2012 jan-feb msba journal

MINNESOTA SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION

January-February 2012 Volume 64, No. 4

Teamwork,Dreamwork:

Together we Can

• Phase I, January 10 – Hilton Hotel, Minneapolis• Phase II, January 11 – Hilton Hotel, Minneapolis• Evening Early Birds, January 11 – Minneapolis Convention Center

Minneapolis Convention Center

January 12-13, 2012

91st Annual LeadershipConference

Since 1984, theMSDLAF+ Fund has

offered competitiveinvestment options to

Minnesota schools andrelated entities. As you proceed

through the coming monthsremember that MSDLAF+ provides:

• Unlimited number of accounts and nominimum investment requirement

• Check writing, next day ACH, and same day Fed wiring all at no additional charge

• Variable- and fixed-rate investment options

• Professionally managed investment portfolio

• A simplified manner of monitoring collateral

• A dedicated client service team

This information does notrepresent an offer to sell or asolicitation of an offer to buy orsell any fund or other security.Investors should consider theinvestment objectives, risks,charges and expenses beforeinvesting in any of the Fund'sseries. This and other informationabout the Fund's series isavailable in the Fund's currentInformation Statement, whichshould be read carefully beforeinvesting. A copy of the Fund'sInformation Statement may beobtained by calling 1-888-4-MSDLAF or is available on theFund's website atwww.msdlaf.org. While theMSDLAF+ Liquid Class and MAXClass seek to maintain a stablenet asset value of $1.00 per shareand the MSDLAF+ TERM seriesseeks to achieve a net assetvalue of $1.00 per share at itsstated maturity, it is possible tolose money investing in the Fund.An investment in the Fund is notinsured or guaranteed by theFederal Deposit InsuranceCorporation or any othergovernment agency. Shares of theFund are distributed by PFMFund Distributors, Inc., memberFinancial Industry RegulatoryAuthority (FINRA) (www.finra.org)and Securities Investor ProtectionCorporation (SIPC)(www.sipc.org). PFM FundDistributors, Inc. is a whollyowned subsidiary of PFM AssetManagement LLC.

Carole LoehrSenior Managing [email protected]

Donn HansonSenior Managing [email protected]

Mark ThompsonSenior Managing [email protected]

•

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 VOLUME 64, NUMBER 4

CalendarJA N UA RY 2 0 1 21 .............New Year’s Day (no meetings)2 .............New Year’s Day Observed (no school or meetings)2 .............Terms Begin for Newly Elected Board Members10 ...........MSBA New Board Member Orientation – Phase I,

Minneapolis11 ...........MSBA Phase II Orientation, Minneapolis11 ...........Early Bird Workshops11 ...........Charter School Training11 ...........MSBA Board of Directors’ Meeting12–13 .....MSBA Leadership Conference13 ...........MSBA Board of Directors’ Meeting16 ...........Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday Observed

(no meetings)

F E B R UA RY 2 0 1 22–3 .........MASBO Winter Conference7 .............Precinct Caucus Day

(no meetings or activities after 6:00 p.m.)8 .............Minnesota School District Liquid Asset Fund Plus

Meeting9 .............MSBA Insurance Trust Meeting16 ...........Officers’ Workshop, North Mankato20 ...........Presidents’ Day (no meetings)20–24 .....School Board Recognition Week24 ...........Officers’ Workshop, Bemidji25 ...........Officers’ Workshop, St. Cloud

MA R C H 2 0 1 211 ...........Daylight Saving Time Begins13 ...........Township Election Day

(no meetings or activities 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.)

OFFICERS

President: Kent Thiesse, Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial

Past President: Jackie Magnuson, Rosemount-AppleValley-Eagan

President-Elect: Walter Hautala, Mesabi EastDISTRICT DIRECTORSDistrict 1: Kathy Green, AustinDistrict 2: Jodi Sapp, Mankato AreaDistrict 3: Linden Olson, WorthingtonDistrict 4: Betsy Anderson, HopkinsDistrict 5: Marilynn Forsberg, Spring Lake ParkDistrict 6: Kevin Donovan, MahtomediDistrict 7: Roz Peterson, Lakeville AreaDistrict 8: Elona Street-Stewart, St. PaulDistrict 9: Karen Kirschner, MoraDistrict 10: Dana Laine, Frazee-VergasDistrict 11: VacantDistrict 12: Ann Long Voelkner, Bemidji AreaDistrict 13: Deb Pauly, JordanSTAFFBob Meeks:Executive DirectorBarbara Lynn:Executive Assistant/Director of Board OperationsKirk Schneidawind:Deputy Executive DirectorJohn Sylvester:Deputy Executive DirectorTiffany Rodning:Deputy Executive DirectorGreg Abbott:Director of CommunicationsDenise Drill:Director of Financial/MSBAIT ServicesAmy Fullenkamp-Taylor:Associate Director of Management ServicesSandy Gundlach:Director of School Board ServicesDonn Jenson:Computer and Information Systems ManagerBill Kautt:Associate Director of Management ServicesGrace Keliher:Director of Governmental RelationsKatie Klanderud:Director of Board DevelopmentGary Lee:Associate Director of Management ServicesBruce Lombard:Associate Director of CommunicationsBob Lowe:Director of Management ServicesKelly Martell:Director of TechnologyCathy Miller:Director of Legal and Policy ServicesSue Munsterman:MSBA Advertising

The MSBA Journal (USPS 352-220) is publishedbimonthly by the Minnesota School BoardsAssociation, 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 ofthe writers and do not necessarily representMSBA policy.)

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 3

4 MSBA JOURNAL/LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE PROGRAM

EBob Meeks

MSBA Executive Director

MSBA takespride in beingthe only stateassociation inthe nation tooffer a FREEannualLeadershipConference toits members.

Each year, Meet Minneapolis (theMinneapolis Convention and Visitors’Bureau) conducts an “intercept survey”of people at our conference to see whatthey like about their trip to Minneapolisand their impressions of the ConventionCenter. Last year, they included threequestions specific to our ownLeadership Convention, and we’re veryhappy with the responses.

When is the best time to hold the annualLeadership Conference?

Almost 90 percent (112 out of 125) saidthat the second week of January is thebest time to hold the annual LeadershipConference. That’s good to hearbecause it is the week we’ve targeted forquite some time. Though in some yearsthe weather can be nasty, it falls at atime when people don’t have to worryabout planting or harvesting, fallsoutside the holiday season, and givesboard members a chance to break cabinfever to get out of the house and attendsome wonderful learning sessions.

And like true Minnesotans, you aren’tabout to let a little snow get in the wayof attending free sessions and gatheringideas to help become better boardmembers.

How many nights are you staying inMinneapolis?

This showed a majority of boardmembers (60 percent) were down notjust for the day, but for the entireconference, including a chance toattend our Early Bird seminars. Another12 percent were staying longer, maybeto tack a little weekend stay on to theconference dates. It shows that whenour members make the trip toMinneapolis, they intend to get the mostout of the conference, Early Birds andPhase Orientation training.

What is the best way for attendees toobtain information on the MSBALeadership Conference?

Nearly half of attendees (48 percent) findthat e-mail is the best way to obtaininformation about the conference.Another 25 percent cited how useful theMSBA Web site is for finding informationabout the conference (especially whenprograms are posted electronically to thesite in advance of the conference). Theremaining 25 percent like to getinformation about the LeadershipConference from direct mail – ourBoardcaster newsletter or separate mailingsfor the conference. To make informationeven easier, the Journalmagazine nowdoubles as the program, and is mailed outtwo weeks before our conference.

What is this new QRCode I’m seeing atthe Conference?

If you need a handoutfrom a session youcouldn’t get to, orsimply want an electronic copy insteadof a paper copy, just scan our QR Code.

The QR Code (Quick Response Code) isa bar code that can store Web site pages.MSBA is using our code to storehandouts from presenters who send usworkshop documents in advance of theconference. If you have a smart phone,download the free QR Readerapplication. Just scan the code, andyou’ll have access to many of theconference handouts electronically.

MSBA takes pride in being the only stateassociation in the nation to offer a FREEannual Leadership Conference to itsmembers. And we’re happy to see amajority like the timing of when we havethe conference and the quality of theinformation that makes them arriveearly and stay throughout the sessions.We continue to strive to make ourconference even better each year. Sowelcome to our 91st conference, anduse our evaluation form to tell us howwe can continue to offer you awonderful learning experience.

STRAIGHTTALKTHE BEST TIME FOR A SCHOOL BOARD CONFERENCE:

THE SECONDWEEK OF JANUARY


MEarl Rickman III

Bruce Lombard

MSBA’s 2012 Leadership Conference isgoing to begin with a bang as keynotespeaker Earl Rickman III brings hismessage of school boards being “thebest line of defense” for helping kids.

Rickman is one of you—a school boardmember—albeit, initially, a reluctantschool board member.

His father, the late Dr. Lewis Rickman,served as a school board member for 24years. When asked if his father’s serviceserved as his own inspiration for serving,Rickman responded with a resoundinglycandid and playful: “Oh, heck no! I’mnot going to go through thatpunishment for free, no way!”

After working on Capitol Hill, Rickmanreturned to his native Mount Clemens,Michigan (located 12 miles northeast ofDetroit) in 1985. Rickman, himself, wasa product of the Mount Clemens publicschool system. Apparently, a number ofresidents felt it was time for him to giveback.

“Some folks in the community convincedme to seek the unexpired term on theboard (for a recently deceased boardmember),” Rickman said.

Rickman consequently became theyoungest person elected to the MountClemens Community School District’sBoard of Education. After his term wasup, Rickman was more than ready tomove on to something else—but hissupporters weren’t.

Rickman recalled his conversation withhis supporters: “When I went back tothe folks in the community who hadsolicited me to run and fill the seat, Isaid, ‘It’s been fun, I’ve learned somethings and I’ve done my two years,thank you for the opportunity.’ And theysaid, ‘Did you groom anybody to takeyour place?’ Nobody groomed me! Thatwasn’t part of the deal! They said, ‘Why,are you going anywhere? Don’t worryabout it. We’ve got your campaignhandled.’ After that second term I said,‘OK, I can do this.’”

Rickman was more than able to just “dothis,” as he served in all capacities onthe school board. He served on everycommittee and has occupied the boardpresidency for a total of 17 years,including presently.

Rickman then began stockpilingregional and state appointments andpositions. In 1995, he served on theGovernor’s Task Force on EducationalReform and was elected to the MichiganAssociation of School Boards (MASB)Board of Directors.

From there he served as chair of theNational School Boards Association(NSBA) National Caucus of BlackSchool Board Members (1998-2000)before winning elections to the NSBACentral Region Board of Directors in2003 and 2006.

Rickman was elected NSBA Secretary-Treasurer in 2008 and President-Elect in2009. He served as NSBA President in2010 and is currently the NSBAImmediate Past President. His pastpresident status allows him to maintain aseat on the MASB Board of Directors asan ex-officio member.

For nearly 30 years, Rickman has been atireless advocate for public education,lecturing all over the country oneducational issues and educationalpolicy at such institutions as theAmerican Association for theAdvancement of Sciences, the NationalPTA, Kentucky State University, theCongressional Black Caucus, MarquetteUniversity and many others.

Rickman brings his engaging message toMSBA’s Leadership ConferenceThursday, January 12, 2012, at theMinneapolis Convention Center. Hislecture, “Teamwork, Dreamwork:Together We Can,” is not-coincidentallythe title of the conference, too.

Realizing in recent years that curriculum,technology and accountability measureshave drastically changed, Rickman wantsschool board members to create an

Rickman bringing “Teamwork,


environment on the local, state andnational levels that supports policies toprovide the necessary resources tostrengthen public education and putour children first.

Rickman has referred to school boardmembers as “the best line of defense”for students.

“What we do is so vital to the finaloutcome,” he said. “We approve thecurriculum, set the goals for the districtand set the strategic direction for thedistrict. With those things that we do asboard members, I think it’s throughour decision-making is why I feel we arethe best line of defense for kids.”

Rickman said that decision-making canbe aided by two simple improvementsby board members: preparation andthe lack of a personal agenda.

“(Members must be) prepared at theboard table, not waiting to open theboard packet up five minutes beforethe meeting starts and expecting toconduct themselves in an informedmanner,” he said. “Be prepared whenyou get to the board table.”

He added that board members mustalso be able to effectively look outsidetheir own personal agendas. “Everyschool board member comes to thetable with some kind of an agenda,” hesaid. “You must be willing to lookbeyond your personal beliefs and makedecisions that in fact articulate the bestinterest for all the kids in the district.”

Rickman’s school board longevity hasallowed him to witness a number ofchanges through the years, mostnotably to the authority andresponsibility of school boards.

“When I first came on the board, mylocal board determined how manyhours it would take to graduate,” hesaid. “My local board approved thecurriculum for graduation. Now allthese things are mandated by the state.So those ‘local control items’ are no

longer there. They’re mandated downfrom the state. Michigan is now evenmandating when you can hold schoolelections.”

(Minnesota school board membersmight have to relate to the point aboutschool elections, if state Rep. PatGarofalo’s push to eliminate odd-yearschool elections gains any tractionduring the next legislative session.)

When asked if he had advice for newschool board members, Rickmanjoked: “Don’t do it! Say no!”

“My best advice: Really care aboutdoing it for the right reasons,”Rickman said. “Everybody goes in withan agenda, but just accept that you areonly one of five, orone of seven, orone of nine (boardmembers) thatcollectively have tomake decisionsand choices thatare in the bestinterest for all ofthe kids in theschool district.”

Reflecting on hisquarter-century ofexperience,Rickman said thebest part aboutbeing a schoolboard member isseeing kidsengaged inlearning at MountClemens’ schools.He also enjoyswatching studentsconclude theirprimary schoolcareers byreceiving theirdiplomas atgraduationceremonies.

Rickman’s least favorite part of thejob? Laying off personnel duringtough times and having to expelstudents from school. “Those are themost difficult things that I’ve had todo during my tenure on the board,”he said.

“I originally signed on for a two-yearappointment . . . two years has nowturned into 27,” Rickman said. “It’s alabor of love, it’s sure not for the pay!People say ‘you’re committed.’ I say,no, I need to be committed!”

Bruce Lombard is the Associate Director ofCommunications at the Minnesota SchoolBoards Association. You can contact him [email protected].

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Printed Thursday, February 9, 2012 9:14:09 AMMinnesota MCAII

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SChool leaDerS anD gueSTS:Welcome to the 2012 Leadership Conference!

We’ve chosen the theme “Teamwork, Dreamwork:Together We Can” because as school funding enters anew normal, it may be time for schools to look at theirgoals and dreams for the students coming in the doors.Decisions on how to work as a team to gain efficiencyand follow through on those dreams are a big priority.

MSBA’s 91st Annual Leadership Conference is full ofinformation and inspiration to help school leaders focuson how to improve as a team and to provide the besteducation your board can offer to students.

Whether it is learning through workshops, gatheringinspiration from a keynote speaker or finding new ideassimply from connecting with other board members aroundthe state, you will come away with the knowledge andmotivation to show that your district has the Teamworkand Dreamwork to succeed.

Once again, the Minneapolis Convention Center is hometo the Leadership Conference. You will find maps on theprogram insert to help you navigate the space.

On Level One, you will find general and exhibitorregistration areas, Thursday and Friday’s general sessionsand the Exhibit Hall, along with Show & Tell. On LevelTwo, you will find the Recognition Luncheon andadditional workshops. Workshops will be held on LevelOne (rooms 101A–101J and 102A–F) and Level Two(rooms 201AB–208D). If you’re feeling lost, look for MSBAstaff or board members. They’re wearing the gold state ofMinnesota badges, and they’re here to help!

New this year will be:

• Twice the number of Thursday Round Tables. Go to this bigger, special 4:50 p.m. Round Table double session—our response to your requests to have moreworkshops on Thursday.

• A QR Code that lets you downloadhandouts electronically with yoursmart phone and the free QR Codereader application. Make sure to scanthe QR code before going into yourworkshop rooms.

MSBA is again holding a raffle for a complimentary hotelroom for the 2013 conference. Note the deadline to enteris 9:15 a.m. Friday. The winner will be announced duringFriday’s general session, and you must be present to win.Details are on the insert page.

Finally, we want to recognize our conference sponsors forhelping make this event possible. The 2012 LeadershipConference sponsors include Ehlers; National InsuranceServices; PreferredOne; MSDLAF+; and MSBAIT.Representatives from these organizations are wearing tealribbons—please let them know you appreciate theirsupport.

