September 24, 2026 Business Meeting
September 24, 2026 Business Meeting
24 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 24, 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, Melinda Dols, Louise Hinz, Simi Patnaik and Katie Schwartz. Sharon Van Leer was absent. Superintendent Julie Nielsen was present.
2.0 Pledge of Allegiance
3.0 Approval of Agenda: It was moved by Simi Patnaik, seconded by Melinda Dols to approve the agenda. None opposed, motion carried.
4.0 Comments to the Board: None.
5.0 Consent Items: It was moved by Simi Patnaik, seconded by Melinda Dols 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 20, 2026 School Board Business Meeting Minutes
5.7 September 10, 2026 School Board Workshop Meeting Minutes
5.9 Student Teaching Agreement
5.10 Student Teaching Agreement
5.11 Workers Compensation Insurance Renewal
5.12 Contract with H+U Construction
Conditions of Contract Agreement
6.0 Information Items:
Dr. Meghan Hickey, Director of Student Support Services
She shared that each school has an AED and CERT Team who completed training to comply with statute.
7.0 Action Items:
Ms. Julie Nielsen, Superintendent
520 525 526 710 711 713 713.1 720
It was moved by Simi Patnaik, seconded by Louise Hinz to approve the changes. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
7.2 Proposed Levy for Taxes Payable in 2027
Ms. Kris Blackburn, Director of Business Services
It was moved by Melinda Dols, seconded by Simi Patnaik to approve the proposed levy. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
Ms. Abby Baker, Executive Director of Human Resources & Operations
It was moved by Simi Patnaik, seconded by Ryan Clarke to approve the Health Partners insurance plan for 2027. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
8.0 Superintendent Report: Ms. Nielsen reported on the Bus Driver shortage causing transportation disruptions next week. Reminded people there is no school for students on Monday. Highlighted the work on the 2027-28 school calendar with planned approval at the end of November. She shared information on the Minnesota Permanent School Fund and highlighted School Board Member Appreciation month.
9.0 Future Meeting Dates:
October 8, 2026 - School Board Workshop Meeting (DSC/6:00p.m.)
October 22, 2026 - School Board Business Meeting (DSC/6:00p.m.)
10.0 Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 6:24pm.