May 22, 2025 Business Meeting
May 22, 2025 Business Meeting
1 hour, 36 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, May 22, 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, Melinda Dols, Louise Hinz, Simi Patnaik, Katie Schwartz, Eric Tessmer and Sharon Van Leer. Superintendent Julie Nielsen was present.
2.0 Pledge of Allegiance
3.0 Approval of Agenda: It was moved by Sharon Van Leer, seconded by Louise Hinz to approve the agenda. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
4.0 Comments to the Board: Three people addressed the board regarding policy 102.1 and one person about policy 908.1.
5.0 Consent Items: It was moved by Sharon Van Leer, seconded by Eric Tessmer to approve the consent agenda. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
5.1 Retirements, Resignations and Terminations
5.3 New Employees/Change of Status
5.5 Resolution to Accept Gifts
5.6 April 24, 2025 School Board Business Meeting Minutes
5.7 May 8, 2025 School Board Workshop Meeting Minutes
5.9 Grade 6 Chromebook Lease Agreement
6.0 Information Items: None.
7.0 Action Items:
Julie Nielsen, Superintendent
It was moved by Sharon Van Leer, seconded by Simi Patnaik to approve the proposed policy changes. Schwartz, Patnaik, Dols, Van Leer and Hinz voted in favor, Tessmer and Clarke voted against. Motion passed.
7.2 Resolution Placing an Assistant Principal on Unrequested Leave of Absence
Abby Baker, Executive Director of Human Resources and Operations
It was moved by Sharon Van Leer, seconded by Simi Patnaik. A roll call vote was taken, all in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
7.3 Release of Long-Term Substitute Teaching Contracts
Abby Baker, Executive Director of Human Resources & Operations
It was moved by Sharon Van Leer, seconded by Melinda Dols, to approve the resolution. A roll call vote was taken, all in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
8.0 Superintendent Report: Ms. Nielsen highlighted recent award ceremonies, upcoming graduation ceremonies, the employee recognition banquet, last day of school and professional development sessions.
9.0 Future Meeting Dates:
June 12, 2025 - School Board Workshop Meeting (DSC/6:00p.m.)
June 26, 2025 - School Board Business Meeting (DSC/6:00p.m.)
10.0 Closed Session: Pursuant to MN Statute 13D.03 for labor negotiations. At 6:41pm Eric Tessmer motioned to move to closed session, seconded by Simi Patnaik. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried. At 7:35pm Ryan Clarke motioned to return to open session, seconded by Eric Tessmer. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
11.0 Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:36pm.