The USC Board honored the USC Athletic Boosters with their USC Proud Award at their meeting last Tuesday. Pictured left to right are board members Diana Brooks, Brad Heggen, Mike Schrader, Booster Club members Jen Ignaszewski and Brian Bullerman, board members Katie Hanson, Brittany Voigt, Chris Lutteke.

Among the items on the short agenda for the United South Central School Board meeting on Feb. 17 was a short update on the mid-year formative evaluation for superintendent Taylor Topinka.

Although this item could have been discussed in a closed meeting, Topinka had expressed his desire to keep things as open as possible unless absolutely necessary.

“Superintendent Topinka received an overall score of 4.64 out of a possible 5.0,” board chairman told the people at the Easton Community Center, the site of the Tuesday night board meeting. “I met with him earlier and we reviewed the results.”

“We all have room to grow – especially me – regardless of our role in the district,” Topinka said. “I also want to emphasize that I welcome your feedback at any time throughout the year.”

During his report to the board, Topinka noted that it is now past the halfway point in the school year.

“We are already looking ahead, not only to spring, but also to the 2026-2027 school year,” Topinka commented. “While our primary focus remains on making the most of the time we have left with our students this year, this is also the point in the calendar when we start thinking about summer plans and what’s next for our school in the 2026-2027 school year.”

Topinka shared that the Facilities Taskforce had held its third meeting on Feb. 16 and was looking forward to gathering additional feedback during the community informational meeting scheduled for Feb. 19.

“The State of Minnesota has designated Wednesday, Feb. 18, as School Bus Driver Appreciation Day,” Topinka stated. “This is a great opportunity to recognize our dedicated route, van, activity and substitute drivers here at USC. While keeping transportation in-house can present challenges, our transportation department continues to run smoothly thanks to Mary Smothers and the professionalism of our entire driving staff. We are grateful for their daily work and commitment to our students.”

Topinka told board members that the legislative session had begun earlier in the day.

“While there is not much for legislative news yet, I am sure more is to come and we will continue to monitor this,” he said.

Elementary principal Jennifer Taylor reported that fifth and sixth-grade students had earned a ski trip to Mount Kato.

“They went on an unseasonably warm day,” Taylor remarked. “Reports indicated that everyone had a great time, with many students trying skiing for the first time. A special thank you to our teachers and brave chaperones.”

Taylor said the elementary students have been celebrating I Love to Read Month throughout February with dress-up days, Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) opportunities and a bookmark contest.

“We will wrap up the month with our annual Green Eggs and Ham breakfast on Friday, Feb. 27, at 7 a.m.,” Taylor added. “At the same time, we will be hosting our Scholastic Book Fair. We hope people can join us for this fun and literacy-filled event.”

High school principal Jen Bye told board members that USC students celebrated FCCLA week last week and will be celebrating FFA week during the next week. 

“Both organizations celebrate their week with dress up days and fun activities,” Bye commented. “On Feb. 13, Mr. McCue and several seventh and eighth grade students attended the Math Masters competition in North Mankato.  Students enjoyed the lively competition while solving real world problems and competing for points.”

Bye also announced that the eighth-grade students are practicing this week for the eighth-grade play, Jack and the Beanstalk.

“Their first performance will be on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 1:00 p.m. for students in grades kindergarten through seven,” Bye said. “That evening, the students will perform at 6:30 p.m.”

The United South Central Athletic Boosters were honored with the USC Proud Recognition award for the month. Booster members Brian Bullerman and Jen Ignaszewski were on hand to accept the certificate.

The next regular USC School Board meeting will be held on March 17, at the USC Community Education room.

The board also:

• Approved the purchase of a 2025 Ford Transit-350 passenger van at a cost of $65,599.

• Designated a 2012 GMC Savana 10-passenger van as surplus equipment.

• Re-approved board policies 4010, 4020, 2025, 4030, 4040, 4050 and 4060.

• Approved transferring $15,000 from restricted operating capital to restricted for phone system replacement set-aside funds for the 2026 fiscal year.