February 23, 2026 at 7:00 PM - Regular Meeting
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I. CALL TO ORDER
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II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
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III. DISTRICT POINTS OF PRIDE
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Rick Sansted will share with the board the "206 Points of Pride." The persons being recognized this month are as follows: Ten students from the Discovery Middle School Math Team competed in the Chapter MathCounts Competition at MSUM in Moorhead. Out of 91 total students competing, we had 5 students finish in the top 10. Those students include:
The team of Alex Koetter, Emelia Preston, Joni Vanderheiden and PJ Vanderheiden also took first place in the team competition and will be competing in the State MathCounts Competition. Seniors Ellie Sticha and Lars Dahl were awarded the Triple ‘A’ Award for Alexandria Area High School. The Academics, Arts and Athletics Award, commonly known as the Triple ‘A’ Award, honors high school seniors who have a 3.0 or higher grade point average and who participate in League-sponsored athletic and fine arts activities. Each region selects one male and one female winner to move on to the State competition where the winners will receive a four-year, $1,000 scholarship. The AAHS Math Team took home the title of 2026 West Central Division Champions. Congratulations to team members Lars Dahl, Zack Frisell, Emma Hawkins, Lucas Klimek, Alex Lin, Joshua Makalinao, Brandon Malo, Dominic Maus, Wendy Munoz Cortes, Alondra Munoz Cortes, Colton Nolden, Levi Preston, Alex Rodriguez, William Wagner and Michael Zhang. A number of Discovery Middle School students had art projects selected to be displayed for the Dream Big! art show at Gallery 300 at Alexandria College. Students include:
AAHS had a number of musicians named All-Conference musicians. These students will participate in a day of rehearsal and another day of performance along with student musicians from across the state. Students include:
Athletes recognized this past month as Central Lakes Conference Performers of the Week in their respective sport include:
The AAHS Mock Trial Team of Francis Ampaso, Leah Brittain, Mae Denne, Mara Duscher, Madison Harrison, Emma Hefley, Gabrielle Johnson, Alaina Kosin, Sophia Nohre, Jadalynn Posephny, Alice Novotny, Ella Vanderheiden and Echo Fiecke earned a trip to the State Mock Trial Competition. Kira Johnson earned another trip to the State Gymnastics Meet in individual competition. Head Gymnastics Coach Hannah Stevenson and Assistant Coach Nichole Boyden were recognized as the 2026 Section 8AA Head Coach & Assistant Coach of the Year. The Discovery Middle School Nordic Ski Team finished their season at Junior High Champions with outstanding performances. Emelia Preston took 1st place in all of her races over the course of the season. AAHS Nordic Ski sent three competitors to the State Nordi Ski Competition:
Micah Kietzmann broke the Sauk Centre pool record with a lifetime best time to win the 100 Butterfly in a meet vs. Melrose Area High School. In wrestling, Nolan Fettig recorded his 166th career victory, tying the Alexandria all-time career wins record previously held by John Amundson since 2008. First Lego League teams competed at Regionals with phenomenal results:
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IV. CONSENT AGENDA
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
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IV.A. APPROVE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING ON JANUARY 26, 2026
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The following pages provide a copy of the minutes from the January 26, 2026 regular board meeting. RECOMMENDATION: The administration recommends the board approve the minutes as printed. |
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IV.B. APPROVE PAYMENT OF BILLS FOR JANUARY 2026
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The listing of bills for payment is the last attachment to this agenda. RECOMMENDATION: The administration recommends the board approve the payment of bills for January 2026. |
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IV.C. APPROVE MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR JANUARY 2026
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The following pages provide a summary report of revenue and expenditures for the district as of January 31, 2026. RECOMMENDATION: The administration recommends the board approve the revenue and expenditures reports for the month of January 2026. |
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IV.D. APPROVE PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATIONS
Presenter:
Jessie Hjelle
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Personnel recommendations are made monthly. The conditional offers of employment are subject to successful completion of a criminal background check and I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification, and where applicable, the issuance of the required license. RECOMMENDATION: The administration recommends the board approve the personnel recommendations as presented on the following pages. |
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IV.E. APPROVE SUPERINTENDENT CONTRACT
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
A proposed three-year contract has been negotiated between the school district and the superintendent, Rick Sansted. The proposed contract covers the time period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029. RECOMMENDATION: The administration recommends the board approve the contract with the superintendent for July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029. |
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IV.F. APPROVE SUBMISSION OF GRANT APPLICATIONS
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The administration recommends that the school board approve the submission of the following:
RECOMMENDATION: The administration recommends the school board approve the resolution to submit the grant applications and donation requests. |
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IV.G. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT DONATIONS AND GRANTS
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
As per district policy, the board is required to approve the submission and acceptance of donations and grants to the district that exceed $1,000. RECOMMENDATION: The administration recommends the school board approve the attached resolution accepting grants and donations to the school district. |
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IV.H. APPROVE EXTENDED FIELD TRIPS
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
As per district policy, the board is required to approve all extended field trips that involve one or more overnight stays. RECOMMENDATION: The administration recommends that the school board approve the following extended field trips:
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IV.I. APPROVE FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
As per district policy, the board is required to approve all fundraising activities. RECOMMENDATION: The administration is recommending that the school board approve the following fundraiser:
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IV.J. APPROVE INDEPENDENT PROVIDER APPLICATION
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Alexandria Shooting Park is applying to be the Independent Provider for the Alexandria Area High School Clay Target League during the 2025-2026 school year. RECOMMENDATION: The administration recommends that the board approve Alexandria Shooting Park as the Independent Provider for the Alexandria Area High School Clay Target League during the 2025-2026 school year. |
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IV.K. APPROVE FIRST READING OF DISTRICT POLICIES
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The following pages provide suggested policy additions or policy revisions for first reading. Administration will review the policies at the meeting.
