The Hastings ISD 200 School Board welcomed two new student representatives and recognized
an award-winning coach during its Sept. 23 meeting.
Leighton Morgan and Samantha Seaman were invited to the board table and officially sworn in as student representatives.
The board also recognized Hastings track coach and teacher Austin Eliason with a Raider Spotlight. Eliason was recently named the Class AAA State Assistant Track Coach of the Year.
He’s in his eighth year with the district and seventh year coaching track. Track Coach Jason Cook credited Eliason with helping drive the program’s recent success, while also highlighting his work as a middle school teacher and his involvement in the community.
“He’s made an unbelievable difference in our program. He is a big reason for that. So, a well-deserving individual just puts a lot of heart and soul into just the track program and then this community as a whole.”
Eliason shared the recognition with his athletes and fellow coaches. The season included state records and state titles, with both the boys’ and girls’ teams finishing third at the state meet.
Eliason says that success reflects the passion for track in the Hastings community.
“We have a huge passion for track and field, and in this community, I think we have kind of showed that through our success on the track.”
He also credited the athletes for the work they put in, particularly during the offseason.
“That’s due to the athletes that put the work in, especially in the offseason. Kudos to them as well.”
Board members also praised the coaching staff for emphasizing character and relationships along with athletic achievement.
Eliason says athletic director Trent Hansen has stressed that while winning is a goal, the larger purpose is helping students become strong people and community members.
“Our goal is to win, but our purpose is to help these kids turn into, you know, awesome human beings, community members, things like that.”
The board also made several business decisions during its Sept. 23 meeting.
Members unanimously approved moving forward with a districtwide School Perceptions community survey. The survey would go to every household, with online and paper response options.
Board members said they want the survey to provide clearer information about residents’ experiences with the district. They also discussed improving questions for staff, parents, and students, including giving respondents who disagree with a statement an opportunity to explain why.
Superintendent Dr. Wehrkamp Herman said open-ended comments should focus on district processes rather than individual employees or positions.
The board will discuss the specific survey questions during its Oct. 7 work session. District officials also hope to increase parent participation. About 14% of parents responded to the most recent survey.
The board also unanimously approved investing up to $5 million in district reserve funds through certificates of deposit with the Minnesota School District Liquid Asset Fund, or MISLAF.
Director of Finance and Operations Jenn Suebert said the investments would mature over periods of up to two years, generally staggered at six-month intervals.
She said the strategy is designed to protect district funds, maintain access to money, and earn a competitive return. The proposed two-year CD rate was 4.25% as of Aug. 31, though future rates will depend on market conditions.
The board also approved an eighth-grade field trip to Eagle Bluff and a Hastings High School band trip to the Jazz Festival in Appleton, Wisconsin.
Members formally accepted community donations as well, thanking local residents and organizations for their continued support.
The next ISD 200 board work session is Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. at the Hastings Middle School media center. The next regular board meeting is Oct. 21 at 6 p.m.