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 7, 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, Ryan Clarke (arrived at 6:01pm), Louise Hinz, Simi Patnaik, Katie Schwartz, and Sharon Van Leer. Melinda Dols was absent. Student Board Representative Téa Alvarenga was present. Matilda Samuel and Andrew Chasteen were 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 Elizabeth Bockman Eckberg. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.

 

4.0 Student Board Representative Report: Téa Alvarenga from Park High School reported it is still testing season. She highlighted the recent Junior book awards which honors juniors based on academics, leadership and character. Téa was honored with an award. 

 

5.0 Workshop Items: 

5.1 Teaching and Learning Report: Science

Ms. Kelly Jansen, Assistant Superintendent

PPT

Mark McIlmoyle, Director of Secondary Teaching and Learning, Jolaine Mast, Director of Elementary Teaching and Learning, Ian Bronson, Secondary Teaching and Learning Supervisor and Ali Flaata, Technology Integration Coordinator shared student data, Science courses in Elementary and Secondary. They had Executive Cabinet and School Board members complete a coding project.

 

5.2 Community Education Budget

Mr. Jake Winchell, Director of Community Education

PPT

Mr. Winchell reviewed the programs that fall under Community Education Department. He then reviewed the expenditures and revenues of the programs and proposed 2026-27 budget.

 

6.0 Information Items: None.

 

7.0 Reports and Comments: Superintendent Nielsen reported on road construction and impacts on transportation services. She highlighted the quarterly mailing going out in the next couple of weeks. She also highlighted that next week is our employee recognition event and the upcoming senior award ceremonies and graduations.  

Elizabeth Bockman Eckberg wrote:

District Data and Assessment Committee (DDAC):

Outgoing committee members were thanked for their two-year term served.

Dr. Mao Jacobson presented on a shift from MAP to FastBridge math testing in grades 5-8. This shift would increase frequency of testing for shorter durations to help students make progress within the year (from an annual test). There may be cost savings realized by this shift for the district. 

Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness is required by Minnesota state statute that all districts develop five goals in prescribed areas. At the meeting 2024-25 performance was reviewed alongside proposed 2026-2027 goals. Goals center on early childhood screening rates, kindergarten foundational literacy skills, MCA math and reading proficiency, and pass rates in advanced coursework. 

City of Woodbury:

School district administration, school board members, and city officials met at Woodbury City Hall to discuss overlapping priorities. Items discussed included: transportation impacts due to road improvement projects and water pipeline construction, a discussion around inclusive playgrounds, shared safety priorities around e-bike ridership, and a planned tour of school construction projects in August. 

 

8.0 Future Meeting Dates:

May 21, 2026 – School Board Business Meeting (DSC/6:00 p.m.)

June 11, 2026 - School Board Workshop Meeting (DSC/6:00 p.m.)

 

9.0 Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:15pm.