November 16, 2023 Business Meeting
November 16, 2023 Business Meeting
1 hour 34 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, November 16, 2023. The meeting was called to order by 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: Melinda Dols, Pat Driscoll, 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 Louise Hinz, seconded by Simi Patnaik to approve an amended agenda, adding 7.4 Agreement with Bus Drivers and Bus Assistants and removing the closed session for labor negotiations. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
4.0 Comments to the Board: Jennifer Kokes, Rashad Turner, Christopher Radecki and Deana Loven addressed the board.
5.0 Consent Items: It was moved by Melinda Dols, seconded by Eric Tessmer to approve the consent agenda items. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
5.1 Approval of Retirements, Resignations and Terminations
5.2 Approval of Leaves of Absence
5.3 Approval of New Employees/Change of Status
5.4 Approval of Electronic Fund Transfers
5.5 Approval of Resolution to Accept Gifts
5.6 Approval of October 17, 2023 School Board Meeting Minutes
5.7 Approval of the November 2, 2023 School Board Meeting Minutes
5.8 Approval of September Cash Disbursements
5.9 Approval of Extended Field Trips
5.10 Approval of Student Teaching Agreement with the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
6.0 Information Items:
6.1 High School Course Catalog Review
Kristine Schaefer, Assistant Superintendent
Tia Clasen, Director of Secondary Teaching and Learning shared information about the graduation requirements, process and courses.
6.2 Pupil Transportation Updates
Dan Pyan, Executive Director of Finance and Operations
Mr. Pyan reviewed the Guiding Change document that was approved April 20, 2023 and discussed the plans to move forward.
Julie Nielsen, Superintendent
She reviewed the calendar month by month.. This will return December 14th for approval.
7.0 Action Items:
Julie Nielsen, Superintendent
It was moved by Katie Schwartz, seconded by Pat Driscoll. A roll call vote was taken, all in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
Julie Nielsen, Superintendent
It was moved by Simi Patnaik, seconded by Eric Tessmer. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
Dan Pyan, Executive Director of Finance and Operations
It was moved by Melinda Dols, seconded by Simi Patnaik. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
7.4 Tentative Agreement with Bus Drivers and Bus Assistants
Abby Baker, Director of Human Resources.
It was moved by Pat Driscoll to approve the agreement, seconded by Louise Hinz. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
8.0 Superintendent Report: Ms. Nielsen reported on the successful passing of the bond questions, band, choir, orchestra concerts and theater performances, Veteran’s Day programs and the district student and parent ambassador meeetings.
9.0 Future Meeting Dates:
December 14, 2023 - School Board Business Meeting (DSC/6:00p.m.)
January 4, 2024 - School Board Business Meeting (DSC/6:00p.m.)
January 4, 2024 - School Board Workshop Meeting (DSC/immediately following the Business Meeting)
10.0 Closed Session: Pursuant to MN Statute 13D.05, subdivision 3(a) for the Superintendent’s evaluation and pursuant to MN Statute 13D.03 for labor negotiations. At 7:08pm it was moved by Simi Patnaik, seconded by Louise Hinz to move to closed session. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried. At 7:33pm the board returned to open session. It was motioned by Katie Schwartz, seconded by Eric Tessmer to return to open session. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
11.0 Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:34pm.