The United South Central School Board held a short meeting on Tuesday, May 21 and heard from Workforce Development coordinator Pam Krill, who provided an update on the recent activities students have been able to participate in.

“I want to highlight two events in particular,” Krill told the board. “The first one is the Mobile Health Lab. It is a pilot project we were fortunate to be a part of. It gave students the opportunity to learn what occupations are available in the medical field.”

The second event was the SouthPoint Budget City activity.

“Through this program, kids were able to learn about finances and budgeting as they move into adult life,” Krill explained.

She continued her report by sharing that students have been able to get out into the community and visit businesses such as Ron’s Plumbing and Heating and Herman Manufacturing.

“They also took a trip to the YMCA and Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota,” Krill concluded. “They also were able to participate in a local job fair which featured 20 vendors from local businesses.”

Elementary principal Jennifer Taylor noted that as the 2023-2024 school year winds down, work is already beginning on the 2024-2025 school year.

“One of the things I appreciate most about USC is our commitment to exposing students to real-world learning experiences that go beyond the classroom,” Taylor mentioned. “This past week and into next week, students have taken or will be taking field trips to destinations such as Farm America, Niagara Cave, Como Zoo, Alexander Ramsey House and Mill City, among others.”

High school principal Jen Bye reported the USC Class of 2024 was busy finishing up their final projects and assignments.

“The seniors will have their final exams on Friday, May 24,” Bye commented. “Practice for graduation will be held next Tuesday, May 28, at 9:15 a.m. and graduation will take place on Friday, May 31 at 7 p.m. in the USC gym.”

Bye also shared that 44 student leaders in grades seven, eight and nine attended a leadership conference in Medford on May 15 and that final exams for students in grades 9-11 will be on Thursday, May 30, and Friday, May 31.

“The legislative session wrapped up late last Sunday evening,” superintendent Taylor Topinka informed the board members. “Now we are trying to figure out what all the changes mean for us as a school.”

He shared he knew changes had been made in how people are appointed to the School Board and that all schools in the state will be required to enact a cellphone policy by March of next year.

“On the staffing front, we had five open spots heading into next year and are close to having all of them filled,” he said.

The board had a number of personnel changes to approve. The School Board voted to accept the resignations of English/language arts teacher Rita Augustine, band teacher Bjorn Hagen, English teacher Rob Routh, English/language arts teacher Rosemary Schwartz, bus driver Dustin VonHagen and paraprofessional Jessica Yokiel.

The board also approved the hiring of intervention teacher Gianni Alm, elementary teacher Alexandra Bauman, band teacher Parker Haug and English/language arts teacher Kirstyn Wegner.

The board also:

• Approved the shared services agreement with South Central Service Cooperative.

• Had the first readings of USC Board Policies Nos. 5060, 5070, 5070.5 and 5140.