Journal file photo by Fritz Busch Sleepy Eye Public School Superintendent John Cselovszki told the school board Wednesday that bids will soon be received for a $2.56 million roof project. The board unanimously approved issuing General Obligation Facilities Maintenance Bonds for the project last August.

SLEEPY EYE — Sleepy Eye Public School Superintendent John Cselovszki told the school board Wednesday that applications are already rolling in for the open head football coach position.

“We’ve already received four applications,” said Cselovszki. “Sleepy Eye Public School Activities Director Cory Haala and St. Mary’s Activity Director Bruce Woitas will set up candidate interviews.

The board unanimously approved the resignation of Sleepy Eye United Football Coach Brent Kucera.

“It’s a big item for our school district. We are doing a state-wide candidate search,” he said. “We have a great football program. We have two local applicants and a couple from outside the school district that we’re excited about. Mr. Haala and Mr. Woitas will make recommendations for me to bring to the school board. I’m excited to see who we may get to coach.”

Unanimous approval came on a motion by board member Adam Barka, seconded by Joleen Dittbenner.

Cselovszki said buildings and grounds plans include replacing the high school gym floor in May. He said annual boiler inspections were completed, indoor air quality tests were done by consultant Tim Harbo and roof repair bids will be sought later this month.

The board unanimously approved the issuance of $2.56 million in Series 2026A General Obligation Facilities Maintenance Bonds for roof repairs in August.

Funds will be used to replace four school roof sections that have reached or exceeded their life expectancy and further repair efforts are not sustainable.

Roof sections to be replaced include the 1986 east and west wings, 1986 cafeteria wing and 1979 lower elementary wings.

The project includes replacing existing rubber roof, replacing damaged insulation, roof-related metal panel facade and masonry and addressing roof structural integrity issues.

Cselovszki told the board in August that the project is similar to a former $2.7 million heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) project that expired before the roof project bonds are issued. He said the new bonds can be issued without a public vote due to recent state legislation.

The board approved a $6,000 donation to the Sleepy Eye Future Farmers of America (FFA) from Bill and Julie Ries and approved hiring elementary social worker Judy Surprenant as a long-term substitute.

Re-elected board chairperson Darla Remus, vice chairperson Casey Coulson, clerk Sheila Wurtzberger and treasurer Joleen Dittbenner.

Sleepy Eye Elementary School Principal Benjamin Westphal plans are in place for what he estimated he will be three weeks of family leave Jan. 12-30 for the birth of a new baby boy.

Westphal said he is creating a behavioral team in January to “brainstorm” ideas and plans for improving student behavior. He said the behavioral team will be responsible for improving school-wide communication and awareness of behavior plans as they adapt and change over the school year.