John and Cindy Herman, middle of photo, were honored by the USC School Board for their work in hosting foreign exchange students. Pictured, left to right, are board members Chris Lutteke, Brad Heggen, Mike Schrader, Cindy and John, student rep. Alyssa Winkle, Diana Brooks and Brittany Voight.

John and Cindy Herman were honored at the United South Central School Board meeting on May 20 for their tremendous work and effort in hosting foreign exchange students at USC.

“Students from other backgrounds and experiences add so much to the school experience for our students, and the perspective they bring to our school and community has such an impact on expanding the horizons here,” USC School superintendent Taylor Topinka said while presenting the award to the Hermans. “Such opportunities are only possible because of people like John and Cindy, and we are proud and grateful of all they do for USC.”

The Hermans hosted their 13th and 14th foreign exchange students this past school year.

“They have also been a good influence on our family,” Cindy Herman commented. “And we will have two more next year.”

During his report to the board, Topinka touched on the happenings at the Minnesota State Legislature.

“Presently, we will maintain our funding for the next two years,” Topinka shared. “After that, the news does not appear to be as positive.”

The superintendent also noted that USC is in good shape when it comes to staffing with all teacher positions filled.

Board members heard a number of other reports during the meeting.

“Like everybody else, the Community Education program is wrapping up the school year,” Community Education director Laura Foley said. “We have been busy in the past few months. We had a successful elementary volleyball program with good participation and we were able to partner with the Red Cross to offer babysitting classes.”

Foley noted that painting classes and soccer classes will be offered this summer.

“We have 150 kids signed up for soccer,” she said. “We will also be doing our Driver’s Ed classes in two rounds this year – one class in June and the other in the July/August time frame.”

USC elementary principal Jennifer Taylor shared the news that the Minnesota Comprehensive Testing is complete for the school year.

“All testing materials were mailed back the first week of May,” Taylor reported. “That is always an event to celebrate.”

Taylor continued by listing a number of fun events which are planned for the end of the year.

“We will have our quarterly Rebel Pride Celebration on the last day of school,” Taylor noted. “We have a band concert this evening, choir concerts next week, and the beloved Animal Fair on Tuesday and Wednesday morning. We are also wrapping up the elementary field trips.”

USC High School principal Jen Bye was the next person to share their report.

“The USC Honors Program was held on May 13 with over $40,000 in scholarships awarded,” Bye commented. “We also gave out medals for the Presidential Awards for Academic Achievement and certificates for success on the WorkKey assessment. Congratulations to all our seniors on their accomplishments.”

Bye also shared that the USC seniors had gone to the State Capital for their senior field trip.

“A big thank you goes to Mr. Neel for organizing this learning opportunity for our students,” Bye said. “The seniors’ last day of high school will be Friday, May 23.  Seniors will have semester final exams that day in the media center.  Grades 10-12 will have their semester final exams on May 29 and 30. USC class of 2025 will have their graduation ceremony on May 30 at 7 p.m. in the USC gym. Best wishes to these young people as they prepare for their bright future beyond high school. The USC Athletic Banquet, sponsored by the Wells Lions, will be held on May 28 at 6:30 p.m.”

Board chairman Mike Schrader shared a report from the Operations committee regarding the flow of traffic in the main parking lot east of the school.

“Since the parking lot is going to be worked on and restriped this summer, we have the opportunity to make some changes,” Schrader said. “After much discussion, it was decided it will actually be safer to route the traffic in the opposite direction that it currently flows in.”

Later in the meeting, the board approved the recommended parking lot changes.

Following a report from board member Diana Brooks of the Community Relations committee, the board voted to authorize seeking a referendum on a proposed school expansion with the exact proposal still to be decided.

Before adjourning, the USC FFA Parliamentary Pro Team gave a demonstration of a mock meeting which included the proper way to make motions, amendments and conduct other aspects of a meeting which is run according to Robert’s Rules of Order.

The board also:

• Approved the South Central Service Cooperative shared services agreement for the Workforce coordinator position for the 2025-2026 school year.

• Voted to approve continuing a contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield as the district employee group health insurance provider. The renewal will be at a five percent increase in premiums. However, the increase will be reduced to 2.1 percent if/when the district explores adding a tele-care or home health care plan to its coverage.

• Approved the combined purchase of a Rocket Touch Screen recognition display board with the USC Athletic Booster Club, the USC Fine Arts Booster Club and the FariCares Coalition. The district’s share of the purchase will be $2,000.