February 20, 2025 Business Meeting

 

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 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, Simi Patnaik, Katie Schwartz, Eric Tessmer 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 Comments to the Board: Betsy Talbot’s girls scouts shared information on walking safely to school. Ellen Vander Linden shared concerns about the district’s choir/music programs.

 

5.0 Student District Ambassadors: Saga Ibrahim and Jannat Haji-Munye shared highlights from the student district ambassadors’ group and from their schools.

 

6.0 Consent Items: It was moved by Melinda Dols, seconded by Simi Patnaik to approve the consent agenda items. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.

6.1 Retirements, Resignations and Terminations 
6.2 Leaves of Absence 
6.3 New Employees/Change of Status
6.4 Electronic Fund Transfers
6.5 Resolution to Accept Gifts
6.6 January 16, 2025 School Board Business Meeting Minutes
6.7 February 6, 2025 School Board Business Meeting Minutes
6.8 January 2025 Cash Disbursements
6.9 Extended Field Trips
6.10 Student Teaching Agreement with Grand Canyon University
6.11 Proposal and Contract Award with IFD Foodservice Distributor
 

7.0 Information Items:

7.1 Indigenous Education Annual Update
       Kelly Jansen, Assistant Superintendent
PPT

Stephanie Schroeder, Indigenous Education Community Coordinator and James Magee, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion shared their requirements and focus areas.

 

8.0 Action Items:

8.1 Resolution to Appoint School Board Member
        Katie Schwartz, School Board Chair

It was moved by Sharon Van Leer, seconded by Simi Patnaik to approve the resolution appointing Louise Hinz to fulfill Pat Driscoll’s remaining term. A roll call vote was taken. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.

 

8.2 Proposed Policy Changes
        Julie Nielsen, Superintendent

410     413     414     415     506     

514     525.1    616    623    806   

It was moved by Sharon Van Leer, seconded by Simi Patnaik to approve the policies. Katie Schwartz, Simi Patnaik, Sharon Van Leer and Melinda Dols voted in favor of the changes. Eric Tessmer and Ryan Clarke voted against. Motion passes.

 

9.0 Superintendent Report: Ms. Nielsen shared information on the SEC Music Festival, I love to read month, recent AVID showcase at WMS and information on cold closure days.

 

10.0 Future Meeting Dates:

March 6, 2025 - School Board Workshop Meeting (DSC/6:00p.m.)

March 27, 2025 - School Board Business Meeting (DSC/6:00p.m.)

 

11.0 Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 6:56pm.