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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-12-22 Dan Parker Ltr to CASTILLWATER AREA SCHOOLS December 22, 1998 Effective Learning Through Excellence in Education 1875 SOUTH GREELEY STREET STILLWATER, MINNESOTA 55082 351 -8340 V -TDD: 351-8338 Also enclosed are copies of communications that we said would follow in a couple of days. If you have any questions or need anything, please feel free to call. Thank! Office of Dan Parker 1pr/A ' al Ma oTILLWATER AREA SCHOOLS Effective Learning Through Excellence in Education 1875 SOUTH GREELEY STREET STILLWATER, MINNESOTA 55082 351 -8303 To: Board of Education Membe From: Kathleen P. Macy Superintendent of Schools Re: The Americans With Disabilities Act, ADA Fencing the pond and increased liability Implied contract regarding the use of the land north of the lot line be : Mary Jo Weingarten Dan Parker September 14, 1998 Americans with Disabilities challen eE Dr. Richard Printon in addressing the board on September 10, 1998 suggested that the "Ropes Course" was required to be handicapped accessible because we received federal funds with which we constructed the course. First, whether federal funds are used for a project or not is relevant to the requirement of accessibility. Independent School District 834 must always have accessible programs regardless of funding sources—we are a public school program. Second, any program that is offered to students in Independent School District 834 must be accessible to people with handicaps. The program that we have in question is one of team buildin g help . We can het students learn to build teams, depend on one another and build self - esteem in a variety of ways. So, although the ropes course provides an extraordinary way to address this program it is not the only way we can do this with students. So, technically the course does not have to be accessible. Third, although 1 make the case in my second point that the course does not technically have to be accessible, the best news is that it is. The approach to the course is easily transversed by wheel chair. In fact, we have an all terrain wheel chair to provide students with mobility challenges to use the ELC. Getting to the course will be no problem. Using the course will require teamwork. This is the point! All persons, including those with disabilities have been very integral team members on courses like this one. In fact, having persons with disabilities be part of teams is one of the greatest values of this type of course and learning. It challenges our unspoken assumptions about the capabilities of persons and their ability to contribute. Fourth, this is not a facility. Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act, is about facilities and access to programs. This section does not apply to the ropes course. However, even this is moot as we intend to include persons with disabilities as contributing members to our teams. Section 504 would require our swimming pools to be handicapped accessible to our students and to our community. We can only teach swimming in a swimming pool so this program and the facility must be accessible. 'Incin the and area and increasin liabili Mr. Dittrich in addressing the board on September 10, 1998 suggested that to fence the holding pond would increase the district's liability if it did not fence all other holding ponds. We are not fencing the pond. The information that 1 sent to the neighborhood did not suggest we would fence the pond. We are fencing the apparatus in the ropes course. 1 am not sure of this approach to suggest we stop the construction. Mr. Dittrich also suggested that water quality would be jeopardized by the course. There is no evidence to suggest this. Mr. Dittrich suggested that noise might be a problem going over the fence and into the neighborhood. We will be adding a chain link fence not a wooden fence. 1 did not understand if he was asking for a berm, if so, we will not be adding a berm to this area. I mplied contract re a rdi n use of the land When 1 invited both Mr. Ken Pedersen and Mr. Paul Bischoff to comment in each other's presence and that of Ms. Diane McGann, about any promise regarding this land, both stated that there was no promise that this land would remain undeveloped. nere was an implied offer to buy the land from Ms. McGann (and 1 think there was another such implied offer at the board meeting of September 10) at this meeting. I would advise against the selling of this land. It is a needed and important buffer for the stadium. If we sell this land, the stadium and its attendant noise, light and activity will be right on our neighbor's lot line. This would not be a good situation in the future. KPM:dkh Rope scourseboard9 -14-98 Since typing in this memo to you, 1 have received the attached FAX from Dr. Richard Printon regarding