February 1, 2024 Workshop Meeting
February 1, 2024 Workshop Meeting
1 hour, 37 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, February 1, 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: Ryan Clarke, Melinda Dols, Pat Driscoll, Simi Patnaik, Katie Schwartz and Eric Tessmer. Sharon Van Leer was absent. Superintendent Julie Nielsen was present.
2.0 Pledge of Allegiance
3.0 Approval of Agenda: It was moved by Melinda Dols, seconded by Eric Tessmer. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
4.0 Workshop Items
4.1 American Indian Parent Advisory Annual Report
Kelly Jansen, Assistant Superintendent
Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, James Magee shared information on the committee, report and funding for American Indian Education. He shared the goals for this school year.
Julie Nielsen, Superintendent
Executive Cabinet shared background, the Learning, implementation and Standards work in each strategic priority.
5.0 Information Items
Dan Pyan, Executive Director of Finance and Operations
Mr. Pyan shared information on the three years of budget adjustments and forecast based on current enrollment.
5.2 Monthly Construction Update
Dan Pyan, Executive Director of Finance and Operations
Mr. Pyan shared the current process, updated and timelines of the 15 projects.
5.3 First Reading of Proposed Policy Changes
Julie Nielsen, Superintendent
Policies will return on February 22, 2024 for approval. There was no request for public comment.
6.0 Reports and Comments:
Superintendent Nielsen reported professional development for staff last Monday, the upcoming SEC Music Festival, One Act Play and her visit to the Alternative High School and visit to the Senior Center. She highlighted that February is School Board Appreciation month and thanked school board members for their commitment.
School Board members will share monthly reports via email that will be added at the end of the minutes.
7.0 Future Meeting Dates
February 22, 2024 – School Board Business Meeting (DSC/6:00 p.m.)
March 14, 2024 - School Board Workshop Meeting (DSC/6:00 p.m.)
8.0 Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:37pm.
Melinda Dols shared the following update via email:
916 Committee:
· The 916 Foundation gave $57,550 back to students and staff through student scholarships and recognitions, staff professional development and recognitions, programs grants and development, and specialized equipment. Board members from home districts are encouraged to join the 916 Foundation.
· The Board received a financial report for the 2022-23 school year, and there were no issues of noncompliance with laws and regulations.
· A safety update was presented on a group that has formed to standardize emergency procedures to ensure a shared lexicon and the ability to support each other in a time of need. The group consists of several school districts within Ramsey County, the Sheriff’s Office, Fire Department, Emergency Management, Public Works, National Guard and Metro Transit.