The United South Central School Board took action at their meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 19, to form a cooperative with the Maple River School District for their wrestling program.

Superintendent Keith Fleming opened the discussion prior to the vote, saying, “This is not an easy decision. It comes down to our participation numbers. Combining with Maple River will give the wrestlers the opportunity to wrestle in a competitive program.”

It was noted the Minnesota State High School League would have to approve the cooperative agreement before it would go into effect.

“Obviously, there are challenges to doing this. But, in the long term, it builds success,” board member Brad Heggen said.

Another member of the board, Tom Legred, said he has heard from many parents and kids regarding the subject.

“Many were not aware of the possibility of a shared program until about a week ago. So, it is hard to say to the kids you will not be a USC wrestler this year,” Legred commented. “Most parents I have talked to are in favor of partnering with Maple River, but some are not. It is the same way with the kids.”

Fleming clarified this was not a last-minute decision.

“Discussions actually began earlier this summer,” he noted.

There was also some question as to whether the Maple River School Board had already adopted the cooperative agreement. Some attending thought it had already been approved.

“That is not my understanding,” Fleming said. “I believe they have discussed the possibility but have not taken any formal action yet.”

Fleming explained if the agreement does pass, the teams would dress in Maple River uniforms for meets held in Mapleton and in USC uniforms for the meets held in Wells.

“For now, they would be known by both school names – the Maple River-USC wrestling team,” Fleming explained.

The vote to pursue the cooperative agreement was passed unanimously.

Board chair Dale Stevermer also had some important news to share at the meeting.

“As of this morning, the district has reached a tentative contract agreement with the USC Education Association,” Stevermer announced. “I commend the people on both sides who worked on the agreement.”

During administrative reports, high school principal Julie Stauber shared enrollment in grades 7-12 stood at 321.

“It is down six students compared to last month,” Stauber said.

She also told board members representatives from Josten’s had already been to the school.

“Graduation plans are already starting,” she said.

Student representative Lillian Neubauer told members she was very thankful to the spirit committee for trying to make this year’s homecoming celebration as normal as possible.

“I was very impressed with the coronation ceremony, However, I do have some suggestions to keep in mind for next year,” she shared. “I think there could be better communication about what was going on. I would also like to see a return of the homecoming parade and the homecoming dance. I think these things would all improve the homecoming week experience.”

She also had one other suggestion for board members.

“I would like to see some type of leadership course offered at the school,” Neubauer added. “I think it could be a real benefit to students.”

Next, the board was given an update on the happenings in grades K-6.

“We have been able to resume field trips,” elementary principal Jennifer Taylor announced during her report. “We were able to take the sixth graders to the Big Island Rendezvous and the third graders were able to visit a hog, dairy and potato farm.”

The board also:

• Approved hiring a full-time ELL (English Language Learner) success coach. The position will be funded through Esser Three funds.

• Decided to add a full-time substitute position to the teaching staff.

• Voted to provide funding for four students to attend the FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) National Convention.

• Approved the purchase of two more security cameras for the playground at a cost of $3,152.

• Set Nov. 16 as the date of the World’s Best Work Force public meeting. It will begin at 5 p.m.