land purchase. SEP- -- 1 1 -98 THU 16:06 PRINT ❑N CH I ROPRRCT I C RKLR Consultants, Inc. Injury Prewention and Jfralt Enhancement Traurin8' September 11, 1998 Dr. Kathleen Macy Superintendent of Schools 1875 S. Greeley Street Stillwater, NEI 55082 Dear Dr. Macy 612771874 P 4 02 Thank you for allowing the residents of Blackwood Development the time to speak at the September 10, 1998 School Board Meeting, I was one of the last residents to speak and our 20 minute limit was upon us. In my haste to present to the board our final issues, 1 omitted one very important point. That point is as follows: the residents of Blackwood Development ate willing to discuss purchasing the land on which the ropes course is presently located. We are confident the purchase of the and would more than offset the cost of moving the ropes course. Thank you for taking this offer into consideration. 1 can be reached during the day at 771 ®2012 or evenings at 4304163. Dr. Richard 3 Printon RKLR Corr ulkants, Inc. ' 1408 Arcade Street • St. Patti, MN 55106 ® Phone (612) 439 -7676 • Fax (612) 771 -8747 5rclr ,fir 5: The p,rad ca' and effective solution fot preventing back neck and repetitive stress injuries. 4• la mill LLWATER ► -.rrEA SCHOOLS To: From: Date: Learning Through Excei!enca U U L 4. ✓ 1875 SOUTH GREELEY STREET STILLWATER, MINNESOTA 55082 351 -8340 V -TDD: 351 -8338 Mr. Greg Kunz Ms. Karen Rheinberger Mr. Tom Edison Daniel Parker November 23, 1998 cc: Supt. Macy Cabinet Members of the School Board Chuck Briscoe am' Re: Response to request of November 5. 1998 for information relating to district insurance coverage and building permit. Response to questions 1 -5 - A representative of the Lee F. Murphy Agency met with Ms. Teri Lewis and 1 on May 27 of this year. Ms. Lewis resented information regarding the Ropes P �. �, P es Course for review by the insurance company. This presentation included data on the contractor. dimensions of the installation and devices_ location on the site. grant award and the intended use within thin the instructional pro gram of the District. This material was in turn reviewed by the St. Paul Company. they requested clarification on planned maintenance, inspections and security. Ms. Lewis answered these questions on June 17 in a letter to the Lee F. Murphy Agrencv . Question 7 - A copy of the building permit to construct the fence is attached. District staff requested written confirmation of acceptance by the insurance company in September. and that confirmation was received Sept 9`' and was read at a School Board meeting. p Question 6 - In response to an earlier request, a summary of the district property and casualty coverage has been given to you. The 1997 and 1998 policies may be reviewed in the business office. Please call to schedule a time for this review to insure that Ms. Coruzzi or 1 are available. There will be a charge for the clerical time involved in this review and any copying that you request. The hourly rate will be $18.50 and .03 per copy. To: Dan Parker From: Residents of The Blackwood Development Date: November 5, 1998 RE: Ropes Course Below please find questions regarding the ropes course located on the senior high school property. 1. Was the insurance company (St. Paul Companies) notified of the add- ition of the ropes course prior to August 18, 1988? (beginning of on site assembly of ropes course.) If the answer to No. 1 is yes, is there any written documentation to support this? 3. If the answer to No. 1 is yes, were the dimensions of the structure, the intended use of the ropes course and the location indicated to the in- surance company? 4. If the answer to No. 1 above is no, was the insurance company at any +:...,,, r��;�;A,l v �f ±hP ?dd;r;o� of the ropes course? If so, when was this time 11V l.titv 1 done? Was the insurance company at this time made aware of the dimensions, intended use and location of the ropes course? 5. Does the school district have any written assurance that the ropes course is covered under our existing policy, without any additional premiums or riders? 6. The residents of Blackwood would like to see an actual copy of the in- surance policies for 1997 and 1998. Each copy should include the declaration sheets. "T "lam irri ., iILLWATER AREA SCHOOLS Board Of Education Melva Radtke Chairperson Mary Cecconi Vice Chairperson Ann Gillen Clerk David "Choc" Junket Treasurer Roland Buchman Director Deb Gurke Director Karen Rose Director Kathleen Macy Superintendent An Equal Opportunity Employer Effective Learning Through Excellence in Education 1875 SOUTH GREELEY STREET STILLWATER, MINNESOTA 55082 351 -8303 To: Mr. Tom Edison Ms. Karen Rheinber er Mr. Greg Kunz From: Kathleen P.'Mac Superinten of S o Date: October 21, 1998 Re: Questions submitted to the Board of Education Please accept this information in response to questions presented to the Board. Questions: 