NEW ULM - The District 88 Board of Education today will consider changing the way it conducts meetings, to better connect the board with staff, administration and the community.
Superintendent Harold Remme is proposing that next year's board meeting calendar include study session times.
To achieve this goal without additional meetings for board members, he is proposing that the first scheduled monthly meeting become a study session and that the second meeting of the month be dedicated to action items.
"As the school district moves forward, it would be advantageous to create situations for discussion of key decisions to be made in the future," writes Remme.
"By creating time for expanding discussion periods involving multiple participants, the school board can obtain a broader perspective on factors for consideration as future solutions are made on key topic areas."
If adopted, this type of calendar has the potential to stimulate interest, increase understanding of school issues and foster a concept of community teamwork, concludes Remme.
The board will also hear a report on the progress of mediation meetings with the teachers union.
The contract with teachers has not been settled through regular negotiation.
The board will consider a proposal for new fees for activity passes.
Family passes are slated to go up from $200 to $250. They are good for four immediate family members, and additional cards would be $20 a card.
Student yearly passes would remain $50.
Senior citizen passes would increase from $30 to $50.
Adult 10-punch passes would be discontinued.
A new $10 charge would be instituted for replacement passes.
The board will also consider approving $45,000 for staff development for next year and renewing membership in the High School League.
The board meeting starts at 7 p.m. in the District Administrative Center.