WESTBROOK, Minnesota (STPNS) --     WWG —  Superintendent Loy Woelber talked about the so called Grab-n-Go breakfast program. The program is for junior and senior high students. When they come in to school first thing in the morning they can get a free Grab-n-Go breakfast.

    The breakfast consists of individually packaged cereal, graham crackers, juice and a spoon. Students also can grab a carton of milk.

    “Unfortunately only a small percentage of students are taking advantage of it,” said Woelber. “I would like them to at least drink the milk, and take the breakfast with them, these kids are always hungry after school, so this would make a nutritious after school snack.”



    Woelber also talked about the Instant Alert notification system. Woelber said, “we have been testing it out, and  have had good comments about it. Of course we will still continue to call the area radio and TV stations.”

    Woelber told the board they will have to hold three public meetings about the applications to continue FLY (Flexible Learning Year). By January the district will have to commit to the program again. After it is submitted the legislature will look at it and either approve it or turn it down. Woelber thought it would have about a one in three chance of it being renewed.

    Woelber felt there were some very positive things that came out of the FLY program, including the PLC (Professional Learning Community) for staff development. It gives teachers from other districts to get together and trade ideas to develop curriculum.

    Woelber talked about future development of the west wing of the elementary school. As eventually there will not be a need for class rooms in that area. The board is looking at partnering with the community to find a commercial use for the space.

    At that time fire doors would have to be installed at the two hallways connecting to the west wing. Woelber is checking with the State Fire Marshall to approve orders for the doorways. Then the district can levy the $5,000 needed for the doors through the health and safety levy. The board approved $4,000 for bus garage repair and door at Walnut Grove.

    Marvin Kleven told the board he saw a report that the town of Esko had the longest basketball home winning streak in the state at 56. Kleven checked with the Wilder Museum and told the board Walnut Grove had a 72 game home winning streak from 1952 - 1960. In checking the Sentinel Tribune archives, the March 3, 1960 Walnut Grove Tribune had a story confirming the win streak.

    High school and junior high school principal Bill Richards reported, “we are off to a good start with lots of kids with needs.” He also said about 8 to 9 percent are new this year, with new students continuing to arrive.”

    Richards said the new yearbooks were in but they lost money as not as many students are buying them, due to the high cost. Richards is looking at some on line publishers that might reduce the cost.

    Richards told the board, band instructor Brenda Derickson spent about a week with replacement band instructor Kyle  Gertner helping him with the transition.

    Elementary Principal Paul Olson’s report was read by Woelber.

    Hazardous waste items have been inventoried, and are waiting to be picked up.

    A new refrigerator has been installed in the kitchen. Three fourths of it was paid for by a grant.

    After School Academy started last weeks with about 20 students, there should be about 20 more when all the permission slips come in.

    Title I  II  III grant requests have been submitted.

    The stage curtain is done and needs to be picked up.

    Pre-school screening will be held October 1.

    Woelber reported on the preliminary budget. He thought the current budget shows $130,000 deficit. Although Woelber reminded the board last year there was a similar situation but they ended up getting additional funding.

    The board approved the following actions.

    • Year 2FLY report for the Department of Education.

    • Release of WWG employee Neng Yang.

    • Revised contract with principal Paul Olson.

    • Preliminary Levy Çertification of $451,321.

    • New employee hires:  Ellen Thoma, Naomi Sahlstrom, Cassie Caygle, Ashley Freeburg, and Tony LeBoutillier.

    • Maternity leave request from Candace Duerksen.

    • Title I  II III grant applications.