4,5,6,7,8,9,10 ,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,20,21 all deal with the trees to be planted on school district grounds. The spruce trees that will come from the ELC will be between 10 -20 feet tall and will transplanted in 1999. The fast - growing trees are male, non-seed bearing, hybrid cottonwoods. Conservatively, the cottonwoods are expected to reach a height of 50 feet and have a life expectancy of 40 years. These trees will be transplanted by volunteers in the spring of 1999. The tree experts that provided information important in our decisions are Dr. Carl Moen, retired geneticist of the University of Minnesota and Mr. Tim O'Brien, tree expert of the University of Minnesota. No map is available for the planting locations of these trees. Planting locations will be developed as we review site lines, fence lines, activity areas etc. The soil is being tested by students at SAHS under the direction of Mr. Glenn Boettcher. The soil is expected to be compatible with the requirements of the trees selected as these trees are native to this area. The fence is installed at this writing. The approach of the tree planting equipment from the ELC has not been set, and no athletic team coaches have been contacted. Questions: 2 and 31 deal with the conditional use permit. The City Administrator, Mr. Tom Melena, stated to Mr. Parker and to Kathleen Macy that the ropes course is clearly within the definition of educational activities, it is not a building, and it is located in the same area as other physical education related activities. No permit was /is required. Mr. Dave Schaff, Mayor of Oak Park Heights, concurs. Mr. Edison has a copy of the conditional use permit. Question 1 deals with handicap accessibility. The approach to the course is handicap accessible. If it were not so, Stillwater Area High School also has an ail- terrain wheelchair to allow students to use the Environmental Learning Center. The course itself is designed for team activity. The activities do include handicapped individuals. There is no requirement in legislation that mandates that the base of the equipment be accessible. It is required that the program be accessible. Part of the experience is to have learners work together so that all individuals, with disabilities or not, are successful on the course. This is the goal of the Stillwater Area High School course as well thus, the program is accessible. Mr. Tom Edison, Ms. Karen Rheinberger, Mr. Greg Kunz October 21, 1998 Page two Question 3 deals with bids. Mr. Parker has communicated with Mr. Edison that once the report is made to the Board of Education regarding the fence costs the bid will be made available to him. Question 4 deals with limits to use of funds from capital or general accounts for the course. There are no limits currently in place. However, any additional expenditures would be made in consultation with the Board of Education. Question 23 deals with identifying a wood tick expert. We have no one on staff identified as a wood tick expert; however, we have members on staff that have strong entomology backgrounds. Question 24 deals with limits on screaming, profanity and noise. We have clear expectations and consequences to staff and students regarding the use of profanity while engaged in a school activity. We are aware of the wishes of our neighbors and the recent training of staff emphasized the importance of minimizing noise coming from learners on the course. The numbers of learners that can be on the course at one time have also been set to reduce the noise traveling into the neighborhood and to ensure student safety. !uestion 27 deals with a meetin : with Teri Lewis or Carol Davis. Such a meeting has not been set. Ms. Lewis has already met with neighbors. Question 28 deals with implied promises. In August, at a meeting held in Kathleen Macy's office, both Mr. Bischoff and Mr. Pedersen were asked if there were any agreement about the land near the pond area. Both stated that no promise was made or implied. Board members that served at the time of the high school design and construction were asked about promises made. These board members related that no promise was made regarding the land area near the pond. A review of the minutes of meetings held at the time of the high school construction revealed no action was taken at a board level regarding the use /non -use of land adjacent to the holding pond. District 834 legal counsel also indicated that no agreement is in place regarding the property use by the pond. Question 26: deals with berm construction A berm was not constructed on either the north or the south side of the pond at the time of initial grading because it would have prevented access to the pond by property owners on either side. Another consideration was that the elevations on either side of the pond would have required the