Vern L. Capelle

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and financial bills, which included significant payments towards 2016A and 2023A Building Bonds and the purchase of a Special Education van. A major portion of the meeting involved the Organizational Meeting for 2026, which included the election of officers (Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Treasurer, Clerk), designation of official district depositories and publications, appointment of legal counsel, setting of school board compensation for 2026, approval of district memberships in various organizations, and authorization for facsimile signatures, advance payment of obligations, and electronic fund transfers. The board also appointed directors to committees and approved the 2026 Regular Meeting calendar. Discussion topics included PreK programming expansion, updates on student recognition, athletics, operational reports on building security and generator repair, and Superintendent reports on the SOD Plan and Budget, staffing models for 2026-27, and research into capital lease purchases for new buses. New business actions included approving a three-year bid for renting agricultural land, authorizing repairs for the backup generator and installation of new water heaters, approving personnel actions (hire of an ECFE Parent Educator and a Bus Driver/Maintenance agreement), ratifying the 2025-27 Master Agreement with the Upsala Education Association, adopting the resolution for Recovery from Statutory Operating Debt, extending four-year old preschool programming, and accepting a $5,000 donation to kickstart a supportive foundation.

The meeting included the Schlenner Wenner Audit 2025 Presentation, which gave a clean opinion on the audit. There were 13 more pupil units in 2025 than in 2024. The District had $20,000 more revenue than expenses. A request was presented to put a Community Covenant Church sign on the school's property. The Upsala FFA Chapter's recent activities were recapped, including the National Convention and State Bound CDE teams. The Upsala FFA Alumni donated $2,600 for a new band saw and jointer in the wood shop. Felling Trailers agreed to donate $15,000 for new welders and welding tools. Winter sports were updated, and the MSHSL Foundation notified the District that their Form A and Form B grant requests were approved. The weight room had some leaks, and Horizon Roofing will be coming out this spring to do a walk through on the roofs. Over Christmas break, the last two door entrances are going to have key fob access applied. An update was provided on the levy certification process and then discussed the current status of the T-Mobile cable lease. Paid Family Medical Leave has been discussed by the administration team, and the plan for the Technology Coordinator position was also discussed. The FY25 Audit Report was approved, as well as the final certification of the 2025 Pay 2026 Property Tax Limitation. The re-assignment of Tom Riitters to Teacher/Technology Coordinator was approved, as well as the Community Covenant Church putting a sign on the school property. The decision to reject the T-Mobile FCC License buyout offer was approved, and the purchase of a van using federal special education funds was also approved.

The meeting included Principal Klug's report, highlighting students of recognition and upcoming events such as K-12 Parent/Teacher Conferences, a financial aid night, the Upsala Area Dollars for Scholars Bake Sale, the Upsala Lions Santa Breakfast, drama club performances, Christmas concerts, and a food drive. Activities Director Zimmerman provided updates on fall sports and winter sports participation. Superintendent Capelle presented a financial report, discussed the FCC license, and mentioned the administrative team's work on a policy for Paid Family Medical Leave and plans for the Technology Coordinator position. The consent agenda included approving the Continuing Contract/Probationary Seniority list, establishing polling places, entering into an agreement with St. Cloud State University, renewing the lease with Marco, approving donations for the Robotics program, and approving a pay increase for concession stand workers. New business included adopting the Resolution Canvassing Returns of Votes of School District Special Election and moving forward with the appraisal of the school's FCC license.

The regular meeting included informational items such as the Schlenner Wenner Audit 2025 presentation, an Easement Request from Pastor Steve Weishmann, and reports from the Principal, Activities Director, Building and Grounds Manager, Superintendent, various committees, and board members. The consent agenda included establishing the Re-Organization and Regular Board meeting date, approving the purchase of a van using federal special education funds, approving the donation of welding equipment from Felling Trailers, approving the FY2025 Community Education Annual Report, approving donations for the Robotics program, approving a Preschool Art Fundraiser, and approving a Travel Club Fundraiser. The board also discussed and approved the FY25 Audit Report, the final certification of the 2025 Pay 2026 Property Tax Limitation, and the re-assignment of Tom Riitters to Teacher/Technology Coordinator.

The meeting included Principal Klug's report, highlighting students of recognition and college and career activities. An all-school evacuation drill was conducted, and upcoming events such as the national FFA convention and Halloween Parade were discussed. Parent/Teacher Conferences and the school play were also mentioned. Activities Director Zimmerman provided an update on fall sports and discussed MSHSL Foundation Grants. Building Manager Harren discussed contingency fund balances and plans, including quotes for lighting controls and an electronic locking system. Superintendent Capelle discussed the FY25 audit, the Paid Family Medical Leave policy, health insurance bids, and preliminary plans for a technology coordinator position. The board approved donations, the MDE Assurance of Compliance Report, a fundraiser for the Travel Club, and winter Junior High basketball coaching assignments. The board also approved the Health Insurance Bid from Blue Cross-Blue Shield, the submission of MSHSL Form A and Form B grants, the agreement with MetLife for Paid Family and Medical Leave Administration, and quotes for lighting controls, an electronic locking system, and a replacement booster heater for the dishwasher.