July 16, 2026 Business Meeting
July 16, 2026 Business Meeting
40 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, July 16, 2026. The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Sharon Van Leer, 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 and Sharon Van Leer. Ryan Clarke and Katie Schwartz were absent. Superintendent Julie Nielsen was present.
2.0 Pledge of Allegiance
3.0 Approval of Agenda: It was moved by Simi Patnaik, seconded by Melinda Dols to approve the agenda. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
4.0 Comments to the Board: None.
5.0 Consent Items: It was moved by Louise Hinz, seconded by Simi Patnaik to approve the consent agenda items. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
5.1 Retirements, Resignations and Terminations
5.3 New Employees/Change of Status
5.6 June 25, 2026 School Board Business Meeting Minutes
5.9 Identified Official with Authority (IOwA) for the MN Department of Education
6.0 Information Items:
Ms. Kris Blackburn, Director of Business Services
Ms. Blackburn reviewed the budget adjustment process, projected fund balance and process of gathering feedback.
7.0 Action Items: None.
8.0 Superintendent Report: Ms. Nielsen reported the school supply lists are available to families. She attended the Regional Council of Mayors Meeting with other Superintendents. She highlighted the Targeted Services, Extended School Year and Summer Skoolie programs. She also noted the new principal hired at Cottage Grove Elementary School, Mr. Bradley Robb.
9.0 Future Meeting Dates:
August 6, 2026 - School Board Workshop Meeting (DSC/6:00p.m.)
August 20, 2026 - School Board Business Meeting (DSC/6:00p.m.)
11.0 Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 6:40pm.