October 7, 2021 Workshop Meeting
2 hours 59 minutes
Agenda and Minutes
The purpose of this meeting is to consider the following:
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, October 7, 2021. The meeting was called to order by Chair Tracy Brunnette, at 6:30pm at the District Service Center, 7362 East Point Douglas Road South, Cottage Grove, MN 55016. School Board Members present: Tracy Brunnette, Melinda Dols, Pat Driscoll, Louise Hinz, Simi Patnaik, Katie Schwartz 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 to approve the agenda, seconded by Pat Driscoll. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
4.0 Workshop Items:
Theresa Blume-Thole, Cottage Grove Elementary School Principal, shared information about academic coaches, their Inclusive playground, literacy. monthly spotlights on students with a monthly theme and highlighted over 1000 collective years of experience amongst staff. Jodi Husting, Crestview Elementary School Principal shared information about their literacy program. Harold Scott, Cottage Grove Middle School Principal shared information on the counseling department refresh and about their retention of students during the pandemic. Todd Herber, Park High School Principal shared information on IB and AVID programming.
4.2 SoWashCo Online Learning Application Update
Tia Clasen, Director of Secondary Teaching & Learning Services and Kelsey Nash, Technology and Innovation Coordinator, presented information about the process and timeline of the Online School.
4.3 First Reading of Proposed Policy Changes
Julie Nielsen, Superintendent shared suggested changes were reviewed. These policies will return for approval on October 19, 2021.
5.0 Information Items:
5.1 Intra-district Transfer (IDT) & Open Enrollment (OE) Parameters 2022-23
Tyrone Brookins, Kelly Jansen & Kristine Schaefer, Assistant Superintendents. They shared parameters for the 22-23 school year. This will return for approval at the Tuesday, October 19, 2021 meeting.
6.0 Reports and Comments:
6.1 Superintendent’s Report: Ms. Nielsen reported on high school football game supervision, the Woodbury Expo, Fall Awards at Woodbury and East Ridge High Schools, Informational presentations on the levy and updated COVID guidance with the goal of keeping kids in school.
6.2 Board Member Reports: Katie Schwartz attended the 916 board retreat and completed a training on equity, Louise Hinz attended an ambassador committee meeting, CFAC, MSBA training and Junior Varsity volleyball. Melinda Dols completed MSBA Phase 3 and 4 training, attended ERHS homecoming game, meeting with the City of Woodbury and a Learning for Levy presentation. Simi Patnaik attended the Fall Awards program at WHS, checked in with all her assigned schools and the WHS/ERHS football game. She will be attending professionals day at NFSI. Pat Driscoll also attended the WHS/ERHS football game and a Learning for Levy meeting. Sharon Van Leer attended a coffee hour with women in Black Women Rising and discussed the Levy. She had a meet and greet with Representative Steve Sandell, had a real talk with Urban League of MN and is doing a talk and greet for Woodbury for Justice and Equality.
7.0 Future Meeting Dates:
Tuesday, October 19, 2021, – School Board Business Meeting (DSC/6:30 p.m.)
November 4, 2021 – School Board Workshop Meeting (DSC/6:30 p.m.)
8.0 Closed Session: At 8:37pm, Simi Patnaik motioned to move to closed session, pursuant to MN Statute 13D.05, subdivision 3(a) for the Superintendent’s evaluation. Seconded by Louise Hinz all in favor, none opposed, motion carried. At 9:28pm, the board returned from closed session. Katie Schwartz motioned to reconvene the meeting, seconded by Sharon Van Leer. All in favor none opposed, motion carried.