Amber Emerson

The special meeting included the approval of the agenda. A significant portion of the meeting involved a closed session pursuant to Minnesota Statutes section 13D.03 for labor negotiations strategy, specifically discussing strategy for an upcoming mediation session. Following the closed session, the Board reconvened into open session and adopted a resolution relating to the strike plan for the intended strike by AFSCME Local 480, which was scheduled to commence on or after March 3, 2026.

Key discussions during the meeting included a proposal to hold future meetings in the high school auditorium due to anticipated large attendance. Administrative business involved the approval of an Interim Superintendent Contract with Carrie McDonald for the 2026-2027 period and the designation of Lance Takkunen, Business Manager, as an account signer for various specified depositories. Action items included the approval of a resolution for donations, approval of Policy 514 concerning the Protection and Privacy of Pupil Records, and approval of a revised contract agreement for Community Education leadership with ISD No. 695 Chisholm Public Schools. Furthermore, the board approved conducting a professional commercial appraisal for Greenhaven Elementary School to evaluate a potential sale. Discussion items also covered an upcoming joint meeting with Chisholm Public Schools, building capacities, and scheduling a motion regarding the sale or closure of Greenhaven Elementary School for the next board agenda.

Key discussions included administrative reports detailing updates on Social Emotional Learning, Literacy, WIN Time, and MTSS initiatives across Washington Elementary, Lincoln Middle School, and the Early Learning Center. The Board approved the agenda and the consent agenda, which included accepting resignations and approving new hires for coaching positions, approving job postings for support assistants, and approving a contract for Physical Therapy Virtual Services with Soliant. The Chair appointed two directors to sign and distribute 2026 High School Diplomas. The Board rescinded the prior approval for two individuals as account signers and subsequently approved them as new account signers for multiple banks, adding the National Bank of Commerce. A resolution was adopted releasing local commitment of OPEB-designated funds. Discussion items focused on the FY26 and FY27 budget, with direction sought regarding pursuing a 4-day school week and evaluating the closing or sale of a building.

The meeting included administrative reports and action items related to personnel and contracts. Key actions involved accepting several resignations, including a head volleyball coach and an ECSE teacher, and approving new hires for substitute teaching and coaching positions. Personnel postings and transfers for January 2026 were also addressed. Administrative business included approving a contract with Soliant for Physical Therapy virtual services, appointing two Directors to sign high school diplomas, and rescinding and then re-approving account signers for various banks, specifying Carrie McDonald and Kim McLaughlin. Discussion items centered on the FY26 and FY27 Budgets.

The meeting commenced with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and a public comment session where items regarding resignations and new hires were added to the Consent Agenda. Key administrative business included approving a resolution for donations, authorizing an official for the Education Identity Access Management (EDIAM) system, approving the 2025 Pay Equity Compliance Report, accepting American Indian Education documentation, and approving the Resolution for Electronic Fund Transfers. Discussions included the Student Director's report on a 4-day school week survey, future fiscal year reductions resulting in the closure of the high school small pool on March 4, 2026, and planning goals for a joint meeting with Chisholm Public Schools on February 25, 2026. The board also entered a closed session to discuss negotiations strategy.