The Curriculum/Policy Committee reviewed the policies at their committee meeting and supports the additions and revisions. RECOMMENDATION: The administration recommends the board approve the first reading of the policies listed above. |
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IV.L. ADOPT DISTRICT POLICIES
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The following policies received a first reading at the January 2026 board meeting:
RECOMMENDATION: The administration recommends the board adopt Policies 502, 504 and 505. |
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IV.M. APPROVE SCHOOL DISTRICT AGREEMENTS
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Annually, the school board approves educational agreements between the District and various consultants, agencies and service providers. RECOMMENDATION: The administration recommends the board approve the following agreement:
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V. REPORTS/DISCUSSION ITEMS
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V.A. LINCOLN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL UPDATE
Presenter:
Brendan Bogart
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Brendan Bogart will share highlights from Lincoln Elementary School. A question and answer time will be provided at the meeting. No formal action is expected. |
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V.B. VOYAGER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL UPDATE
Presenter:
Dana Christenson
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Dana Christenson will share highlights from Voyager Elementary School. A question and answer time will be provided at the meeting. No formal action is expected. |
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VI. ACTION ITEMS
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VI.A. APPROVE REVISION OF FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 BUDGET
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Lauren Syrup, CESO Representative, will present proposed revisions to the 2025-2026 financial budget. The following pages provide a summary of the budget revisions. RECOMMENDATION: The administration recommends approving these revisions. |
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VI.B. APPROVE SUBMISSION OF FLEXIBLE LEARNING YEAR APPLICATION
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The following pages provide the application the school district is required to submit to the Minnesota Department of Education per Minnesota Statute 124D.12. Rick Sansted, Superintendent, will provide additional background information regarding the application process. RECOMMENDATION: The administration recommends the board approve the submission of the Flexible Learning Year Application to the Minnesota Department of Education. |
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VI.C. ADOPT AMERICAN INDIAN PARENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE RESOLUTION
Presenter:
Trish Perry
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.78 requires that all Minnesota school districts with ten or more American Indian students have an American Indian Parent Advisory Committee. The committee serves in an advisory role to the district. The school board must ensure that programs are planned, operated and evaluated in consultation with the committee. The district must complete the Resolution of concurrence/non-concurrence each school year. RECOMMENDATION: The administration recommends the board adopt the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee Resolution as presented. |
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VI.D. ADOPT SCHOOL CALENDARS FOR 2026-2027 AND 2027-2028
Presenter:
Trish Perry
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Trish Perry will review with the board the proposed school calendars for the next two years, 2026-2027 and 2027-2028. The calendar committee, composed of representatives from the teaching staff, parents and administration, held several meetings over the past weeks. RECOMMENDATION: The administration recommends the board adopt the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school calendars. |
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VI.E. APPROVE MASTER AGREEMENT
Presenter:
Jessie Hjelle
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
A tentative settlement was reached between the District and Education Minnesota Alexandria (EMA). EMA membership approved the new master agreement. Jessie Hjelle, Director of Human Resources, will provide an overview of the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 Master Agreement. The administration and the Personnel/Negotiations Committee reviewed and are in support of the approval of the agreement. RECOMMENDATION: The administration recommends approval of the Master Agreement between Education Minnesota Alexandria and Alexandria School District for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years. |
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VI.F. ADOPT RESOLUTION REDUCING AND DISCONTINUING EDCUATIONAL PROGRAMS AND POSITIONS
Presenter:
Jessie Hjelle
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The following page provides the resolution which the school board is required to adopt identifying the programs that may be reduced in the upcoming school year due to changes in student enrollment and/or availability of funding. Jessie Hjelle, Director of Human Resources, will provide additional background information regarding the resolution. RECOMMENDATION: The administration recommends the board adopt the Resolution Discontinuing and Reducing Educational Programs and Positions. |
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VI.G. APPROVE 2026 ESY SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAMMING AND CALENDAR
Presenter:
Michelle Bethke-Kaliher
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Michelle Bethke-Kaliher will update the board on 2026 summer school programming planned for the district. The attached information provides details. Further discussion will take place at the meeting. RECOMMENDATION: The administration recommends the board approve the summer school calendar and programs as presented. |
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VII. COMMUNICATION ITEMS
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Description:
INFORMATION
The district administrative team will provide informational updates to the board at the meeting. The following pages provide the minutes of recent meetings of the Personnel/Negotiation Committee, Curriculum/Policy Committee and the Budget/Facilities Committee. Also, school board members will share information and other updates as appropriate. |
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VII.A. ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
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VII.B. SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
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VII.C. SCHOOL BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS
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VII.D. ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
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VIII. DELEGATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS
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IX. ADJOURNMENT
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