Thanks for being with us. We are proud to work forMinnesota’s public school leaders!

Your Conference Planning Team

SChool BoarD reCogniTion kiTSSUPERINTENDENTS can pick up the School Board Recognition Weekkits early this year at the Leadership Conference. Just stop by the MSBAbooth near the registration area. School Board Recognition Week will beFebruary 20–24, 2012. Your kit includes certificates, press releases, asample opinion column, public service announcements and more. MSBAresponded to requests to have the kits early for people attending theLeadership Conference, so get yours today.


TUESDAY, JANUARY 10

6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. Phase I Orientation (HiltonHotel, Minneapolis)

6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Charter School Board MemberTraining (Hilton Hotel,Minneapolis)

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11

8:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Phase II Orientation (HiltonHotel, Minneapolis)

9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Charter School Board MemberTraining (Hilton Hotel,Minneapolis)

7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Evening Early Birds(Minneapolis ConventionCenter) Win Over Your UpsetConstituents or Can They ReallyWear That to School?

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12

7:30 a.m. Registration

8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Exhibit Hall open

8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Board Skills Sessions

8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Board Chair Q & A with MSBA

9:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. General Session – MainAuditorium

• The Braham Concert Band,under the direction of BryanJohnson

• Presentation of the Colors byHarding High School NavalJunior Reserve Officer TrainingCorps cadets (NJROTC),under the direction of Lt.Commander Don Wisneski

• Earl Rickman III: Teamwork,Dreamwork: Together We Can

Thanks to Ehlers for sponsoringEarl Rickman’s appearance.

THURSDAY CONTINUED

11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Show and Tell

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Recognition LuncheonThanks to National InsuranceServices for sponsoring MSBA’sRecognition Program.

12:45 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Director District DiscussionsDistricts 1-13

Elections will be held in Districts3, 6, 9, 11, 12 and 13.

1:20 p.m. – 2:20 p.m. School Finance Update withMinnesota Department ofEducation Finance Director TomMelcher

1:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. Polls open (if needed)

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Workshops

3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. Workshops

4:50 p.m. – 5:35 p.m. Round Tables (Exhibit Hall B)

4:50 p.m. – 5:50 p.m. Board Members of Colormeeting

FRIDAY, JANUARY 13

7:30 a.m. Registration

7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Exhibit Hall open

8 a.m. – 10 a.m. Polls open (if needed)

8 a.m. – 9:10 a.m. Round Tables (Exhibit Hall B)

9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Workshops

10:15 a.m. – Noon Closing Session – MainAuditorium

• The United South Central JazzSingers, under the direction ofAngie Braunwarth

• MSBA Business Meeting

• Steve Gilliland: Making ADifference

Noon Adjourn

ConferenCe aT a glanCeUnless noted, registration begins 30 minutes before the programs.

Our thanks to additional conference sponsors: PreferredOne (audio/visual); MSDLAF+; and MSBAIT (conference lanyards)

Thanks also to Northfield Superintendent Chris Richardson for serving as the conference back-up speaker.



TipS for firST-TimeLeadership Conference Attendees

If this is your first MSBA conference, WELCOME! MSBA is your professional organization, and we are confidentyou will leave this event with a wealth of information to help you face the challenges of being a school boardmember or superintendent. Here are a few hints for getting the most from the conference.

Look through your materials: This MSBA Journal magazine includes theLeadership Conference program. You can also find a copy at one of theconference hotel registration desks or at registration on Thursday morning atthe Minneapolis Convention Center. The program includes event schedulesand other important information.

Be punctual. We value your time. Unless something unavoidable occurs, ourevents begin and end on time. We do not have assigned or priority seating,so please plan to arrive at meetings a little early to reserve your spot and getsettled.

Don’t be shy. Introduce yourself to other school board members. You will findthem to be valuable resources for you both at the conference and in thefuture. Chances are, whatever challenges you are facing on your schoolboard, one or more of your fellow MSBA members have been there before.Name badges give you a wealth of information to help you get to know fellowconference attendees. All blue badges are school board members. Yellowbadges are given to superintendents, red to exhibitors, green to guests andpurple to other administrators. The number and ribbon on the badge tells youwhich MSBA district an attendee is from.

Introduce yourself to MSBA staff and the board of directors. If the staffor your MSBA director doesn’t find you first, please introduce yourself tothem. You will see them at the registration desk, the Ask MSBA Booth, andother locations around the conference. They are wearing gold state ofMinnesota name badges and they are there to help you. Please don’t hesitateto ask for assistance.

Check out the vendors. Over 200 vendors exhibit at the leadershipconference and their sponsorship is what enables you to attend theconference free of charge – there is no registration fee. Take some time to visitthe vendors and explore what they have to offer.

Ask questions. Don’t worry about asking a “rookie” question. Many of themost important issues facing public education today are raised by newmembers who are taking a fresh look at situations confronting our schools.

Fill out your conference evaluation. MSBA staff appreciates yourcomments and reviews all of the feedback given. As time and resources allow,staff implement suggestions that improve the event.

Take what you learn home. MSBA encourages school board membersattending the conference to report at your next board meeting what youlearned at the conference to any of your fellow board members and key staffwho couldn’t attend. Sharing what you learned will help your team grow.

MSBA is YOUR organization. Above all, know that MSBA is yourorganization. We are a diverse group of people with one goal in mind:providing the best possible education to our students. You will find your fellowschool board members and our staff ready to help you reach that goal.

Enjoy the conference and again, please let any of the MSBA staff or yourboard of directors know if they can help you at the conference and after youreturn home.

BADGES: Conference badges are biodegradable, color-coded and list the number of your MSBA Director District. Forsecurity reasons, please wear your badge throughout theconference. A unique four-digit code on your badge will allowExhibitors to retrieve your information.

Blue – School board members and studentsYellow – SuperintendentsRed – ExhibitorsGreen – GuestsPurple – Other AdministratorsGold State of Minnesota badges identify MSBA staff and MSBABoard of Directors.

RIBBONS: Conference ribbons let you find board membersand superintendents from your area and give special recognitionto board members, speakers and sponsors.

Hot Chartreuse – District 1 (southeast MN)Canary – District 2 (south central MN)Brown – District 3 (southwest MN)Hot Orange – District 4 (west suburban)Goldenrod – District 5 (north central suburban)Turquoise – District 6 (northeast suburban)Dark Pink – District 7 (south suburban)Maroon – District 8 (Minneapolis and St. Paul)Hot Pink – District 9 (central MN)Melon – District 10 (west central MN)Navy – District 11 (northeast MN)Sky Blue – District 12 (northwest MN)Peach – District 13 (southwest suburban MN)

These ribbons also give special recognition to board members,speakers and sponsors:

White – Award winnersBlue – PresentersTeal – Sponsors (Please thank them for their generous support!)Purple – Past MSBA Board of Directors

NEW THIS YEAR: THE QR CODEIf you need a handout from a session you couldn’t get to, orsimply want an electronic copy instead of a paper copy, just scanour QR Code on signs near our Ask MSBA booth and at ourResource table. The QR Code (Quick Response Code) is a barcode that can store Web site pages. MSBA is using our code tostore handouts from presenters who send usworkshop documents in advance of theconference. If you have a smart phone,download the free QR Reader application.Just scan the code, and you’ll have accessto many of the conference handoutselectronically.

EXHIBITS: The exhibit of products and services available toschool districts is open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, and7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Friday. Allow ample time to visit thisoutstanding display, and remember to thank our exhibitors forbeing with us!

MESSAGE CENTER: Messages for attendees will be taken at the MSBA information desk in the registration area.Please check the message board frequently, as paging in theConvention Center is limited. The telephone number is 507-420-1878.

LOST AND FOUND: Bring found items to the MSBAregistration desk.

NO SMOKING: MSBA adheres to a smoke-free policy atall functions.

DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIALS: No printedmaterials other than official reports of the Association shall bedistributed during the conference without the prior approval ofthe MSBA Executive Director.

DIRECTOR ELECTION PROCEDURES:The MSBA Board of Directors has established the followingdirector election procedures for the 2012 Leadership Conference:

1. Nominations for the position of Director shall take placeduring the Director District Discussions, which will be held onthe first day of the conference (Thursday).

2. School Board members only are eligible to nominate and/orsecond and vote.

3. In the event there is no more than one candidate for theDirector position, the caucus chair shall be authorized to callfor a motion to cast a unanimous ballot for that candidate.

4. If there are two candidates for the Director position, theprocedures shall be in accordance with the Associationbylaws, Article IV, Section 3. Delegates from that DirectorDistrict will cast ballots at the designated election area.

5. Newly elected Directors will be introduced during the closingGeneral Session. Newly elected Directors assume theirposition at the conclusion of the conference.

DIRECTOR DISTRICT DISCUSSIONS:All MSBA Director Districts will meet at 12:45 p.m. Thursday.See page 14 for Director Discussion locations.

Director Districts 3 (southwest MN), 6 (north suburban), 9 (eastcentral MN), 11 (northeast MN), 12 (northwest MN), and 13(southwest suburban) have elections; members in these districtswill nominate persons for the position of MSBA Director. Termsare three years (except for District 11, which will fill a one-yearterm) and begin at the conclusion of the conference. If needed,polls will be open from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, and 8 a.m.to 10 a.m. Friday. Polls are located near the registration desk.

CONCESSION AREAS: Food and beverages areavailable at the concession stands in the Exhibit Hall. A DunnBros. Coffee Shop is located on Level One, offering coffee,pastries, and other items.

HOTEL CHECK-OUT TIMES: An extended check-out time of 12:30 p.m. Friday has been secured for all LeadershipConference attendees at each conference hotel (Hyatt, Hilton andMillennium).

general informaTion


BOARD CHAIR Q & A WITH MSBARoom 101A & BBob Meeks, Executive Director, Minnesota School BoardsAssociation

School board chairs from across the state are invited to meetwith Minnesota School Boards Association’s ExecutiveDirector, Bob Meeks, in this question-and-answer session. LetBob know what MSBA can do to support, promote andenhance the work of public school boards and publiceducation.

LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY ON ISSUES ATTHE CAPITOLRoom 101CGrace Keliher, Director of Governmental Relations; and KirkSchneidawind, Deputy Executive Director, Minnesota SchoolBoards Association

This session will be a “Minnesota’s Legislative Hotdish” onadvocacy, national education legislation, NCLB waivers, stateeducation commissions, and the education buzz: the 2012session.

UNDERSTANDING THE MSBA/MASAMODEL SUPERINTENDENT CONTRACTRoom 101D & ESandy Gundlach, Director of School Board Services, MinnesotaSchool Boards Association

The Model Superintendent Contract provides a template forschool boards and superintendents to use as the basis fornegotiating all superintendent employment contracts. Thissession will provide an overview of relevant statutes and Modelcontract language.

THE OPEN MEETING LAWRoom 101JCathy Miller, Director of Legal and Policy Services, MinnesotaSchool Boards Association

Get a review of the Open Meeting Law requirements andapplications of the law to real-life situations. The most recentissues and challenges for school board members will bediscussed. Board members’ questions will be welcomed.

2012 SkillS SeSSionSThursday 8:30-9:15 a.m.


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MSBA President Kent Thiesse

EntertainmentThe Braham Concert Band

MAIN AUDITORIUM

General Session ...................................................9:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Entertainment ...........The Braham Concert Band, under the direction ofBryan Johnson, Director

(Please give these students your full attention.)

Presentation of the Colors......................................Harding High School Naval Junior Reserve Officer

Training Corps cadets NJROTC

Welcome..............................................................................Kent ThiesseMSBA President

Remarks.............................................................................Robert MeeksMSBA Executive Director

Keynote Address.............................................................Earl Rickman IIITeamwork, Dreamwork: Together We Can

Thanks to Ehlers for sponsoring Earl Rickman’s appearance.Thank you for turning off your cell phone during the session!

DIRECTOR DISCUSSION SCHEDULE

Discussions begin at 12:45 p.m. for all Director Districts. There areelections in Districts 3, 6, 9, 11,12, and 13. Director DistrictDiscussions will include any issues members want to discuss.Locations are as follows:

District 1 – 101D & E............................................Kathy Green presiding District 2 – 101C......................................................Jodi Sapp presiding District 3 – 101A & B...........................Linden Olson presiding (election)District 4 – 101J .............................................Betsy Anderson presidingDistrict 5 – 101I ...........................................Marilynn Forsberg presiding District 6 – 101H ..............................Kevin Donovan presiding (election)District 7 – 101G ................................................Roz Peterson presiding District 8 – 101F .....................................Elona Street-Stewart presiding District 9 – 102C .............................Karen Kirschner presiding (election)District 10 – 102B ..................................................Dana Laine presiding District 11 – 102A .......Walter Hautala presiding (election – 1 year term)District 12 – 102D ......................Ann Long Voelkner presiding (election)District 13 – 102E.....................................................Deb Pauly (election)

THE SHIFT IN SCHOOL FINANCE FORMINNESOTA

Room 200A–J – 1:20 p.m.Tom Melcher, Program Finance Director, Minnesota Department ofEducation

This special session will be available for board members to listen as thefinance director gives an update on possible funding, shifts andborrowing from school districts and what lies ahead for school districts.

BOARD MEMBERS OF COLOR

Room 101F – 4:50 p.m.

Attend a special discussion meeting for school board members ofcolor, hosted by MSBA Director Elona Street-Stewart.

ROUND TABLES

Exhibit Hall B – 4:50 p.m.

Attend two special 20-minute Round Table sessions.

MSBA ExecutiveDirector

Robert Meeks

SpeakerEarl Rickman III

MinnesotaDepartment of

Education ProgramFinance Director

Tom Melcher

ThurSDay general SeSSion


THURSDAY RECOGNITION LUNCHEONTICKET REQUIRED – 11:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. – ROOM 200A–J

Note: Tables have been reserved for recipients of the All State School Board (including their guests) and MinnesotaSuperintendent of the Year.

Director Awards and pins may be picked up at the registration desk. Leadership Development Certificates have been mailedto the recipients.

Presiding...........................................................................................................................................Kent Thiesse, MSBA President

RECOGNITIONS PRESENTERS

Outgoing MSBA Board of Directors.................................................................................................Kent Thiesse, MSBA PresidentMN Superintendent of the Year........................................................................................................Kent Thiesse, MSBA PresidentLeadership Development Certificates ........................................................................................Marilynn Forsberg, MSBA DirectorDirector Awards.......................................................................................................................................Jodi Sapp, MSBA DirectorPresident Awards ...........................................................................................................................Karen Kirschner, MSBA DirectorMSBA Service Awards........................................................................Sandy Gundlach, MSBA Director of School Board ServicesAll State School Board .............................................................................Katie Klanderud, MSBA Director of Board Development

Thanks to National Insurance Services for sponsoring MSBA’s 2012 Recognition Luncheon Program.Thanks also to Jodi Sapp, Marilynn Forsberg, Ann Long Voelkner, Deb Pauly and Karen Kirschner

for serving on the Recognition Program Committee.

reCogniTion lunCheon


designers and researchers for public environments

305 Saint Peter StreetSaint Paul, MN 55102 tel 6 5 1 2 2 7 7 7 7 3 fax 6 5 1 2 2 3 5 6 4 6

MinnesotaIllinoisMichiganColorado

Columbia Academy Engineering ProgramColumbia Heights School DistrictColumbia Heights Public Schools started its Science, Technology,Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) work in grades 6-8 with aproject-based learning approach to teaching engineering. Thedisplay will show the process students use to work collaborativelyto problem solve, design, build prototypes, test, redesign,complete, and market the final product to a panel of judges. Thedisplay will also include examples of student-designed products,including cameras sent into space, bridges, hydroplanes,catapults, and more.

QWERTY Robotics: FIRST Robotics Team 3278Detroit Lakes School DistrictQWERTY is our name and www.QWERTYRobotics.com is ourgame! QWERTY Robotics has competed in five roboticscompetitions from 2009 to 2011 – BEST (Boosting EngineeringScience & Technology) and FIRST (For Inspiration & Recognition ofScience & Technology). We won first place at the 2011 MinnesotaRegional FIRST Robotics competition and advanced to the FIRSTInternational competition in St. Louis, MO, with our robot, “TheTruck,” to compete with teams from 28 countries from around theworld. But it’s not just about the robot. Students learn “graciousprofessionalism,” teamwork, programming, CAD design,mechanical building, electrical wiring, web design, leadership, timemanagement, and safety working with all-volunteer mentors fromour community. All students are eligible for part of $15 million inFIRST scholarships.

