Paul Downer

Key discussions and actions included approving the agenda, receiving reports from the Student Council regarding recent events and collections, and noting the achievements of Buffalo FFA Market Plan team members. Personnel actions approved several appointments, resignations, retirements, terminations, and transfers of educational support personnel and a teacher. The board also reviewed and approved check disbursements totaling over $2.6 million across various funds. A Truth in Taxation Presentation was given regarding the tax levy calculation formulas. Action items involved certifying the 2025 Payable 2026 tax levy, granting final approvals for out-of-state music trips to Wisconsin and France, revising policies 410 (Family and Medical Leave) and 450 (Leave of Absences Unpaid) to integrate the new Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave Program, and approving the 2026-2027 school calendar.

The Special Meeting convened for organizational actions. Key discussions included the election of officers, resulting in Bob Sansevere being elected as Chair, Sheila Smude as Vice Chair, Adam Bjorklund as Clerk, and Amanda Lawrence as Treasurer. Additionally, Matt Hoffman was nominated as Acting Clerk/Treasurer. The board also approved the 2026 committee assignments, noting a change in representation for the District 877 Endowment Committee, transferring the Board Representative role from Lawrence to Honsey, and the Alternate role from Hoffman to Lawrence.

The Portrait of a Graduate outlines the AVID Essential Skills that Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose School District students should acquire from PreK-12. Adopted in Fall 2023, this framework complements the district's 2015 strategic plan by providing practical definitions for its broad goals related to life skills, whole child investment, pathways, and engagement. It includes clear descriptions of skill achievement from preschool through 12th grade and incorporates measurement tools for progress tracking, with data collection commencing in the 2023-24 school year.

The meeting included a student council report, recognition of student achievements in soccer, and discussion of upcoming board calendar dates. The board approved personnel appointments, resignations, transfers, and leaves of absence. They also approved a master agreement with Education Minnesota-Buffalo. Financial matters included check disbursements and electronic fund transfers. The board accepted donations and grants, approved resolutions for MSHSL Form A/B grants, and approved bond bids for roof replacement and mechanical upgrades projects. Additionally, they approved the Teacher Development and Evaluation Plan and the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school calendars. Reports were given on a preliminary approval of an international trip to France, October 1st enrollment, and the 1st semester class size.

The board meeting included a student council report, recognition of LEEA and ESS award recipients, and acknowledgment of achievements by the BHS Boys Soccer Team, Coyotes Adapted Soccer Team, BHS Girls Swim and Dive Team, and Tristan Lenton in cross country. The board approved personnel appointments, resignations, and transfers, as well as check disbursements and electronic fund transfers. They also accepted donations and grants, approved an out-of-state trip for BHS students, and reviewed the 2024-25 audit. New course proposals were approved, and the 2025-26 teacher seniority list was updated. Reports included an out-of-state preliminary trip to Milwaukee, WI, and 2026-27 enrollment projections. Policy revisions related to the Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave Program were discussed.