March 5, 2026 Workshop Meeting
March 5, 2026 Workshop Meeting
52 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 5, 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, Ryan Clarke, Melinda Dols, Louise Hinz, Simi Patnaik, and Sharon Van Leer. Katie Schwartz was absent. Student School 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 Simi Patnaik seconded by Melinda Dols to approve the agenda. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
4.0 Student Board Representative Reports:
Téa Alvarenga highlighted that adaptive hickey went to state this past week and noted all the students and community members who supported the team. She also noted the career fair at Park High School.
Andrew Chasteen shared how his AP language class has benefited him around writing and public speaking skills. He added winter sports are ending, noting several East Ridge teams went on to state tournaments.
Matilda Samuel reported she is on the board of the Black Student Union and enjoyed their most recent event, adding it shows the opportunity for the clubs at Woodbury High School. She also talked about the yearbook, adding the categories included for Senior highlights. She added she is completing her fourth year of American Sign Language (ASL) classes and introduced herself in ASL. She added she is preparing for the Avant STAMP test, to be able to evaluate her skills for college level placement.
5.0 Workshop Items:
Dr. Tyrone Brookins, Assistant Superintendent
They shared the plans for Bailey, Grey Cloud, Pine Hill and Red Rock Elementary Schools.
6.0 Information Items:
Ms. Kris Blackburn, Director of Business Services
She shared the most updated version of the 2025-26 Budget.
6.2 First Reading of Proposed Policy Changes
Ms. Julie Nielsen, Superintendent
There was no request for public comment. These policies will return on March 26th for approval.
7.0 Reports and Comments:
Superintendent Nielsen noted it is national school social worker week and maintenance worker appreciation week. Tomorrow is a professional development day for teachers, then spring break until March 16th. She reminded people the Elementary art show is on March 25th at the District Service Center and Woodbury EXPO is on March 28th.
Louise Hinz wrote: “AMSD: February’s meeting agenda was the Legislative Session Review. Topics presented included funding in the areas of special education, state mandates, compensatory direct certification and hold harmless. The advantages of local control were also discussed.
Early Childhood Committee: The focus remains on planning and fundraising for Screen Free Week.
Community Education: Agenda items included a Central Park tour, an overview of operations and youth programs, current challenges and updates.”
8.0 Future Meeting Dates:
March 26, 2026 – School Board Business Meeting (DSC/6:00 p.m.)
April 9, 2026 - School Board Workshop Meeting (DSC/6:00 p.m.)
9.0 Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 6:52pm.