WESTBROOK, Minnesota (STPNS) --     WWG — With graduation done and school out for the year, work began on several projects at both sites.

    Work crews began removing the boilers at the high school building in Westbrook. The crew will be moving to Walnut Grove to remove the old boilers at the elementary school. Work for that part of the project is scheduled to be completed in about two weeks.

    Once the sites are prepared crews from Harris Mechanical will begin installation of the new mini boilers for the new hot water system in both schools.



    The board also discussed seal coating the Walnut Grove play ground and replacing the sinks and counters in the home ec room. There was some question as to whether part of  the sinks or all of the sinks should be done at the  same time. Board members thought it would be best to replace all of the sinks so they will look uniform. The cost of replacing all of them will be $8,500. Doug Lee Construction will be doing the work.

    The board also approved $2,800 for seal coating the play ground at the elementary school.

    The two projects will be added to the capital outlay list.

    Leo Theisen gave a report on athletic numbers for the past three years. Most sports are holding their own, but wrestling and softball only  had 4 students participating this year from WWG.

    Theisen listed sports needing coaches for next year. JV soccer, junior high volleyball, assistant wrestling, and 7-8 grade boys basketball.

    Superintendent Loy Woelber read a letter from band director Brenda Derickson. She said the trip to Chicago was a wonderful experience for all involved. One chaperone and several students commented “the trip was magical.” She went on to describe the things they did while on the trip, noting the group had front row seats at the Blue Man Group.

    Overall she felt the trip was well worth  all the time, money and effort that went into it to make it possible. It really  was a magical trip to be remembered for years to come.

    Principal Paul Olson gave his report.

    Olson talked about pre-school for next year. There are 50 kids registered, which is up by about 10 students over last years class. He also noted due to budget cuts in the head start program it will no longer be offered at Walnut Grove.

    In order to receive state subsidies for the school lunches the school will have to increase their daily lunch rates. Elementary will go from $1.80 - $2.00; high school will go from $2.05 to $2.25; staff will go from $3.15 to $3.25.

    WWG summer rec programs will start Thursday May 31. Children can register by getting a form available at both district offices.

    Four Friday activities are planned for June. The first will be strawberry picking at Heron Lake June 8; June 15 movie at Marshall Madagascar 3; June 22 bowling at Springfield; June 29 swimming at Slayton.

    Open swimming starts June 5 at Westbrook. Bus leaves Walnut Grove City Park at 1:00 p.m. and Revere at 1:10.

    Principal Bill Richards gave his report and comments.

    Richards questioned the cost of copies at the high school. This past quarter they were billed $2,576 for 140,000 copies, or 1.83 cents per copy. That includes maintenance and toner, but not paper.

    Richards suggested looking at discussing fund raising, frequency, destination, and purpose for band and choir trip.

    Richards also proposed the possibility of multiple choices for senior class trip. He would like to have all seniors participate  in either the  current trip, a Minneapolis trip, or possibly a very inexpensive camping experience.

    The Student Council and others are looking at beautifying the area ajacent to the Charger Green house parking area.

    Richards is advertising for a replacement for social studies teacher Claire Stich who resigned her position.

    Richards also talked about how students make up missed class time due to extra curricular activities. He feels each class should have to make up the time in an appropriate way to not lose points. But if the student fails to do the required make up they would lose the points for that time  missed.

    Woelber told the board summer work projects are under way utilizing current staff and students.

    Woelber told the board the district has been put in a group of schools for professional development. The purpose is to develop curriculum, but some of the districts in the group are not members of FLY (Flexible Learning Year) so he is not sure how well that will work out.

    In other board action the board approved several measures.

    • Accepted the resignation of social studies teacher Claire Stich.

    • Accepted  the updated Wellness policy.

    • Accepted the kindergarten through 3rd grade literacy plan.