February 23, 2026 at 6:00 PM - Regular Meeting
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1. CALL TO ORDER: Pledge of Allegiance
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2. MEMBERS PRESENT:
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Barsness, T. Reichmann, A. Reichmann, Ogdahl, Lagred, Zavadil, Moeller |
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3. APPROVE AGENDA: (ACTION) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
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Motion by , seconded by , to approve the agenda as presented. ROLL CALL VOTE: Barsness _____, T. Reichmann ____, A. Reichamnn ____, Ogdahl ____, Lagred____, Zavadil ____ Moeller Motion carried. |
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4. VISITOR'S COMMENTS:
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OPEN FORUM PROCEDURES: 1. The open forum will be held at the beginning of the meeting. 2. Those wishing to speak should sign up and indicate the topic at the beginning of the meeting. 3. A maximum time of 20 minutes will be allowed for the open forum. 4. A basic guide of three people per topic with a maximum of five minutes per person. 5. Those speaking will state their name and address prior to speaking. 6. Statements should be limited to the issues only. 7. Apply the "Golden Rule" during presentations. 8. The board retains the right to respond or not, but may discuss the item. 9. Personal/Personnel issues will not be heard or discussed |
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5. SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS AND HONORS:
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Meghan Eisenbacher - Media Center Meghan has worked for the district for a few years in the high school media center. She is our first point of contact for most students and staff regarding IT needs. She provides fast and friendly service to our students and staff while also managing the media center. She is extremely thorough and well-liked by all. If she cannot assist the person needing help, she gathers all relevant information for Mary or Mark to look into the issues. All while being friendly & courteous, willing to pitch in wherever needed. A great asset to MAS! Sue Currens - Early Childhood Coordinator Audrey Frey - School-Aged Child Care Coordinator Sarah Traphagen - Lakes Area Enrichment Child Care Center Coordinator |
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6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING MEETINGS: (APPENDIX) (ACTION) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
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January 26, 2026, Regular School Board Meeting Motion by ___________________, seconded by _____________________, to approve the minutes of the meetings as listed above. ROLL CALL VOTE: Barsness _____, T. Reichmann ____, A. Reichamnn ____, Ogdahl ____, Lagred____, Zavadil ____ Moeller____ Motion carried.
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7. SUMMARY OF BILLS:
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Chip Rankin, Superintendent, will present the summary of bills attached to the agenda.
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7.A. CONSIDER AND APPROVE CLAIMS AND ACCOUNTS: (APPENDIX) (ACTION) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
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Motion by ____________________, seconded by ______________________, to approve the Claims & Accounts totaling $2,574,934.59. ROLL CALL VOTE: Barsness _____, T. Reichmann ____, A. Reichamnn ____, Ogdahl ____, Lagred____, Zavadil ____ Moeller____ Motion carried. |
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8. SUPERINTENDENTS REPORT:
Presenter:
CHIP RANKIN
Description:
MINNEWASKA AREA SCHOOLS
Superintendent’s Report to the Board of Education February 23, 2026 1. Special RecognitionsTonight we are honored to recognize four outstanding members of our Minnewaska Area Schools team whose contributions reflect the excellence and care that define our district.Meghan Eisenbacher - Media Center Meghan has been an invaluable presence in our high school media center. She is most often the first point of contact for students and staff with technology needs, and she consistently provides fast, friendly, and thorough support. When issues fall outside her scope, Meghan gathers all relevant information to ensure a seamless handoff to our IT team. She pitches in wherever needed and is genuinely well-liked by everyone she works with. Meghan is a tremendous asset to MAS. Sue Currens - Early Childhood Coordinator Sue provides exceptional leadership within our Early Childhood programs. Her deep understanding of child development, commitment to high-quality programming, and genuine passion for supporting families during their youngest years set a high standard for our district. Sue’s collaborative approach, organizational strength, and thoughtful guidance ensure that our early childhood offerings remain welcoming, developmentally appropriate, and responsive to family needs. Her work lays a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Audrey Frey - School-Aged Child Care Coordinator Audrey is an outstanding leader in our school-aged child care programs. She brings energy, consistency, and a student-centered focus to her role every day, ensuring children are engaged, safe, and supported before and after the school day. Audrey has built strong relationships with staff, families, and students, and she leads with professionalism, flexibility, and heart. Her dedication creates an environment where children feel valued and families feel confident. Sarah Traphagen - Lakes Area Enrichment Child Care Center Coordinator Sarah leads the Lakes Area Enrichment Child Care Center with compassion, expertise, and purpose. She is deeply committed to providing high-quality care while fostering a supportive, collaborative workplace for her staff. Sarah’s attention to detail, clear communication, and unwavering focus on child and family well-being make her program a trusted and valued resource in our community. We are grateful for her leadership. 2. Personnel UpdateThe board will consider the following consent calendar personnel actions tonight:New Hires:
