December 11, 2025 Business Meeting
December 11, 2025 Business Meeting
1 hour 50 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, November 20, 2025. 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: Ryan Clarke, Melinda Dols, Louise Hinz, Simi Patnaik, Katie Schwartz, and Eric Tessmer (arrived at 6:06pm). Sharon Van Leer was absent. Superintendent Julie Nielsen was present.
2.0 Pledge of Allegiance
3.0 Approval of Agenda: It was moved by Simi Patnaik, seconded by Melinda Dols to approve the amended agenda, adding 8.3 Tentative Agreement with United Teachers of South Washington County Schools and 8.4 Tentative Agreement with South Washington County Schools Bus Drivers and Bus Assistants Association. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
4.0 Student Highlight: Sophia Soo, East Ridge High School received a perfect score on her AP Art Portfolio. She shared insight into her artwork and process.
5.0 Comments to the Board: Jennifer Johanson and Stephanie Olson addressed the Office Professional contract.
6.0 Consent Items: It was moved by Simi Patnaik, seconded by Eric Tessmer, to approve the consent agenda. 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 November 20, 2024 School Board Business Meeting Minutes
6.9 Student Teacher Placement Agreement with the University of Wisconsin-Superior
7.0 Information Items:
7.1 Comprehensive Achievement & Civic Readiness (CACR) Annual Report
Ms. Kelly Jansen, Assistant Superintendent
Ms. Kelly Jansen, Assistant Superintendent introduced Ms. Jolaine Mast, Director of Elementary Teaching and Learning, Mr. Mark McIlmoyle, Director of Secondary Teaching and Learning, Dr. Mao Thao Jacobson, Director of Program Evaluation, Research and Assessment and Early Childhood Screening Coordinator, Ann Mockenhaupt. They shared the goals; action being taken and next steps.
8.0 Action Items:
8.1 High School Course Catalog
Ms. Kristine Schaefer, Assistant Superintendent
This item is only an information item, but was listed under Action. There was no action taken. Information was shared on graduation requirements, legislative requirements and updates, the 2026-27 Catalog, the timeline and process to submit and approve new courses, the final list of courses approved for the 2026-2027 school year and preview of the 2027-28 course guide.
8.2 Final Levy for Taxes Payable in 2026
Ms. Kris Blackburn, Director of Business Services
Ms. Blackburn shared the background on school district funding, the budget and proposed tax levy for 2026. There was no request for public comment. It was moved by Simi Patnaik, seconded by Ryan Clarke to approve the final levy. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
8.3 Tentative Agreement with United Teachers of South Washington County
Ms. Abby Baker, Executive Director of Human Resources and Operations
Ms. Abby Baker, Executive Director of Human Resources and Operations
It was moved by Louise Hinz, seconded by Ryan Clarke to approve the agreement. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
9.0 Superintendent Report: Ms. Nielsen highlighted the 5th grade music concert at Woodbury High School today. Additionally, she noted we held middle school information nights and are holding elementary information evenings. She talked about the Hmong New celebration at Woodbury High School on Friday, enrollment and winter break. She ended by thanking Eric Tessmer for his time served on the board and thanked him for his service.
10.0 Future Meeting Dates:
January 8, 2026 - School Board Business & Workshop Meetings (DSC/6:00p.m.)
January 22, 2026 - School Board Business Meeting (DSC/6:00p.m.)
11.0 Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:50pm