March 16, 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)
Description:
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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Dollars for Scholars The school board extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who supported another highly successful Minnewaska Area Dollars for Scholars Phone-a-Thon. Thanks to the dedication of our students and the generosity of our community, this year’s Phone-a-Thon raised an impressive $16,650 for scholarships benefiting Minnewaska Area High School students. This total exceeds last year’s amount by nearly $2,000, reflecting strong community support and commitment to our students’ futures. All funds raised will be used to support scholarships for 2026 applicants. Thank you for your continued support of our scholarship program and for investing in the success of Minnewaska students. The School Board also wishes to recognize and thank the Dollars for Scholars Board Members for their leadership and ongoing commitment to this important work: Mike Claunch, Bob Mork, Kelly Bleick, Cynthia Walker, Jen Ring, Brianna Zuber, and Mary Walsh. Tracy Anderson The School Board would like to recognize Tracy Anderson from the W.I.N. kitchen. Tracy shows up every day with a smile for the kids and staff. She makes coming to lunch something to look forward to with her kitchen decorations, fun games, and kitchen riddles. She knows each student individually and makes an extra effort to create meaningful relationships with them. Tracy is working with some of the high school students to gain valuable kitchen and food prep skills. Even though Tracy is a one-man team down in her kitchen, she is one of the most appreciated members of the WIN Team. Emotional Behavioral Technicians (EBD) The School Board would also like to recognize the EBD Tech Team: Jocelyn Aaberg, Nicole Blazevic, Cassie Hauglie, Breanna Henricks, Sara Johnson, Mataya Koob-Mix, Brittany Kramber, Steve Morgan, Liz Schoenrock, and Brittany Scott. WIN isn't a building full of warm fuzzies and thank-yous every day, yet they show up despite that. They often take the brunt of the negative behavior and use their skills to de-escalate situations and keep all students and staff safe. They can be found supporting students academically, teaching manners at the lunch table, supervising recess on the coldest days, and building meaningful relationships with the kids. This is a top-notch group of strong, kind, hardworking paraprofessionals who make the days at WIN Academy much better, and we are lucky to have them. |
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6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING MEETINGS: (APPENDIX) (ACTION) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
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February 23, 2026, Regular School Board Meeting March 3, 2026 Special 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 $. ROLL CALL VOTE: Barsness _____, T. Reichmann ____, A. Reichamnn ____, Ogdahl ____, Lagred____, Zavadil ____ Moeller____ Motion carried. |
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8. SUPERINTENDENTS REPORT:
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SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Chip Rankin, Superintendent | March 16, 2026 Tonight's report highlights the following items. A full written report has been provided to board members separately. Enrollment — March 2026:
Total K-12 enrollment is 1,221, down 5 students from January. W.I.N. Academy enrollment increased by 4 students to 50. Special Recognitions:
Personnel:
Key Action Items:
Facilities & Grounds:
Financial Reports:
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. 03162026 ACCEPTING DONATIONS TO THE SCHOOL DISTRICT: (APPENDIX) (ACTION) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
Description:
Motion by _____________________, seconded by _________________, to approve Resolution No. 03162026 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)
Description:
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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Ken Anderson, Business/Personal Finance Teacher, including BPA Advisor 3.5%, BA step 11, effective 08/25/2026 Claire Blok, Teacher Aide at Child Care Center, Grade 5 Step 2, effective 02/26/2026 Emily Frease, C-Team Track & Field Coach, BS+10 - Step 3, effective 02/26/2026 Kayla Jahn, Assistant Teacher at Child Care Center, Grade 6 Step 3, effective 03/12/2026 Meribeth Noyes, Long-Term Substitute Teacher, MA Step 3, effective 03/02/2026 - 04/10/2026 Carley Shipley, Paraprofessional, Grade 5 Step 2, effective 03/09/2026 David Vinje, Junior Varsity Softball Coach, Step BS+10-Step 6, effective 02/26/2026 Hannah Walsh, Paraprofessional, Grade 5 Step 2, effective 03/02/2026 |
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11. PRESENTATION AND UPDATE FROM W.I.N. ACADEMY:
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Susan Knutson, W.I.N. Academy Principal, and Leah Oeltjen, Mental Health Program Director, will provide the School Board with an update on the programs, student support, and recent developments at W.I.N. Academy.
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12. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE MINNEWASKA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT AUDITOR CONTRACT: (ACTION) (APPENDIX) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
Presenter:
Chip Rankin
Description:
Motion by , seconded by, , to approve the Minnewaska Area School District Auditor contract with CliftonLarsonAllen LLP. ROLL CALL VOTE: Barsness _____, Zavadil ____, T. Reichmann ____, Lagred ____, Moeller____, A. Reichmann ____ Ogdahl Motion carried.
