United South Central School Board members were honored for their service at last week’s board meeting. Katie Hanson is all smiles while receiving her certificate from Topinka.

It’s official, almost. United South Central will be joining Blue Earth Area to form a cooperative gymnastics team beginning this upcoming season. The USC School Board unanimously approved the proposed agreement at their meeting on Tuesday, Sept.16 after the BEA School Board had given the thumbs-up to the proposed arrangement the previous week.

The agreement now has to be approved by the Minnesota State High School League.

“This started one year ago when I had three USC girls approach me who were all members of a club gymnastics program,” USC activities director Joe Kuechenmeister commented. “I am in favor of this. It is a great opportunity for our kids.”

Some of the transportation details still have to be worked out. Kuechenmeister shared there could be as many as five USC girls who would be participating in the sport.

In another matter somewhat related to the school’s athletic programs, the board approved a lease proposal with Tiny Mobile Robots for a robotic painting device.

“The idea of a robotic field painter has been on our radar for several months,” superintendent Taylor Topinka said. “We have test run multiple units and our Operations Committee has discussed this possibility and the impacts this device could have.”

The cost of the machine, however, was a concern.

“My quandary on the potential of this purchase is that the full purchase price tag, around $25,000 or $26,000, is a large amount for a job that we already have the equipment and man-power (in theory) to do ourselves,” Topinka commented. “Conversely I can see that there would be a savings of time, paint, and frustration in having a robot like this.

“All things considered, our job is to be good financial stewards of public money, and hopefully the solution here is a good middle ground toward this.”

Topinka went on to explain that the Education Foundation had donated $2,000 and the Booster Club had given $5,000 towards the robot.

“So we have decided to lease the robot for a year. We will be able to visualize the impact that this has for us as a district and open opportunities for us to explore what this would potentially look like as part of next year’s budget cycle,” Topinka shared. “It we decide to purchase the unit, the money we pay on the lease is credited toward the purchase. If we decide not to move forward, we would not be out a great deal of school funds.”

During his report to the board, Topinka noted that the Workforce Committee has been meeting with the school’s Education Association representative as part of the collective bargaining process.

“It is such a service to our district that we have great individuals and cordial perspectives on both sides of the table during these conversations,” Topinka said. “It is important to remember that this process is a huge part of creating the foundation that prepares our students for success at USC.”

Topinka also reported that he and School Resource Officer D.J. Bullerman had attended a meeting with representatives of the Faribault County Sheriff’s Office, BEA Schools and Genesis Classical Academy with the intent of aligning the emergency procedures at each school.

“This would enable a seamless response by the various law enforcement agencies that operate in our county,” Topinka commented. “Both USC and BEA utilize ALICE-type security procedures and are already very close to alignment in procedures.”

Topinka told the board his three goals for this school year are basically the same as last year – to improve community/district involvement, to work on financial issues including efforts to reduce discretionary spending and to continue to grow in communicating with residents of the district.

High school principal Jen Bye was at the meeting and shared her report.

“USC staff and students experienced our first early out staff development day on Sept. 10,” Bye said. “The Wednesday schedule incorporates a block of dedicated reading time, which supports our Read Act goals. We also have incorporated social emotional lessons into our Wednesday schedule to support our students in learning positive ways to regulate emotions, build relationships and problem solve challenging situations they encounter. The Wednesday schedule is built to ensure our students are receiving support in data-defined need areas.”

She also noted a system has been developed at the high school to provide supervision for athletes who are waiting to practice on Wednesday afternoon.

“Applications for a student School Board representative will be open tomorrow for USC junior class members,” Bye remarked. “The representative will join Alyssa Winkle, our senior School Board representative, at our School Board meetings as a resource to the board and voice for students.  We will look to complete the interview process before the October School Board meeting.”

The next report came from elementary principal Jennifer Taylor.

“It is hard to believe we are in our third week of school,” Taylor said. “The elementary open house on the first day of school went well and parents were able to connect with teachers. On the second day of school, the USC football team visited the elementary to form a tunnel for students as they entered the building – a cherished yearly tradition. I appreciate the high school students taking the time to welcome and encourage our younger learners, creating meaningful moments of connection and inspiration.”

Taylor said students will be extending their learning beyond the classroom over the nest few weeks through field trips to Big Island Rendezvous, History Fest, Farming of Yesteryear, local pumpkin patches, and a nearby farm, connecting academic learning with real-world experiences.

Student representative Winkle updated the board on the fall sports programs and noted the student government is busy preparing for Homecoming week.

“It will take place Sept. 29 – Oct. 3. If that isn’t exciting enough, this year there will be a Homecoming dance on Oct. 4th,” Winkle said. “So heading into the rest of September and October, there will be plenty of fun activities to attend and show your Rebels support.”

The next regular School Board meeting will be Oct. 21, at 5:30 p.m., at the Freeborn City Hall located at 402 Park Street in Freeborn.

The board also:

• Approved the preliminary 2025 payable 2026 levy at the maximum amount.

• Set the Truth in Taxation meeting for Dec. 16, at 6 p.m.

• Approved Madison National as the provider of Paid Family Medical Leave and Short Term Disability for district employees effective Jan. 1, 2026.

• Voted to re-approve USC board policies 2100, 2110 and 2120.