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 20, 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, Katie Schwartz and Sharon Van Leer. Simi Patnaik was absent. Superintendent Julie Nielsen was present.

 

2.0 Pledge of Allegiance

 

3.0 Approval of Agenda: It was moved by Sharon Van Leer, seconded by Ryan Clarke to approve the agenda. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.

 

4.0 Comments to the Board: None.

 

5.0 Consent Items: It was moved by Sharon Van Leer, seconded by Melinda Dols to approve the consent agenda. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.

5.1 Retirements, Resignations and Terminations

5.2 Leaves of Absence

5.3 New Employees/Change of Status

5.4 Electronic Fund Transfers

5.5 Resolution to Accept Gifts

5.6 July 16, 2026 School Board Business Meeting Minutes

5.7 August 6, 2026 School Board Workshop Meeting Minutes

5.8 Cash Disbursements

5.9 Custodial Account and Investment Advisor

5.10 Red Rock Elementary Bids

5.11 Student Handbook

5.12 Student Teacher Placement Agreement

 

6.0 Information Items: None.

 

7.0 Action Items:

7.1 Proposed Policy Changes

Ms. Julie Nielsen, Superintendent

515  516   516.5   519   520   530  625 

It was moved by Ryan Clarke, seconded by Sharon Van Leer to approve the policy changes except for Policy 520. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.

 

8.0 Superintendent Report: Ms. Nielsen shared information on construction tours completed with elected officials. She noted leaders have been busy in training sessions as we head into the new school year. Monday, August 24^th we will welcome new staff and probationary staff. She noted road construction and bus routes, parades and the new school year kickoff event with all staff at East Ridge High School on September 2nd.

 

9.0 Future Meeting Dates:

September 10, 2026 - School Board Workshop Meeting (DSC/6:00p.m.)

September 24, 2026 - School Board Business Meeting (DSC/6:00p.m.)

 

10.0 Closed session pursuant to Minn. Stat. Sec. 13D.05, subd. 3(c), the School Board will consider an offer for the sale of a real property interest to the District. At 6:08pm, it was moved by Sharon Van Leer , seconded by Elizabeth Bockman Eckberg to move to closed session. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried. At 6:45pm, the board returned from closed session. It was moved by Ryan Clarke, seconded by Sharon Van Leer to return to the open meeting. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.

 

11.0 Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 6:46pm.