Proving Kermit Wrong: It IS Easy Being GreenEden Valley-Watkins School DistrictEden Valley-Watkins students will show the importance and manybenefits of “green” curriculum and projects in schools, as well asfinding some “green” to fund your program. We also look at ourown dynamic “green” team.

Body and Mind Working TogetherFarmington School DistrictCentury Club is a program designed to create more physicalactivity outside the school day for fourth- and fifth-gradestudents. The program aligns to Minnesota physical educationstandards 3 and 6. The students earn prizes, thanks to manydonations from a variety of sponsors. Running Club for grades 1-5is a program designed to create more physical activity at recessfor all students. More than 50 percent of our students participatein the program. We will also talk about our JAM school program, aone-minute fitness routine that includes five simple exercises thatkids can do at their desks or in a chair.

Building a Successful Early Childhood Program in a Low-IncomeCommunityHinckley-Finlayson School DistrictIn a district with almost 56 percent of students qualifying for freeor reduced lunch, offering a three-day-per-week preschoolprogram at no cost to families and providing free one-way bustransportation for those students is key to meeting a huge needfor families in our community. In its fourth year, we are serving 90percent of next year’s kindergarteners. We also adopted the

ECFE/ECSE co-teaching model in our classrooms to provide aninclusive setting for ALL preschoolers to learn. Within our classes,we use math and literacy fluency test scores to help guide ourlesson planning, along with the research-based Houghton Mifflinpreschool curriculum. The students are also using the Prometheanboard on a daily basis during large group and small groupactivities.

Real World Design ChallengeHutchinson School DistrictThe Real World Design Challenge (RWDC) is an annualcompetition that provides high school students in grades 9–12 theopportunity to work on real-world engineering challenges in ateam environment. Hutchinson High’s team has won the statechallenge three consecutive years and won an all-expense-paidtrip to Washington, D.C., to compete in the national competition.Students will utilize professional engineering software to developtheir solutions and will also generate presentations thatconvincingly demonstrate the value of their solutions.

LCWM Academic DecathlonLake Crystal Wellcome Memorial School DistrictAcademic Decathlon is a 10-event scholastic competition forteams of high school students. Each high school enters a team ofnine students: three “A” (honors) students, three “B” (scholastic)students, and three “C” (varsity) students. Students take sevenwritten tests consisting of art, economics, language and literature,math, music, science, and super quiz. They also write an essay,participate in an interview, and perform a prepared and impromptuspeech. The theme for this year is Imperialism. The LCWMAcademic Decathlon team has won 10 state championships andparticipated in six national competitions.

Project-Based Learning at the Senior Level Minnesota New Country SchoolWhat do world history, Spanish immersion, biogas generators, afirewood business and supplies for impoverished children have incommon? These students will fill you in on their learning project ata project-based school and how they have met standards, andthey will share their future plans with you.

Stand Up Initiative Monticello School DistrictTo address the bullying issue, the Monticello Middle Schoolcreated a schoolwide initiative called “Stand Up.” The past fiveyears, various staff members have teamed together to createcurriculum and activities focused on topics and issuesadolescents are facing. Our display will include weekly lessonpackets, summary PowerPoint, display board and video.

iTies: Tying iPads to the Future of Education Renville County West School DistrictWhy iPads? Get an inside look at why students and teachers arerecommending these amazing tools in the classroom.

ThurSDay Show & Tell11:15 a.m.—2:15 p.m., Exhibit Hall


ThurSDay Show & Tell11:15 a.m.—2:15 p.m., Exhibit Hall


Using Apps for School Events Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School DistrictCome see how computer science students developed a cell phoneand tablet app to replace the school calendar. While the app is stillin Beta, it gives a glimpse into how apps may someday replacemany school communications usually printed on paper.

Sibley East Vegetable GardenSibley East School DistrictSibley East began a one-acre vegetable garden in 2010. Itexpanded to more than three acres in 2011, including aCommunity Supported Agriculture venture in which 30 shares weresold. The district fully utilizes produce from the gardens in both itssites’ cafeteria food service programs. In addition, the district isimplementing full-service salad bars at both campusesincorporating produce from the gardens and also from its grant-provided High Tunnel greenhouse.

Magic Learning BusWillow River School DistrictOur “Magic Learning Bus,” a moveable classroom, will travel tooutlying areas of our district to connect with children and families atECFE age groups. We sent the bus out to four locations in thesummer and plan to use it to visit daycares, in conjunction with thePre-K to third-grade movement.

l i s ten.DESIGN.del iver

Jennifer Anderson-Tuttle, LEED [email protected]/977-3500 - dlrgroup.com

ThurSDay workShopS – 2:30NEW THIS YEAR: THE QR CODE If you need a handout from a session you couldn’t getto, or simply want an electronic copy instead of a papercopy, just scan our QR Code on this page or at signsnear our Ask MSBA booth and at our Resource table.The QR Code (Quick Response Code) is a bar codethat can store Web site pages. MSBA is using our code

to store handouts from presenters who send us workshop documents inadvance of the conference. Ask your presenter if their handouts are availablethrough our QR code. If you have a smart phone, download the free QRReader application. Just scan the code, and you’ll have access to many of theconference handouts electronically.

REPEATED AT 3:45 P.M.

MINNESOTA’S ESEA WAIVER REQUEST Room 101A & BSamuel Kramer, Federal Education Policy Specialist, MinnesotaDepartment of EducationIn November, Minnesota submitted an ESEA Flexibility Request (morecommonly known as an NCLB Waiver Request) to have the flexibility toabandon certain aspects of No Child Left Behind and replace it with a state-developed accountability system. The Minnesota Department of Education isoptimistic that by early January, we will have a response from the U.S.Department of Education, and will be sharing information regarding theimplementation of this new accountability system.


MSHSL: CONCUSSIONS AND BOOSTER CLUBS—WHICH ONE GIVES YOUTHE BIGGEST HEADACHE?Room 101CDave Stead, Executive Director, Minnesota State High School League Minnesota State High School League staff will discuss issues related toLeague activities, donations from booster clubs and individuals, and theimplementation of the new requirement for coaches and others to undergotraining and develop procedures to deal with concussions. Questions fromschool board members are always invited.

REPEATED ON FRIDAY

TEACHING STAFF REDUCTIONS: UNREQUESTED LEAVE OF ABSENCE(ULA) AND NON-RENEWAL OF PROBATIONARY TEACHERSRoom 101D & E Thursday; 101D FridayBill Kautt, Associate Director of Management Services, MinnesotaSchool Boards AssociationLearn how a school district can negotiate its own Unrequested Leave ofAbsence (ULA) process using the Teachers Model Agreement to illustrate theadvantages. Then review the procedures and time line the school districtmust follow to properly use the ULA process, using the step-by-stepprocedure in the MSBA Service Manual, including model resolutions.

FOUR-DAY SCHOOL WEEK: WHAT WE LEARNEDRoom 101FGreg Schmidt, Superintendent, MACCRAY School District; DeborahWanek, Superintendent; Brian Korf, High School Principal; and CharlieBlixt, Board Member, Pelican Rapids School DistrictIn its fourth year of a four-day school week, MACCRAY will share itsexperiences—both successes and challenges —and whether test scores andlearning outcomes have been affected. Pelican Rapids will add perspectiveon their experience after one and one-half years of the new schedule. Wewill share information about cost savings and stakeholder perceptions, andoffer time for questions and answers.

WELLNESS PROGRAMS FOR YOUR DISTRICTRoom 101GRobert C. Cavanna, Executive Director; and Dan Weir, Insurance/RiskManagement Consultant, Minnesota Service CooperativesCome to this session and learn about Patient Protection Accountability CareAct (PPACA) rules for wellness programs (up to 30 percent of employeepremiums may be reallocated into wellness incentives); as well as researchconfirming a $3 return on investment for every $1 spent on wellnessprograms. You’ll also learn about Statewide Worksite wellness programsdelivered through the Minnesota Service Cooperatives across the state,including an overview of common wellness activities and how they canbenefit your district.

SOUTH CENTRAL MINNESOTA AGRICULTURAL ACADEMY: HOW TOIMPLEMENT A 21ST-CENTURY CAREER AND COLLEGE READINESSACADEMY THROUGH MULTIPLE PARTNERSHIPSRoom 101HJeff Olson, Superintendent, and Paul Peterson, High School Principal,St. Peter School District; Kevin Enerson, High School Principal, LeSueur-Henderson School District; and Gena Lilienthal, South CentralAgri-Science Academy TeacherIn order to maximize resources in offering high-quality educationalopportunities to students, school districts need to work with multiplepartners. In this presentation, we will share the steps we have taken tolaunch the South Central Minnesota Agricultural Academy. The presentationwill focus on four outcomes: (1 ) How to implement an “industry-based, in-the-field” program that provides a rigorous and relevant agriculturalcurriculum to students; (2) How to gain community, business, and highereducation support for the program; (3) How to deliver a three-phasedinstructional model including direct classroom instruction using onlinelearning, controlled laboratory opportunities, and on-site educationalexperiences; and (4) How to replicate the program with a limited budget.

TEACHING MULTIPLE FOREIGN LANGUAGES AT ONCERoom 101IKim Kratzke, Foreign Language Teacher, and Mary Klamm,Superintendent, Menahga School DistrictTwo years ago, Menahga High School began offering a hybrid foreignlanguage course developed by Spanish teacher, Kim Kratzke. Kimdeveloped a curriculum in which one day a week she teaches students face-to-face on how to learn a foreign language and the rest of the week, shefacilitates the learning of the students with the help of the online version ofRosetta Stone. Students may choose from 30 different languages, such asFrench, Russian or even Mandarin Chinese. This year, Kim is facilitating thelearning of 19 Foreign Language I & II students during the same hour. Thispresentation will h ighlight lessons learned and the positive results of thisinnovative program.

WE RECEIVED A CIVIL RIGHTS COMPLAINT—NOW WHAT? Room 101JNancy Blumstein, Partner, Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney, P.A.; and JoyKieffer, Director of Special Services, Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose SchoolDistrictIn the last year, the number of complaints initiated with the federal Office ofCivil Rights (“OCR”) against Minnesota school districts has increasedsignificantly. While the reason behind the recent influx isn’t clear, what is clearis that school boards need to better understand the nature and potentialramifications of OCR complaints as well as the manner in which the schooldistrict needs to efficiently and effectively respond to them.


ThurSDay workShopS – 2:30


WHAT SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT STUDENTMENTAL HEALTH ISSUES Room 102ALisa Edstrom, School Board Chair, Roseville Area School District; andWilliam Dikel, Independent Consultant, Child and AdolescentPsychiatristMany students have mental health disorders that adversely impact theirability to benefit from school services and educational supports. Schoolboards have an opportunity to provide direction to schools in methods ofbuilding bridges to mental health services while maintaining legal andfinancial firewalls of protection. This presentation provides an overview forschool board members of best practices for addressing these students’educational needs from three perspectives: the clinical perspective of aconsulting child psychiatr ist, the administrative perspective and the parentperspective of a school board chair whose child has received several yearsof special education support services.

COORDINATING INSURANCE PLANS WITH HEALTH REIMBURSEMENTARRANGEMENTS AND/OR HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS AND CAFETERIAPLANSRoom 102BPaige McNeal, Vice President, Educators Benefit ConsultantsIt is imperative to know how to coordinate insurance plans with otherbenefits such as Health Reimbursement Arrangements and/or HealthSavings Accounts and Cafeteria Plans in a compliant fashion. This hasbecome even more challenging in school districts that offer a HighDeductible Health Plan that is HSA qualified alongside a traditionalcomprehensive health insurance plan. This scenario becomes even more funin school districts that have employees in current or discontinued VEBAs,105 Plans, or an HCSP. This presentation will sort through all thecoordination issues and offer some insight on how to administer these plans.

INVOLVING AND ENGAGING YOUR COMMUNITY THROUGH STRATEGICPLANNINGRoom 102CBrian Dietz, Superintendent; Ben O’Brien, Principal, Hartley ElementarySchool; and Randy Zimmerman, Board Chair, Waseca School DistrictWaseca Public Schools implemented a strategic planning process whichbrought the entire community together to establish goals and time lines, andachieve desired outcomes for all. See how our district has taken this body ofwork, sustained and grown involvement, and communicated success to allstakeholders.

REPEATED ON FRIDAY

TWO PERSPECTIVES OF A ONE-TO-ONE LAPTOP PROGRAMRoom 102D Thursday; 101I FridayLoren Kiefer, Director of Technology; Bruce Klaehn, Superintendent,Ron Pagel, Board Chair, Dover-Eyota School District; David Thompson,Superintendent, and Mark Vaupel, Board Chair, Stewartville SchoolDistrictTwo southeast Minnesota school districts introduced one-to-one laptopcomputer initiatives this fall. They chose similar machines (Netbooks), andworked together to formulate policies and teaching strategies. However, theychose very different grade levels to initiate the program, one in grades 10–12,and the other in grades 4–6 and 9. Representatives from Dover-Eyota andStewartville, which share a director of technology, will describe how theymade their respective decisions to move forward through a “team”approach, how they researched and implemented the program, and howthings have gone for them in the first half of the year.

SERVICE AS A STUDENT BOARD MEMBERRoom 102EBeth Giese, Superintendent, Curt Beissel, Board Member, BobBrintnall, Board Chair, Rob Siebenaler, Board Member, MichaelWegman, Student School Board Member, Cannon Falls School District;Michael Lovett, Superintendent, Michelle York, Student School BoardMember, Emily Desmet, Student School Board Member, White Bear LakeFind out the many different ways school boards around the state set upprograms to put students on their boards. Learn what the experience is likefor students and discuss what boards can do to make the experiencemeaningful.


THE FLIPPED CLASSROOMRoom 102FDenise Cote, Fifth Grade Teacher; Wayne Feller, Technology IntegrationSpecialist; Mike Dronen, Technology Coordinator; and Corey Lunn,Superintendent, Stillwater Area School DistrictWhat began several years ago is showing promise for a rarely seen way topersonalize student learning, capitalize on time, accelerate the pace oflearning and quite possibly be a positive disrupting influence in education.Stillwater Area Public Schools, through a highly controlled pilot project, isseeing promising results as six fifth-grade math teachers have “flipped” theirclassrooms. Hear what parents, teachers, students and administrators aresaying about the “flip.”

INDOOR AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS: THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY ANDHOW TO FAST-TRACK YOUR PROJECTRoom 201A & BTerry Quist, Superintendent, Alexandria Schools; Dan Folsom, VicePresident, Design Tree Engineering; and Preston Euerle,President/CEO, R.A. Morton & AssociatesThis presentation will outline the concept of displacement ventilation to solveindoor air quality issues and complete mechanical upgrades. We will shareour experience in the fast-tracked project for Alexandria Public Schools’aging facilities.

BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM IN A LOW-INCOME COMMUNITYRoom 202A & BShana Stiel, ECFE Coordinator; Rob Prater, Superintendent; BonnieVrudny, Board Chair; and Mary Ellen Von Rueden, Board Member,Hinckley-Finlayson School DistrictIn a district with almost 56 percent of students qualifying for free or reducedlunch, offering a three-day-per-week preschool program at no cost tofamilies and providing free one-way bus transportation for those students iskey to meeting a huge need to the families in our community. Our preschoolprogram has been able to do just that for the last four years. Currently, weare serving 90 percent of next year’s kindergarteners. We also adopted theECFE/ECSE co-teaching model in our classrooms to provide an inclusivesetting for ALL preschoolers to learn. Within our classes, we use math andliteracy fluency test scores to help guide our lesson planning, along with theresearch-based Houghton Mifflin preschool curriculum. The students are alsousing the Promethean board on a daily basis during large group and smallgroup activities.

COLLABORATION AND FUNDING EXTRACURRICULARSRoom 204A & BPhil Jensen, Superintendent; Al Holleman, Board Chair; and MarkSellin, Board Member, Hawley School DistrictLooking for a simple way to help fund extracurriculars? Come and see whatHawley Public Schools, in collaboration with the local business community, is doing to put extra money toward athletics and fine arts. A true win-winscenario for students and businesses.

