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, March 26, 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. 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: One speaker addressed the Board about student reporting procedures.

 

5.0 Student Highlights: Activity Directors from Woodbury, East Ridge and Park High Schools highlighted individuals and teams participating in state tournaments.

PHS – Wrestler Zack Carr took 3^rd place at the State competition and his coach Jim LaBrosse

WHS – Wrestler Mitch Folks took 5^th place at the State competition.

ERHS – Katie Carlson coached Jiseung Jung and Yashas Singh who won the Debate State Champions in the Debate Public Forum. Caroline, the Gymnastics coach introduced Laney Schwellenback who was the section won 2^nd All Around, 2^nd in Vault, 2^nd in Bars and 3^rd in Floor and awarded Miss Gymnastics for the 2^nd year in a row.

 

6.0 Consent Items: It was moved by Sharon Van Leer, seconded by Simi Patnaik. 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 February 19, 2026 School Board Business Meeting Minutes

6.7 March 5, 2026 School Board Workshop Meeting Minutes

6.8 Cash Disbursements

6.9 Extended Field Trips

6.10 Four Year Lease Agreement - Student Devices

6.11 Three Year Lease Agreement - Student Devices

 

7.0 Information Items:  None

 

8.0 Action Items:

8.1 Proposed Policy Changes

Ms. Julie Nielsen, Superintendent

201     202     210     211     212     214     215

It was moved by Sharon Van Leer, seconded by Melinda Dols to approve the changes. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.

 

8.2 Revised Budget for 2025-26

Ms. Kris Blackburn, Director of Business Services

It was moved by Simi Patnaik, seconded by Louise Hinz to approve the updated budget. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.

 

8.3 Release of Probationary Teachers

Ms. Abby Baker, Executive Director of Human Resources & Operations

It was moved by Sharon Van Leer, seconded by Simi Patnaik to approve the releases. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.

 

9.0 Superintendent Report: Ms. Nielsen highlighted the artwork on the walls of the boardroom and school boardroom, noting the Elementary Art Show at the DSC last night. She reminded the board and public of the Woodbury EXPO on Saturday and Cottage Grove EXPO on April 25^th. Then on Tuesday, March 30^th, SoWashCo Schools is Co-Hosting a presentation with Citizens Against Sex Trafficking (C.A.S.T) for the public to attend and she shared a reminder of the April 10^th Multi Cultural event at WHS.

 

10.0 Future Meeting Dates:

April 9, 2026 - School Board Workshop Meeting (DSC/6:00p.m.)

April 23, 2026 - School Board Business Meeting (DSC/6:00p.m.)

 

11.0 Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 6:33pm.