Gwen Carman

Key discussions during the regular meeting included a student report, updates on the food service program including consortium bidding plans, and progress reports on facility renovation projects. The Board approved several policies on the second reading: Policy 516.5 Overdose Medication, Policy 530/530F Immunization Requirements & Form, and Policy 720 Vending Machines. The Board discussed the distinction between policies and administrative procedures and determined there was no motion to revise Policy 806 Crisis Management. A motion was passed to proceed with advertising for a 0.5 FTE superintendent position for the 2026-2027 term, and initial discussion on the 2026-2027 budget took place. The meeting transitioned into a closed session to discuss the possible sale of real estate property.

The meeting included the organizational proceedings for 2026, electing the Board Chair, Vice Chair, Clerk, and Treasurer by unanimous consent. The Board set the schedule and compensation for the 2026 school board meetings, designated official depositories for school district funds, and authorized electronic transfers and bill payments. The Board also designated legal counsel and official publications. Following committee appointments, the Board approved the Consent Agenda. Significant action was taken regarding construction renovation projects by accepting base and alternate bids totaling over $13 million. Discussion occurred regarding the 2026-2027 budget, and the superintendent was directed to purchase a passenger van. Policies concerning Overdose Medication, Immunization Requirements, Vending Machines, Student Medication, and Privacy of Pupil Records were addressed through first and second readings. Changes to the High School Handbook regarding cell phone use were approved. The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss negotiations with LAPA.

Key discussion topics for this board meeting included student reports from L-A High School, updates from the Food Service Director, and construction project updates. The agenda included consideration of policies on second reading, specifically related to overdose medication, immunization requirements, and vending machines. The Board discussed the distinction between board-approved policies and administrative procedures, and deliberated on revisions to the Crisis Management Policy 806 regarding secure response protocols, including whether to seek legal counsel for drafting the revision. Further discussions involved administration structuring for the upcoming academic year, posting the Superintendent position, and an initial budget discussion for 2026-2027. Reports were presented by the PK-5 Principal, Gr 6-12 Principal, and the Superintendent. The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss the possible sale of real estate property.

The meeting involved organizational matters, including the election of the 2026 School Board Chair, Vice Chair, Clerk, and Treasurer, and the designation of the MSHSL representative. The Board set the schedule and compensation for 2026 regular meetings and designated official depositories for district funds. Key actions included authorizing electronic transfers and bill payments in advance, designating the Superintendent as the Identified Official with Authority (IOwA) for MDE data submissions, and authorizing the use of 2025 signature files. Legal counsel and official publications were designated. The Board Chair appointed members to various committees, such as Negotiations, Finance, and Policy Review Committees. Discussions covered the L-A High School student report, a proposed update to the Cell Phone Use policy for the handbook, and a resolution directing administration to make recommendations regarding program and position reductions due to enrollment decrease. The Board reviewed policies on 1st Reading (Overdose Medication, Immunization Requirements, Vending Machines) and 2nd Reading (Protection and Privacy of Pupil Records, Student Medication and Telehealth). The Board also addressed the bid acceptance for the elementary and high school renovation projects, including approval of base bids and alternates, and planning for the 2026-2027 Budget and future transportation vehicle purchases.

The meeting commenced with a Truth in Taxation Public Meeting where public comments were heard. Key actions included approving a resolution congratulating the Cross Country Team for winning first place at the MSHSL State Meet, which included recognition of the coaching staff. Updates were provided on planned elementary and high school renovations, with bids scheduled to open shortly. The Board certified the 2025 Levy for collection in 2026. A Master Agreement between the District and Education Minnesota Lewiston -- Altura was approved pending final endorsement. Wage modifications were approved for the 2025-2027 Support Staff Wage and Benefits Handbook, increasing wages for lower earners to $16.50 per hour effective January 1, 2026, and providing a 0.5% raise for all other support staff. Supplementary van drivers' wages were also adjusted to $16.50 per hour effective January 1, 2026. The Board decided not to 'top off' district-paid leave if an employee is receiving MN Paid Leave. The Board discussed meeting with the Cardinal Foundation to align district priorities and budgeting. Several policies were reviewed, including Policy 515 (Protection and Privacy of Pupil Records) and Policy 516 (Student Medication and Telehealth) on first reading, and Policies 101 (Legal Status of the School District), 527 (Student Use and Parking of Motor Vehicles), 527F (Student Parking Permit Request), and 528 (Student Parental, Family and Marital Status Nondiscrimination) were approved. The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss negotiations with LAPA.