berm to be hundreds of feet away from the property line and that was felt to be unacceptable for both property owners. s uestion 29 deals with the Phase I communication ex ectation with the Blackwood nei hborhood. The purpose of the communication was to inform the neighborhood of the course placement, to learn of the concerns for such placement and to respond to the concerns. Question 30: deals with the board belief that the course was appropriately placed. Individual contact was made with board members to learn of their support for the placement of the course. The majority approved of the placement of the course. KPM:dkh C: Board of Education Members Dr. Charles Briscoe Dr. Mary Jo Weingarten Mr. Dan Parker Ms. Teri Lewis To: The Stillwater School board From: The residents of the Blackwood just south of the Stillwater High School Date: September 24, 1998 13. How many trees are going to be move from the E.L.C. to the ropes coarse site? 14. How tall are the trees to be moved? ( 18 to 20 ft. is what war; earlier indicated 12. What type of trees are going to be moved from the E.L.C. to the ropes coarse site? — 17. If a route has been selected, have the appropriate athletic teams been notified of this route? RE: Questions generated by the Blackwood residents due to statements made by Kathleen Macy at September 10,1998 School Board meeting. 1. In the opening speech by Kathleen Macy, she indicated that the coarse was to be used by all students in the district. As you know, the grant is supported by federal funds, which means that the coarse must be made wheelchair accessible. Are handicapped people allowed to use this coarse? If so, how do you intend to make this coarse wheelchair accessible? 2. The Federal Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Act grant states that the grantee is respon- sible for "Compliance with all applicable federal and local laws and regulations ". Have all the proper city permits been obtained? Have all the applicable city ordinances been followed? If the board believes that no permit is required, is there any documentation from Oak Park Heights city officials that to support this position? 3. We would like a copy of all bids (accepted or not accepted ) in regards to any capital or general funds that will be spent on this ropes coarse site. We would like to see these bids before any money is spent. 4. What type of fast growing trees are going to be planted? 5. Has a soil sample been taken and tested to insure that these fast growing trees will survive and thrive on this site? 6. What is the life expectancy of these fast growing trees? 7. Who is the expert that has chosen the type of fast growing trees to plant on this site? 8. What is the estimated rate of growth and maximum height these trees will grow to? 9. Where exactly are theese fast growing trees going to be planted? (Please show on a map similar to that map which indicated where the proposed fence is to be installed ) 10. How Many fast growing trees are going to be planted? 11. When will the fast growing trees be planted? 15. Where are these transplanted trees from the E.L.C. going to be located on the ropes coarse site? ( please indicate on a map similar to that map which indicated where the proposed fence is to be installed) 16. If a spade is going to be used to move these trees, has a route been determined to move these trees from the E.L.C. to the ropes coarse site? 18. Has a tree moving company visited the site and indicated that a tree spade can reach all the locations on the ropes coarse that the transplanted trees from the E.L.C. are to be planted? 19. Is the proposed fencing going to be installed before the coarse is used? If not, has the districts insurance agency been contacted of this? 20. Are the fast growing trees going to be planted before or after the fencing is installed? 21. Are the transplanted trees from the E.L.C. going to be moved onto the coarse site before or after the fencing is installed? 22. Is there a limit to the amount of capital funds that can be spent on this ropes coarse site? 23. Who is your woodtick expert? On What basis has it been determined that there are less woodticks in the tall grass surrounding the pond of the present site as opposed to the other possible sites ? 24. What are the strict safety guidelines that are going to be put into place in order to ensure the safety 3f our learners and to minimize the impact of this structure on our neighborhood ? Are these strict safety guidelines going to be somehow imposed after hours when no trained personnel are present ? 25. Can a limit be set upon the amount of noise (screaming) andlor amount of profanity that must be tolerated by the residents before action is taken to abandon or move the coarse? 26. Why will no berm be constructed to be consistent with the existing berm? Wasn't the original berm constructed to shield the residents from school activity and visa - versa? 