The Mineral Point School Board began its meeting Monday night by honoring four businesses/organizations named to the 2021 Wisconsin Association of School Boards Business Honor Roll and thanking them for their support of the school district. There were 16 school districts in the state to have businesses/organizations named to the honor roll this year. This is the 7th year the Mineral Point School Board has nominated local businesses/organizations for this honor.
(This begins the meeting video) Video link: https://youtu.be/bGwXJL1DAyc
Chambers Masonry — Chambers Masonry has donated its time to all of the stonework at the north entrance of the new Mineral Point Elementary School addition. There are four pillars covered with stone and a wainscoting at the same entrance. Chambers’ work gives visitors a great first impression of Mineral Point’s new learning spaces. Chambers Masonry is a Mineral Point business and Nathan Chambers is a former School Board President who currently has children in the district.
Mineral Point Excellence in Education Endowment Fund — The Mineral Point Excellence in Education Endowment Fund has distributed thousands of dollars in grant monies from donations to school staff members looking to enrich educational experiences, above and beyond what the traditional school budget allows. Last year, the EIE held a Pointer Praise campaign for staff members in appreciation for all they have done during the pandemic. Community members were asked to send notes of thanks, which were organized and distributed by the EIE. Over 500 submissions were received.
Pointer Pantry — Pointer Pantry is essential to the success of Mineral Point’s students and was a collaboration started by former School Board members, Mo May-Grimm and Jeff Basting, to ensure students do not go hungry on weekends or during school breaks. The group works collaboratively and confidentially with school staff members to make sure gift certificates to Point Foods, the local grocery store, make it into the hands of the families who are in need on a weekly basis. Donations and fundraisers help ensure children in #PointerNation are not trying to learn on empty stomachs.
Webbs at Work — Bill Webb of Webbs at Work in Mineral Point has saved the district thousands of dollars by hosting the school website locally for approximately the past decade. While school staff take care of the regular content posted on the site, Bill is available, knowledgeable and responsive for the more technical and intricate items that need attention. He also makes sure the site is running properly and applies updates as needed. A father of three in the district, Bill is committed to making sure the Mineral Point Unified School District’s digital footprint has a solid home.
Others Business:
— The Board approved by a 6-0 vote the approval of the 2021-22 budget, minus the inclusion of the budget comparison page. (Go to the two hour, 43 minute mark)
— Superintendent Mitch Wainwright provided an enrollment update for the 2021-22 school year. (Go to the two hour, 22 minute, 15 second mark)
— The Board reviewed the elementary community open house and the “punch list” of projects remaining on the renovation. (Go to the two hour, five minute mark)
— The Board heard building goals from principals Matt Renwick, Vickie Dahl, and Matt Austin. (Go to the one hour, 23 minute mark)
— The Board heard updates and had discussion regarding Covid cases, quarantines, and protocols. (Go to the 33 minute mark)
— The Board approved by a 6-0 vote the adoption of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s Special Education Model Policies and Procedures. (Go to the two hour, 40 minute mark)
— The Board approved by a 5-1 vote (with Sullivan voting no) paid Covid time off for staff members (up to 10 days this school year that require administrative approval). These days are non-bankable (only for this current school year) and money is coming from Esser III funding. (Go to two hour, 52 minute, 45 second mark)
— The Board approved by a 5-1 vote (with Skelding voting no) the approval of the purchase of ChromeBooks with potential reimbursement from Emergency Connectivity Funding. (Go to the three hour, nine minute, 30 second mark)
— The Board approved by a 6-0 vote the credit card statement and bills payable. (Go to the three hour, 18 minute, 15 second mark)
— The Board received a Policy Committee update. (Go to the two hour, one minute mark)
— Superintendent Wainwright provided his monthly budget comparison. (Go to the two hour, 29 minute, 15 second mark)
— A special meeting of the Board will be held Monday, October 25 at 6:30 pm to certify the levy. The next regular meeting will be Monday, November 8 at 6:30 pm.