February 19, 2026 Business Meeting
February 19, 2026 Business Meeting
35 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 19, 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 Melinda Dols to approve the agenda. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
4.0 Comments to the Board: One speaker addressed the board about reading specialists and another regarding the Achievement and Integration Plan.
5.0 Consent Items: It was moved by Sharon Van Leer, seconded by Louise Hinz, to approve the consent agenda. Schwartz, Van Leer, Clarke, Hinz and Bockman Eckberg in favor, Dols abstained, none opposed, motion carried.
5.1 Retirements, Resignations and Terminations
5.3 New Employees/Change of Status
5.5 Resolution to Accept Gifts
5.6 January 22, 2026 School Board Business Meeting Minutes
5.7 February 5, 2026 School Board Workshop Meeting Minutes
5.8 January Cash Disbursements
5.9 Grey Cloud Elementary School Bids
5.12 East Ridge High School Bid Pack #2
5.13 Pine Hill Elementary Bids
6.0 Information Items: None
7.0 Action Items:
7.1 Achievement & Integration Plan
Ms. Kelly Jansen, Assistant Superintendent
It was moved by Sharon Van Leer, seconded by Louise Hinz to approve the plan. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
Ms. Julie Nielsen, Superintendent
It was moved by Louise Hinz, seconded by Melinda Dols to approve the changes. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
Ms. Kris Blackburn, Director of Business Services
It was moved by Sharon Van Leer, seconded by Louise Hinz to approve the sale. A roll call vote was taken. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
Ms. Katie Schwartz, School Board Chair
It was moved by Louise Hinz, seconded by Sharon Van Leer to approve the contract. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
8.0 Superintendent Report: Ms. Nielsen highlighted the black history month social at East Ridge High School last Monday and the Park High School Job Fair. On Wednesday it was Bus Drivers and Transportation recognition day.
9.0 Future Meeting Dates:
March 5, 2026 - School Board Workshop Meeting (DSC/6:00p.m.)
March 26, 2026 - School Board Business Meeting (DSC/6:00p.m.)
10.0 Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 6:35pm.