Southwest West Central Service Cooperative

The Board approved various service and consultant contracts, including physical therapy, evaluation, career learning, and training services. Personnel actions such as new hires, status changes, and resignations were authorized, and a cardiac emergency response grant was accepted. The Board nominated a member for an outstanding service award, approved a memorandum of understanding for teacher externships, and reviewed administrative and financial reports. Additionally, the Board approved revised 2025-26 budgets and passed a resolution discontinuing specific educational programs and positions.

The board meeting included a staff presentation on risk management, the presentation of the MSC Outstanding Service Award, and the review of a Resource Training and Solutions MOU. Administrative reports were provided by the Director of Finance, Director of Human Resources, and the Executive Director. Additionally, the Finance Committee reported on revised 2025-26 budgets, and the Personnel Committee addressed a resolution regarding the discontinuation and reduction of educational programs and positions.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and consent items, which included the minutes from the January 28, 2026, meeting, approval of expenditures, several services contracts for Eden Valley-Watkins, Hills-Beaver Creek, Red Rock Central, Wabasso Public School, and Lester Prairie Public School, and consultant contracts with IEA, Inc. and Southwest Initiative Foundation. The Board approved the personnel list detailing new hires, status changes, temporary hires, long-term substitutes, substitutes, stipends, CSA lane changes, and resignations/terminations. A presentation was provided on the Crisis Go emergency response application. Action items included the adoption of a resolution directing the administration to make recommendations for program and position reductions due to uncertainty regarding 2026-27 external funding, approval of the 2026-27 SWWC Calendar Guidance, acceptance of a $395.05 donation from Des Moines Valley Health & Human Services, and approval of the Milroy Tower Termination Agreement which involved a $5,000.00 payment from Milroy School District. Financial and HR reports were also reviewed.

This document outlines the legislative platform for the Minnesota Administrators for Special Education for the year 2026. It focuses on ensuring fair and sustainable funding for special education, promoting flexible and supportive policies for special educator recruitment and retention, and fostering safe and secure school environments. The platform advocates for specific legislative changes to protect existing funding, expand the eligible uses of student support personnel aid, streamline educator licensing and retention processes, and refine policies concerning student discipline and school safety.

The meeting commenced with the introduction of new board member Emily Coequyt and staff guests. Key organizational actions included the unanimous election by acclamation of the 2026 officers: Chair Matt Coleman, Vice Chair Jody Bauer, Clerk Amanda Lecy, and Treasurer Carla Olson. The Board designated the Marshall Independent as the official newspaper for 2026 and authorized specific depositories for funds for the 2026 calendar year. Stipends and mileage allowances for 2026 were established. The 2026-2027 board meeting schedule was approved. Legal counsel for SWWC was selected, and committee appointments were reviewed, with Emily Coequyt volunteering for the Finance Committee. The consent agenda included the approval of expenditures, service contracts (e.g., for Ortonville Public School and Red Rock Rural Water Systems), consultant contracts (e.g., for Southern Plains Education Cooperative), personnel changes (including new hires, status changes, and resignations), and the acceptance of grants totaling $747,000. A presentation was given on Behavioral Health Services, followed by the first reading and adoption of numerous Board Policies (101.1 through 750). Action items included the acceptance of a $200.00 donation from Peace Lutheran Church Men's Group and the approval of an agreement with Rapp Strategies, Inc. Financial reports noted that 40.4% of revenues were collected and 44.9% expended as of December 31, 2025. The Board approved FY27 Dues and Fees with an average fee increase of 6.4% and approved several fund balance assignments. The 2026-2028 CEA Tentative Settlement was approved, reflecting a per FTE increase of $6,506.87. Updates were provided on MSC, MHC, and CPC board activities.