October 23, 2025 Business Meeting
October 23, 2025 Business Meeting
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, October 23, 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 Simi Patnaik to approve the agenda. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
4.0 Comments to the Board: Jed Swenson, Jennifer Johanson, Joy Gilson & Ebonye Redwine spoke to the board about athletics, office professional contract and positive experience at BES Kids Club.
5.0 Consent Items: It was moved by Melinda Dols, seconded by Sharon Van Leer, 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 September 18, 2025 School Board Business Meeting Minutes
5.7 October 2, 2025 School Board Workshop Meeting Minutes
5.10 Right of Entry Agreement with the City of Woodbury
5.11 Easement with the City of Cottage Grove -Hydrant Access
5.12 Stormwater Management Facilities Agreement with the City of Cottage Grove
5.13 Easement with the City of Cottage Grove (GCES)
5.14 Encroachment Agreement with the City of Cottage Grove
6.0 Information Items:
6.1 Summary of Superintendent’s Evaluation
Ms. Katie Schwartz, School Board Chair
Ms. Katie Schwartz, School Board Chair, noted the Superintendent’s feedback was positive. Goals for the next year are for Superintendent Nielsen to create videos on school district topics.
7.0 Action Items:
Ms. Julie Nielsen, Superintendent
It was moved by Sharon Van Leer, seconded by Simi Patnaik to approve the changes. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
7.2 Open Enrollment Resolution
Ms. Kelly Jansen, Assistant Superintendent
It was moved by Simi Patnaik, seconded by Louise Hinz to approve the resolution. A roll call vote was taken. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
7.3 Minnesota State High School League Grant
Ms. Kelly Jansen, Assistant Superintendent
It was moved by Sharon Van Leer, seconded by Eric Tessmer to approve the resolution. A roll call vote was taken. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
8.0 Superintendent Report: Superintendent Nielsen highlighted fall and winter athletics, band showcase, masterworks concert and upcoming fall plays. She also noted the district is short bus drivers and are actively looking for new drivers.
9.0 Future Meeting Dates:
November 6, 2025 - School Board Workshop Meeting (DSC/6:00p.m.)
November 20, 2025 - School Board Business Meeting (DSC/6:00p.m.)
10.0 Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 6:34pm.