COMMITTEE DECISION-MAKING: USING DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES TOEMPOWER PROFESSIONAL STAFFRoom 205AMai Yia Chang, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning; BradTipka, Curriculum Specialist; and Randy Bergman, Board Member,Noble AcademyThe quickest way to keep faculty from volunteering for committee work is tocharge them with a task and then not truly listen to their deliberative decisionat the end of the process. This happens with all too much frequency acrosspublic and private school systems. Teachers are frustrated with all the workthey put into committee decision-making only to have their recommendationsbe dismissed by administration. The presenters will share a model fordecision-making based in large part on shared values of a democraticorganization. Such a model relies on the professional expertise of theeducators and demands leadership of the administration, all within theframework of democratic principles.

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE: WEST CENTRAL MINNESOTA’S REGIONALEDUCATIONAL PLANNING MODELRoom 205BJerry Kjergaard, Superintendent, Willmar School District; Paul Carlson,Superintendent, New London-Spicer School District; Luther Heller,Superintendent, Montevideo School District; Daron VanderHeiden,Superintendent, Hutchinson School District; and Lee Westrum,Superintendent, Benson School DistrictBeginning in the fall of 2010, 17 districts, Ridgewater College, SW/WCService Co-op, and MRVED participated in a planning process to discusseducational change and renewal in west central Minnesota with theassistance of Dr. Greg Vandal as facilitator. Over 60 representatives fromparticipating organizations gathered three times during the fall into the springto discuss and evaluate common concerns. An extensive survey was doneacross the region (with over 1000 participants) and results were used todevelop three overarching goals districts could work on together regionally.This presentation tells the story of this effort, and shares results andcommon goals that evolved from the process.

HENNEPIN COUNTY DROPOUT PREVENTION INITIATIVERoom 205CSandra Lewandowski, Superintendent; Jane Holmberg, ExecutiveDirector of Teaching & Learning; Charlene Myklebust, ExecutiveDirector of Mental Health & Partnerships, Intermediate District 287Intermediate District 287 has convened a series of discussions with the 18superintendents and county commissioners to begin addressing a goal ofraising the graduation rate from 68 percent to 80 percent by 2015. Learnabout the cross-sector Innovation Incubator which generated six indicatorsof a successful education model, and how that is distinctly different from atypical high school model. Systemic barriers to success will also be shared.The team will also highlight a plan of action that school and county leaderswill take to achieve the collective graduation rate target for Hennepin Countystudents.

SCHOOL CLIMATE AND CULTURE: WHAT’S ALL THE BUZZ ABOUT?Room 205DMary Menne, Director of Learning Program & Evaluation, EdVisionsSchools; and Tim Lutz, Superintendent, Kelliher School DistrictStudents don’t learn unless they feel safe. The U.S. Department ofEducation is urging schools to assess engagement, safety and the overallschool environment. Attend this session to discuss school culture andclimate, why it’s so important and how it can help your district reach newlevels of success. Hear practical examples and recommendations for yourdistrict based on proven success in both Minnesota school districts andschool districts nationwide. Learn how Kelliher School staff has transformedtheir school into a student-focused culture where barriers to learning havebeen removed and students truly enjoy being in school to learn. Discovernew and innovative approaches to helping students feel connected to theirschool and gain in self-confidence, hope, and autonomy, resulting in betterlearning and improved test scores.


TAKING THE HIGH ROAD WHEN HIRING Room 208A & BModerators: Scott Monson, Superintendent, Morris School District;Bob Lowe, Director of Management Services, Minnesota SchoolBoards Association

Actors/Actresses: Kathi Peterson, Board Member, Blooming PrairieSchool District; Julie Domogalla, Board Member, East Central SchoolDistrict; Matt Coleman, Board Member, Marshall School District; LisaWagner, Board Member, Minnetonka School District; Maydra Maas,Board Member, Westbrook-Walnut Grove School District; GeorgeKimball, Board Member, White Bear Lake School District; Bill Davidson,Board Member, Wabasha-Kellogg School District; Mike Reynolds,Board Member, Willmar School District; Loy Woelber, Superintendent,Westbrook-Walnut Grove and Tracy Area School Districts; and BetsyAnderson, MSBA Director and Board Member, Hopkins School District Two scenarios about the board’s role in hiring staff will be acted by veteranboard members and superintendents. You will see how one board handlesdifficult situations during public comment, contract approval, and the OpenMeeting Law. Teaching points include role of the chair, addressing uncivilaudience participation, handling the superintendent’s recommendation, etc.Each scenario will be “re-played” to show best practices for handling difficul tsituations.

CREATING SCHOOL CULTURE THROUGH VIDEORoom 208C & DJake Sturgis, Communications Coordinator; Alex Walker, VideoSpecialist; and Pam Langseth, Board Member, Minnetonka SchoolDistrictBullying, grinding, poor sportsmanship and Internet safety can be difficultissues for any school district to tackle. Learn how one school has usedvideos to communicate difficult messages to students and built schoolculture at the same time. Several examples will be shared during thisinteractive presentation as well as easy ways to get things started in yourschool district. We will share our “recipe” for success in communicatingthrough video to students.



VOTERS AND PRIORITIES: THE NEW MINNESOTA ALIGNMENTRoom 101D & EBill Morris, President, Decision Resources, Ltd. The era of the Minnesota Miracle is dead, and education funding is the newreserve fund for balancing the state budget. But, do most Minnesotansagree? What do citizens need to know to be more supportive of publicschools? To support referenda? And, to rank education as the top priority forthe future?

PROVEN STRATEGIES FOR AN EFFECTIVE SCHOOLBOARD/SUPERINTENDENT RELATIONSHIPRoom 101FDon Helmstetter, Dean, College of Education, Concordia University,former Minnesota Superintendent (25 years), 2007 MASASuperintendent of the Year; Marilynn Forsberg, MSBA Director andBoard Member; and Jeff Ronneberg, Superintendent, Spring Lake ParkSchool DistrictResearch shows that school districts with strong school board/superintendentrelationships have greater levels of student achievement, as measured by a varietyof indicators. Among these characteristics are clear and consistent expectations,clear and consistent communications, and a common agreement with thedistrict’s mission, vision, and strategic initiatives. This session provides severalproven strategies to build and nurture good relationships between and amongboard members and the superintendent. It will also discuss strategies for boardsto effectively and productively operate, even when one or more “factions” emerge.

CURRICULUM: CRITICAL FOR BUILDING STUDENT SUCCESSRoom 101GNancy Moore, Curriculum Coordinator; Kevin Schneider, CurriculumCoordinator; Darla Remus, Board Chair; Ron Geiger, Vice Chair; andLori Hirschboeck, Clerk, Sleepy Eye School District From a curriculum audit to writing a comprehensive curriculum on a web-basedplatform—how one district made it happen. Learn how one district started fromscratch developing a data-driven, standards-based curriculum. How was theprocess restructured? How was the process funded? How were the staffmembers trained? How has this process impacted student learning? Thesequestions and more will be explained in a comprehensive presentation.

SCHOOL DISTRICT EFFORTS TO IMPROVE STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTTHROUGH COLLABORATIVE PLANNINGRoom 101HBill Strom, Superintendent, Mountain Lake School District; RickEllingworth, Superintendent, and Darcy Josephson, Director ofTeaching and Learning, Redwood Area School District; Jeff Olson,Superintendent, St. Peter School District; Kevin Wellen,Superintendent, New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva (NRHEG)School District; Sheri Allen, Superintendent, Mankato School District;and Brian Dietz, Superintendent, Waseca School DistrictJoin representatives from two of southern Minnesota’s collaboratives. The schooldistricts involved in the SW/WC Minnesota Consortium will address the results oftheir switch to a flexible learning school year in 2010-2011. Members of the SCMinnesota Collaborative will discuss efforts to bring “high-quality, low-cost”educational and training programs to its members. Presentations will include adiscussion of the goals and objectives of each collaborative and the lessonslearned to date.

iTIES: TYING iPADS TO THE FUTURE OF EDUCATIONRoom 101IDanielle Mikkelson, Business/Technology Instructor; Corinne Dahl,Elementary Instructor; Aimee Mooney, Math Instructor; Dale Negen,Technology Specialist; and Lance Bagstad, Superintendent, RenvilleCounty West School DistrictRenville County West will show why and how its iPad program was started. Thispresentation will focus on our process and vision for initiating one-to-one iPadswithin our district, as well as our implementation process for initiating newtechnology. Technology is moving and so is the shift within our school systems.

LEGAL ISSUES RELATED TO THE EDUCATION OF UNDOCUMENTEDCHILDRENRoom 101JMargaret Skelton, Partner, Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney, P.A.The issue of undocumented individuals in the United States is controversial. In1982 the United States Supreme Court held in Plyer v. Doe that undocumentedchildren have a constitutional right to receive a free public education. However,schools have continued to have questions regarding the rights of undocumentedchildren not clearly addressed by that decision. This presentation will address thefrequently asked questions since the Plyer decision regarding undocumentedchildren in public schools.

BODY AND MIND WORKING TOGETHERRoom 102AJoe McCarthy, Physical Education Teacher; Jack Olwell, PhysicalEducation Teacher; Tera Lee, Board Member; Brian Treakle, BoardMember; Melissa Sauser, Board Member; and Julie Singewald, BoardMember, Farmington School DistrictCentury Club is a program designed to create more physical activity outside theschool day for fourth- and fifth-grade students. The program aligns to Minnesotaphysical education standards 3 and 6. The students earn prizes, thanks to manydonations from a variety of sponsors. Running Club for grades 1-5 is a programdesigned to create more physical activity at recess for all students. More than 50percent of our students participate in the program. We will also talk about ourJAM school program, a one-minute fitness routine that includes five simpleexercises that kids can do at their desks or in a chair.

DESIGNING BENEFITS TO AVOID FAVORING THE HIGHLY PAID EMPLOYEESRoom 102BPaige McNeal, Vice President, Educators Benefit ConsultantsA lot of the fringe benefits we provide to our employees are subject todiscrimination testing. With the passage of health care reform, even formerlyexempt group health plans will be subject to IRS discrimination testingrequirements. This session will give you a basic understanding of which groupsand individuals are considered highly compensated under IRS rules. We willdiscuss which employee benefits are subject to the testing. Most importantly, wewill go over which benefit designs commonly create discrimination problems sothey can be avoided.

A PAIRED PREPARATION MODEL OF COLLEGE READINESS AND TEACHER TRAININGRoom 102CPaul Preimesberger, Assistant Director, Center for School UniversityPartnerships, Minnesota State, Mankato; and Paul Peterson, HighSchool Principal, St. Peter School District Minnesota State, Mankato’s Center for School University Partnerships (CSUP)and the Waseca, Mankato, St. Peter, Sibley East and Le Sueur-HendersonSchool Districts have entered an innovative resource and cost-sharingpartnership to implement Advanced Via Individual Achievement (AVID) in theirschools for 2011-12. AVID is a nationally recognized college-readinesssystem through which students—most from backgrounds typicallyunderrepresented on college campuses—receive the necessary academicskill development and support to make college aspirations a reality. CSUPand its K–12 partners view this collaboration as an opportunity to not onlyincrease college readiness and persistence, but to also provide relevant, real-world experience for teacher candidates via AVID’s distinctive tutoringcomponent. This model offers a framework for the creation and continuationof P-20 partnerships that meet the challenges of 21st-century education.

STUDENT BULLYINGRoom 102DTim Palmatier, Attorney, Kennedy & Graven, CharteredGet a comprehensive look at issues involving student bullying in general, and anunderstanding of how to balance the rights and obligations of schools andstudents under Minnesota laws related to bullying.




ThurSDay workShopS – 3:45STRAIGHT TALK FROM STUDENTSRoom 102EAlly Kroehler, Minnesota New Country School; Nick Neuman, MASC,Albany High School; and Svati Pazhyanur, MAHS, Eastview High School This popular session returns with a new group of students who will “tell it like itis.” You will have an opportunity to ask these kids about their experiences inMinnesota’s public schools.

MSBA’S AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) COMPLIANCEPROGRAM: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO BRING YOUR SCHOOLDISTRICT INTO ADA COMPLIANCERoom 201A & BBarbara Thorpe, President, Disabilities Access ConsultantsSchool districts are required by law to provide access to their goods andservices in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). TheMSBA’s ADA compliance program provides state-of-the-art software (DACTrak),tools and services to allow Minnesota schools to easily and cost-effectivelyattain their required ADA compliance. Most Minnesota school districts will needto quickly update their required ADA transition plans to bring them intocompliance with the new design standards that take effect March 12, 2012.Come learn how the MSBA’s ADA compliance program can plan yourcompliance and mitigate your risk.

USE OF LEED AND ENERGY CONSERVATION IN EDUCATIONAL FACILITIESRoom 202A & BEdward Kodet, Jr., President, Principal-in-Charge; Ken Stone, Vice-President; Heidi Neumueller, Associate; Mike Refsland, ArchitecturalIntern, Kodet Architectural Group, Ltd.; and Jenny Arneson, BoardMember, MinneapolisKodet’s expertise will guide you through the advantages of designing orrenovating a “green” educational facility. We will present the LEED Rating Systemsas tools for the development of a green high-performance building. The programwill review sustainable materials and solar orientation for heating and daylighting,and focus on energy efficiency. The program will address incorporatingsustainable development practices; taking advantage of rebates from utilitycompanies; and maximizing the use of natural energy sources, such as solardesign, daylighting, and geothermal systems.

SHARED SERVICES—A SUCCESS STORY THAT NEEDS TO BE HEARD!Room 204A & BJim Groskopf, Purchasing Analyst, St. Paul Public Schools Nutrition &Commercial Services; Lonnie Voll, School Foodservice Consultant; andSherri Moen, School Foodservice Consultant, ARTI Solutions, LLCHear a brief history and overview of the Minnesota School Food Buying Group, aconsensus-based group of 118 Minnesota School Districts representing 75percent of the students in the state. In its very first year, the group was able tosave $4.00 per student against an administrative cost of $.08 per student. Asoutstate schools joined, their savings increased to $10 per student with anadministrative cost of $.35 per student. The presentation will focus on usingexisting state statutes combined with cooperative, consensus-based decisionmaking that improves school meal nutrition, giving schools access to newproducts and saving money in the process. The Minnesota model will becompared to those used in other states with advantages and disadvantagesdiscussed. Large or small, any district can benefit.

STUDENTS SPEAK OUT ABOUT PROJECT-BASED LEARNINGRoom 205ATravis Schlueter, Nolan Zippel, Jade VanDusen, Erin Neary, and JacobSparrow, Students; and Dee Thomas, Advisor, Minnesota New CountrySchoolStudents are the best source of information about project-based learning. Theseseniors are working on their culminating projects, a 300-plus hour, multi-disciplinary,service providing, audience presentation project. Come listen to them and askquestions. These students are seasoned in PBL, rubric writing, and defending theirprojects before a group of adults. They are excited to share their work with you.

CREATING A QUALITY AGRICULTURE, FOOD & NATURAL RESOURCEEDUCATION PROGRAM IN YOUR SCHOOL: REVIEW OF NATIONAL QUALITYPROGRAM STANDARDS AND HOW TO IMPLEMENT THEM IN YOUR SCHOOLRoom 205BJulie Tesch, Executive Director, Minnesota Agricultural EducationLeadership Council; and Joel Larsen, Program Specialist, MinnesotaDepartment of EducationAgriculture, Food & Natural Resource (AFNR) Education has a positive impact onstudent learning. Minnesota has been a pilot state for the implementation of theNational Quality Program Standards for AFNR Education. Come and learn howcollaboratively working with your community and school administration can helpyour AFNR program prosper. We will be focusing the workshop on the sevenNational Quality Program Standards: Program Design & Instruction, LeadershipDevelopment, Marketing, Certified Ag Teachers & Professional Growth,Experiential Learning, School and Community Partnerships and Program Planning& Evaluation. The MN Agricultural Education Leadership Council has over 14years of experience in creating dynamic programs within AFNR Education andhelping schools achieve their goals.

PERSONALIZED LEARNING SUCCESSES IN MINNESOTA SCHOOL DISTRICTSRoom 205CJoe Grafft, Forest Lake Board Member and Member of TIES ExecutiveBoard; Dewayne Dill, Board Member, West St. Paul School District;Kimberly Belcastro, Superintendent, Ely School District; BettySchweizer, Executive Director; and Ben Silberglitt, Director ofApplication Services, TIESPersonalized learning promises to give academic performance a boost. Winner oftwo recent awards, TIES personalized learning system is used by more than 100Minnesota school districts. Hear how it is working in Bloomington, West St. Paul,Mounds View and Intermediate District 287.

