May 18, 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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The School Board would like to recognize Kathy "Cookie" Tauber for her outstanding dedication and service to Minnewaska Area Schools. Kathy is a valued member of our elementary kitchen team who brings kindness, positivity, and genuine care to students and staff each day. Her strong work ethic, welcoming personality, and commitment to creating a positive experience for students make her an important part of our school community. |
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6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING MEETINGS: (APPENDIX) (ACTION) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
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Monday, April 20, 2026, School Board Working Session Monday, April 20, 2026, School Board Regular 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 $1,375,767.78. 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 — EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Regular Board Meeting | May 18, 2026 As we approach the close of the 2025-2026 school year, tonight's meeting carries both forward-looking action and meaningful celebration. The full Superintendent's Report is attached; key items are summarized below. ENROLLMENT. May K-12 enrollment held essentially flat from April at 1,224 students (+4), with total students served (including WIN Academy) at 1,270. Year-to-date attrition is -12 students (-0.9%) from September, consistent with normal in-year patterns. Six-year ADM trends show MAHS growth offsetting elementary decline. Early childhood programs continue strong participation — Little Laker Childcare has grown from 37 to 50 enrolled this school year. SPECIAL RECOGNITION. The Board will recognize Kathy "Cookie" Tauber for her years of dedicated service to Minnewaska Area Schools. POPE COUNTY EARLY CHILDHOOD HUB. Board action is requested on the Community Partnership Agreement. Administration is also pleased to share that the J A Wedum Foundation has approved a matching grant supporting playground space at the Hub — thank you to Principal Sarah Suchy for her successful application. FACILITIES. Committee report on the MAES boiler replacement and WIN Academy roof project, including vendor selection, pricing diligence, and timing considerations. SAFETY & SECURITY. CRG critical incident mapping reaches the on-site walkthrough phase on May 26 across all four facilities (MAES, MAMS, MAHS, WIN). DONATIONS — RESOLUTION 05182026. The Board will consider accepting $35,694 in donations, including $30,000 in Child Care Pledges from Glacial Ridge Health System and Glenwood State Bank in support of the Pope County Early Childhood Hub. FINANCE. Through May 14, district revenue tracks at 65% of budget and expenditures at 80% (with encumbrances), both on seasonal trajectory. Total claims and accounts for approval: $1,375,768. Year-to-date investment income: $143,344. SUPERINTENDENT TRANSITION. A draft agenda for the June 2 Transition Day has been circulated to incoming Superintendent Scott Lempka and the Board Chair for review and input. |
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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. 05182026 ACCEPTING DONATIONS TO THE SCHOOL DISTRICT: (APPENDIX) (ACTION) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
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Motion by _____________________, seconded by _________________, to approve Resolution No. 05182026 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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Jennifer Anderson, Laker Legends Site Lead, Grade 6 Step 1, effective 05/08/2026 Dawn Blair, Laker Legends Site Lead, Grade 6 Step 6, effective 05/08/2026 Page Cramlet, Laker Legends Site Aide, Grade 5 Step 1, effective 05/08/2026 Cacee Danielson, Laker Legends Site Lead, Grade 6 Step 1, effective 05/08/2026 Gretchen Erickson, Laker Legends Site Lead, Grade 6 Step 4, effective 05/08/2026 Gay Finn, Laker Legends Sub, Grade 5 Step 5, effective 05/08/2026 Kaitlyn Gertsema, Laker Legends Site Aide/Float, Grade 5 Step 1, effective 05/08/2026 Sydney Haugen, Laker Legends Site Aide, Grade 5 Step 2, effective 05/08/2026 Addison Heid, Laker Legends Site Aide, Grade 5 Step 4, effective 05/08/2026 Julie Heid, Laker Legends Site Aide, Grade 5 Step 4, effective 05/08/2026 Samantha Hookom, Lake Legends Site Aide, Grade 5 Step 2, effective 05/08/2026 Joe Hurlbut, Middle School Principal, Minnewaska Principal Contract, effective 07/01/2026 Carly Jergenson, Laker Legends Site Aide Sub, Grade 5 Step 1, effective 05/08/2026 Chelsea Lopen, Laker Legends Site Aide/Float, Grade 5 Step 1, effective 05/08/2026 Olivia MacDonald, Laker Legends Site Aide, Grade 5 Step 2, effective 05/08/2026 Amanda Sayles, Laker Legends Site Lead, Grade 6 Step 10, effective 05/08/2026 Kylie Terhaar, Laker Legends, Site Lead, Grade 6 Step 1, effective 05/08/2026 Becky Weaver, Laker Legends Site Aide Sub, Grade 5 Step 2, effective 05/08/2026 Kierra Wilmes, Laker Legends Site Lead, Grade 6 Step 2, effective 05/08/2026 |
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10.B. Resignations:
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Makenzie Larsen, Junior Varsity Girls' Basketball Coach, effective 04/24/2026 Marla Watson, Paraprofessional, effective 05/28/2026 |
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10.C. Extended School Year (ESY) Hires:
