United South Central School Board Chairman Mike Schrader, left, and superintendent Keith Fleming, right, study documents during the board meeting held on Tuesday, June 20.

The United South Central School Board held their final meeting of the current fiscal year on Tuesday, June 20.

“The USC students wrapped up another school year on Friday, June 2,” high school principal Jen Bye told board members during her report. “On June 4, graduation was held for the 34 students in USC’s class of 2023.”

Bye also told the board that Summer School/Target Services is already in session and will conclude on June 29.

“We have had 17 students in attendance in grades 5-8,” she said. “Extended School Year has also been in session for the last three weeks and will also be in session for three weeks in August.”

She informed the board that Credit Recovery is also being offered to students in grades 9-12 in Albert Lea for those students who are behind on credits.

She also thanked the staff for all of their hard work throughout the school year.

Moving on to business items, the board discussed a proposed cooperative agreement with Genesis Classical Academy (GCA) for Minnesota State High School League football competition.

Board member Chris Lutteke had some concerns.

“I am not against it,” he said. “My only concern is whether we will lose some kids from USC who may have gone out.”

Fellow board member Diana Brooks said she had some of the same concerns Lutteke had.

“But, I also don’t think it is a bad idea,” Brooks added.

The board voted unanimously to approve the cooperative agreement with GCA.

Abby Roberts of M & M Insurance Agency was at the meeting to present the district with their renewal package for property and liability insurance.

“This year, again, you will find a significant increase in property coverage to account for a revised building valuation figure,” Roberts explained. “The property values quoted show a total increase from $53,514,024 to $58,018,491 from 2022 to 2023.”

However, she pointed out the district has done an excellent job maintaining a safe work environment which has led to lower costs.

“What this means is the total package renewal premium for the 2023-2024 term is $154,616 compared to the $170,112 you paid for the current year,” Roberts said.

The board accepted the insurance proposal from M & M Insurance.

A vote was also passed to keep the 2023-2024 per diem rates the same as they were for 2022-2023.

The rates are $75 per board meeting, $75 per Southern Plains Education Cooperative Board meeting, $150 for all-day meetings, $800 per year for the chairman and $300 each per year for the treasurer and the clerk.

The board also:

• Approved the revised 2022-2023 budget and the 2023-2024 preliminary budget.

• Voted to approve an agreement with Ed Midwest for information technology services.

• Approved a quote from Apptegy for a website platform and social media integration services.

• Approved the long-term facilities maintenance 10-year plan.

• Discussed and approved the shared staff agreement between USC and the Southern Plains Education Cooperative.

• Voted to renew membership in the Minnesota School Board Association, the Minnesota Rural Education Association and the Minnesota State High School League.

• Passed a motion to purchase additional building security cameras from Bevcomm at a cost of $6,762.

• Approved a motion to donate $10,000 to the city of Wells to help fund purchasing a new scoreboard for the softball field at Thompson Park and an additional $10,000 for the lighting project for the baseball field at Thompson Park.

• Approved the purchase of a wood CNC machine at a cost of $10,767.