Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted Public Schools

The board approved a consent agenda including various staff resignations, retirements, hiring, and policy updates. Discussions included an update and approval for the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee report and the approval of a transportation contract with 4.O School Services. The board also approved the 2025-27 teacher contract and a resolution accepting donations. Additional agenda items covered a policy reading for Literacy & Read Act, upcoming work session planning, and reports from the superintendent, principals, and student representatives regarding district activities, student health initiatives, and committee updates.

The Work Session meeting addressed several items. The agenda was approved, followed by the approval of several overnight student trips, including the HS State DECA trip to Minneapolis and the HS History trip to Central Europe. A staffing adjustment for the high school was reviewed and approved. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing budget preparations for the 2026-2027 school year, focusing on anticipated enrollment decreases, discussing budget reduction ideas such as staff-to-student ratios, and exploring increased revenue opportunities like fee increases. Board members offered recognition for positive activities and staff efforts across various departments, including the Ag Department, One Act Play, junior high trips, and administrative work on budget challenges. Items for the next regular meeting and work session were listed, including budget reports, policy readings, and employment recommendations.

The meeting began with an organizational segment where the chairperson, vice chairperson, clerk, and treasurer were nominated and approved. Committee per diems for 2026 were approved, as were the 2026 School Board Committee assignments. Official newspaper and depositories were confirmed, along with legal counsel. Authorization was granted for the Superintendent to use facsimile signatures for checks, for designated personnel to conduct banking business and make electronic fund transfers, and for the Superintendent to make short-term investments. The board also authorized agents to lease, purchase, and contract for goods and services, approved payment of claims that could not be deferred, and approved organizational memberships. Schedule changes were established for future Regular Board meetings (second Monday, 6:30 pm, except November) and Work Session meetings (fourth Monday, 6:30 pm, except March and November). Authority was given to secretaries for form completion and designation of officials for MDE secure website access. The notice of handicapped accessibility was approved. Following the organizational meeting, the regular session addressed a concern regarding dirt in gymnasiums, approved the agenda, and approved the consent agenda, which included employment actions for two Paraprofessionals and the second reading of several policies. Key operational discussions included approval of a teacher Memorandum of Understanding regarding early retirement, review of the treasurer report which highlighted declining enrollment impacting staffing levels, and approval of a resolution directing administration to make recommendations for curriculum, program, and position reductions. The board approved a resolution accepting donations. The next work session agenda includes discussion of the 2026-27 budget preparation. Reports were given on legislative platforms and school administration updates, including kindergarten registration dates and curriculum team meetings. Student representatives raised concerns regarding bathroom amenities and the availability of free, quality period products. The meeting concluded with closing to discuss negotiation strategies.

The Regular Board meeting included several key actions. The Board approved the final levy certification for 2025 payable 2026, totaling $6,076,899.40. A facility agreement with inBYLT was approved following a review of facility audit information by the Buildings and Grounds Committee. The Board also approved the dissolution of the boys and girls track cooperative agreement with Holy Trinity due to reclassification processes. The proposed 2026-27 and 2027-28 school calendars were approved. Furthermore, resolutions were passed designating the City Halls of Howard Lake, Waverly, and Winsted as the combined polling place, and accepting various donations. The Board reviewed several policies for first reading, and unanimously approved moving forward with FINALSITE as the new website platform based on the Community Relations Committee's recommendation. Discussion also included a proposal for a Laker Family Reunion event in the summer of 2026. Superintendent and Principal reports covered ongoing literacy improvements, budget planning, staff recognition, updates on the ELA curriculum review, and student requests regarding a potential tutor program and accessibility issues with the school website and parking lot.

Key discussions during the meeting included public comment regarding compliance with Title IX for sports. The board reviewed and approved the 2024-2025 Audit. Decisions were made regarding property and casualty insurance renewals, approving coverage with Hanover and Beazley for Cyber Liability. The board approved the selection of Arianna Grosshuesch as a non-voting student representative. Two overnight student trip requests were approved for the High School FFA and DECA students. The board also reviewed and approved the acceptance of donations and confirmed items for the subsequent work session, which include discussing the Superintendent Transition and the induction of Student School Board Representatives. Various positive contributions within the district, including athletic achievements and audit work, were recognized.