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13. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE EXECUTIVE EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP SERVICES CONTRACT FOR THE 2026 SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH: (ACTION) (APPENDIX) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
Description:
Executive Educational Leadership, L.L.C., Redwood Falls, Minnesota, to provide facilitation and administrative leadership services related to the 2026 Superintendent Search for Minnewaska Area Schools. Under the terms of the agreement, Executive Educational Leadership, L.L.C. will assist the School Board with coordination and facilitation of all phases of the superintendent search process, including planning school board workshops, stakeholder engagement, candidate selection, interview processes, vetting finalist candidates, and assisting with the negotiation process for the next Superintendent of Schools. The contractor will also assist with communication with applicants and coordination with the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) regarding the search process. The contract period is February 15, 2026 through April 30, 2026. Compensation for services will be billed at a rate of $100 per hour, not to exceed $5,000, with no reimbursement for travel, mileage, meals, or lodging. Motion by __________, seconded by __________, to approve the Executive Educational Leadership Services Contract with Executive Educational Leadership, L.L.C., Redwood Falls, Minnesota, for facilitation of the 2026 Superintendent Search in an amount not to exceed $5,000, and to authorize School Board Chair Ted Reichmann and Superintendent Chip Rankin to execute the agreement on behalf of the District. ROLL CALL VOTE: Barsness _____, T. Reichmann ____, A. Reichamnn ____, Ogdahl ____, Lagred____, Zavadil ____ Moeller____ Motion carried.
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14. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE CONTRACT WITH COLIN MODAHL FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES: (ACTION) (APPENDIX) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
Description:
Motion by ___________, seconded by _________________, to approve the 2026-2027 Psychological Service Contract with Colin Modahl. ROLL CALL VOTE: Barsness _____, Zavadil ____, T. Reichmann ____, Lagred ____, Moeller____, A. Reichmann ____ Ogdahl
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15. CONSIDER THE RESOLUTION NON RENEWING MICHELLE DUNN A PROBATIONARY TEACHER: (APPENDIX) (ACTION) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
Description:
Motion by _____________________, seconded by _________________, to approve nonrenewing Michelle Dunn a Probationary Teacher. ROLL CALL VOTE: Barsness _____, T. Reichmann ____, A. Reichamnn ____, Ogdahl ____, Lagred____, Zavadil ____ Moeller Motion carried.
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16. CONSIDER THE RESOLUTION NON RENEWING RAQUEL SCHMITZ A PROBATIONARY TEACHER: (APPENDIX) (ACTION) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
Description:
Motion by _____________________, seconded by _________________, to approve nonrenewing Raquel Schmitz a Probationary Teacher. ROLL CALL VOTE: Barsness _____, T. Reichmann ____, A. Reichamnn ____, Ogdahl ____, Lagred____, Zavadil ____ Moeller Motion carried.
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17. TERMINATE DISTRICT TITLE I STAFF JO ANN KOCHER PENDING FEDERAL FUNDING FOR THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR: (APPENDIX) (ACTION) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
Description:
Motion by ________, seconded by ____________, to terminate Jo Ann Kocher, Title I support staff, at the end of the 2025-2026 school year, pending Federal funding for the 2026-2027 school year. ROLL CALL VOTE: Barsness _____, T. Reichmann ____, A. Reichamnn ____, Ogdahl ____, Lagred____, Zavadil ____ Moeller____ Motion carried.
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18. TERMINATE DISTRICT TITLE I STAFF BOBBI JO JOHNSON PENDING FEDERAL FUNDING FOR THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR: (APPENDIX) (ACTION) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
Description:
Motion by ________, seconded by ____________, to terminate Bobbi Jo Johnson, Title I support staff, at the end of the 2025-2026 school year, pending Federal funding for the 2026-2027 school year. ROLL CALL VOTE: Barsness _____, T. Reichmann ____, A. Reichamnn ____, Ogdahl ____, Lagred____, Zavadil ____ Moeller____ Motion carried.
