Use of data, technology, addressed at meeting

During the March 19 regular business meeting of the Waseca school board, Intermediate School (WIS) Principal John Huttemier took a break from conferences to give a building report. Huttemier shared about the successful sixth-grade Math Masters competition, the annual Nacho Average Student Day, and the tech-free morning meetings and morning walk-and-talks. “We actually have the opportunity just to talk to each other. It gives our teachers a chance to see which kids are ready to go for the day,” Huttemier said. “It’s exciting to share what the kids are doing. It’s needed to create the kids we want in this community,” Huttemier, who has been the principal at WIS for 15 years, next talked about the WIS vision card and how staff members are focusing on being data-driven in the content areas of reading and math. He explained results from the annual Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) and other assessments are used to analyze whether changes need to be made in the scope and sequence of classroom teaching. Huttemier also spoke about the importance of teaching kids to manage friendships and respect in the age of technology. “What’s changed is how relationships exist now,” he said. “I think as a whole, our kids are better equipped to work with other human beings than they were back in 2010.”

 

Superintendent Eric Hudspith mentioned that partners from the Minnesota School Board Association would be available to assist with the board’s self-evaluation on a few dates in May and June; he offered to email available dates out board members. Hudspith also said the board would be invited to tour all of the district buildings in late April or May to talk about the long-term facility maintenance projects planned for each.

 

Business manager Andrew Adams presented the revised 2025-2026 budget for board approval with little to no change. Other action items included approval of a contract with Director of Technology Brian Hering. Head wrestling coach Jake Janike and state tournament wrestlers Matt Veroeven and Slade Barnett also spoke about their experiences.