E-S School Board discusses, updates athletic policy

CENTRAL - The Eleva-Strum School Board held a lengthy discussion and approved revisions to the district's athletic policy at its July meeting held back on the 9th at the Central School Building IMC.

One of the revisions is to not allow one suspension for a violation of the athletic policy to prevent the student-athlete to receive a letter for the sport or activity they participate in for that season.

"A single violation results in a suspension but I don't think that should mean someone should lose their chance to earn a letter for that sport in that season," board member Josh Stendahl said.

Also revised was the policy to allow a student-athlete, if suspended for a violation, to continue to participate in that sport or activity if suspension was appealed. There was also discussion to revise the language in the athletic and activities code to make sure all sports and extra-curricular activities are covered under the same policies.

"We have to make sure that policy is being applied consistently for all activities and it's not clear that it is," board member Jessica Franson said. "If we have to look at other districts and their athletic and activities policies to find such consistency then we should."

The Board approved the updated activities and athletic code along with the district's academic standards for the up coming school year, a contract for shared occupational therapy services with the Stratford School District and a contract with the Osseo-Fairchild School District for shared physical therapy services. They also approved all hires and resignations along with establishing official district depositories, newspaper of record and district attorney.

In the June meeting of the Board on the 11th in the Central IMC, the following resignations were approved: Rebecca Mengel, Occupational Therapist, Michael Von Ruden, Assistant High School Football Coach, Joseph Phillips, Middle School Science Teacher, Meghan Behrens, Middle/High School Band and Choir Teacher, Anna Otterson, Special Education Paraprofessional, Scott McConnell, Middle School Track Coach. The following hires were approved: Bethany Onstad, Middle/High School Art Teacher, Nathan McIntyre, Middle/High School Band and Choir Teacher, Benjamin Kennedy, Assistant High School Football Coach. The Board also approved the 2025-26 Co-Curricular
Assignments.

In other agenda items, the Board approved the property and liability insurance for the district. Total insurance premiums will increase by three percent, primarily due to rising property insurance costs driven by widespread market challenges. They also approved all fund transfers and agreed to keep breakfast and lunch prices for the upcoming school year the same as last school year:

The Board also approved the purchase of Apple Student/Staff Technology Device Purchase for $430,734, paid at $107,683.50 per year for four years at zero interest.