LAKE WOBEGON NO MORE—SIGNIFICANT GAPS IN ACHIEVEMENT SHOWWHY NOT ALL OF OUR STUDENTS ARE ABOVE AVERAGERoom 205DAlan Tuchtenhagen, School Board Member, River Falls, WI; GalenJohnson, Assistant Vice President for ACT; and John Wollersheim,Principal, Rosemount High SchoolA Minnesota high school diploma offers many opportunities and benefits tograduates; however, not all students have access to these benefits. While themajority of high school students plan to go on to some form of postsecondaryeducation, there are substantial gaps in readiness rates across racial/ethnicgroups and annual family income ranges. This session will provide data anddiscussion on the college and career readiness of Minnesota’s high schoolgraduates with specific attention to the “gaps” in readiness and what schoolboard members need to know to address this.

Thursday Round Tables4:50 p.m. & 5:10 p.m. – Exhibit Hall BThis session of Round Tables provides an informal presentationof two 20-minute sessions. MSBA thanks our presenters fortheir time and effort this afternoon. Table numbers correspondto the topics listed below.1. WHAT BOARD MEMBERS REALLY NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDUREGreg Abbott, Director of Communications, Minnesota School BoardsAssociation

2. NEW PROFESSIONAL LEARNING STANDARDS: WHY ARE THEYIMPORTANT?Mia Waldera, President, Learning Forward Minnesota and StaffDevelopment Coordinator, St. Louis Park Middle School; and ChadSchmidt, President-elect and Director of Research and Evaluation,Edina Public Schools

3. MSBA SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH PROCESS AND SERVICESSandy Gundlach, Director of School Board Services, MinnesotaSchool Boards Association

4. OVERCOMING INITIATIVE FATIGUE: IMPROVING STUDENTACHIEVEMENTAnne Carroll, School Board Director; Kate Wilcox-Harris, ChiefAcademic Officer; and Matthew Mohs, Director of Federal Programs,St. Paul Public Schools

5. BASICS TO DEALING WITH THE MEDIABruce Lombard, Associate Director of Communications, MinnesotaSchool Boards Association

6. WELLNESS WORKS: FOOD AS MEDICINE FOR STUDENTACHIEVEMENTBarb Mechura, Director of Student Nutrition Services; and LauraMetzger, Nutrition and Wellness Coordinator, Hopkins School District

7. BRING YOUR PLAYGROUND INTO ADA COMPLIANCEChris Meleshko, Certified Playground Safety Inspector, NationalPlayground Compliance Group

8. FIND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT INFORMATION YOU REALLY NEEDGary Lee, Associate Director of Management Services, MinnesotaSchool Boards Association

9. FEDERAL EDUCATION UPDATEJulie Ewart, Director of Communications and Outreach, U.S.Department of Education

Friday Round Tables8:00 a.m. – Exhibit Hall BThe Round Tables provide three mini-workshops in one hour.These informal presentations are 20 minutes long and include aquestion-and-answer segment. MSBA thanks our presenters fortheir time and effort this morning. Table numbers correspond tothe topics listed below.1. ADDING ADVISORY TIME TO AN INFLEXIBLE SCHEDULE WITHIN

A SMALL SCHOOLSue Grimm, Phy-Ed Instructor; Brigitte Budahn, Secondary EnglishInstructor; and Karlajean Becvar, Secondary English Instructor,Hinckley-Finlayson School District

2. MNTAAB CASH FLOW BORROWING POOL: WORKING TO SAVESCHOOL DISTRICTS MONEYPatricia Heminover, Vice President; and Stacy Childers, ProjectManager, Springsted Incorporated

3. NEW PROFESSIONAL LEARNING STANDARDS: WHY ARE THEYIMPORTANT?Mia Waldera, President, Learning Forward Minnesota and Staff

Development Coordinator at St Louis Park Middle School; ChadSchmidt, President-Elect and Director of Research and Evaluation,Edina Public Schools

4. CONSTRUCTIVE SUPERINTENDENT EVALUATIONSSandy Gundlach, Director of School Board Services, MinnesotaSchool Boards Association

5. QUOTE ME ON THIS: KNOW WHEN TO GO OUT FOR BIDSDenise Drill, Director of Financial/MSBAIT Services, Minnesota SchoolBoards Association

6. THE DISTINGUISHED EDUCATOR PROGRAMTim Alexander, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources;Delette Lemon, Program Facilitator, and Cheryl Twedt, ProgramFacilitator, Minnetonka School District

7. DID YOUR “STAR HIRE” USED TO WEAR PRISON STRIPES?Bob Lowe, Director of Management Services, Minnesota SchoolBoards Association

8. POSTCARDS TO THE CAPITOL: THE TOP 10 THINGS YOURLEGISLATOR SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL DISTRICTGrace Keliher, Director of Governmental Relations; and KirkSchneidawind, Deputy Executive Director, Minnesota School BoardsAssociation

9. LISTENING POSTPresenter: Michael Mun͂oz, Superintendent, Rochester School District

10. PR ON A SHOESTRING BUDGETBarbara Brown, Director of Communications, South WashingtonCounty School District

11. WHY YOU SHOULD LET STAFF HANDLE THE HIRING PROCESSAmy Fullenkamp-Taylor, Associate Director of Management Services,Minnesota School Boards Association

12. TESTS AND TESTING: WHAT BOARD MEMBERS NEED TO KNOWLaurie Hart, Development Manager, National School BoardsAssociation

13. RAISING READING SCORESSherry Landrud, Reading Coordinator; Donna Moe, Reading Specialist;Don Draayer, Board Member, Intermediate School District 287

14. CULTIVATING A WELCOMING SCHOOLLynn Brun and Cheri Reese, Minnesota School Public RelationsAssociation

15. THE PURPOSE OF AN INTEGRATION DISTRICTMark Robertson, Executive Director, Northwest Suburban IntegrationSchool District

16. NEW RULES FROM THE FED COULD PUT YOUR BUDGET IN THE REDJohn Wicklund, Assistant Executive Director, Teachers RetirementAssociation

17. CONNECTING TO THE COMMUNITY BY WORKING SMARTERTOGETHERPatsy Green, Board Member; Helen Bassett, Board Member; MarkBomchill, Board Member; and Tia Clasen, Marketing andCommunications Director, Robbinsdale Area School District

18. SUPPORTING MILITARY CONNECTED YOUTHLaura Groeneweg and Kirsten Fisher, State Youth Coordinators,Minnesota National Guard; and Twyla Nielsen, Licensed SchoolCounselor, Minnesota Blue Star Mother

19. COMMUNICATING BUDGET BASICS TO YOUR COMMUNITYMargo Nash, Director of Business Services, Edina School District

20. RECESS: A FRESH LOOK AT POLICIES AND PRACTICES INMINNESOTADeb Loy, Director of Coordinated School Health Program, MinnesotaDepartment of Education


ThurSDay & friDay rounD TaBleSExhibit Hall B

THE COST OF VIOLENT SCHOOL EVENTS: AN INSURANCE PERSPECTIVERoom: 101ADavid Kyllo, Senior Vice President; David Montgomery, Vice Presidentand Senior UW Officer; Nick Schneider, Loss Control Consultant; andAmy Watson, Statistical Analyst, Riverport Insurance CompanyMinnesota schools and their community constituents have experiencednumerous “violent” events over the years. This presentation helps districtsbetter understand the cost of those events from an insurance perspectiveand suggests some ways to help mitigate those costs.

SCHOOL DISTRICT CONSOLIDATIONRoom 101BJohn Bulger, Education Financial Specialist, Minnesota Department ofEducation; Former Superintendent Ed Waltman; Dave Marlette,Superintendent, Watertown-Mayer School District; Matt Helgerson,Superintendent, Le Center and Montgomery-Lonsdale SchoolDistricts; and Jeff Taylor, Superintendent, Ortonville School District School district reorganization and consolidation are options that boards maywish to examine when considering strategies to maintain and provide qualityopportunities for students while managing financial and economicchallenges. This presentation will provide an overview of Minnesota statutesrelating to school district reorganization, including cooperation,consolidation, and dissolution. Panelists will describe the issues to beconsidered from the superintendent and board perspectives when preparingfor and executing the consolidation process.

WINNING A $65 MILLION BOND REFERENDUM IN A BAD ECONOMY:EMPLOYING RESEARCH AND BEST PRACTICESRoom 101CDean Anderson, Board Chair; Terry Quist, Superintendent, AlexandriaSchool District; and Don Lifto, Senior Vice President, SpringstedIncorporatedAlexandria’s Building a Brighter Future, Phase 2 plan, which featured a new highschool, went before the voters on September 27, 2010, and was approved witha strong 57 percent winning margin. Alexandria’s successful referendumovercame what some would consider overwhelming odds: sticker shock inreaction to the cost of a new high school, ongoing economic woes, consumerconfidence index languishing around 45 (consumer confidence was over 100 formost of 2007 and 2008), a 53 percent voter turnout (high for stand-aloneelections), and late organized opposition. In this session, we will provide anoverview of how Alexandria used research and best practices to plan andexecute a successful bond referendum, responding successfully to the futureneeds of students, families and the community.

TEACHING STAFF REDUCTIONS: UNREQUESTED LEAVE OF ABSENCE(ULA) AND NON-RENEWAL OF PROBATIONARY TEACHERSRoom 101DBill Kautt, Associate Director of Management Services, MinnesotaSchool Boards AssociationLearn how a school district can negotiate its own Unrequested Leave ofAbsence (ULA) process using the Teachers Model Agreement to illustrate theadvantages. Then review the procedures and timeline the school district mustfollow to properly use the ULA process, using the step-by-step procedure in theMSBA Service Manual, including model resolutions.

HOT TOPICS IN SCHOOL FINANCERoom 101EJodie Zesbaugh, Financial Advisor; Joel Sutter, Financial Advisor/ExecutiveVice President; and Betsy Knoche, Financial Advisor, EhlersOver the past five years, school districts have been forced to adjust to historicchanges in school funding and demonstrate accountability to their communities.

In this session, the school finance experts from Ehlers will explain the realimpact of some of these changes. 1) The state has “borrowed” nearly $3 billionfrom school districts by delaying state aid payments. We will give examplesof how this has affected school districts’ cash flow and how districts haveadjusted. 2) By eliminating the homestead credit and replacing it with a newhomestead exclusion, the state caused major increases in property taxes. Wewill provide examples of the widely varying impacts of this change in specificdistricts. 3) We will also demonstrate Ehlers’ Comparative Analysis Service,which includes an interactive tool to assist in identifying districts that are similarto yours and a variety of graphs which create a simple picture of how yourdistrict compares to them.

OPENING THE DOOR: RESOLVING THE CONFLICTS BETWEEN THE OPENMEETING LAW AND THE DATA PRACTICES ACTRoom 101FJennifer Earley, Attorney, Knutson, Flynn & Deans, P.A.The Open Meeting Law and Data Privacy Act have been in existence for severaldecades. While they appear to be fairly straightforward laws, when readtogether, they often contain conflicting and confusing provisions. Thispresentation will explain the basic provisions of the Open Meeting Law, includingwhen meetings are to be open and when they may be closed and how theseprovisions intertwine with a school district’s obligations to maintain otherwiseprivate and/or confidential data.

FARM TO SCHOOL: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOWRoom 101GJoAnne Berkenkamp, Program Director for Local Foods at the Institutefor Agriculture and Trade Policy; and Steve Jones, Superintendent,Sibley East School DistrictMore than 800 schools across Minnesota are now participating in Farm toSchool initiatives that link school children with local foods and local farmers.Come hear how Farm to School can help your students be healthy and ready tolearn through innovations in school food procurement, school gardening, Farmto School curriculum and community engagement.

WHAT’S NEW IN THE WORLD OF INTERNET SAFETY?Room 101HKarina Berzins, Training and Education Coordinator, Minnesota Bureauof Criminal ApprehensionThis session will provide participants with what the biggest safety concerns areregarding Internet use, along with some tips on how to protect themselves andtheir children while on the Internet. Also, find out what local law enforcement isdoing in our communities to help protect our children while they are on theInternet.

TWO PERSPECTIVES OF A ONE-TO-ONE LAPTOP PROGRAMRoom 101I Loren Kiefer, Director of Technology, Bruce Klaehn, Superintendent,Ron Pagel, Board Chair, Dover-Eyota School District; David Thompson,Superintendent, and Mark Vaupel, Board Chair, Stewartville SchoolDistrictTwo southeast Minnesota school districts introduced one-to-one laptopcomputer initiatives this fall. They chose similar machines (Netbooks), andworked together to formulate policies and teaching strategies. However, theychose very different grade levels to initiate the program, one in grades 10–12,and the other in grades 4–6 and 9. Representatives from Dover-Eyota andStewartville, who share a director of technology, will describe how they madetheir respective decisions to move forward through a “team” approach, howthey researched and implemented the program, and how things have gone forthem in the first half of the year.

friDay workShopS – 9:15 a.m.


THE QUEST FOR TRANSPARENCY IN HEALTH CARE PLANS: QUESTIONSSCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS SHOULD BE ASKING ABOUT EMPLOYEEHEALTHCARE PLANSRoom 101JDennis Dahlman, Owner and Principal Advisor, Dennis DahlmanConsulting, LLC; Jim Westrum, Executive Director of BusinessServices, Wayzata School District; Matt Mons, Director of HumanResources, Prior Lake School District; and Bruce Pappas, Director ofHuman Resources, Bloomington School DistrictThe “Transparency Principle” is a commitment to learn the truth about the qualityand price of those providing service within and outside an employer-providedemployee healthcare plan. The presenters believe that a transparent decisionprocess will lead to better, more informed decisions with the probability thatdistricts of sufficient size will logically select the self-funded option that must alwaysinclude safe, reliable, stop-loss risk controls. This is an opportunity for school boardmembers and administrators to learn why transparency is so important. Thepresenters will share best practice examples of the many success stories inMinnesota’s public sector of significant cost savings and intangible benefitsavailable to those who achieve transparency in their healthcare plan decisionprocess.

PARTNERING TO SUPPORT K–12 SCHOOLS THROUGH ANEQUIPMENT/CURRICULUM LOANRoom 201A & BKurt Helgeson, Board Chair, Kimball School District and AssociateDean COSE (College of Science and Engineering), St. Cloud StateUniversity; and Nathan Thiesfeld, Technical Products, Haldeman-Homme, Inc.We will present an exciting new opportunity for K–12 schools in Minnesota tocheck out mobile curriculum trailers in four areas: 3-D Technology, Robotics andAutomation, CNC Technology, and Renewable/Environmental Engineering.Included will be a discussion on building partnerships with local industry andsustaining programs such as Project Lead the Way.

SCHOOL DISTRICT MASTER PLANNING FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURERoom 202A & BSteven Miller, Principal, Perkins+Will; Jim Tirevold, Director ofOperations, Spirit Lake Public Schools, Spirit Lake, IowaGet an overview of the environmental, educational, and economic benefits ofcreating a long-term master plan for any school district that serves as a roadmap to guide and prioritize facility decisions and investments. Topics will includelong-term cost benefits of sustainable design practices, such as renewableenergy sources, as well as improvements to student health and performance.The presentation includes a case study of Spirit Lake (Iowa) Public Schools, thefirst district in the country to employ district-owned wind turbines, and how anongoing master plan of incremental improvements to the district’s campusinfrastructure has resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars, over more than10 years, saved from energy expenditures that are now spent in the classroom.

REDUCE YOUR OPERATING COSTSRoom 204A & BKevin Holm, Director of Educational Design, LHB; and Phil Minkkinen,Superintendent, Lake Superior School District We will look at what systems use the highest proportion of energy and have thehighest capacity to reduce energy. With this information you will be able to makeinformed decisions on which of your systems should be targeted for betterment,commissioning or replacement, allowing you to get the greatest benefit for yourtax dollar. If you are maintaining existing facilities, replacing systems one at atime, or building a new facility, this presentation will help you understand theoptions out there for reducing energy use and controlling construction costs.

USING DATA FOR INSTRUCTIONAL DECISION-MAKING AND CONTINUOUSSCHOOL IMPROVEMENT: WHAT SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS SHOULDKNOWRoom 205AEd O’Connor, Educational Consultant, Midwest InstructionalLeadership Council (miLc); Amy LaBarre, Continuous SchoolImprovement and Assessment Consultant, Paul Bunyan EducationCooperative; and Steve Razidlo, Superintendent, Brainerd SchoolDistrictContinuous school improvement routines are emerging across the country andhave shown great promise for improving student learning and behavioroutcomes. The foundation of continuous school improvement is the use of datafor decision-making. However, there is great variation in the quality ofassessment and data interpretation strategies used by schools. Thispresentation will provide an overview of continuous school improvement routinesand effective data-based decision-making routines that have fueled effectiveschools. The emphasis will be on providing school board members’ basicknowledge and an understanding of the critical components that are associatedwith improving student outcomes.

