Darren Baartman

The key discussion topics for this meeting included the Reorganizational Meeting for 2026, which involved the selection and vote for the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Clerk, and Treasurer. The agenda also covered action items for approving the 2026 Board Honorariums, designating the 2026 Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) Representatives, approving 2026 School Board Committee Assignments, and designating the Official Newspaper and Official Depositories for 2026. Further action items involved approving the District Legal Counsel and the 2026 Regular School Board Meeting Dates/Times. The consent agenda included the approval of minutes from the December 10, 2025, meeting, as well as approvals for personnel actions such as a part-time paraprofessional and several coaching/advisor resignations. The meeting also addressed the approval of bills totaling $2,951,342.17 and the Treasurer's Report. Information reports were scheduled from the Elementary Principal, MS Dean of Students, HS Principal, and Superintendent. Final action items included approving a resolution designating the Identified Official with Authority (IOwA) for the EDIAM system, approving the Continuing Contract Teacher Seniority List as of 01/01/2026, approving a request for additional sick leave days for a non-certified employee, and approving EFS Advisors as a qualified 403b vendor.

The meeting commenced with a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and an update from the RTR High School Student Council regarding upcoming activities. Key actions included the election and approval of the 2026 Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Clerk, and Treasurer. The board also approved retaining the 2025 honorariums for the board, designated official representatives for the Minnesota State High School League, established 2026 committee assignments, and ratified the Tyler Area Tribute as the official district newspaper. Furthermore, official depositories and legal counsels for 2026 were approved, along with the 2026 meeting dates. The consent agenda covered the approval of previous minutes and several personnel actions, including approvals for a part-time paraprofessional and resignations of various coaching and advisory positions. The board also approved expenditures, the Treasurer's Report, a resolution designating the Identified Official with Authority (IOwA) for the EDIAM system, the Continuing Contract Teacher Seniority List, and a request for additional sick leave days for a non-certified employee. Finally, EFS Advisors was approved as a qualified 403b vendor.

Key discussions included presentations from the RTR Volleyball Head Coach and Assistant Coach regarding the program. The board approved the revised Public Forum Policy. A Truth in Taxation Hearing was held where information regarding the tax levy for taxes payable in 2026 was presented, followed by the certification of the 2025 Payable 2026 Final Levy. The consent agenda included approvals for a third-grade teacher and volunteer high school boys basketball coaches. The board approved the bills and the Treasurer's Report. The date for the January 2026 meeting was adjusted to January 7, 2026. Additionally, the board approved the 2025-2026 Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness Plan, and named Mr. Ted Kern as the 2026 Head Football Coach and Mrs. Sandy Carpenter as the 2026 Head Cheerleading Coach. A motion to name the 2026 Head Volleyball Coach failed.

The board meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. The agenda and revised Public Forum Policy were approved. A Truth in Taxation Hearing was held, followed by the approval of the 2025 Payable 2026 Final Levy. The consent agenda was approved, including the approval of minutes from the previous meeting, a new third-grade teacher, and volunteer basketball coaches, as well as donations. The board also approved the bills and the Treasurer's Report. The January 2026 School Board Meeting date was set, and the 2025-2026 Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness Plan was approved. Additionally, the board approved resolutions naming the Head Football Coach and Head Cheerleading Coach. However, a motion to approve the Head Volleyball Coach was not passed.

This document outlines the goals for Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness (CACR) and Achievement & Integration (A&I) initiatives. The strategic objectives include ensuring all children are ready for school, closing racial and economic achievement gaps in Math and Reading proficiency, and preparing all students for career and college through increased participation in college fairs and access to college-level credits. Furthermore, the plan aims to achieve high school graduation rates of 90% or above and foster students' comfort level with diverse backgrounds, with targets extending through 2026.