September 18, 2025 Business Meeting
September 18, 2025 Business Meeting
35 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, September 18, 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: Melinda Dols, Simi Patnaik, Katie Schwartz, Eric Tessmer and Sharon Van Leer. Ryan Clarke and Louise Hinz 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 Melinda Dols to approve an amended agenda, adding 7.4 Woodbury High School Girls Hockey Co-op. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
4.0 Comments to the Board: None.
5.0 Consent Items: It was moved by Simi Patnaik, 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 August 21, 2024 School Board Business Meeting Minutes
5.7 September 4, 2025 School Board Workshop Meeting Minutes
5.9 Student Teaching Agreement with the University of North Dakota
5.10 Worker’s Compensation Insurance Renewal
6.0 Information Items:
Mr. Jake Winchell, Director of Community Education
Mr. Jake Winchell, Director of Community Education, Mr. Kristofer Carlson, Special Education Coordinator, Mr. Andrew Bowes, Special Education Coordinator, Ms. Mary Watts, Special Education Coordinator, Dr. Tyrone Brookins, Assistant Superintendent and Amy Brengmann, Out-of-School Time Program Manager. They shared information on summer programming, including Credit Recovery, Extended School Year program, Targeted Services and Kids Club.
7.0 Action Items:
Ms. Julie Nielsen, Superintendent
It was moved by Sharon Van Leer, seconded by Eric Tessmer. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
7.2 Preliminary Levy for Pay 2026
Ms. Kris Blackburn, Director of Business Services
It was moved by Simi Patnaik, seconded by Sharon Van Leer to approve the preliminary levy. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
Ms. Kris Blackburn, Director of Business Services
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.
7.4 Woodbury High School Hockey Co-op
Ms. Kristine Schaefer, Assistant Superintendent
It was moved by Melinda Dols, seconded by Simi Patnaik. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
8.0 Superintendent Report: Ms. Nielsen provided information on the 2026-27 school calendar, upcoming Community Survey and highlighted School Board Appreciation Month.
9.0 Future Meeting Dates:
October 2, 2025 - School Board Workshop Meeting (DSC/6:00p.m.)
October 23, 2025 - School Board Business Meeting (DSC/6:00p.m.)
10.0 Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 6:35pm.