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Amanda Averbeck, Extended School Year, BS+30 Step 10, effective 06/08/2026 Alicia Christman, Extended School Year, MA+10 Step 12, effective 06/08/2026 Cassie Hauglie, Extended School Year, Grade 6 Step 10, effective 06/08/2026 Jamie Katzenmeyer, Extended School Year, MA+10 Step 12, effective 06/08/2026 Emily Kluver, Extended School Year, MA Step 12, effective 06/08/2026 Michael Kluver, Extended School Year, MA+10 Step 12, effective 06/08/2026 Mataya Koob-Mix, Extended School Year, Grade 6 Step 2, effective 06/08/2026 Kristie Middendorf, Extended School Year, Grade 5 Step 7, effective 06/08/2026 Carley Shipley, Extended School Year, Grade 5 Step 2, effective 06/08/2026 Denise Ver steeg, Extended School Year, MA+30 Step 12, effective 06/08/2026 |
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10.D. Retirement:
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Chris Schmitz, Mental Health Professional, effective 06/30/2026 |
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11. FACILITIES COMMITTEE REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
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The Facilities Committee, consisting of Director A. Reichmann, Director C. Barsness, and Director G. Moeller, met to review the work completed to date regarding district facilities projects and planning efforts. As part of the meeting, the committee also reviewed the MAES boiler project and the WIN Academy roof project. The Facilities Committee will provide a report to the School Board regarding its discussions, findings, and recommendations for potential next steps. Administration also received proposal and pricing information related to the MAES boiler replacement project, including optional pricing for the installation of a side-stream filter/canister, heating coil boiler drains, and a complete hydronic system clean and flush. The proposal from Ellingson Plumbing, Heating, A/C & Electrical includes a boiler replacement cost of $66,860, additional work totaling $4,040, and an estimated $10,500 CenterPoint Utilities rebate available to the District. Additional information was also provided regarding the proposed hydronic system cleaning, flushing, glycol replacement, and side-stream filter installation by Agassiz Chemical & Equipment, with estimated costs of $28,860 for the glycol/system treatment work and $5,990 for disposal services. Administration discussed timing considerations related to the project, including a scheduled Lochinvar boiler price increase effective June 1, 2026. Administration also reviewed considerations regarding the use of legal counsel related to project procurement and timing, noting concerns that additional legal review could potentially delay the project timeline. Current understanding is that project funding would remain available provided the project begins after July 1, 2026. The Facilities Committee and administration are seeking School Board discussion and direction regarding the proposed project scope, timing, and next steps.
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12. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE 2026-2027 MEMBERSHIP OF THE MINNESOTA STATE HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE: (APPENDIX) (ACTION) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
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Annually, the school board takes action to review memberships it has previously held with the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL). Motion by __________, seconded by _______________, to approve the 2026-2027 membership renewals for the MSHSL organization. ROLL CALL VOTE: Barsness _____, T. Reichmann ____, A. Reichamnn ____, Ogdahl ____, Lagred____, Zavadil ____ Moeller____ Motion carried.
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13. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH LAKE AREA ENRICHMENT CENTER FOR THE POPE COUNTY EARLY CHILDHOOD HUB PROJECT: (ACTION) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
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Superintendent Rankin will present for consideration a Community Partnership Agreement between Minnewaska Area Schools and Lakes Area Enrichment Center related to the Pope County Early Childhood Hub project. The proposed agreement would authorize Minnewaska Area Schools to serve as a Community Partner by providing a one-time lump sum contribution of $100,000 toward the Pope County Early Childhood Hub project. The contribution supports the development of expanded early childhood and childcare opportunities within Pope County and aligns with ongoing community efforts to address local childcare shortages and support families in the region. Administration recommends approval of the Community Partnership Agreement as presented. |
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14. APPOINT SCHOOL DISTRICT ELECTION CLERK: (ACTION) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
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Motion by ___________________, seconded by ____________________, to approve ____________________, as Election Clerk for the 2026 School District Election. ROLL CALL VOTE: Barsness _____, T. Reichmann ____, A. Reichamnn ____, Ogdahl ____, Lagred____, Zavadil ____ Moeller____ Motion carried. |
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15. ESTABLISH DATES FOR FILING OF AFFIDAVITS OF CANDIDACY: (APPENDIX) (ACTION) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
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Motion by ___________________, seconded by ____________________, to approve a Resolution Establishing Dates for Filing Affidavits of Candidacy. ROLL CALL VOTE: Barsness _____, T. Reichmann ____, A. Reichamnn ____, Ogdahl ____, Lagred____, Zavadil ____ Moeller____ Motion carried. |
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16. OTHER:
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17. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
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18. 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. |
