June 11, 2026 Workshop Meeting
June 11, 2026 Workshop Meeting
1 hour 6 min.
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, June 11, 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 and Katie Schwartz. Simi Patnaik and Sharon Van Leer were absent. Student 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 Melinda Dols seconded by Ryan Clarke. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
4.0 Student Board Representative Report:
Tea Alveranga shared her transition from academics to sports, playing soccer and basketball over the summer. She is looking forward to being a role model for the younger students when she is a senior in the fall and while volunteering in youth sports.
Andrew Chasteen shared he has been busy with band, which is why he missed the last two meetings. He noted a busy year and a few competitions. Next year he plans to add a student concern line as part of his role as a student board representative.
Matilda Samuel shared about graduation as the only senior on our team. She highlighted the great speakers and participated in the Senior all night party. She noted it was a great day.
5.0 Workshop Items:
5.1 Alternative Teacher Professional Pay System (ATPPS)
Ms. Kelly Jansen, Assistant Superintendent
Dana Larson, Director of Professional Development and Patti Diamond, ATPPS Specialist shared this is the programs eighteenth year in the district. Ms. Diamond shared information on the program, tasks and goals.
5.2 Guiding Change Document for Budget Adjustments
Ms. Julie Nielsen, Superintendent
The Board reviewed the document and discussed community input after various options have been narrowed down. This document will return at the June 25 meeting for approval.
6.0 Information Items
6.1 2026-27 Preliminary Budget
Ms. Kris Blackburn, Director of Business Services
Ms. Blackburn reviewed the basics of the budget, as well as noting this is an estimated budget for the upcoming fiscal year. This estimated budget will return at the June 25 meeting for approval.
6.2 First Reading of Proposed Policy Changes
Ms. Julie Nielsen, Superintendent
There will be additional changes to language on Policy 707. These policies will return June 25 for approval. There was no request for comment on the proposed policy changes.
7.0 Reports and Comments:
Superintendent Nielsen highlighted graduations and the 2026 graduates. She also noted summer programming, including credit recovery, targeted services, ESY, kids club, and the “summer slam“ of construction.
Melinda Dols wrote:
Graduations
• 2026 ALCs graduates: 110
• 2026 Special education graduates: 28
2026-27 Setting IV staffing projections and enrollment
• 93% of special education teacher positions are filled
• 71% of EAS positions are filled for next year
• 6 of the 7 apprentices have teacher job placements
• 3 programs are currently starting the 2026-27 school year without a waitlist
Other notable achievements in 2025-26
• 916 provided over 160 trainings for member district staff
• 120 intakes (new students from waitlist) across all 916 setting IV programs
• 152 new referrals from member districts and 26 "transitions" back to member districts
• Executed the seamless merger of WELS to Quora Education Center
• Completed the first full year of the stretch calendar at Bellaire Education Center
• Full Service Community Schools Grant awarded to all three ALCs
• Successfully transitioned the Metro Heights Academy facility into a new facility
• Launched a completely redesigned website for each school and modernized the district site
• Achieved Strategic Actions benchmarks and developed our new framework for 2026-27
• The Equimetrics Survey metrics increased from the prior years, and 916's overall score was above all
other school districts nationally
• Implemented a comprehensive Language Access Plan to ensure equitable communication and access
for all families
Louise Hinz wrote:
ASSOCIATION OF METRO SCHOOL DISTRICTS (AMSD)
MSBA Deputy Executive Director Gary Lee presented on the proposed Educator Group Insurance program, and MDE Director of Government Relations Adosh Unni and Director of School Finance Cathy Erickson provided a session review.
EARLY CHILDHOOD
More than 400 people attended Screen Free Week.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Community Education Director Jake Winchell presented the 26-27 proposed budget and previewed summer programming.
ADVISORY STAFF DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (ASDC)
The group reflected on the May 1 professional development day and looked ahead to summer learning, and the 26-27 workshop week and professional development days.
Elizabeth Bockman Eckberg wrote:
Special Education Action Committee (SEAC)
SEAC gathered in-person with parent and district representatives to discuss special education resources available on the district website and how to best service families with available resources and quick answers to their questions. The team considered multiple ways to engage and support families with students with special needs in the upcoming year. The team ended by planning the ideal cadence and structure for SEAC meetings in the 2026-27 school year.
8.0 Future Meeting Dates:
June 25, 2026 – School Board Business Meeting (DSC/6:00 p.m.)
July 16, 2026 - School Board Business Meeting (DSC/6:00 p.m.)
9.0 Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:06pm.