3. Superintendent Search — MSBA PartnershipTonight the board will hear a presentation from Barb Dorn, MSBA Director of Leadership Development & Executive Search, and will consider approving MSBA to conduct a Full Superintendent Search for Minnewaska Area Schools. Following a review by the Personnel Committee, MSBA was identified as the preferred partner given its experience, established process, and deep familiarity with Minnesota school districts.The proposed MSBA professional services fee is $11,900. The tentative timeline targets a start date of July 1, 2026, and includes public input components such as a community survey, Search Preview meetings, and a Q&A session. I am confident that MSBA will help the board identify an exceptional leader who will carry forward the strong momentum this district has built. I am grateful to Board Chair Ted Reichmann and the Personnel Committee for their thoughtful and timely work in moving this process forward. 4. Program and Staffing Review for 2026-2027At the January 26 board meeting, the board directed administration to review district programs and staffing and bring forward recommendations for potential reductions for the 2026-2027 school year. Since that time, district administrators conducted a thorough review of enrollment data, staffing needs, special education considerations, and student support services, and met on February 17 to finalize findings.Based on that review, administration is not recommending any reductions or discontinuation of educational programs or positions for the 2026-2027 school year at this time. We will continue to monitor enrollment trends and staffing needs and will keep the board informed should future adjustments become necessary. I appreciate the board’s diligence in asking the right questions to ensure responsible stewardship of our resources. 5. Financial ReportsTonight’s agenda includes the monthly Investment Report, Food Service Report, Revenue and Expenditure Reports, and the Little Lakers Child Care Center Report, all attached to the agenda. I will provide a brief summary of each report at the meeting. Our financial position remains stable, and we continue to manage resources prudently in support of our students and programs.The board will also consider approval of the Summary of Bills (Claims & Accounts) and the monthly Donations Resolution, both of which reflect our ongoing commitment to transparency and fiscal accountability. 6. Information Technology Department UpdateInformation Technology Director Mark Meyer will provide the board with a department update this evening. Our IT team, including the excellent front-line support provided by Meghan Eisenbacher, continues to ensure that our students and staff have the tools and technology they need to teach and learn effectively. I look forward to Mark sharing the highlights of recent work and upcoming priorities.7. Community Education UpdateCommunity Education Director Angie VanZee will present her monthly update to the board. Community Education continues to be a vital connector between our school district and the broader Minnewaska community, offering programming that serves learners of all ages. I am grateful for Angie’s leadership and the entire Community Education team’s commitment to enriching life in our district.8. Looking AheadAs we move through the second half of the school year, our administrative team remains focused on the following priorities:
Thank you to our board members for your continued leadership, your trust, and your dedication to the students and families of Minnewaska Area Schools. Thank you also to our staff for the energy, professionalism, and heart they bring to their work every day.
It remains the honor of my career to serve this district.Respectfully submitted, Chip Rankin Superintendent, Minnewaska Area Schools |
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8.A. INVESTMENT REPORT:
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Chip Rankin, Superintendent, will present the monthly investment report. The report is attached to the agenda.
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8.B. FOODSERVICE REPORT:
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The monthly Food Service Report will be presented by Chip Rankin, Superintendent. The report is attached.
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8.C. REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORTS:
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The monthly Revenue and Expenditure Reports are attached to the agenda and will be presented by Superintendent, Chip Rankin.
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9. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 02232026 ACCEPTING DONATIONS TO THE SCHOOL DISTRICT: (APPENDIX) (ACTION) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
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Motion by _____________________, seconded by _________________, to approve Resolution No. 02232026 accepting the donations to the school district. ROLL CALL VOTE: Barsness _____, T. Reichmann ____, A. Reichamnn ____, Ogdahl ____, Lagred____, Zavadil ____ Moeller____ Motion carried.
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10. CONSENT CALENDAR: (ACTION)
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Motion by ___________________, seconded by __________________, to approve the consent calendar as listed above. ROLL CALL VOTE: Barsness _____, T. Reichmann ____, A. Reichamnn ____, Ogdahl ____, Lagred____, Zavadil ____ Moeller____ Motion carried. |
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10.A. New Hires:
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Rebecca Douvier, Laker Legends Site Lead/Assistant, Grade 6 Step 8, effective 04/01/2026 Emily Freese, Laker Legends Coordinator, Grade 8 Step 8, effective 04/01/2026 Natalia Galishchyna, Paraprofessional, Grade 5 Step 3, effective 02/05/2026 Mackenzie Hromatka, child care aide/food service, Grade 5 Step 3, effective 02/11/2026 Mataya Koob-Mix, Emotional Behavior Disorder Tech, Grade 6 Step 2 Kayla Richards, School Success Coordinator, BA Step 1, effective 02/02/2026 Renae Riley, Kitchen Assistant, Grade 5 Step 9, effective 02/02/2026 Jennie Schleppenbach, Long-Term Special Education Teacher, BS Step 1, effective 03/31/2026-05/29/2026 |
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10.B. Change of Status:
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Jayleen Ortega, change will be that she will provide janitorial services no more than 2 hours per day in addition to her current role, effective 02/02/2026 |
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10.C. Resignations:
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Charles Rankin, Superintendent, effective 06/30/2026 Kathy Walker, Diving Coach, effective 02/06/2026 |
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10.D. Retirements:
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Steve Entzi, Industrial Technology Teacher, effective 06/30/2026 |
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11. MINNESOTA SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION (MSBA) SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH SERVICES — PRESENTATION & Q&A:
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Barb Dorn, MSBA Director of Leadership Development & Executive Search (virtual) MSBA will provide an overview of its superintendent search proposal and process for Minnewaska Area Schools, including the tentative timeline, public input plan, recruiting strategy, interview training and legal compliance requirements (Open Meeting Law and Data Practices), and post-hire transition supports. This item provides the School Board an opportunity to ask questions and clarify details prior to considering approval of the MSBA contract to formally launch the superintendent search.
