Leah Busse

The board meeting included the adoption of the agenda and approval of the consent agenda, which covered accounts payable, wires, HR actions, and minor policy changes. Key action items featured the third reading and approval of the enrollment policy, the second reading of a student promotion and retention policy, and the approval of an emergency version of the policy regarding the legal status of the school board. Additionally, the board approved enrollment caps for the 2026 and 2027 school years, a transportation contract with Coherent Bus Company, and staff compensation adjustments for the 2027 school year.

The agenda focuses on operational and policy matters, including the review and approval of accounts payable, human resources actions, and minor policy updates. Significant discussion items involve the third reading of an enrollment policy, the second reading of student promotion and retention policies, and the emergency approval of a policy regarding the legal status of the school board. Additionally, the Board is set to determine enrollment caps for future school years, authorize a transportation contract with Coherent Bus Company, and approve staff compensation adjustments.

Key discussions included a review of the Year-to-Date Financials covering operations from July 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025. Regarding property reports, bathroom renovations were completed, noting the replacement of original air dryers with quieter models. Roof issues were addressed following an inspection that identified water infiltration points, leading to proposals for repair or replacement estimated around $52,000.00. The board also discussed internal and external painting, with an internal painting cost of $42,570.00 being reviewed. A motion was approved to cover roof and painting costs not to exceed $110,000.00, with follow-up action to evaluate the extent of necessary exterior painting. The group intends to schedule an in-person meeting in November.

Key discussions and action items for the meeting included a Land Acknowledgement Statement and the reading of the MTCS Mission Statement. The board addressed potential conflicts of interest and proceeded with approving the agenda and a consent agenda covering previous minutes, accounts payable/wires for December 2025, HR changes, and minor policy changes. The agenda featured a public open forum, a presentation by the MNVS Club, and various reports from the Board Chair, Finance, Policy Committee, and Superintendent. Action items focused on the second read of Policy 215 regarding Board of Directors Voting, the first read of Policy 537 concerning Enrollment, approving payment for hourly staff who missed work on January 8th and 9th, 2026, and adjusting the academic calendar to reflect these missed days and a make-up day for P.E.A.S.E. Academy. Discussions also covered the Board Work Session for self-evaluation and the Superintendent evaluation.

The meeting commenced with a Land Acknowledgement Statement recognizing the Dakota and Ojibwe people, followed by a review of the MTCS Mission Statement. Key agenda items included the approval of the agenda and the consent agenda, which covered the approval of October 2025 Accounts Payable and Wires, HR changes, and minor policy changes. Under action items, the Board moved to approve revisions to the MTCS Bylaws regarding "Eligible Voters" and the removal of language concerning an "Annual Meeting." Additionally, the Board passed MTCS Policy 537 (Enrollment) on an emergency basis and approved a marketing expense of $100,000.04 with iHeart Radio (Amazon Prime). Discussions included the School Board self-evaluation and the Superintendent evaluation.