March 27, 2025 Business Meeting
March 27, 2025 Business Meeting
1 hour 18 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, March 27, 2025. 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: Ryan Clarke, Simi Patnaik, Katie Schwartz, Eric Tessmer and Sharon Van Leer. Melinda Dols 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 Eric Tessmer to approve the agenda. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
3.1 Oath of Office was administered to Louise Hinz by Superintendent Julie Nielsen.
3.2 Years of Service: Superintendent Julie Nielsen presented former school board member Pat Driscoll with an award for her years of service on the board.
4.0 Comments to the Board: Five people addressed the board. Patrick Drescich shared comments on policy 525.1. Stacey Wickman shared comments on media specialists in elementary schools. Kevin Schoonover commented on board member comments regarding Black Lives Matter and Transgender concerns. Junqueira Rafi commented on the February Policy discussion. Laurie Pellerite commented on signs in schools.
5.0 Student District Ambassadors: Milan Chi, John Tepe and Brynn Hacker shared their experiences as a student district ambassador.
6.0 Consent Items: It was moved by Sharon Van Leer, seconded by Louise Hinz to approve the consent agenda items. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
6.1 Retirements, Resignations and Terminations
6.3 New Employees/Change of Status
6.5 Resolution to Accept Gifts
6.6 February 20, 2024 School Board Business Meeting Minutes
6.7 March 6, 2025 School Board Workshop Meeting Minutes
6.8 Cash Disbursements for February 2025
6.11 Bids for Woodbury High School
6.12 City of Cottage Grove School Resource Office Agreement
6.13 City of Woodbury School Resource Officer Agreement
7.0 Information Items:
7.1 Community Education Update: Early Learning
Jake Winchell, Director of Community Education
Joyce Beaird, Early Childhood Manager and Beth Quist, Early Childhood City Coordinator shared the role of Early Learning and an overview of the programs, including Early Childhood Family Education, Preschool and Early Childhood Screening.
8.0 Action Items:
Julie Nielsen, Superintendent
It was moved by Sharon Van Leer, seconded by Simi Patnaik to approve the policies. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
8.2 Revised Budget for 2024-25
Kris Blackburn, Director of Business Services
It was moved by Simi Patnaik, seconded by Sharon Van Leer to approve the revised budget. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
8.3 Release of Probationary Teachers
Abby Baker, Executive Director of Human Resources & Operations
It was moved by Simi Patnaik, seconded by Eric Tessmer to approve the resolution. A roll call vote was taken. Dols was absent, the rest were in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
9.0 Superintendent Report: Ms. Nielsen shared that construction staging is beginning at ERHS and OMS. She highlighted the Elementary Art Show and Kindergarten Welcome night.
10.0 Future Meeting Dates:
April 10, 2025 - School Board Workshop Meeting (DSC/6:00p.m.)
April 24, 2025 - School Board Business Meeting (DSC/6:00p.m.)
11.0 Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:18pm.