August 8, 2024 Workshop Meeting
August 8, 2024 Workshop Meeting
54 minutes
Agenda and Minutes
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, August 8, 2024. 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: Melinda Dols, Pat Driscoll, Simi Patnaik, Katie Schwartz and Sharon Van Leer. Ryan Clarke and Eric Tessmer were absent. Superintendent Nielsen was present.
2.0 Pledge of Allegiance
3.0 Approval of Agenda It was moved by Sharon Van Leer, seconded by Simi Patnaik approve the agenda. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
4.0 Introduction of Director of Community Education: Superintendent Nielsen introduced Jake Winchell to the Board.
5.0 Workshop Items:
Katie Schwartz, School Board Chair
A discussion was held about their pay vs similar sized school districts in MN. This will return on August 22, 2024 to change their salary to 10,000 for all board members.
6.0 Information Items:
Tyrone Brookins, Assistant Superintendent
He shared the current status and processes.
Kris Blackburn, Director of Business Services
She shared current information surrounding enrollment and budgets.
6.3 First Reading of Proposed Policy Changes
Julie Nielsen, Superintendent
There was no request for public comment. These policies will return for approval on August 22, 2024.
7.0 Reports and Comments: Superintendent Nielsen noted August 1 was the welcome back meeting with system leaders. In the upcoming weeks there will be many meetings as we begin the school year, including school improvement planning teams, SoWashCo academy for new and probationary teachers and the All Staff event on August 27th. Staff and Board Members will also be participating in the Community parades over the next several weeks and we recently held a very successful hiring event at the District Service Center. The 2024-25 theme is “building our story”, highlighting the importance of literacy and the many construction projects.
Board Member Dols emailed the following:
-916 has a new Executive Director of Special Services. Dave Haveman will now supervise the work of all Setting IV special education programs and work with member district special education directors to support the needs of students.
-Co-location of Alternative Education with Century College is complete and Mahtomedi Academy is now located on the campus of Century College. This will bring greater opportunities for the ALC students.
-23/24 Strategic Actions Final Impact Report is in and 916 was able to accomplish 25 out of 26 of their Strategic Action goals. They are currently benchmarking their 24/25 Strategic Actions Plan which will be presented at the August 7th 916 board meeting.
8.0 Future Meeting Dates:
August 22, 2024 – School Board Business Meeting (DSC/6:00 p.m.)
September 12, 2024 - School Board Workshop Meeting (DSC/6:00 p.m.)
9.0 Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 6:54pm.