April 23, 2026 Business Meeting
April 23, 2026 Business Meeting
1 hour 4 minutes
Agenda
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, March 26, 2026. The meeting was called to order by Chair Katie Schwartz, at 6:00pm at the District Service Center, 7362 East Point Douglas Road South, Cottage Grove, MN 55016. School Board Members present: Elizabeth Bockman Eckberg, Ryan Clarke, Melinda Dols, Louise Hinz, Simi Patnaik, Katie Schwartz, and Sharon Van Leer. Superintendent Julie Nielsen was present.
2.0 Pledge of Allegiance
3.0 Approval of Agenda: It was moved by Sharon Van Leer, seconded by Melinda Dols to approve the agenda. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
4.0 District Highlights:
- National Merit Scholarships & Presidential Scholars and Perfect ACT Scores
- National Association of School Psychologists Award
- Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) Award
5.0 Comments to the Board: None.
6.0 Consent Items: It was moved by Sharon Van Leer, seconded by Louise Hinz. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
6.1 Retirements, Resignations and Terminations
6.3 New Employees/Change of Status
6.5 Resolution to Accept Gifts
6.6 March 26, 2026 School Board Business Meeting Minutes
6.7 April 9, 2026 School Board Workshop Meeting Minutes
6.12 Adjustment to 2026-27 School Calendar
6.13 Bids on Red Rock Elementary Renovations
6.14 Adjustment to 2025-26 School Calendar for Next Step and Pathways Program
7.0 Information Items:
7.1 Planning for the Next Five Years
Ms. Julie Nielsen, Superintendent
Ms. Julie Nielsen, Superintendent, Ms. Kelly Jansen, Assistant Superintendent and Ms. Kris Blackburn, Director of Business Services shared the district’s current financial state and projections. They noted the need for $13M in adjustments as state funding has not kept up with inflation and enrollment declines. They highlighted construction projects are funded by bond money that cannot be used for operating costs to resolve the deficit spending, noting 78% of the budget is for salaries and benefits.
8.0 Action Items:
Ms. Julie Nielsen, Superintendent
509 510.1 510.2 510.3 510.4 512
It was moved by Sharon Van Leer, seconded by Louise Hinz to approve the changes. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
Dr. Meghan Hickey, Executive Director of Student Support Services
It was moved by Melinda Dols, seconded by Ryan Clarke to approve the SoWashCo Headwaters Life Skills Program name. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
9.0 Superintendent Report: Ms. Nielsen reported on the celebration events at this time of year and the Cottage Grove Expo on Saturday.
10.0 Future Meeting Dates:
May 7, 2026 - School Board Workshop Meeting (DSC/6:00p.m.)
May 21, 2026 - School Board Business Meeting (DSC/6:00p.m.)
11.0 Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:04pm.