“USING TEAMWORK AND DREAMWORK, TOGETHER WE DID!”COMMUNITY AND SCHOOL DISTRICT PLANNING TO RIGHTSIZE THEFERGUS FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICTRoom 205BJerry Ness, Superintendent; Melanie Cole, School Board Member;Fergus Falls School District; Tammy Magney, EducationalPlanner/Architect; and Mark Hayes, Architect, ATS&RThe Fergus Falls School District was facing declining enrollment, expensivefacility deferred maintenance costs, aging facilities, high operational costs,high maintenance costs and spaces that did not easily adapt to 21st-centuryteaching and learning. After a failed attempt to pass a referendum to build anew high school, the administration and school board invited the opposition tothe table and found common ground to pass a bond referendum thatimproved facilities, reduced the number of buildings, and became moreefficient for staffing, energy and community uses. Part of the story includes anew grade configuration, sharing classroom space with a community partner,Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center, repurposing a former highschool for a community ice rink facility and many opportunities to becomemore efficient and more effective and, most importantly, providing moreopportunities for students.

CHANGING THE CULTURE OF OUR STUDENTS’ BEHAVIORRoom 205CTed Brown, Math Teacher; Bob Polgreen, Technology Teacher; MattKraker, Science Teacher; Michelle Cunningham, English Teacher; andKristi Breitling-Gray, Social Studies Teacher; Karen Metcalf, BoardChair; and Rick Lahn, Superintendent, Princeton School DistrictAt the end of the 2008-2009 school year, we were feeling a bit frustratedwith student behavior, so we decided we needed to do something differentfor the next year. Over the summer, we looked at Ron Clark’s Essential 55and developed our own expectations. We wanted our students to besuccessful in our classrooms, but also in life. This session will be about whywe developed the rules, what direction the rules have taken, and ourphilosophy behind the rules. We will also discuss what the rules are and oursuccesses and failures, plus give you samples of our mini-lessons to teachthese rules.

friDay workShopS – 9:15 a.m.


MAIN AUDITORIUM

Closing Session..............................................................10:15 a.m. – Noon

Thank you for turning off your cell phone during the session!

Call to Order ............................................................................Kent Thiesse2011-2012 MSBA President

Entertainment........................................United South Central Jazz Singersunder the direction of Angie Braunwarth

Please give these students your full attention.

Business Session.......................................................................Bob MeeksMSBA Executive Director

• Director District Election Report• Introduction of MSBA President-Elect Walter Hautala

Remarks & Raffle Winner ........................................................Kent ThiesseMSBA President

Keynote Speaker ...................................................................Steve GillilandMaking a Difference

Adjourn

Note: An extended check-out time of 12:30 p.m. Friday has been secured for allLeadership Conference attendees at each conference hotel (Hyatt, Hilton and Millennium).

friDay CloSing SeSSion10:15 a.m. – Noon

MSBA President Kent Thiesse2011-2012

EntertainmentUnited South Central Jazz Singers

MSBA President-Elect Walter Hautala


SpeakerSteve Gilliland

MSBA ExecutiveDirector

Robert Meeks

contact : Judith Hoskens, REFP, LEED® AP | Gary Prest, Ed.D.612 379 3400 | www.cuningham.com

PLANNING

ARCHITECTURE

INTERIOR DESIGN

LANDSCAPE DESIGN


4.0 School Services ...................................6002550 50th St. W.Webster, MN 55088Transportation and grounds maintenance

A’viands Food & Services Management ..............................................3281751 W. County Rd. B, Ste. 300Roseville, MN 55113Food service management

A. T. Group, LLC ..........................................429PO Box 48033Minneapolis, MN 55448Employee benefits

Abbott Northwestern Hospital ...................104800 E. 28th St.Minneapolis, MN 55407-3799Concussion prevention and education

ACME Tools.................................................4254150 Berkshire Ln. N.Plymouth, MN 55446Sawstop

Ameresco, Inc. ...........................................3159855 W. 78th St., Ste. 310Eden Prairie, MN 55344Energy services

American Bus Sales ...................................234PO Box 153Collinsville, OK 74021School buses

American Student Transportation ...............42811800 95th Ave. N.Maple Grove, MN 55369Contracted bus services

Anderson-Johnson Associates, Inc. ............4217575 Golden Valley Rd., Ste. 200Minneapolis, MN 55427Landscape architecture, civil engineering, site planning

Anoka-Hennepin ISD 11/MSFBG ................62111299 Hanson Blvd. NWCoon Rapids, MN 55433MSFBG - MN School Food Buying Group

Architects Rego + Youngquist inc........413, 4157601 Wayzata Blvd., Ste. 200St. Louis Park, MN 55426Architectural planning, design and managementof educational facilities

Armstrong, Torseth, Skold & Rydeen, Inc. (ATS&R) .........................218, 2208501 Golden Valley Rd., Ste. 300Minneapolis, MN 55427Specialize in K–12 school planning, architecture,engineering, technology, interior design, and sitedevelopment

Association for Nonsmokers - Minnesota ..........................5232395 University Ave. W., Ste. 310St. Paul, MN 55114Information about new tobacco products andresources for updating school tobacco usepolicies

ASVAB Career Exploration Program ..........632212 3rd Ave. S.Minneapolis, MN 55401-2556ASVAB Career Exploration

Athletic Performance Solutions.................1395525 Memorial Ave. N., Ste. 5Oak Park Heights, MN 55082Athletic flooring

Baseman Floors, Inc. ..................................233N2926 Jeske Rd.Appleton, WI 54913Wood athletic flooring, synthetic flooring,refinishing wood flooring

Battery Products, Inc..................................223665A E. Industrial Dr., PO Box 589Hartland, WI 53029-0589Batteries, flashlights, safety products

BlueCross BlueShield of Minnesota ............108PO Box 64560St. Paul, MN 55164-0560Health insurance

Bond Facility Forecast ...............................5196048 Aspen Rd.Mound, MN 55364Facility reinvestment planning

Bossardt Corporation.................................5065270 W. 84th St., Ste. 550Minneapolis, MN 55437Construction management services

Bray Associates Architects, Inc. ................507215 N. Water St., Ste. 250Milwaukee, WI 53202Architecture, engineering and interior designservices

Building Material Supply, Inc.....................6112300 Louisiana Ave. N.Golden Valley, MN 55427Lockers, toilet partitions, washroom accessories,whiteboards

CEI Engineering Associates .......................2302277 W. Hwy 36, Ste. 200Roseville, MN 55113Civil engineering, athletic sport complex design,pavement management services

Center for Efficient School Operations, The ..........................................3332852 Anthony Ln. S., Ste. 500St. Anthony, MN 55418Consulting services to school districts in the areasof facilities, health and safety, and transportation

Central States Terrazzo Association ..........116PO Box 368Purcellville, VA 20134Terrazzo flooring

Chartwells School Dining Services............610102 13th Ave. NWKasson, MN 55944Food service management

Clark Engineering Corporation ..................329621 Lilac Dr. N.Minneapolis, MN 55422Professional engineering services

Collaborative Design Group, Inc.................606100 Portland Ave. S., Ste. 100Minneapolis, MN 55401Architectural, interior design, planning, structuralengineering and historic preservation services

Contegrity Group Incorporated ..................607101 First St. SELittle Falls, MN 56345Construction management services

Cosney Corporation ...................................435PO Box 391, 2105 Daniels St.Long Lake, MN 55356Casework, seating

CTS Group ..................................................61815933 Clayton Rd., #110St. Louis, MO 63011Guaranteed energy-saving facility retrofits

Cuningham Group Architecture, P.A. .......................................629201 Main St. SE, Ste. 325Minneapolis, MN 55414Architecture and educational planning

Dashir Management Services, Inc. ...........7032356 Reinhardt Ct.Reedsburg, WI 53959-2293Building and grounds management

Design Tree Engineering ............................1282510 S. Broadway St.Alexandria, MN 56308Engineering

DLR Group ..................................................418520 Nicollet Mall, Ste. 200Minneapolis, MN 55402Architecture, engineering, planning, interiors,commissioning and facility asset managementevaluations

Donlar Construction Company...................525550 Shoreview Park Rd.Shoreview, MN 55126Construction management, general contractingand design/build services

DSGW Architects ........................................1152 West 1st St., Ste. 201Duluth, MN 55802Architectural Services

EAPC Architects Engineers ........................603112 Roberts St. N., Ste. 300Fargo, ND 58102Full-service architecture and engineering

Education Minnesota ESI Financial Services .....................................43341 Sherburne Ave.St. Paul, MN 55103Financial services and tax-qualified administrationand compliance services

Education 2020..........................................4237303 E. Earll Dr.Scottsdale, AZ 85251Online education

Educators Benefit Consultants ..................4103125 Airport PkwyCambridge, MN 55008Third party administrator for 403(b) plancompliance, HRA and flex plan administration

EdVisions ...................................................114501 Main Street, P.O. Box 601Henderson, MN 56044The Hope Survey/EdVisions consulting

Ehlers.................................................301, 3033060 Centre Pointe Dr.Roseville, MN 55113Independent public financial advisory services

Exhibitor Directory – Our Distinguished Group of 2012 Exhibitors

Empirehouse, Inc. ......................................5055200 Quincy St.Mounds View, MN 55112Energy efficient windows, heavy-duty entrancedoors, glass and metal railing systems,decorative glass, and egress consultationservices

Energy Services Group ..............................7101985 Douglas Dr. N.Minneapolis, MN 55422-3935Facility improvement, ventilation upgrade andenergy efficiency consulting and implementationservices

Fisher Tracks, Inc.......................................3231192 235th St.Boone, IA 50036All-weather track surfaces

Flagship Recreation...................................1265607 Cedar Lake Rd. S.St. Louis Park, MN 55416Playground equipment

Floors Northwest, Inc. ...............................7355780 Main St. NEMinneapolis, MN 55432-5437Flooring

FLR Sanders, Inc. .......................................6143079 92nd Ave.Princeton, MN 55371Gymnasium/sport floors

Four Seasons Energy Efficient Roofing, Inc..................................6391410 Quant Ave. N.Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047Energy efficient roof installers

Frontline Technologies, Inc. .......................615397 Eagleview Blvd.Exton, PA 19341Aesop

Garland Company, Inc. ...............................628337 Lindsay Rd.Hudson, WI 54016High-performance roofing systems

Gordon Bernard Company..........................53428725 Prairie Rose Ln.Red Wing, MN 55066School calendars, handbooks, registration books,spiral-bound planners

GreenSneakers...........................................7251008 Frontier Dr., Ste. 203Fergus Falls, MN 56537Fundraiser

Haldeman-Homme, Inc./Anderson-Ladd...................219, 221, 318, 320430 Industrial Blvd. Minneapolis, MN 55413Casework, bleachers, lockers, wood floors, scienceand tech. equip., computer and library furniture,athletic equip., auditorium chairs and seating

Hallberg Engineering, Inc...........................1191750 Commerce Ct.White Bear Lake, MN 55110Mechanical/electrical engineering, Schools forEnergy Efficiency program

HealthPartners ...........................................110PO Box 1309Minneapolis, MN 55440Insurance

Healthy Brains for Children .......................12014412 Laurian Ln.Brainerd, MN 56401Speaking, consultation, training

Hellas Sports Construction ........................50312710 Research Blvd., Ste. 240Austin, TX 78759Sports construction and installation – syntheticturf, running tracks and tennis courts

Herc-U-Lift, Inc...........................................1425655 Hwy 12 W.Maple Plain, MN 55359Personnel lifts, scissor lifts, material handlingequipment, forklifts

Hiller Commercial Floors ...........................6012909 S. BroadwayRochester, MN 55904Commercial floor covering

Hirons & Associates...................................118225 E. Fairmount Ave.Milwaukee, WI 53217Property appraisals for insurance/fixed assetinventory

Hoglund Bus Co., Inc. .................................A/B116 E. Oakwood Dr., PO Box 249Monticello, MN 55362International school buses, parts, and service

Hufcor MN..................................................7066188 Olson Memorial Hwy.Golden Valley, MN 55422Marlite wall systems, Hufcor operable partitions,Cornell fire doors, complete service and repairdepartment, and Sedia classroom furniture

I & S Group.................................................334115 E. Hickory St., Ste. 300Mankato, MN 56001Architecture; interior design; structural, mechanical,electrical, civil engineering; land surveying; naturalresources mgt.; landscape architecture

ICS Consulting, Inc. ....................................5145354 Edgewood DriveMounds View, MN 55112Planning and construction consulting services

IEA, Inc. ......................................................4249201 W. Broadway, Ste. 600Brooklyn Park, MN 55445Health and safety

Innovative Modular Solutions ....................215297 E. South Frontage Rd.Bolingbrook, IL 60440Award-winning new and used modularclassrooms and office space for sale or lease

Innovative Office Solutions ................319, 321151 E. Cliff Rd.Burnsville, MN 55337School supplies, equipment and furniture,janitorial supplies

INSPEC, INC. ...............................................1035801 Duluth St.Golden Valley, MN 55422Architectural/engineering services

INSTALL North Central States Floorcovering Professionals ......................518670 Olive St.St. Paul, MN 55130Floorcovering installation manpower

Integrated Fire & Security, Inc...................2357180 Northland Circle, #138Brooklyn Park, MN 55428Fire alarm, security, CCTV, access control

Intereum ....................................................224845 Berkshire Ln. N.Plymouth, MN 55441Furnishings, architectural products andinstallation services

Johnson Controls, Inc. ...............................4142605 Fernbrook Lane N., Ste. TPlymouth, MN 55447Indoor air environments

K.R. Kline ...................................................6252950 Metro Drive, Ste. 306Bloomington, MN 55425Building products manufacturer

K2 Logistics Education Services ...............3302980 Commers Dr., Ste. 100Eagan, MN 55121Procurement expense reduction and savings

Karges-Faulconbridge, Inc.........................500670 W. County Rd. BSt. Paul, MN 55113Mechanical and electrical engineering,commissioning

Kennedy & Graven, Chartered....................602200 S. 6th St., Ste. 470Minneapolis, MN 55402Legal services

Kiefer Specialty Flooring, Inc.....................6122910 Falling Waters Blvd.Lindenhurst, IL 60046Athletic flooring, artificial turf, tracks, weight rooms,gymnasiums, ice arenas

Kodet Architectural Group, Ltd. .................11115 Groveland TerraceMinneapolis, MN 55403Full architectural services, including pre-design,programming, cost estimating, ADA evaluations,interiors, and feasibility studies

Kraus-Anderson Construction Company ............................................212, 214PO Box 158, 8625 Rendova St. NECircle Pines, MN 55014Professional construction management services,referendum assistance, and facilities planningand management services

Lance Service, Inc.........................828 Special8845 E. Research Center Rd.New Hope, MN 55428Casework

Larson Engineering, Inc. ............................4343524 Labore Rd.White Bear Lake, MN 55110Engineering

LHB.............................................................31421 W. Superior St., Ste. 500Duluth, MN 55802Architecture and engineering

LifeSpan of Minnesota, Inc. .......................53012425 River Ridge Blvd., #200Burnsville, MN 55337Children's mental health services

LifeTrack Services, Inc...............................2311271 Port Dr.Clarkston, WA 99403Graduate follow-up surveys, middle schoolsurveys, and athletic satisfaction surveys28 MSBA JOURNAL/LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE PROGRAM


7601 Wayzata BoulevardSuite 200

St. Louis Park, MN 55426Phone: 952-544-8941Fax: 952-544-0585www.aryarch.com

East Ridge High School, Woodbury MN

Over 5050 yearsof Experience

servingSchool Districts

and Communities

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Lightspeed Technologies, Inc. ....................70011509 SW Herman Rd.Tualatin, OR 97062Classroom audio technology

Lunchtime Solutions, Inc ...........................622PO Box 2022, 717 N. Derby Lane, Ste. BNorth Sioux City, SD 57049Food service management

MacNeil Environmental, Inc. ......................630PO Box 2278Burnsville, MN 55337Health and safety consulting

Marsden Services, LLC. .....................502, 5041717 University Ave. W.St. Paul, MN 55104Janitorial and building maintenance services,window washing, HVAC and security

MASMS - MN Educational FacilitiesManagement Professionals .......................431600 4th St. N.Cold Spring, MN 56320Facilities management organization

