K-M School Board rejects resolution solidifying status as non-employees

The Kasson-Mantorville School Board rejected a resolution specifying that board members aren’t considered employees of the district during its November meeting.
“In speaking with our legal counsel most school districts do this and it’s just a way to make separation between board members and the employment of the district,” Superintendent Ted Ihns said.
The proposed resolution stated:
“BE IT RESOLVED by the School Board of Independent School District No. 204, Kasson-Mantorville Schools (“School District”), as follows:
At all times the School District has considered school board members to be elected
Officials; The School District does not consider school board members to be employees of the School District.”
School Board member Mark Torkelson said he was concerned with passing the resolution without first discussing it at the policy committee.
“It seems like we’re kind of running this through without going to the policy committee and we do have time before the end of the year, if we want to do it before the end of the year,” he said.
School Board Chair Kent Harfmann said it’s his understanding that they “already behave this way,” in practice, and that it would just solidify it through a policy.
Torkelson said he isn’t opposed to the proposal, but would rather go through the normal process.
“I support it… I would just rather as far as… transparency and stuff that we do just stick with the normal channels,” Torkelson said.
The policy was expected to go back to the policy committee for review.