February 2, 2023 Workshop Meeting
February 2, 2023 Workshop Meeting
2 hours, 38 minutes
Agenda and Minutes
The purpose of this meeting is to consider the following:
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 2, 2023. The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Simi Patnaik, at 6:01pm at the District Service Center, 7362 East Point Douglas Road South, Cottage Grove, MN 55016. School Board Members present: Melinda Dols, Pat Driscoll, Simi Patnaik and Katie Schwartz. Louise Hinz, Eric Tessmer and Sharon Van Leer were absent. Superintendent Julie Nielsen was present.
2.0 Pledge of Allegiance
3.0 Approval of Agenda: It was moved by Melinda Dols, seconded by Katie Schwartz to approve the agenda All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
4.0 Workshop Items
4.1 Achievement and Integration Plan
Kelly Jansen, Assistant Superintendent
James Magee, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Mr. Magee shared the three year plan and goals. The plan will return on February 16, 2023 for approval.
5.0 Information Items
Julie Nielsen, Superintendent
Peter Leatherman from The Morris Leatherman Company shared a summary of the survey results.
Dan Pyan, Executive Director of Finance and Operations
He shared the current reality of staffing transportation routes. He shared some of the options they are looking at to reduce routes and staff drivers.
Tyrone Brookins, Kelly Jansen & Kristine Schaefer, Assistant Superintendents
Abby Baker, Director of Human Resources
They shared the staffing timeline and average class sizes.
5.4 First Reading of the 2023-24 School Calendar
Julie Nielsen, Superintendent
This calendar will return for approval on February 16, 2023.
5.5 First Reading of Proposed Policy Changes
Julie Nielsen, Superintendent
These policies will return for approval on February 16, 2023. There was no request for public comment on policies.
6.0 Reports and Comments: Superintendent Nielsen highlighted a story from her school visits, Legislator meetings earlier in the week and shared a reminder of the SEC Music Festival on Monday, February 6th at East Ridge High School. Melinda Dols shared information from the NE Metro 916 Board meeting, the upcoming 916 gala on March 2nd and optional program tours. Simi Patnaik shared information from CFAC.
7.0 Future Meeting Dates:
February 16, 2023 – School Board Business Meeting (DSC/6:00 p.m.)
March 2, 2023 - School Board Workshop Meeting (DSC/6:00 p.m.)
8.0 Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 8:38pm. Vice Chair Patnaik noted there is a Strategic Planning meeting at the District Service Center on Saturday, February 4 for the School Board at 9:00am.