April 20, 2023 Business Meeting
April 20, 2023 Business Meeting
2 hours 12 minutes
Agenda and Minutes
The purpose of this meeting is to consider the following:
1.0 Call to Order: Roll Call: Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a meeting of the School Board of Independent School District 833, South Washington County, was held on Thursday, April 20, 2023. The meeting was called to order by Chair Sharon Van Leer, at 6:01pm at the District Service Center, 7362 East Point Douglas Road South, Cottage Grove, MN 55016. School Board Members present: Melinda Dols, Pat Driscoll, Louise Hinz, Simi Patnaik, Katie Schwartz, Eric Tessmer and Sharon Van Leer. Superintendent Julie Nielsen was present.
2.0 Pledge of Allegiance
3.0 Approval of Agenda: It was moved by Louise Hinz, seconded by Eric Tessmer to approve the agenda. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
4.0 Student District Ambassador Report: Superintendent Nielsen introduced Shekinah Ola-Kazeem and Miriam Abdalla. They shared updates on the student ambassador meetings and what they do at their schools.
5.0 District Highlight: Dan Pyan, Executive Director of Finance and Operations and Kyle Uecker, Director of Facilities, highlighted the work of Michelle Smith, Facilities Supervisor, and all her efforts to reduce workplace injuries.
6.0 Comments to the Board: Two people addressed the board:
- Jaime Kokaisel regarding literacy and academic achievement.
- Linda Stanton regarding the dangers of marijuana use.
7.0 Consent Items: It was moved by Melinda Dols, seconded by Pat Driscoll to approve the consent agenda. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
7.1 Approval of Retirements, Resignations and Terminations
7.2 Approval of Leaves of Absence
7.3 Approval of New Employees/Change of Status
7.4 Approval of Electronic Fund Transfers
7.5 Approval of Resolution to Accept Gifts
7.6 Approval of March 23, 2023 School Board Meeting Minutes
7.7 Approval of April 6, 2023 School Board Meeting Minutes
7.8 Approval of District Wide Pavement Bids
7.9 Approval of Radon Testing Results
7.10 Approval of Student Teaching Agreement with University Northwestern-St. Paul
7.11 Approval of Student Teaching Agreement with University of Minnesota-Duluth
7.12 Approval of Student Teaching Agreement with Valley City State University
7.13 Approval of Extended Field Trips
8.0 Information Items
Dan Pyan, Executive Director of Finance and Operations
He provided an update on the current state of the school district budget.
8.2 Long Range Facility Planning
Kristine Schaefer, Assistant Superintendent
Dan Pyan, Executive Director of Finance and Operations
Dan Hines, Assistant Director of Facilities
They reviewed the work they’ve done so far, the demographic study and community survey, then asked board members to prioritize items in the Long-Range Facility Plan.
9.0 Action Items
Julie Nielsen, Superintendent
It was moved by Pat Driscoll, seconded by Louise Hinz. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
9.2 Release of Probationary Teachers
Abby Baker, Director of Human Resources
It was moved by Melinda Dols, seconded by Eric Tessmer to approve the resolution. A roll call vote was taken. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
9.3 Transportation Guiding Change
Dan Pyan, Executive Director of Finance and Operations
It was moved by Simi Patnaik, seconded by Louie Hinz to approve the document. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
10.0 Superintendent Report:
Superintendent Nielsen reported on National After School Professional Day, ACT Testing issues, ACT Testing re-scheduled for April 27th and the next Community meeting about the Long Range Facility Plan.
11.0 Future Meeting Dates
Strategic Planning, April 27, 2023 (DSC/5:00p.m.)
May 4, 2023 - School Board Workshop Meeting (DSC/6:00p.m.)
May 18, 2023 - School Board Business Meeting (DSC/6:00p.m.)
12.0 Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 8:13pm.