27. We are requesting a meeting with Teri Lewis andlor Carol Davis concerning this ropes coarse. Can this meeting be set up in the near future? 28. Kathleen Macy has stated that there was no agreement between the school district and the blackwood development. This is a legal conclusion. Is Kathleen Macy the person who made this conclusion ? If it wasn't her, who was it ? What are the facts that serve as the basis of this conclusion ? 29. What was the purpose of the site committee's Phase I program component which stated "Communication with the Stillwater Area High School home owners adjacent to site location of ropes coarse" ? 30. In Melva Radtke's September 18,1998 letter to Greg Kunz it was stated "However, we(the board) continue to believe that the site is properly placed. ". Apparently the board has voted to leave the coarse at the present site. Was there a vote by the board to leave the coarse at its present site ? If so, how did each member vote? When did this vote take place ? 31. Kathleen Macy stated that the construction of this ropes coarse was within the conditional use permit granted to the school district at the time of the construction of the high school. Is there any documentation to support this statement? If not, who with the city of Oak Park Heights or school district has indicated that the construction of this ropes coarse on high school property is within an existing conditional use permit? When responses for the above questions have been completed, Please contact: Greg Kunz 430 -3507 Karen Rheinberger 351-7496 Or Tom Edison 430 -1222 (H) 430 -0435 (W) . r meeting of Independent notice thereof, the regular at the Pursuant to due call and o n February 14, �.99� , put 834 convened on Thursday evening, f ., ool District B ch , entral Services Center. meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. S. �, Thomsen Chair Jones caned them g t R. B �. Ro ha nel L. Schmid M. J. ere: L. hones, S. ��n � were: D. L. �Vetterg ten Present w a t 7:50 p.m.) Also present L. Geary (arrived arson and D. C. Parker. Absent Student and � D. Pedersen, M. K. Svc Weingarten, K. R �4, 1991 meeting as - , moved to a pprove the minutes of the January .�: K. Motion carried unanimously. _ � Seconded by L. Schmidt. revised. 1991 meeting as e s of f the January � moved to approve the minut � unanimously. . Rose Buchman. Motion carried unanimously. d, Seconded by R. Buc presented. e February 5, 1991 meeting as approve the minutes 1 Y. K. Rose moved to app inutes of th Motion carried unanimous Seconded by R. Buchman. presented. recognizing State Debate pass the attached resolution esolution g u ne r° Seconded Thomsen moved to pas Debate Coach ,jam bra p S. and Todd Hering and ham ions Chris Cowen ' mausl . c p Motion carried unanimously. Y by R. Buchman. R. Buchman nt. Seconded an moved to approve the bills as presented for paYrn Motion carried unanimously. b L. Geary. • �o Assistant by High School A s presented by Senior Hig ' drool board report Their topic covered A special ort vas pre Counselor Dick Schultz. ' al Sperm Danielson and students. Principal Senior High School stud Course Selections By Se e construction progress reports on the various facets oft the The board heard co . school and related projects. new high Melville and reselltatives Cahn. � ' Valle Athletic Assac�at�on rep the members on the progress St. Croix Y update th appeared before the Board to up athletic complex on the �a acres north of the p Norm Ashley apupp VAA roposal to develop an being made in support of the p site. g proposed high school s p update members before the School Board to Terry Rossi appeared b r school district for Staf f member �` Y m osium scheduled in ou P on an Environmental r o nm ental Education Symposium April. with a status . provided High School Superintendent Ken Pedersen p d the board ' ll�rater Hi Assistant sup policy initiated at Sty �� the student no-- smoking p Y report on this year. . tendent Wettergren led the Board through a discusslon on various Supe tin legislative issues. EEC act�vitles . Jane, date on �'A t t the Board up to d various lobbyists for the district Jane Krentz brought parent legislative lobby De nan Paul Farseth are par 1 Peterson on educational funding issues. been invited to attend a board that he had b superintendent informed the Airport. Board members The super ion o f th Lake Elmo Hearin on the potential expansion g Page 2 L. Schmidt moved to authorize adoption of the revised plan. Seconded by R, Buchman. Motion carried unanimously. The Board discussed the request of the Central St. Croix valley Cable Commission that the Board pay a fee of $31.25 per Board Meeting to cover th costs of cablecasting board meetings. The Board raised several questions pertaining to the propriety of this request. The Board requested that Superintendent