February 5, 2026 Workshop Meeting
February 5, 2026 Workshop Meeting
1 hour 49 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 5, 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, Melinda Dols, Louise Hinz, Simi Patnaik, Katie Schwartz, and Sharon Van Leer. Ryan Clarke was absent. Student School Board Representatives Téa Alvarenga, Andrew Chasteen and Matilda Samuel were present. Superintendent Julie Nielsen was present.
2.0 Pledge of Allegiance
3.0 Approval of Agenda: It was moved by Sharon Van Leer seconded by Louise Hinz to approve the agenda. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
4.0 Student Board Representative Reports
Téa Alvarenga noted the past week has been student snow week at Park High School. There have been several fun events. She highlighted the Induction of 80 students into the National Honor Society ceremony tonight and she is going to the State DECA competition.
Andrew Chasteen reported on a new cell phone policy at East Ridge High School. He noted students cannot have phones out during class, in restrooms or locker rooms. Band has a winter concert next Tuesday. He also highlighted winter sports of Basketball, Hockey and Swimming.
Matilda Samuel noted the Woodbury High School One Act play went to the state competition today. She also reported several affinity groups have been meeting and handing out “know your rights” cards and have been holding a food drive.
5.0 Workshop Items:
5.1 American Indian Education Plan
Ms. Kelly Jansen, Assistant Superintendent
James Magee Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Stephanie Schroeder, Indigenous Education Coordinator shared information on American Indian Education Legislation and how it applies to education in SoWashCo as well as the program goals.
5.2 Achievement and Integration Plan
Ms. Kelly Jansen, Assistant Superintendent
James Magee Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion shared the three goals of the program, noting SoWashCo is on track to complete the goals in 2026. He then shared the 2026-2029 goals and plan.
Julie Nielsen, Superintendent
Carrie Olson, Director of Transportation, shared numbers of students they are transporting each day and staffing. She shared information on the Transportation Opt in process, hiring, recruitment, bus route cancellations and late bus routes. She shared potential upgrades and changes to their planning for the future to solve the late arrivals and departures.
6.0 Information Items:
6.1 Presale Report for 2026A Series
Ms. Kris Blackburn, Director of Business Services
Jodie Zesbaugh of Ehlers reviewed the presale report. The sale report will be at the February 19, 2026 meeting for approval.
6.2 First Reading of Proposed Policy Changes
Ms. Julie Nielsen, Superintendent
The policies will return for approval at the February 19, 2026 meeting. There was no request for public comment on the policies.
7.0 Reports and Comments: Superintendent Nielsen noted a meeting with local legislators to share district priorities for 2026, the Suburban Eastern Conference District Music Festival, I love to Read Month and kindergarten enrollment night. She reported on the incident at Cottage Grove Elementary School this week.
Melinda Dols wrote the following update on her 916 meeting:
“Valerie Dosland, lobbyist, gave a Legislative update and discussed the 2026 Intermediate priorities including:
• Enhancing school safety measures but increasing funding through the safe schools levy.
• Extend out-of-field permissions, a tool used to maintain adequate staffing levels.
• Expanding the educator workforce to included related service personnel in workforce grant programs.
• Extending the agriculture homestead market value credit to the Intermediates and other cooperative school districts.
Val Rae Boe, 916 Superintendent, gave an update on enrollment and staffing updates, and both are improving. She also gave an update on the Strategic Action Plan. The Cabinet has began drafting the 2026-27 goals for 916 based on the 2024-25 data and survey results.”
Louise Hinz wrote,
“AMSD: Position papers updates included student mental health (from the Minnesota Student Survey), teacher licensure (from the Supply and Demand Report), and the teacher mobility compact. Students from the Minnetonka Vantage Program/Public Policy Strand presented their project on education funding in Minnesota.
Early Childhood Committee: The meeting focus was finding sponsors/fundraising and daily event planning for Screen Free Week during the first week of May.”
Elizabeth Bockman Eckberg wrote,
“The District Data & Assessment Committee met in January to discuss the Cognitive Ability Data (CogAT) going out to second grade families and its unique age-based, non-achievement data the classroom teachers use to tailor instruction. Additionally, the committee provided feedback to draft Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness goals that align to the district strategic plan. The goals focus on school readiness, racial and economic achievement gaps, college and career readiness, and graduation rates. Ongoing feedback will be collected from learning leaders, instructional cabinet, and families on these draft goals in the upcoming few months before being finalized.”
8.0 Future Meeting Dates:
February 19, 2026 – School Board Business Meeting (DSC/6:00 p.m.)
March 5, 2026 - School Board Workshop Meeting (DSC/6:00 p.m.)
9.0 Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:49pm.