April 20, 2026 at 5:15 PM - Regular School Board Meeting

This School Board Meeting is available to watch via Live Stream by selecting the following link or by going to the "Falls High Journalism" youtube page.

Call to Order

1. Roll Call:
___ Jessica Crosby, Vice Board Chair    
___ Dale Johnson, Director
___ Toni Korpi, Clerk                
___ Tina Sather, Treasurer                  
___ Roxanne Skogstad-Ditsch, Director  
___ JoAnn Smith, Board Chair

Non-Voting Members:
___ Beth Shermoen, Superintendent           
___ Emmitt Olson, Student Representative                  

2. Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of Agenda

1. Approve agenda as presented. 
Motion by ______, second by ______. Motion carried / failed.

Open Forum

1. CESO FY 2025/26 Revised Budget Presentation & Monthly Financial Reports Introduction - Lauren Syrup; Business Manager

2. Elk's Student's of the Month: March - Pablo Christianson and Emma Willett.  April - Olivia Spry and Camden Deedrick

3. Public Open Forum

4. Krazy Thompson: Purple Pride Fish Fry

Committee and Administrative Reports

1. MSBA (Per MDE Guidance) Presentation:

2. Emmitt Olson, Student Representative:

3. Melissa Tate, Secondary Principal:

4. Lisa West, Elementary Principal:

5. Molly Larson, Community Education Director:

6. Beth Shermoen, Superintendent:  

7. Policy Committee:

8. Athletic Committee:

9. Legislative Committee:

Consent Agenda
Approve the Consent Agenda as presented. 
Motion by ______, second by ______.  Motion carried / failed.

1. Approve payroll in the amount of $733,657.90 for pay periods 3/20/2026, 4/3/2026 (Regular & Retro pay per new FY26 Para Contract), and 4/17/2026.

2. Approve current accounts payable due in the amount of $1,880,546.27.

3. Approve past meeting minutes for the regular special school board meeting on 4/7/2026 and regular school board meeting on 3/16/2026.

4. Approve the non-renewal of the Rainy Lake Medical Center Services for Occupational Therapy, effective July 1, 2026.

5. Approve the reduction of 4 paraprofessionals positions at the end of the 25/26 school year.

6. Approve the reduction of a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) 1.0 fte. position to a .50 fte position for the 26/27 School Year, effective the last day of the 25/26 school year contract agreement. 

7. Approve the resignation of Stacey Leseman, paraprofessional, effective June 30, 2026.

8. Approve the hire of Emily Groom for Science Teacher at Falls High School for the 26/27 school year.

9. Approve the hire of Andrea Kappelman as the Art Teacher at Falls High School for the 26/27 school year. 

10. Approve the hire of a .80fte School-Based Occupational Therapist for the 26/27 school year.

11. Approve the hire of Jennifer McBride as the Girls Swimming and Diving Head Coach for the 2026-2027 Season.

12. Accept the resignation of Bryan Kershaw as Assistant Softball Coach, effective immediately. 

13. Accept the resignation of Bryan Kershaw as Head JV Softball Coach, effective immediately. 

14. Accept the resignation of TJ Coulombe as Junior High Softball Coach, effective immediately. 

15. Approve the hire of Michelle Koenig as JV Softball Coach for the remainder of the 2025-2026 season.

16. Approve the hire of Emily Groom as Junior High Softball Coach, for the 2025-2026 season.

Action Items

1. Improving systems and structures to create a culture where all are welcome and supported.

1.a. Resolution Acceptance of Gifts and Donations. 
Motion by ______, second by ______.  Motion carried / failed.

1.b. Approve the ISD 361 2025/26 Revised Budget as Presented by CESO.
Motion by ______, second by ______. Motion carried / failed.

1.c. Approve the Independent School District 361 Contract Agreement with Americans Federation of State, County, Municipal Employees (AFSCME); Local 510 for July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027.
Motion by _________, second by _________.  Motion carried / failed.

1.d. Approve the Independent School District No. 361 International Falls, Minnesota and Falls Principals' Association Contract Agreement for July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027.
Motion by ______, second by ______. Motion carried / failed.

1.e. Approve Friday, May 28, 2027 Graduation Date
Motion by ______, second by ______. Motion carried / failed.

1.f. Approve acceptance of the Northland Foundation grant in the amount of $10,000 to support the American Indian Education Quiz Bowl Award.
Motion by _________, second by _________.  Motion carried / failed.
 

1.g. Approve acceptance of the MDE Native Language Revitalization Competitive Grant in the amount of $214,941.78 to support expanding instruction in Dakota, Anishinaabe and other Indigenous languages. Funding initiatives that increase student reach, strengthen cultural heritage and improve language proficiency through curriculum development, staff recruitment and materials.
Motion by _________, second by _________.  Motion carried / failed.
 

1.h. Approve the new proposed Summer 2026 Bronco Arena rental rate of $100.00 per hour.
Motion by _________, second by _________.  Motion carried / failed.

Adjournment

1. Motion by ______, second by ______ to adjourn meeting at ______ p.m. 
Motion carried / failed.