Tonya Duscher

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and financial reports, including vendor payments totaling $942,125.34. Visitor reports featured the FY25 Audit Report and the Truth-In-Taxation Report. Administrative reports covered community education, secondary principal updates such as the success of the FFA fruit sale and a new student recognition program for attendance and conduct, and elementary principal updates noting the success of the Lego League team. Superintendent updates covered a consolidation meeting, the Milroy School Building status, a $500,000 SVPP grant for security upgrades requiring RFP preparation, and baseball lights bid opening results. New business involved recognizing a total K-12 enrollment of 607, certifying the Maximum MDE Levy Limitation for 2025 Payable 2026, approving the FY25 Audit Report, approving the surplus of two refrigerators, recognizing the resignation of an ADSIS Teacher, approving the hire of an assistant wrestling coach, adopting a resolution for Donations to TAPS, and approving the adoption and implementation of the Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave program effective January 1, 2026.

The meeting agenda primarily focused on the reorganization of the 2026 Tracy Area Public School #2904 School Board Officers and Committee Assignments. Key items for discussion and action included recognizing the current TAPS enrollment figures, addressing a resolution directing administration to make recommendations for program and position reductions, accepting resignations of two staff members (Cathy Johnson and Vicki Streifel), considering second-semester lane change requests, extending a substitute's contract, approving a volunteer wrestling coach, and considering quotes for baseball and football field light installations. Financial matters included the consideration of claims, account balances, and vendor payments, as well as the approval of various financial reports and the certification of the Maximum MDE Levy Limitation.

The key discussion topics for this board meeting included the recognition of current enrollment figures compared to previous years, a discussion and action item to certify the Maximum MDE Levy Limitation and Certification for 2025 Payable 2026, and consideration of the FY25 Audit Report presented by Hoffman & Brobst. Additional new business involved surplus of two refrigerators, acceptance of a resignation from an ADSIS Teacher, hiring an assistant wrestling coach, approval of donations, and a resolution to adopt and implement the Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave program, effective January 1, 2026. The agenda also included discussion on declaring surplus of a single-stage snowblower.

The meeting began with the Reorganization of the 2026 Tracy Area Public School Board, including the election of officers for Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Clerk/Treasurer, followed by the assignment of various committee roles. Key administrative reports covered the arrival of 315 new laptops, updates on various student testing initiatives (Fastbridge, Capti, NWEA Science, ACT prep), and updates on curriculum training. The Superintendent detailed the timeline for 2025-2026 Capital Outlay Requests, the proclamation of Minnesota's Paraprofessional Recognition Week, and updates regarding the consolidation of Milroy Teachers into the TEA Master Employment Agreement, noting the deadline for purchasing the Milroy School. New business included recognizing the K-12 enrollment of 608 students and passing a resolution directing administration to make recommendations for program and position reductions. The Board also approved several resignations, approved a lane change request, extended a substitute contract, approved a volunteer coach, approved significant expenditures for new football field LED lights and poles totaling $263,700, and approved collecting quotes for future lighting replacement.

This strategic plan for Tracy Area Public Schools outlines a comprehensive roadmap to enhance teaching and learning, focusing on academic excellence, college and career readiness, and equitable access to education. Key pillars include improving student proficiency in reading, math, and science, with specific targets for various student groups, and an overarching goal for all students to achieve grade-level reading by Grade 3. The plan also emphasizes preparing students for postsecondary success through programs like 'Ramp Up to Readiness' and 'On-to-College,' fostering racial and economic integration through collaborative initiatives, and developing future educators via the 'Grow Your Own Teachers' program. It is supported by a robust literacy plan, professional development, and a commitment to a 100% graduation rate.