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12. SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH OPTIONS — BOARD DISCUSSION
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Following the MSBA Superintendent Search Overview presentation, the School Board will discuss available options for conducting the superintendent search. In addition to MSBA’s Full Search proposal, administration is presenting a Hybrid/Limited Search option that utilizes MSBA’s Limited Search services combined with local support from Rick Ellingworth. The Hybrid/Limited Search option is designed to meet the district’s timeline needs while maintaining legal compliance, structured public input, professional candidate vetting, and post-hire transition support. This discussion will allow the Board to compare timelines, costs, and service levels prior to selecting a preferred approach. Options for Board Consideration
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13. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH APPROACH: (APPENDIX) (ACTION) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
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Superintendent Chip Rankin has accepted the Superintendent position with Brainerd Public Schools, creating the need for Minnewaska Area Schools to initiate a superintendent search to ensure continuity of leadership. The School Board has reviewed MSBA’s Full Search proposal and discussed an alternative Hybrid/Limited Search option utilizing MSBA’s Limited Search services. The Hybrid/Limited Search option provides an accelerated timeline targeting a hire no later than April 7, 2026, with the new superintendent beginning July 1, 2026. This approach maintains all 19 core MSBA search services—including public input, application management, interview training, legal compliance, and transition support—at a reduced cost of $4,900, while also incorporating local assistance from Rick Ellingworth. Select and approve the superintendent search approach for Minnewaska Area Schools and authorize the appropriate agreements to proceed. Option A - MSBA Hybrid / Limited Search (Recommended)Approve the MSBA Limited Superintendent Search at a cost of $4,900, authorize the Board Chair to execute the agreement with MSBA, engage Rick Ellingworth to assist the Board throughout the search process, and direct administration to post the superintendent position no later than February 27, 2026. Option B - MSBA Full SearchApprove the MSBA Full Superintendent Search proposal dated February 15, 2026, at a cost of $11,900, and authorize the Board Chair to execute the agreement and initiate the search process. Financial Impact
MSBA professional services fee: $11,900, plus any optional a la carte services or candidate-related direct costs if subsequently approved by the School Board. A motion by __________, seconded by __________, to approve the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) Limited Superintendent Search for Minnewaska Area Schools in the amount of $4,900, authorize the Board Chair to execute the agreement with MSBA, engage Rick Ellingworth to assist the Board throughout the search process, and direct administration to post the superintendent position no later than February 27, 2026. OR Motion by __________, seconded by __________, to approve the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) proposal to conduct a Full Superintendent Search for Minnewaska Area Schools in the amount of $11,900, and to authorize Board Chair Ted Reichmann to execute the agreement/contract with MSBA and take necessary actions to initiate the search process. ROLL CALL VOTE: Barsness _____, T. Reichmann ____, A. Reichamnn ____, Ogdahl ____, Lagred____, Zavadil ____ Moeller Motion carried. |
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14. ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATE ON PROGRAM AND STAFFING REVIEW FOR THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR: (ACTION) (APPENDIX) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
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At its January 26, 2026, meeting, the School Board directed administration to review district programs and staffing and to bring forward recommendations for potential reductions for the 2026–2027 school year. Since that time, district administrators have reviewed enrollment data, staffing needs, special education considerations, and student support services. Administration met on February 17, 2026 to finalize this review. Based on current data and analysis, the administration is not recommending any reductions or discontinuation of educational programs or positions for the 2026–2027 school year at this time. Administration will continue to monitor enrollment trends and staffing needs and will keep the School Board informed should future adjustments become necessary. |
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15. PRESENTATION AND UPDATE FROM THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR:
Description:
Mark Meyer, the Information Technology Director, will give an update from the department.
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16. PRESENTATION AND UPDATE FROM COMMUNITY EDUCATION DIRECTOR:
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Angie VanZee, the District Community Education Director, will give an update. |
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17. OTHER:
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18. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
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19. ADJOURN: (ACTION) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
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Motion by _____________________, seconded by ______________________, to adjourn the Regular Meeting at _________ p.m. Motion carried. ROLL CALL VOTE: Barsness _____, T. Reichmann ____, A. Reichamnn ____, Ogdahl ____, Lagred____, Zavadil ____ Moeller____ Motion carried. |