Master Floors.............................................529567 Shoreview Park Rd.Shoreview, MN 55126Flooring

McKinstry ..................................................6058451 Xerxes Ave. N.Brooklyn Park, MN 55444Consulting, construction, energy and facility services

Metz Construction Management................70120759 Eastway Rd.Richmond, MN 56368Construction management, project consulting,owner's representation, claims resolution andfacility assessments (5 & 10 year plans)

Midwest Tennis & Track Co........................33222 S. Main St., PO Box 161Denison, IA 51442Running track and tennis court surfacing

Minnesota Army National Guard................5325500 85th Ave. N.Brooklyn Park, MN 55443Minnesota Army National Guard, ASVABprogram, You Can school programs

Minnesota Association of School Business Officials ..........................7136625 Ruffed Grouse Rd.Lino Lakes, MN 55014Providing education, training and services to staffthat serve in school business management

Minnesota Athletic Trainers’ Association ..1339801 Dupont Ave. S., Ste. 408Bloomington, MN 55431Athletic training

Minnesota Central School Bus...................4201818 W. Jefferson St., 2nd FloorJoliet, IL 60435Contract student transportation services

Minnesota Computers for Schools ............533970 Pickett St. N.Bayport, MN 55003Computer equipment for schools

Minnesota Department of Education .........7121500 Hwy 36 W.Roseville, MN 55113Division of Program Finance

Minnesota Family, Career and Community Leaders of America .....................132PO Box 131386Roseville, MN 55113Dynamic youth leadership program materials forschools

Minnesota National Guard - State YouthCoordinator ................................................1308180 Belden Blvd.Cottage Grove, MN 55016Information on the impact of deployment onmilitary youth and how schools can support youth

Minnesota School Bus Operators Association................................33110606 Hemlock St. NWAnnandale, MN 55302School bus contracting

Minnesota School Nutrition Association....62021997 County Rd. 141Kimball, MN 55353Marketing materials

Minnesota Service Cooperatives ...............4041001 E. Mount FaithFergus Falls, MN 56537Minnesota Service Cooperatives

Minnesota State High School League ...MSHSL2100 Freeway Blvd.Brooklyn Center, MN 55430MSHSL/MSBA Olympics


Minnesota State Industries........................232444 Lafayette Rd.St. Paul, MN 55155-0992ADA interior signage and exterior signage

Minnesota State Patrol ..............................4221110 Centre Pointe CurveMendota Heights, MN 55120Traffic safety

Minnesota State Retirement System.......................................................70260 Empire Dr., Ste. 300St. Paul, MN 55103Health Care Savings Plan (HCSP) and MN StateDeferred Comp Plan (MNDCP)

MLA Architects, Inc....................................62412 Long Lake Rd., Ste. #17St. Paul, MN 55115Architectural/educational planning

MN Ag Education Leadership Council/MN Ag in the Classroom...............5311994 Buford Ave., Ste. 146St. Paul, MN 55108Education materials and grant information

MN State Building & Construction Trades Council ...................................121, 123411 Main St., #206St. Paul, MN 55102Labor organization

Mohawk Group, The..................................125 3184 Nugent Ave. SWCokato, MN 55321Commercial carpet

MSBA Playground Compliance Program .........................401, 403205 S. GarfieldCarlisle, IA 50047Playground equipment and surfacing

Musco Sports Lighting...............................100PO Box 27231Golden Valley, MN 55427Sports field lighting

Musser Environmental Consulting, Inc. .....52127096 Sevastopol Rd.Red Wing, MN 55066Health and safety consulting

National Insurance Services......................40614852 Scenic Heights Rd., Ste. 210Eden Prairie, MN 55344Group insurance benefits - MSBAIT Life/LTDplans

National School Boards Association..........4121680 Duke St.Alexandria, VA 22314Align your school district with the NationalAffiliate Program, your voice in Washington, D.C.,and resources for professional development

North Central Bus & Equipment ....................D2629 Clearwater Rd.St. Cloud, MN 56302School buses

North Central Insulation.............................5243204 Pleasant St.Altoona, WI 54720Providing the Sprayed Foam Roofing System forover 33 years, benefitting owners with lowermaintenance and energy costs

Northland Securities, Inc. ..................105, 10745 South 7th St., Ste. 2000Minneapolis, MN 55402Financial advising and bond underwriting

Otter Tail Power Co. ...................................724215 S. Cascade St.Fergus Falls, MN 56537Utility

Palmer Bus Service ...................................324PO Box 2026Mankato, MN 56002Student transportation

Paulsen Architects .....................................238209 S. 2nd St., Ste. 201Mankato, MN 56001Architecture, interior design, engineering,landscape architecture & planning, andsustainable design

Peoples Electric Company .........................210277 E. Fillmore Ave.St. Paul, MN 55107Electrical contractor

Perkins + Will ............................................30784 10th St. S., Ste. 200Minneapolis, MN 55403District-wide master planning, educationalplanning, architecture, interior design,sustainability

PFM Asset Management LLC - MDSLAF+ ..........................................400800 Nicollet Mall, Ste. 2710Minneapolis, MN 55402MDSLAF+/Cash and investment services


Pinicon Financial Services ........................240701 Carlson ParkwayMinnetonka, MN 55305Contract consultants, equipment leasing,performance guarantees

Piper Jaffray & Co .....................................402800 Nicollet Mall, J13N01Minneapolis, MN 55402School district cash flow program

PMA Financial Network, Inc. .............134, 1365301 Kyler Ave. NE, 2nd FloorAlbertville, MN 55301Financial investment and advisory services

PreferredOne..............................................1246105 Golden Hills Dr.Golden Valley, MN 55416Health benefits administration

Profit Solutions Group ...............................528845 106th Ave. NE, Ste. 109Bellevue, WA 98004Intelliscale money counting system

Public Financial Management, Inc.............325800 Nicollet Mall, Ste. 2710Minneapolis, MN 55402Financial advisory services

R. A. Morton and Associates......................1123315 Roosevelt Rd., Ste. 100St. Cloud, MN 56301Construction management and pre-referendumservices

Riverport Insurance Company ...................411222 S. 9th St., Ste. 1300Minneapolis, MN 55402Insurance

Roof Spec, Inc. ...........................................4192400 Prior Ave. N.St. Paul, MN 55113Roof consulting and engineering services

Schmitty and Sons School Bus, Inc. ..........12222750 Pillsbury Ave.Lakeville, MN 55044Charter/school bus services

Scholastic Equipment Company, LLC.............................................5152000 Industrial Blvd. S.Stillwater, MN 55082School furniture, equipment and flooring

School Specialty ........................................511W. 6316 Design Dr.Greenville, WI 54942School supplies, furniture, and equipment

Seating & Athletic Facility Enterprises, LLC .................................310, 31279554 325th St.Ellendale, MN 56026Indoor and outdoor seating (new andrenovations); e.g., telescopic bleachers,grandstands, portable bleachers

SGN/Wendel Architects ..............................311111 Washington Ave. N., Ste. 300Minneapolis, MN 55401Architectural school planning and design

Siemens .............................................430, 4321239 Willow Lake Blvd.Vadnais Heights, MN 55110Security, fire, automation, mass notification,energy management

Skyward, Inc..............................................2045233 Coye Dr.Stevens Point, WI 54481Skyward student, budgetary and humanresources administrative software exclusively forK–12 school districts, public and private

Sport Court ................................................7371301 E. Cliff Rd., Ste. 104Burnsville, MN 55337Suspended sports flooring and relatedgymnasium products

Sports Technology......................................102PO Box 27231Golden Valley, MN 55427Sports field lighting

Springsted Incorporated ....................405, 407380 Jackson St., Ste. 300St. Paul, MN 55101Provides independent financial advisory andconsulting services to school districts

Staples Advantage ............201, 203, 205, 207, 300, 302, 304, 306

1233 W. County Rd. EArden Hills, MN 55112Scholastic furniture, supplies and facilities

Student Assurance Services, Inc ...............113PO Box 196Stillwater, MN 55082Student accident and catastrophic insurance

Student Transportation of America............512460 N. Hickory St.Chaska, MN 55318School bus transportation


Sturdisteel .................................................2133100 Grand Ave., Unit 5FDes Moines, IA 50312Grandstands, bleachers, aluminum seating

Taher, Inc....................................................3135570 Smetana Dr.Minnetonka, MN 55343School lunch management and consultingservices

Teachers On Call ........................................3353001 Metro Dr., Ste. 480Bloomington, MN 55425Customized, streamlined substitute staffingservice for Pre-K–12 public & private schools,featuring TOC 24/7, automated technology,powered by Aesop

Tectum, Inc.................................................10111827 N. Heritage Ridge Rd.Edgerton, WI 53534Acoustical wall and ceiling panels, structural andacoustical roof decks

Telin Transportation Group.............................C14990 Industry Ave. SEBecker, MN 55308Bus sales

Tierney Brothers, Inc. ................................1353300 University Ave. SEMinneapolis, MN 55414Projectors, audio/visual - SMART Boards, HPprinters and Safari Montage

TIES ............................................................6341667 Snelling Ave. N.St. Paul, MN 55108Education technology

Tremco, Inc. ...............................................1403060 E. 44th St.Vernon, CA 90058Roofing products/weatherproofing services

TSP, Inc.......................................................10618707 Old Excelsior Blvd.Minnetonka, MN 55345Educational planning, architectural andengineering services

Tutor Doctor ...............................................52210456 Partridge St. NWCoon Rapids, MN 55433Tutoring services, 1-1, in-home

U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion - Minneapolis .............................6315600 W. American Blvd., Ste. 650Bloomington, MN 55437Information about March 2 Success and Armyopportunities

U.S. Green Building Council - Minnesota Chapter .....................5205353 Wayzata Blvd., Ste. 207Minneapolis, MN 55416Support for maintaining or building green andsustainable schools

USAgain, LLC..............................................51082 SE 2nd Ave.New Brighton, MN 55112School fundraising

Virco, Inc....................................................5351320 Hayes Ave. SEOwatonna, MN 55060School furniture and equipment

VS - America, Inc. ......................................2221940 Abbott St., Ste. 501Charlotte, NC 28203Classroom furniture/dynamic, flexible solutions

W. L. Hall Company ....................................305530 15th Ave. S.Hopkins, MN 55343Windows, skylights, lockers, fire doors, bleachersand auditorium seating

Wells Concrete Products............................211PO Box 308Wells, MN 56097Architectural and structural precast/prestressedconcrete building components

Widseth Smith Nolting ...............................3227804 Industrial Park Rd.Baxter, MN 56425Architecture, engineering, land surveying, andenvironmental services, with seven officesserving school districts throughout Minnesota

Winkelman Building Corporation...............501340 S. Hwy 10St. Cloud, MN 56304Construction management services

Wold Architects and Engineers..........200, 202305 St. Peter StreetSt. Paul, MN 55102Architectural and engineering services


You need guidance. We give direction.

Providing Over 20 Years of Service to Schools.

300 U.S. Trust Building • 730 Second Avenue S. • Minneapolis, MN 55402 Phone: (612) 339-0060 • Fax: (612) 339-0038 • www.ratwiklaw.com

Focusing on all areas of School LawLabor Negotiations and Employment Law

School Business Affairs • Special EducationConstruction and Land Acquisition • Investigations

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jackie MagnusonPast President

Rosemount-AppleValley-Eagan

Walter HautalaPresident-ElectMesabi East

Kathy GreenDD1Austin

Linden OlsonDD3

Worthington Area

Betsy AndersonDD4

Hopkins

Marilynn ForsbergDD5

Spring Lake Park

Roz PetersonDD7

Lakeville Area

Elona Street-StewartDD8

St. Paul

Karen KirschnerDD9Mora

VacantDD11

To be filled

Kent ThiessePresidentLake Crystal

Wellcome Memorial

Jodi SappDD2

Mankato Area

Kevin DonovanDD6

Mahtomedi

Dana LaineDD10

Frazee-Vergas

Ann Long VoelknerDD12

Bemidji Area

Deborah PaulyDD13Jordan

Bob Meeks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Executive DirectorBarbara Lynn . . . . . . Executive Assistant/Director of Board OperationsKirk Schneidawind. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Executive DirectorJohn Sylvester . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Executive DirectorTiffany Rodning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Executive DirectorGreg Abbott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of CommunicationsDenise Drill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Financial/MSBAIT ServicesAmy Fullenkamp-Taylor . . . . Associate Director of Management ServicesSandy Gundlach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of School Board ServicesBarb Hoffman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Administrative Assistant to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Governmental Relations/FinanceSue Honetschlager . . . . . . . . Administrative Assistant to Management, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Legal and Policy Services/MSBAITDonn Jenson. . . . . . . . . . Computer and Information Systems ManagerBill Kautt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Associate Director of Management ServicesGrace Keliher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Governmental RelationsKatie Klanderud. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Board DevelopmentGary Lee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Associate Director of Management ServicesBruce Lombard . . . . . . . . . . . . . Associate Director of CommunicationsBob Lowe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Management ServicesKelly Martell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of TechnologyCathy Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Legal and Policy ServicesSue Munsterman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Administrative Assistant to Board. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Development/CommunicationsMarian Nygard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meeting Coordinator/ReceptionistSandi Ostermann . . . . Administrative Assistant to Association ServicesTim Roberts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Production Room Manager

Minnesota School Boards Association1900 West Jefferson AvenueSt. Peter, MN 56082-3015www.mnmsba.org

MSBA STAFF DIRECTORY

MEMBERSHIP LETTER

Minnesota School Boards Association1900 West Jefferson AvenueSt. Peter, Minnesota 56082

To The Membership:

I have checked the records of the Minnesota School BoardsAssociation for the year beginning July 1, 2011. The membershipof the Association consists of 333 Independent School Districtsand three Intermediate Districts entitled to 2,184 ballots for the2012 Leadership Conference.

The 2011 Leadership Conference consisted of 333 IndependentSchool Districts and three Intermediate Districts entitled to 2,189ballots.

I respectfully submit this report to the membership and certify that,to the best of my knowledge, the report is true and correct.

Robert E. Meeks

Executive Director

mSBa BoarD & STaff

Robert E. Meeks


MSBA 2012 ALL-STATE SCHOOL BOARDName . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DistrictJudy Raske . . . . . . . . . . . .Atwater-Cosmos-Grove CityRolf Mohwinkel . . . . . . . . . . .Buffalo-Hanover-MontroseCarol Bomben . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Eden PrairieCandace Ellingworth . . . . . . . . . . . .Kasson-Mantorville

MSBA SERVICE AWARD – 40 YEARSName . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DistrictJames Sollund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tri-County

MSBA SERVICE AWARD – 30 YEARSName . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DistrictMarilynn Forsberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Spring Lake Park

MSBA SERVICE AWARD – 20 YEARSName . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DistrictJerry Luinenburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BrewsterKen Anderson . . . . . . . . . .Buffalo Lake-Hector-StewartKeith Young . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Eveleth-GilbertJane Hamre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fertile-BeltramiBill Bresin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Forest LakeTom Van Hon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .GFWVicki Roy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Intermediate District #917John Seegmiller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .LaporteCharles Bainter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mountain Iron-BuhlMarilyn Geshick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nett LakeCharles Jacobson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .New York MillsJames Nelson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .OrtonvilleDon Perrin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pelican RapidsKathy Busch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ShakopeeKen Swecker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Staples-MotleyChad Longbella . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Staples-MotleyLeon Plaetz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .WabassoKen Dagoberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Warren-Alvarado-OsloPatricia Gleason . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wayzata

PRESIDENT’S AWARD Awarded to members who have attended 300 hours or more ofMSBA training programs.

Name DistrictBrenda Full . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CanbySuzy Guthmueller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CentennialRobert Sandin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Crosby-IrontonRichard Olson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .FaribaultMatthew Lemke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fergus FallsRon Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .FoleyPaul Meyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Grand RapidsClifford Schroeder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Grand RapidsMartha Lentz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hill CityRichard Calgaro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .HoldingfordRonald Evenson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .HoustonSteven Scheu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .HoustonJohn Chamberlain . . . . . . . . . . . . .Le Sueur-HendersonAnn Hendricks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MankatoMichael Siggerud . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MoorheadGary Stennes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NevisSusan Nierengarten . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .New UlmNancy Livingston . .North St. Paul-Maplewood-OakdaleKim Green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Osseo AreaDon Perrin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pelican Rapids

Bonnie Menigo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pine CityBreanna Bly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .RochesterConnie Johns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .St. ClairTerry Selthun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TritonVictoria White . . . . . . . . . . .Walker-Hackensack-AkeleyTherese Salonek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Watertown-MayerJim Wendt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Zumbrota-Mazeppa

DIRECTORS’ AWARDAwarded to members who have attended 100 hours or more ofMSBA programs within the past four years of their term(s).Certificates and pins may be picked up at the registration desk.