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19. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE CONTRACT WITH GREEN LAWNS TURF CARE: (APPENDIX) (ACTION) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
Description:
Per Jon Hammond (Green Lawns) and (Jeremy Armstrong) conversations regarding fertilizer and weed control of the district’s green spaces, I have signed and am sending for administrator approval the final contract. This will be a 1-year contract with Green Lawns. The 2-step fertilizer program will have a Spring and a Fall application of low-traffic green spaces (i.e., unused fields or back-of-building maintenance areas). The 3-step fertilizer program will have a Spring, Summer, and Fall application in all high-traffic green spaces (i.e., near parking lots, walkways, and athletic fields). Our athletic and green spaces will be on the 3-step fertilizer program. All of our green spaces will be treated for purposes of weed control at one time in the spring. Our athletic fields will also be aerated one time during the summer. Motion by , seconded by , to approve the 2026 contracts with Green Lawns. ROLL CALL VOTE: Barsness _____, T. Reichmann ____, A. Reichmann ____ Ogdahl ____, Lagred____, Zavadil ____, Moeller____ Motion carried.
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20. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A FACILITY USE AGREEMENT WITH THE MINNEWASKA BASEBALL ASSOCIATION FOR BASEBALL FIELD MAINTENANCE AND GAME PREPARATION: (ACTION) (APPENDIX) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
Description:
Bids for the Minnewaska Area Schools Baseball Field Complex Maintenance and Game Preparation services were opened on Wednesday, March 3, 2026, at 1:00 pm. Following the bid opening, the district discussed an alternative arrangement with the Minnewaska Baseball Association. Under the proposed agreement, the Association will assume responsibility for baseball field maintenance and game preparation for the baseball complex during the baseball season. In exchange, the district will waive facility rental fees for the baseball complex during the months the Association is responsible for maintenance and game preparation. Administration believes this partnership is beneficial to the district as it supports community youth baseball programming while ensuring the fields are properly maintained. The proposed Facility Use Agreement is attached for Board review. Motion by __________________, seconded by __________________, to approve the Facility Use Agreement between Minnewaska Area Schools and the Minnewaska Baseball Association for baseball field maintenance and game preparation in lieu of facility rental fees during the baseball season, and to authorize Superintendent Chip Rankin to execute the agreement on behalf of the District. ROLL CALL VOTE: Barsness _____, T. Reichmann ____, A. Reichamnn ____, Ogdahl ____, Lagred____, Zavadil ____ Moeller____ Motion carried.
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21. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE MAS SOFTBALL FIELD MAINTENANCE AND GAME PREP BIDS: (ACTION) (APPENDIX) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
Description:
Bids for outdoor ground maintenance were opened on Wednesday, March 3, 2026, at 1:00 pm. Bid results for the MAS Softball Field complex maintenance are attached. The administration recommends approval of the low bidder. Motion by , seconded by , to award the MAS Softball Field Maintenance to . ROLL CALL VOTE: Barsness _____, T. Reichmann ____, A. Reichamnn ____, Ogdahl ____, Lagred____, Zavadil ____ Moeller____ Motion carried.
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22. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE MAS FOOTBALL/TRACK FIELD MAINTENANCE AND GAME PREP BIDS: (ACTION) (APPENDIX) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
Description:
Bids for outdoor ground maintenance were opened on Wednesday, March 3, 2026, at 1:00 pm. Bid results for the MAS Football/Track Field complex maintenance are attached. The administration recommends approval of the low bidder. Motion by , seconded by , to award the MAS Football/Track Field Maintenance to . ROLL CALL VOTE: Barsness _____, T. Reichmann ____, A. Reichamnn ____, Ogdahl ____, Lagred____, Zavadil ____ Moeller____ Motion carried.
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23. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF SUPERINTENDENT TRANSITION PLAN BETWEEN MINNEWASKA AREA SCHOOLS AND BRAINERD PUBLIC SCHOOLS: (ACTION) (APPENDIX) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
Description:
Under this arrangement:
The phrase "up to ten (10) days" is intentional and allows flexibility depending on the needs of both districts and the incoming superintendent. Approving the framework now — even prior to the hiring of the next superintendent — provides continuity protection for the district during a period when several significant matters may carry into the summer months, including:
This transition plan is cost neutral for Minnewaska Area Schools, as no additional compensation beyond existing contractual obligations will be incurred. Each district will provide compensation during the days the superintendent is working on-site for their district. Administration recommends approval of the Superintendent Transition Plan as presented. Motion by ____________________, seconded by ____________________, to approve a no-cost superintendent transition exchange of up to ten (10) days between Minnewaska Area Schools (ISD #2149) and Brainerd Public Schools (ISD #181), to be coordinated and mutually agreed upon by both Board Chairs prior to July 1, 2026, consistent with the framework presented by Superintendent Rankin. ROLL CALL VOTE: Barsness _____, T. Reichmann ____, A. Reichamnn ____, Ogdahl ____, Lagred____, Zavadil ____ Moeller____ Motion carried.
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24. OTHER:
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25. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
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26. ADJOURN: (ACTION) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
Description:
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. |