Wettergren seek additional information from the commission. L. Geary moved to pay the requested fee through the end of June and to notif y the Cable Commission that the Board wants to meet and discuss their concerns with the commission. Seconded by K. Rose. Motion carried 6 ayes to 1 nay. na Ayes L. Jones, S. Zinnel, R. Buchman, L. Geary, K. Rose and S. y y e that will study Nay L. Schmidt. The Board committee y this is L. Geary, K. Rose and R. Buchman. The Board reviewed the District's high school construction calendar and established a Board management and communication structure that included assigned Board liaisons in the following areas: 1. Construction Management Committee - Lyman Geary 2. Senior High School Faculty Steering Committee - Louise Jones 3. J unior High School Faculty Steering Committee / Swimming Pool Construction - Lynn Schmidt 4. Site Participants (Neighbors, Oak Park Heights, VAA, MN DOT, etc.) Steve Zinnel 5. Environmental Learning Station - Bud Buchman 6. District Building Utilization and Disposition /Playground - Park Issues (Washington - SJHS Athletic Field) -- Karen Rose 7. Elementary Growth - Facility Planning -- Suki Thomsen Agreement was reached on the part of the Board that the Facilities and Property Committee will continue to represent the Board in the basic operational and construction issues that will be faced as the district proceeds on the proposed construction. The total Board will be directly involved in program decisions and planning. . Board members were reminded of public forums scheduled on February 12 and 26 and at specific meetings of particular interest to which they have been invited to attend. The board also had a 1(;i discussion on the manner in which progress on school construction would be communicated to staff and community. S. Thomsen moved to adopt the 1991 -92 School Calendar based on Advisory by the School Board A y Committee on School Calendars and the Teacher- Adrnini stra o ti n- -Board Committee and to delay action on the 1992 -93 Calendar. Seconded by R. Buchman. Motion carried unanimously. The Superintendent was asked to enter into communication with the Commissioner of Education, Governor and Legislature pertaining to the possibility of reviewing and changing the Post-Labor Day school start. K. Rose moved to accept the following gifts and donations with thanks and Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the regular meeting of the School r d f Independent School District 834 convened on Thursday evening, January 1991 at the Central Services Center. Chair L. Jones called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. sen we L. Jones, S. Zinnel, L. Schmidt, R. Buchman, L. Geary, K. Rose re Weingarten, K. D. ein J. W S. Thomsen. Also present were: D. L. Wettergren, M. J g federSefl , M. K. Swanson, D. C. Parker and student D. Harris. L. Schmidt moved to approve the minutes of the January 10th meeting as en ded. Seconded by K. Rose. Motion carried unanimously. Coach George Thole and five representatives of the 1990 SHS Pony Football Team were present to receive Board congratulations on winning the first Annual Football Academic Excellence Award sponsored by the Minnesota State Football Coaches Association. Team member Chris Cole spoke on behalf of the player re presentatives. Representatives from the St,Croix Valley Area Lions Clubs (Stillwater Lions Club -- $1500, River Valley Lions - $1000 and St. Croix Valley Club -- $7OOOO) were present to make a financial donation to the District's Quest Program in the amount of $3200.00. Dr. Weingarten made a brief presentation updating the members of the board on the status of the program in the district. S. Thomsen moved to accept the Quest Donations. Seconded by R. Buchman. Motion carried unanimously. Peg Klun, Judy Kohler -King and Polly McGlauflin of the ECFE Advisory Council were present to accept a Certificate of Merit from the Minnesota .Community Education Association for the "St. Croix Valley Safety Town" : project. The purpose of Safety Town is to provide preschool children with safety awareness and accident prevention skills. R. Buchman moved to approve the bills fo,r payment as presented. Seconded .by S. Zinnel. Motion carried unanimously. R. Buchman moved to approve the Treasurers & Collateral reports as :Presented. Seconded by S. Zinnel. Motion carried unanimously. Superintendent Wettergren informed the board that 916 is not in a position provide a program for the district's moderately severe or multiply R dicapped elementary students in 1991. Director of Special Service, Don Loe ecornmended to the board a transition plan for 1991 -92 that will provide the e level of services as the 916 program had for District 834 students but the rogram will be staffed and administered by our own school district. Lo Geary moved to a the administration to proceed with the ansition plan