Jim Peters

The Board meeting covered several administrative and financial actions. Key discussions included the presentation of the District's annual Truth in Taxation information and the adoption of a resolution setting the 2025 tax levy (to be collected in 2026) at $2,304,078.75. The Board approved monthly claims totaling $481,690.24. Personnel actions included approving the hire of a special education paraprofessional, accepting the rescinding of a resignation, and approving the hire of an aide. Furthermore, the Board directed the Superintendent to make recommendations regarding the reduction and/or discontinuance of programs and positions due to decreased enrollment. Resolutions were also adopted to establish combined polling places and designate voting hours for future school district elections not held concurrently with a statewide election. Finally, 2026 Driver Training Fees were set.

The organizational meeting focused on establishing roles and setting operational parameters for the upcoming year. Key actions included the unanimous election of Jennifer Pickett as Chairperson, Craig Britton as Vice-Chairperson, Michelle Topness as Clerk, Jason Schwarz as Vice-Clerk, and Susan Sikkink as Treasurer. The board set the 2026 school board salaries for all positions and approved holding regular monthly meetings on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 6:30 P.M. Additionally, the board approved an 18-month subscription with Arbiter Sports for referee and event worker payments. Discussions were held regarding the dedication of the theater space to Robert O'Reilly and the procedures for posting long-term substitute positions.

The board meeting included approvals for personnel hires such as ECFE Assistants, a Daycare Lead Teacher, and SAC Assistants, as well as the acceptance of a resignation. The board approved the proposed 2025 Payable 2026 Levy at the maximum amount and passed a resolution relating to appointing additional election judges for the November 4, 2025, school district special election. The 2025/26 advisor assignments were approved, along with a MOU with Fillmore Central Education Minnesota regarding compensation for retired District teachers rehired to teach a concurrent course. The date and time for the October regular board meeting was changed to October 27, 2025. The date and time of the Truth in Taxation meeting will be on December 16, 2025, and there will be a public accuracy test of the optical scan voting system on October 27, 2025.

The Board of Education held a regular meeting where they discussed and approved several items, including the agenda, monthly claims, and winter coaching assignments. They also approved various personnel actions, such as hiring and resignations of custodians, coaches, and paraprofessionals. Additionally, the board accepted donations, approved a special meeting to canvass election results, and discussed door replacement projects at the high school.

The meeting was called to order to canvass the returns of a special election regarding a new school district referendum revenue authorization. The board examined and approved the affidavits and official returns, discussing precinct summaries. A resolution was introduced and adopted, declaring the special election legally held and canvassed, with the majority of votes cast approving the ballot question. The Clerk was instructed to notify the Commissioner of Education of the election results.