Zachary Erickson

The board discussed and took action on several items, including financial reviews of bills and receipts, recognition of staff resignations, and teacher appreciation. New business items addressed include the approval of a school nurse contract, hiring of an elementary teacher, a service agreement with Northland for an ELL teacher, adjustments to support staff hours, adoption of a membership resolution for the Minnesota State High School League, and the selection of board members to present diplomas for graduation. The meeting also included reports from various committees, the superintendent, and a facility director report detailing the emergency replacement of hot water heaters.

The board meetings covered various operational and financial items. Key discussions included the approval of claims, accounts, and financial reports, as well as the acceptance of gifts and donations for school activities. The board acknowledged staff resignations and retirements, and approved multiple hiring actions for coaching and staff positions. Additionally, the board approved the school calendar for 2026-2027, adopted a resolution for staff and program reductions based on enrollment and budget considerations, and reviewed reports from committees, the DFO, principals, and the superintendent regarding curriculum, fitness center, transportation, and strategic planning initiatives.

The board meetings covered various administrative and operational topics, including the approval of financial claims, receipts, and budget revisions. Key discussions involved hiring personnel for various positions such as custodian, coaches, and a Technology Director. Significant actions included accepting resignations, recognizing staff contributions, and adopting resolutions regarding program and position reductions due to enrollment changes and financial conditions. The board also reviewed committee reports, including discussions on curriculum, policy, safety, and strategic planning initiatives, and approved school calendar adjustments and contractual agreements.

This Achievement and Integration Plan outlines the strategic direction for Hill City to reduce achievement disparities, enhance teacher equity, and increase racial and economic integration. Key initiatives include implementing shared academic programming with Northland Community Schools to promote student integration, diversifying student leadership through targeted recruitment to reflect district demographics, and increasing access to Native American culture-based classes taught by American Indian instructors to foster cultural fluency and address teacher equity.

The Regular Meeting addressed several financial and administrative items, including the approval of December 2025 bills totaling $425,850.01 and the approval of December 2025 receipts amounting to $442,614.59. The Board accepted gifts and donations, notably from Woodland Bank and the Hill City Thrift Store for the Wrestling program. Recognitions were given in memoriam and to paraprofessionals, and resignations for a secretary and a baseball coach were noted. New business included the approval of the 2025-2027 HCUE contract, the 2026 Pay Equity Report, and the hiring of several new personnel, including a school secretary, an Administrative Assistant, a paraprofessional, a van driver, and approval to post for a Hornets Golf Coach. The DFO report resulted in a motion to obtain a quote from Heartland Video Systems for new video surveillance equipment.