which includes posting and hiring for positions and contracting �ertam services from 916. Seconded by L. Schmidt. Motion carried mously. Dr. Mary Jo Weingarten presented the Board with a status report on the pl of the District's Multicultural, Gender Fair, Disability ensltive Plan. The report updated the Board on how the Advisory Committee has orked on revising the District Plan to comply with state requirements. Page 2 indicated to him that they were concerned about the potential for noise and air pollution as well as adding traffic in the area of the proposed high school site if the airport were to expand. The board took time to review the strategies set forth by the Task Force' Education Organization, a body created by the legislative Commission on Education. These strategies are intended to help set the state agenda for education in future years. The board members reviewed materials and discussed the structure of the school board work session to be held on Saturday, February 23, 1991 in the media center at Oak Park Elementary School. Bob Terry, of the Humphrey Reflective Leadership Institute will direct the workshop. Superintendent Wettergren suggested the Board might consider bringing in someone like John Carver as a follow-up to Bob Terry. S. Zinnel moved to accept the following gifts and donations with appreciation: a. $275 from an anonymous donor for a tree at Oak Park. b. $1169.85 from Video Yearbook Program to purchase one VCR, one 19" color monitor, and one KO WA camera. c. $798.99 from Concert and Varsity Bands to purchase a camera and tripod. d. $1000 from an anonymous donor in support of the George Regis Scholarship. Seconded by .R. Buchman. Motion carried unanimously. R. Buchman moved to approve the following open enrollment applications for 1991 -92: Misty J. Aubin, District 622, to attend Gr. 9 in District 834. Kristin Marie Larson, District 622, to attend Gr. 9 in District 834. Seconded by S. Zinnel. Motion carried unanimously. L. Geary moved to approve the following personnel items: New Employees Dianne Reid, Educational Assistant -Pupil Support, SHS, 3 hours per day effective January 2, 1991 for 1990-91 school year only. Paul Stokman, Educational Assistant -Pupil Support, SJHS, 7.5 hours per day, effective Ja :luary 9, 1991 for 1990 -91 school year only. Karen Anderson, Educational Assistant, Stonebridge Elementary, 4.5 hours per day, effective January 30, 1991, for the 1990-91 school year only . Laura Oldberg, 1 ducational Assistant Stonebridge Elementary, 1.5 hour per day, effective February 1, 1991 for the 1990-91 school year only. Leave Request Jane gg Briggs, 1.0 teacher at Lake Elmo Elementary, requests a special leave for the 1991-92 school year. She is getting married in August and moving to Mankato. JAMES E. KNUTSON 9 E. FLYNN J. HETLAND i34 -1992) THOMAS 5. DEANS PATRICK J. FLYNN GLORIA BLAINE OLSEN STEPHEN M. KNUTSON MICHAEL]. FLYNN MARIE C. SKINNER Mr. Thomas E. McEllistrem Collins, Buckley, Sauntry & Haugh West 1100 First National Bank Building 332 Minnesota Street St. Paul, MN 55101 RE: Stillwater High School Ropes Course Your File No. 11018.1 Dear Mr. McEllistrem: PJF:mcb cc: Dr. Kathleen Macy KNUTSON, FLYNN, DEANS & OLSEN IMMIIMMEMONEMISSEMEMB PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION MINNESOTA WORLD TRADE CENTER 30 SEVENTH STREET EAST, SUITE 1900 ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA 55101 -4900 TELEPHONE: (612) 222 -2811 FAX: (612) 225 -0600 September 24, 1998 Please address an y further correspondence regarding this issue to the undersigned. Very truly yours, MAGG IE R. WALLNER SUSAN E. TORGERSON JOHN J. O'DONNELL GREGORY S. MADSEN CHARLES E. LONG MICHELLE D. KENNEY TIMOTHY R. PALMATIER DANIEL]. 5. BECKER JENNIFER 1C. ANDERSON We represent Independent School District No. 834, Stillwater, Minnesota, with respect to issues p � raised b y your office in regard to the Stillwater High School Ropes Course. We assume that you have received a co py of a letter dated September 18, 1998 from the Board Chair Melva Radtke to Mr. Gregory Kunz. In the event that you do not have a copy of said letter, a copy is being attached g for your review. We have discussed this matter at length with School District officials. We note that the School District has had a number of meetings with your clients both at the school board and administrative levels. The School District has listened to and has addressed a number of your clients' concerns, including the erection of a fence for safety reasons, as well as additional trees which will provide a g further buffer between the ropes course and the residences of your clients. Aside from the fencing, the ropes course is substantially complete. The School District has considered the concerns of your clients. The School District's final position is clearly set forth in Ms. Radtke's letter dated September 18, 1998.