our School Board meetings as a resource to the board and voice for students. We will look to complete the interview process before the October School Board meeting.”
The subsequent report got here from elementary principal Jennifer Taylor.
“It is hard to believe we are in our third week of school,” Taylor mentioned. “The elementary open house on the first day of school went well and parents were able to connect with teachers. On the second day of school, the USC football team visited the elementary to form a tunnel for students as they entered the building – a cherished yearly tradition. I appreciate the high school students taking the time to welcome and encourage our younger learners, creating meaningful moments of connection and inspiration.”
Taylor mentioned college students might be extending their studying past the classroom over the nest few weeks via subject journeys to Big Island Rendezvous, History Fest, Farming of Yesteryear, native pumpkin patches, and a close-by farm, connecting tutorial studying with real-world experiences.
Student consultant Winkle up to date the board on the autumn sports activities applications and famous the scholar authorities is busy getting ready for Homecoming week.
“It will take place Sept. 29 – Oct. 3. If that isn’t exciting enough, this year there will be a Homecoming dance on Oct. 4th,” Winkle mentioned. “So heading into the rest of September and October, there will be plenty of fun activities to attend and show your Rebels support.”
The subsequent common School Board assembly might be Oct. 21, at 5:30 p.m., on the Freeborn City Hall situated at 402 Park Street in Freeborn.
The board additionally:
• Approved the preliminary 2025 payable 2026 levy on the most quantity.
• Set the Truth in Taxation assembly for Dec. 16, at 6 p.m.
• Approved Madison National because the supplier of Paid Family Medical Leave and Short Term Disability for district staff efficient Jan. 1, 2026.
• Voted to re-approve USC board insurance policies 2100, 2110 and 2120.