Grace Ruckheim

The board meeting agenda included several key administrative and financial items, such as the payment of bills, credit card transactions, and the review of the treasurer's report. Personnel items were presented for routine approval, and donations received were accepted. New business items included a family medical leave request, the approval of a bid for window and tuckpointing, and the review of the amended 2025-26 budget covering building bonds and debt service. Additionally, the board received administrative reports from the superintendent, principals, the activities director, and community education, followed by a discussion on the dance program and a closed session regarding negotiation strategy.

The key discussions during this special meeting included the approval of the amended Preschool Handbook with presented changes and the approval of the contract offer for Superintendent Megan Myers covering the period from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. There was also an update and discussion pertaining to the 2026 Summer Recreation program.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and the consent agenda. The consent agenda included the payment of bills totaling $853,234.56 across various categories, and the approval of routine personnel items, specifically new hires for an Elementary Paraprofessional and an Assistant Track Coach. The Board unanimously passed a resolution to accept donations received during January 2026. Under New Business, the Board accepted the Pay Equity report for 2025 and approved a field trip request for the Douglas County Kids' Groundwater Festival. Administrative and committee reports were subsequently accepted.

The organizational meeting included the election of officers, resulting in Dustin Schilling as Chairperson, Steve Inwards as Vice Chair, Judy Moeller as Clerk, and Christy Hart as Treasurer. The schedule for the remaining 2026 regular board meetings was set for the second Monday of each month at 6:30 PM, with an exception for October 13. Board member compensation levels for 2026 were approved, maintaining the same rates as 2025. Committee assignments were approved. Resolutions were passed to designate official depositories for checking, savings, and investments for 2026, designate the official school district newspaper, and designate legal counsel. A resolution authorizing facsimile signatures for checks at Midwest Bank of Parkers Prairie was approved, along with designating authorized account signers and authorizing the Superintendent and Business Manager to conduct investments and electronic fund transfers for the calendar year 2026.

The agenda for the meeting included the approval of the agenda itself, a Panther Pride Highlight, and a Consent Agenda. The Consent Agenda covered approval of minutes from previous meetings, payment of bills totaling $534,829.53 across various payment methods, approval of routine personnel items including spring coach assignments, and approval for field trips for the fourth grade STEM Activity and Roller Skating. New business items included the 2026-2027 Calendar, a Resolution Directing Administration to make Recommendations for Reductions in Programs and Positions, a Resolution Relating to the Termination and Nonrenewal of Probationary Teacher, and discussion of a Concessions Trailer budget of $15,000. Administrative reports were presented by the Superintendent, High School Principal (including Valedictorian information), Elementary School Principal, Activities Director, and Community Education. A closed session was scheduled to discuss Negotiation Strategy related to EMPP, MSEA, ADMIN, Child Care, and Transportation.