The GFW School Board met for their regular meeting on Monday, August 21, 2023. Watch the video on youtube and find updates below.
During the school and community recognition, Superintendent Horton honored the life of former board chair Mike Kuehn who recently passed away.
Michael “Mike” David Kuehn was born on January 31, 1960, in Gaylord, Minnesota. Mike was the oldest son of Arlan and Gloria (Stark) Kuehn. After graduating from Winthrop High School in 1978, he pursued higher education at Gustavus Adolphus College, earning his degree in 1982. Following the passing of his father, Mike took on the responsibility of managing the family farm in Bismarck Township. On June 14, 2003, he entered into a loving marriage with his wife Jill at Peace Lutheran Church in Winthrop, Minnesota. Their children recently helped them celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary by doing a scavenger hunt of places and video messages from people in their lives. At the time of his death, Mike was also employed as a laboratory technician at Minnesota Valley Testing Laboratories in New Ulm, Minnesota.
Mike was an integral part of the Winthrop community, and he dedicated his life to making a positive impact on those around him. He generously gave his time and energy by serving on numerous boards and committees in the area. Some of these included the GFW School Board, Heartland Corn Products board of directors, Peace Lutheran Church council, Bismarck Township town board, the Masonic Lodge, and Winthrop Farm City Fun Fest Committee.
“He was a direct man, a man of few words, and I don’t think I ever heard him complain about one thing ever,” said Dr. Horton. “He had a huge heart for others and he will be missed by the community.”
A moment of silence was held in honor of his life and service to the community.
Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Horton shared about many exciting things going on in the district as schools prepare to welcome students back. Schedules are out with middle and high school students who can revise schedules as needed in a very organized process. At the elementary level, there is a lot of excitement including with the new immersion two way dual immersion program which has generated a lot of interest. New teachers are arriving and beginning their work in the district this week.
New curriculum is launching this year with training taking place with staff on the new ELA curriculum and science curriculum beginning this year. Structured literacy training is continuing with LETRS which is considered the gold standard. Paraprofessionals will also be training on structured literacy to improve outcomes for students.
The student and family handbook has been sent and posted online.
Work is continuing to design and develop priorities on the new PreK-12 facility that was approved by voters in April 2023.
Student Representative Report
Student Representative Catherine Stoll shared that there is a lot of excitement to start the school year and that a variety of activities are starting with great participation. There is excitement for seasons to start.
Committee Reports
Board committees shared brief updates on work taking place on different initiatives in the district.
Consent Agenda
The board approved the consent agenda.
Action Items
The Board discussed plans for interviews for those who have applied to the open seats on the board who were not available for interviews at the planned meeting. The board will hold a special meeting to interview additional candidates for the appointment to the two open seats. The appointment will be finalized on Monday, August 28, 2023 after the special meeting is held.
The Board amended the board 2023 meeting schedule to adjust start times.
The Board approved a motion to call a special election for school board members on Election Day of November 7, 2023 to fill two open seats on the board.
The Board accepted donations.
Interviews
The Board offered an opportunity to interview candidates for appointment to the open board seats. All candidates opted to wait until the special meeting on Monday, August 28 to hold their interview.