Hibbing Public School District

Key discussions during the meeting included a proposal to hold future meetings in the high school auditorium due to anticipated large attendance. Administrative business involved the approval of an Interim Superintendent Contract with Carrie McDonald for the 2026-2027 period and the designation of Lance Takkunen, Business Manager, as an account signer for various specified depositories. Action items included the approval of a resolution for donations, approval of Policy 514 concerning the Protection and Privacy of Pupil Records, and approval of a revised contract agreement for Community Education leadership with ISD No. 695 Chisholm Public Schools. Furthermore, the board approved conducting a professional commercial appraisal for Greenhaven Elementary School to evaluate a potential sale. Discussion items also covered an upcoming joint meeting with Chisholm Public Schools, building capacities, and scheduling a motion regarding the sale or closure of Greenhaven Elementary School for the next board agenda.

Key discussions included administrative reports detailing updates on Social Emotional Learning, Literacy, WIN Time, and MTSS initiatives across Washington Elementary, Lincoln Middle School, and the Early Learning Center. The Board approved the agenda and the consent agenda, which included accepting resignations and approving new hires for coaching positions, approving job postings for support assistants, and approving a contract for Physical Therapy Virtual Services with Soliant. The Chair appointed two directors to sign and distribute 2026 High School Diplomas. The Board rescinded the prior approval for two individuals as account signers and subsequently approved them as new account signers for multiple banks, adding the National Bank of Commerce. A resolution was adopted releasing local commitment of OPEB-designated funds. Discussion items focused on the FY26 and FY27 budget, with direction sought regarding pursuing a 4-day school week and evaluating the closing or sale of a building.

The meeting included administrative reports and action items related to personnel and contracts. Key actions involved accepting several resignations, including a head volleyball coach and an ECSE teacher, and approving new hires for substitute teaching and coaching positions. Personnel postings and transfers for January 2026 were also addressed. Administrative business included approving a contract with Soliant for Physical Therapy virtual services, appointing two Directors to sign high school diplomas, and rescinding and then re-approving account signers for various banks, specifying Carrie McDonald and Kim McLaughlin. Discussion items centered on the FY26 and FY27 Budgets.

The meeting commenced with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and a public comment session where items regarding resignations and new hires were added to the Consent Agenda. Key administrative business included approving a resolution for donations, authorizing an official for the Education Identity Access Management (EDIAM) system, approving the 2025 Pay Equity Compliance Report, accepting American Indian Education documentation, and approving the Resolution for Electronic Fund Transfers. Discussions included the Student Director's report on a 4-day school week survey, future fiscal year reductions resulting in the closure of the high school small pool on March 4, 2026, and planning goals for a joint meeting with Chisholm Public Schools on February 25, 2026. The board also entered a closed session to discuss negotiations strategy.

The meeting commenced with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and the addition of an addendum item concerning the resignation for retirement of the Superintendent, effective April 14, 2026, and discussion of the Business Manager and Superintendent vacancies. The Board proceeded with the Reorganization of the School Board, retaining existing positions for the Chair, Clerk, Treasurer, and Chair Pro Tem. Several resolutions were adopted, including the purchase of a $100,000 blanket bond for board members and employees, setting board member salaries, designating The Mesabi Tribune as the official newspaper, establishing the schedule for future regular board meetings, authorizing the Business Manager to prepay certain claims for discounts, and authorizing electronic fund transfers with monthly reporting. Directors Polcher and Gabardi were appointed as representatives to the Minnesota State High School League. Committee representations were largely kept the same as the previous year for various committees including MSHSL, MSBA, Title I Parent Advisory Committee, Community Education Advisory Council, District Health and Safety Committee, Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness Committee, Negotiations Committee, AD Committee, and Finance Committee. Public comment was heard regarding an adult aquatic class instructor for the small pool. The agenda and consent agenda were approved. The consent agenda included accepting a pupil support assistant resignation and approving postings for two new pupil support assistant positions. The Board approved Richard Aldrich's requested medical leave. Administrative business included approving a resolution for school board members to be covered by workers' compensation insurance, approving corporate authorization resolutions for school district depositories, appointing legal counsel for the 2026 calendar year, accepting donations, and approving a payment to Max Gray Construction for renovation work at Greenhaven Elementary. The resignation of Superintendent Richard Aldrich was formally accepted. The meeting concluded after discussing the Business Manager and Superintendent of Schools Vacancies.