Name DistrictJeanna Lilleberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ACGCRon Paulsen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AlbanyJack Wiborg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brooklyn CenterAllen Schmidt . . . . . . . . . .Buffalo Lake-Hector-StewartIrene Bender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dassel-CokatoJudy Seliga Punyko . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DuluthSue Farber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Elk RiverLeland Olson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .FoleyKeith Janu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Frazee-VergasIrma McIntosh Coleman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .HopkinsLinda Leiding . . . . . . .Lake Crystal Wellcome MemorialNancy Bertrand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .LakeviewSue Rame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Le Sueur-HendersonRosie Thell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MelroseChristy Brewers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MinneotaMaggie Kluver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MontevideoDavid Kilpatrick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .New London-SpicerSteve Hunt . . . . . .North St. Paul-Maplewood-OakdaleKaren Steinbrecher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .OgilvieShari Maloney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .OsakisTammie Epley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Osseo AreaJon Karger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pelican RapidsMichael Hamann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Perham-DentNicole Desjarlait . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Red LakeHeidi Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Red WingSherry Tyrrell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .RobbinsdaleAnn Mitchell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sauk CentreCharles Funk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SebekaJack May . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .St. ClairGary Rantala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .St. Louis CountyJean O’Connell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .St. PaulJon Carlson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .St. PeterTara Stockman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .StewartvilleKathy Krebsbach . . . . . . . . . . . . .United South CentralLaurie Tostrud . . . . . . .West St. Paul-Mendota HeightsJim Ferden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Win-E-MacBrian Grudem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Zumbrota-Mazeppa

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATESAwarded to members who have completed Phases 1-2-3.These certificates were mailed to the districts.

Name DistrictBryan Olson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BeckerMark Swanson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BeckerMelissa Bahr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bemidji AreaRuss Lesniak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BOLDPeggy Morris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ByronMark Becker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cambridge-IsantiTimothy Hitchings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cambridge-IsantiLynn Wedlund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cambridge-Isanti

Danielle Strenke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chisago Lakes AreaTim Dufault . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CrookstonSarah Baker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DelanoAmy Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DelanoErika Kluge Frake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DelanoLisa Seguin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DelanoMolly Rieke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dover-EyotaMona Putzel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Eveleth-GilbertJim Dusek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .FloodwoodKenny Beehler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .FoleyDenise Rothfork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .FoleyBeth Magnusson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .GFWMichelle Goodman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .GoodhueBrian Schafer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .GoodhueBrenda Becker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .HayfieldKelly Eustice . . . . . . . . . .Janesville-Waldorf-PembertonTim Oelke . . . . . . . . . . . .Janesville-Waldorf-PembertonPamela Rosen . . . . . . . .Janesville-Waldorf-PembertonMarilyn Syverson . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kenyon-WanamingoBill Floyd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Le Sueur-HendersonAmber Seaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Le Sueur-HendersonJim Ellingson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .LitchfieldCathy Adamek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Little FallsBrad Laager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Little FallsDennis Breitenfeldt . . . . . . . . . .Long Prairie-Grey EagleLinda Gohman . . . . . . . . . . . . .Long Prairie-Grey EagleTanya Levin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Long Prairie-Grey EagleChuck Wolf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Long Prairie-Grey EagleMichael Osdoba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Maple RiverJessica Jacobson . . . . . . . . . .Marshall County CentralDeb Hoeschen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MelroseJon Kangas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MenahgaAmy Barnett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Montgomery-LonsdaleJim Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Montgomery-LonsdaleLaurie Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MoorheadTrudy Wilmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MoorheadRandy Westby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .North BranchKaren Flatness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NRHEGLis Kormann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NRHEGJim Burgett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Osseo AreaTeresa Lunt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Osseo AreaNils Nelson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pipestone AreaHelen Bassett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .RobbinsdaleChuck Tryon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rockford AreaMichelle Carlson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .RoyaltonLesa Kramer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sartell-St. StephenJeff Schuster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sauk CentreDarin Thompson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sauk CentreGary Dougherty . . . . . .South Koochiching-Rainy RiverFlorence Hervey . . . . . .South Koochiching-Rainy RiverRod Morlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .StewartvilleStephen Navara . . . . . . . . . . . . . .United South CentralSharon Parriott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .United South CentralSteven Day . . . . . . . . . . . . .Walker-Hackensack-AkeleyTerry Freeman . . . . . . . . . . .Walker-Hackensack-AkeleyBlake Nordin . . . . . . . . . . . .Walker-Hackensack-AkeleyBarbara Sherman . . . . . . . .Walker-Hackensack-AkeleyJeff Hoelmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .WasecaTeresa Syverson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Win-E-MacBrian Haugen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Zumbrota-Mazeppa

2012 leaDerShip ConferenCeMSBA Honor Roll


MANAGEMENTPLANNINGCONSULTING NEGOTIATIONS

Project Services Management

Owner Representation

Facility Assessments(5 & 10 year plans)

New Construction

Additions & Remodels

Mechanical Upgrades

Estimating

Project Consulting

Health & Safety

Energy Projects

Contract Review & Negotiations

612.236.8665www.metzmanagement.comTwin Cities Metro • Greater Minnesota

YOUR ADVOCATE TO ENSURE PROJECT SUCCESS


Financing available throughFinancing ava ailable through


ActuaryHildi Incorporated(Jill Urdahl)11800 Singletree Lane, Suite 305 Minneapolis, MN 55344952-934--5554, Fax [email protected] Iwaarden Associates(Jim Van Iwaarden)10 South Fifth Street, Suite 840Minneapolis, MN 55402-1010612-596-5960, Fax 612-596-5999www.vaniwaarden.comwww.gasb45opeb.comjimvi@vaniwaarden.com

Architects/Engineers/Facility PlannersArchitects Rego + Youngquist inc.(Paul Youngquist)7601 Wayzata Blvd., Suite 200St. Louis Park, MN 55426952-544-8941, Fax [email protected]&RPlanners/Architects/Engineers(Paul W. Erickson)8501 Golden Valley Rd., Suite 300Minneapolis, MN 55427763-545-3731Fax [email protected] Group Architecture,P.A.(Judith Hoskens)201 Main Street SE, Suite 325Minneapolis, MN 55414612-379-3400, Fax [email protected] Group KKE(Troy W. Miller)520 Nicollet Mall, Suite 200Minneapolis, MN 55402612-977-3503, Fax [email protected](David Leapaldt)808 Courthouse SquareSt. Cloud, MN 56303320-252-3740, Fax [email protected]

ICS Consulting, Inc.(Pat Overom)5354 Edgewood DriveMounds View, MN 55112763-354-2670, Fax [email protected], INC.(Fred King)5801 Duluth St.Minneapolis, MN 55422763-546-3434, Fax [email protected] Playground ComplianceProgram (in partnership withNational Playground ComplianceGroup, LLC) (Tim Mahoney)PO Box 506Carlisle, IA 50047866-345-6774, Fax [email protected] Architects(Bryan Paulsen)209 S. Second Street, Suite 201Mankato, MN 56001507-388-9811, Fax 507-388-1751www.paulsenarchitects.combryan@paulsenarchitects.comPerkins + Will(Steve Miller)84 10th Street S., Suite 200Minneapolis, MN 55403612-851-5094, Fax [email protected], Inc.(Rick Wessling)18707 Old Excelsior Blvd.Minneapolis, MN 55345952-474-3291, Fax [email protected] Architects and Engineers(Scott McQueen)305 St. Peter StreetSt. Paul, MN 55102651-227-7773, Fax [email protected]

Athletic Sports Floors/SurfacingMSBA Playground ComplianceProgram (in partnership withNational Playground ComplianceGroup, LLC) (Tim Mahoney)PO Box 506Carlisle, IA 50047866-345-6774, Fax [email protected]

AttorneysKennedy & Graven Chartered(Neil Simmons)200 South Sixth Street, Suite 470Minneapolis, MN 55402612-337-9300, Fax 612-337-9310www.kennedy-graven.comnsimmons@kennedy-graven.comKnutson, Flynn & Deans, P.A.(Thomas S. Deans)1155 Centre Pointe Dr., Suite 10Mendota Heights, MN 55120651-222-2811, Fax [email protected], Sorlie, Rufer & Kershner, PLLP(Mike Rengel)110 N. MillFergus Falls, MN 56537218-736-5493, Fax [email protected], Roszak & Maloney, P.A.(Kevin J. Rupp)730 2nd Ave. S., Suite 300Minneapolis, MN 55402612-339-0060, Fax [email protected]

Construction Mgmt. & ProductsBossardt Corporation(John Bossardt)8300 Norman Center Drive, Suite 770Minneapolis, MN 55437952-831-5408 or 800-290-0119Fax [email protected]

Contegrity Group, Inc.(Pete Filippi)101 1st Street SELittle Falls, MN 56345320-632-1940, Fax 320-632-2810www.contegritygroup.compete@contegritygroup.comDonlar Construction Company(Jon Kainz)550 Shoreview Park RoadShoreview, MN 55126651-227-0631, Fax [email protected] Consulting, Inc.(Pat Overom)5354 Edgewood DriveMounds View, MN 55112763-354-2670, Fax 763-780-2866www.ics-consult.compato@ics-consult.comKraus-Anderson Construction Co.(Mark Phillips)PO Box 158Circle Pines, MN 55014763-786-7711, Fax 763-786-2650www.krausanderson.commark.phillips@krausanderson.comMSBA Playground ComplianceProgram (in partnership withNational Playground ComplianceGroup, LLC) (Tim Mahoney)PO Box 506Carlisle, IA 50047866-345-6774, Fax [email protected]

Educational Programs/Services Minnesota State Academies for the Deaf and Blind(Linda Mitchell)615 Olof Hanson Dr.PO Box 308Faribault, MN 55021-0308800-657-3996/507-384-6602Fax [email protected]

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)The Sand Creek Group, Ltd.(Gretchen M. Stein)610 N. Main Street, #200Stillwater, MN 55082651-430-3383, Fax [email protected]

MSBA’s Vendor Directory helps connect school districts with the products and services they need. The directory is always at yourfingertips. You’ll find it printed in the back of every Journal magazine as well as on the MSBA Web site at www.mnmsba.org.Most listings in the Web version of this directory include a link so you can head instantly to a Web site or e-mail address. Thedirectory includes everything you need to know to contact a company quickly—phone numbers, fax numbers and addresses—inan easy-to-read format. If you have a service or product you would like included in this directory, please contact SueMunsterman at 507-934-2450 or [email protected].

MSBA’s VENDOR DIRECTORY


Energy SolutionsJohnson Controls, Inc.(Arif Quraishi)2605 Fernbrook Lane N., Suite TPlymouth, MN 55447763-585-5043, Fax [email protected]

Financial ManagementMSBA-Sponsored Administrationand Compliance Service (A&C Service)Administration and ComplianceService(Paige McNeal, Educators Benefit Consultants, LLC)888-507-6053/763-552-6053Fax [email protected] MSBA-Sponsored Lease PurchaseProgramTax Exempt Lease PurchaseProgram(Mary Webster, Wells FargoSecurities, LLC)800-835-2265, ext. 73110612-667-3110Fax [email protected] MSBA-Sponsored MNTAAB (MN Tax and Aid AnticipationBorrowing Program)MNTAAB(DeeDee Kahring, Springsted, Inc.)800-236-3033/651-223-3099Fax [email protected] MSBA-Sponsored P-Card(Procurement Card) ProgramP-Card Program800-891-7910/314-878-5000Fax 314-878-5333www.powercardpfm.comMSBA-SponsoredSchoolFinances.comSchoolFinances.com(Jim Sheehan, Ann Thomas)Sheehan: 952-435-0990Thomas: [email protected]@schoolfinances.com PaySchools(Patrick Ricci)6000 Grand Ave.Des Moines, IA 50312281-545-1957, Fax: [email protected]

PFM Asset Management, LLC -MSDLAF+(Donn Hanson)45 South 7th Street, Suite 2800Minneapolis, MN 55402612-371-3720, Fax [email protected]

Food Service Products & ServicesLunchtime Solutions, Inc.(Chris Goeb)717 N. Derby LaneNorth Sioux City, SD 57049605-254-3725, Fax 605-235-0942www.lunchtimesolutions.com [email protected], Inc.(Monique Navarrette)5570 Smetana Dr.Minnetonka, MN 55343952-358-2188, Fax 952-945-0444www.taher.com [email protected]

InsuranceMinnesota School BoardsAssociation Insurance Trust(MSBAIT)(Denise Drill, John Sylvester, Amy Fullenkamp-Taylor)1900 West Jefferson AvenueSt. Peter, MN 56082-3015800-324-4459, Fax 507-931-1515www.mnmsba.org [email protected]@[email protected]

PlaygroundsMSBA Playground ComplianceProgram (in partnership withNational Playground ComplianceGroup, LLC) (Tim Mahoney)PO Box 506Carlisle, IA 50047866-345-6774, Fax [email protected]

RoofingFour Seasons Energy EfficientRoofing, Inc.(Darrell Schaapveld) 1410 Quant Ave. NorthMarine on St.Croix, MN 55047651-433-2443, Fax [email protected]

Software SystemsPaySchools(Patrick Ricci)6000 Grand Ave.Des Moines, IA 50312281-545-1957, Fax [email protected], Inc.868 3rd Street South, Suite 101Waite Park, MN 56387800-236-7274www.skyward.com

TechnologyPaySchools(Patrick Ricci)6000 Grand Ave.Des Moines, IA 50312281-545-1957, Fax [email protected]

TransportationHoglund Bus Co., Inc.(Jason Anderson)PO Box 249Monticello, MN 55362763-271-8750www.hoglundbus.comsalesmanager@hoglundbus.comNorth Central Bus & Equipment(Sandy Ethen)2629 Clearwater Road SouthSt. Cloud, MN 56301320-257-1209, Fax 320-252-3561www.northcentralinc.comsandye@northcentralinc.comTelin Transportation Group(Jamie Romfo)14990 Industry AvenueBecker, MN 55308866-287-7278, Fax [email protected]


Building Tomorrow’sFuture Today!

Professional Construction Services

Experts in K-12 School Construction

8300 Norman Center Drive, Suite 770Minneapolis, MN 55437

952-831-5408800-290-0119

www.bossardt.com

AdvertisersArchitects Rego + Youngquist inc. ...............................Page 29

ATS&R............................................................................Page 32

Bossardt Corporation....................................................

Cuningham Group Architecture, P.A. ........................Page 26

DLR Group KKE ...........................................................Page 17

Ehlers ..........................................................Inside Front Cover

Hiller Commercial Floors...............................................Page 5

Hoglund Bus Co., Inc. ..................................................Page 42

INSPEC, Inc...................................................................Page 41

Johnson Controls, Inc...................................................Page 30

Kennedy & Graven, Chartered ..............................Back Cover

Knutson, Flynn & Deans, P.A. ......................................Page 31

Kraus-Anderson Construction Company ....................Page 30

Metz Construction Management, Inc. ........................Page 36

Midwest Dairy Council..................................................Page 39

Minnetonka Public Schools..........................................Page 37

MSBAIT............................................................................Page 5

North Central Bus & Equipment.................................Page 29

Paulsen Architects ...........................................................Page 7

PFM Asset Management, LLC-MSDLAF+......Inside Front Cover

PreferredOne...............................................Inside Back Cover

Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney, P.A. ...................................Page 33

Renaissance Learning.....................................................Page 8

Telin Transportation Group.........................................Page 38

Tutor Doctor .................................................................Page 15

Widseth Smith Nolting .................................................Page 13

Wold Architects & Engineers .......................................Page 15

www.preferredone.com

We’re proud to support the Minnesota School Boards Association

and the school districts we serve.

For information about what PreferredOne can do for your district, contact your broker or PreferredOne at 763-847-4007.

Trust the company with proven experience to provide benefits for self insured, traditional or consumer driven health plans for your district.

1900 West Jefferson Avenue, St. Peter, MN 56082-3015

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

2012 jan-feb msba journal

Documents

msba phase

new years day

minneapolis phase

day fed

presidents day

school board recognition

msba leadership conference13

precinct caucus day