Southeast Area Cooperative
Advisory Board Meeting
October 17, 2023
A meeting of the Advisory Board of Southeast Area Cooperative was held on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at the office of Southeast Area Cooperative, Beresford, South Dakota. Members present were: Dustin Degen, Beresford School District; Russ Townsend, Canton School District; Dave Hutchison, Irene-Wakonda School District; and Brett Mellem, Viborg-Hurley School District. Also present were Tricia West, Director and Ann Boden, Business Manager Southeast Area Cooperative.
Dustin Degen called the meeting to order at 11:07 a.m.
A motion was made by Russ Townsend and seconded by Brett Mellem to approve the agenda. All present voted yes. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Brett Mellem and seconded by Russ Townsend to approve the minutes of the
September 19, 2023 meeting. All present voted yes. Motion carried.
The financial report as prepared by the Business Manager for September 2023 was presented: General Fund Beginning Balance: $1,037,141; Receipts: $54,396; Disbursements: $198,859 for an ending balance
of $892,678. A motion was made by Dave Hutchison and seconded by Russ Townsend to approve the
financial report as presented. All present voted yes. Motion carried.
A listing of bills was presented. A motion was made by Russ Townsend and seconded by Brett Mellem to
approve the payment of October 2023 bills. All present voted yes. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Russ Townsend and seconded by Brett Mellem to enter executive session at 11:13 a.m. per SDCL 1-25-2(1) for discussing the qualifications, competence, performance, character or fitness of any public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee. All present voted yes. Motion carried. Vice President Dustin Degen declared the Board out of executive session at 11:28 a.m.
A motion was made by Brett Mellem and seconded by Russ Townsend to approve the resignation of Jordan Flinn, Early Childhood Teacher imposing liquidated damages of $5,000 per employment contract.
Motion carried 3-1.
The Leadership Team report included:
Cooperative membership
Update from CASE meeting
State and local training
New Special Education guide from DOE.
A motion was made by Russ Townsend and seconded by Brett Mellem to adjourn the meeting. All present voted yes. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 11:45 a.m.
Tim Rhead, President
Ann Boden, Business Manager