Amber Bruns

This document outlines the legislative platform for the Minnesota Administrators for Special Education for the year 2026. It focuses on ensuring fair and sustainable funding for special education, promoting flexible and supportive policies for special educator recruitment and retention, and fostering safe and secure school environments. The platform advocates for specific legislative changes to protect existing funding, expand the eligible uses of student support personnel aid, streamline educator licensing and retention processes, and refine policies concerning student discipline and school safety.

The meeting commenced with the introduction of new board member Emily Coequyt and staff guests. Key organizational actions included the unanimous election by acclamation of the 2026 officers: Chair Matt Coleman, Vice Chair Jody Bauer, Clerk Amanda Lecy, and Treasurer Carla Olson. The Board designated the Marshall Independent as the official newspaper for 2026 and authorized specific depositories for funds for the 2026 calendar year. Stipends and mileage allowances for 2026 were established. The 2026-2027 board meeting schedule was approved. Legal counsel for SWWC was selected, and committee appointments were reviewed, with Emily Coequyt volunteering for the Finance Committee. The consent agenda included the approval of expenditures, service contracts (e.g., for Ortonville Public School and Red Rock Rural Water Systems), consultant contracts (e.g., for Southern Plains Education Cooperative), personnel changes (including new hires, status changes, and resignations), and the acceptance of grants totaling $747,000. A presentation was given on Behavioral Health Services, followed by the first reading and adoption of numerous Board Policies (101.1 through 750). Action items included the acceptance of a $200.00 donation from Peace Lutheran Church Men's Group and the approval of an agreement with Rapp Strategies, Inc. Financial reports noted that 40.4% of revenues were collected and 44.9% expended as of December 31, 2025. The Board approved FY27 Dues and Fees with an average fee increase of 6.4% and approved several fund balance assignments. The 2026-2028 CEA Tentative Settlement was approved, reflecting a per FTE increase of $6,506.87. Updates were provided on MSC, MHC, and CPC board activities.

The Board of Directors meeting included approval of the agenda and consent items, which covered the minutes from the previous meeting, expenditures, various services contracts (including student data privacy and E-Rate services), consultant contracts for facility maintenance and design options for the Windom ELC/ALC, and personnel actions such as new hires, status changes, individual contracts, stipends, and resignations. The Board accepted a grant extension for Robotics Teams & STEM Internships. A significant focus was the presentation and unanimous approval of the FY25 Audit, which received an unmodified clean opinion. Updates were provided on the SWWC Foundation audit and funds raised. Action items included the adoption of a resolution canvassing the results of the December 5, 2025, Board election and authorizing certificates of election for four members, the appointment of a CCOGA Representative, and casting a ballot for the MREA Board Election. The Board also accepted gifts/donations. Monthly reports covered finance, human resources, and executive director updates. Committee reports addressed ongoing financing solutions for the Windom site, approval of an unpaid leave of absence for a teacher, an updated Return-to-Work Agreement for the Executive Director, and approval of the 2025-27 CSA Tentative Settlement.

The meeting covered several key operational and financial items. Discussion involved approving the agenda, making the January 1, 2026, Renewal an action item, and approving the minutes from the June 25, 2025, meeting. Financial discussions included a review of insurance reserve targets for the Mid-Year and January 1 Pools, showing reserves of $1,452,229 and $3,756,090 as of October 31, 2025, respectively. The January 1, 2026, Renewal was unanimously approved, including a committed buy down of $424,644 to four large groups. Additionally, Joint Powers Agreements for various entities joining the Group Employee Benefits and Other Financial and Risk Management Services Pool, effective January 1, 2026, were approved. Other items included the timeline for the Medical Spending Account RFP, the discontinuation of the current wellness program in favor of the MyHealth Rewards Program, and updates regarding ICHRA, Medicare changes, PEIP, and Educator Group Insurance Program.

The agenda for the Board Meeting included organizational matters such as the Election of Officers, Designation of Official Newspaper, Designation Regarding Annual Fiscal Requirements, Board Stipends/Mileage, 2026 Meeting Dates/Site/Time, Legal Counsel, and 2026 Board Committee Appointments. Key discussion items involved a Staff Presentation on Behavioral Health Services, Board Policy Review with a first reading and adoption of policies, and Action Items including acceptance of gifts/donations and the Rapp Strategies Agreement. Committee reports covered the Finance Committee's review of FY2027 Dues & Fees and Fund Balance Assignments, and the Personnel Committee's review of the 26-28 CEA Tentative Settlement. Updates were also provided from MSC/MHC/CPC Board Meetings.