August 6, 2026 Workshop Meeting
August 6, 2026 Workshop Meeting
25 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 6, 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 Simi Patnaik to approve the agenda. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
4.0 Workshop Items:
Ms. Kris Blackburn, Director of Business Services
Ms. Blackburn reviewed enrollment updates, financial considerations, budget update and next steps.
5.0 Information Items:
5.1 First Reading of Proposed Policy Changes
Ms. Julie Nielsen, Superintendent
Ms. Nielsen shared the proposed changed. These policies will return for approval at the August 20, 2026 meeting. There was no request from the public to comment.
6.0 Reports and Comments:
Superintendent Nielsen reported on the System Leader meeting, school improvement planning retreats, safety meetings, new staff orientation, construction and construction tours with elected officials and upcoming parades.
Melinda Dols wrote:
916 Board Update:
-916 served 722 students over the summer in their programs and summer school.
-74 students will move from the special education waitlist to a 916 school/program by 9/1/26. There are currently only 40 referrals district-wide on the waitlist, compared to 136 at this time last year.
-916 has achieved fill rates of 93% for special education teachers and 71% for EAS positions heading into this school year.
-916 will offer Dialectical Behavior Training (DBT) to school-based mental health staff and special education case managers to all member districts in September that will be paid for through the AWARE Grant.
7.0 Future Meeting Dates:
August 20, 2026 - School Board Business Meeting (DSC/6:00p.m.)
September 10, 2026 - School Board Workshop Meeting (DSC/6:00p.m.)
8.0 Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 6:25pm.