September 21, 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. Reichmann ____, 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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School Board September is Minnesota School Board Recognition Month, and this year’s theme is "Strong Routes, Bright Futures." Minnewaska Area Schools proudly recognizes the members of the Minnewaska Area School Board for their leadership, dedication, and service to our students, staff, families, and communities. School board members devote significant time to thoughtful decision-making, responsible governance, and planning for the future of our district. Their commitment helps provide strong opportunities for students and keeps Minnewaska Area Schools moving forward. Thank you for your service and commitment to creating strong routes and bright futures for the students of Minnewaska Area Schools. Caden Hawkins and Weston Hawkins The Minnewaska Area School Board proudly recognizes Caden Hawkins and Weston Hawkins for their outstanding achievements and representation of Minnewaska FFA at the Minnesota State Fair. Caden Hawkins earned top honors in the FFA cattle show, winning the Junior Breeding Heifer Division and receiving Reserve Purebred Simmental honors. Weston Hawkins was selected to serve as an Ambassador for the Purple Ribbon Champion Row in the State Fair beef barn. In this role, Weston welcomed visitors and helped educate the public about the elite grand and reserve champion beef animals showcased at the Minnesota State Fair. The Minnewaska Area School Board congratulates Caden and Weston on these accomplishments and recognizes their dedication, leadership, and outstanding representation of Minnewaska Area Schools and the Minnewaska FFA program. |
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6. APPOINTMENT OF STUDENT SCHOOL BOARD REPRESENTATIVES: (ACTION) (APPENDIX) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
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The administration recommends the appointment of Maria Heidelberger and Sophia Wallin as Student School Board Representatives for the 2026-2027 school year. The student representatives will serve in an advisory capacity with no voting authority and will not attend closed meetings or committee meetings. They will attend regular School Board meetings and District Advisory Council meetings as long as attendance does not conflict with schoolwork or extracurricular activities. These expectations align with MSBA guidance regarding the advisory role of student representatives and consideration of students' academic and extracurricular commitments. Motion by ____________________, seconded by ____________________, to appoint Maria Heidelberger and Sophia Wallin as Student School Board Representatives for the 2026-2027 school year under the expectations outlined above. ROLL CALL VOTE: Barsness _____, T. Reichmann____, A. Reichmann ____, Ogdahl____, Lagred ____ Zavadil____,Moeller ____ Motion carried.
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7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING MEETINGS: (APPENDIX) (ACTION) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
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August 17, 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. Reichmann ____, Ogdahl____, Lagred ____ Zavadil____,Moeller ____ Motion carried.
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8. SUMMARY OF BILLS:
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Scott Lempka, Superintendent, will present the summary of bills attached to the agenda.
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8.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. Reichmann ____, Ogdahl____, Lagred ____ Zavadil____,Moeller ____ Motion carried. |
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9. SUPERINTENDENTS REPORT:
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- September is School Board Appreciation Month. Minnewaska Area Schools is proud to join the Minnesota School Boards Association in recognizing the dedicated public servants who help ensure every Lacer student has the opportunity to succeed. For their service to the community, the district, our students, and staff, we proudly recognize: Ted Reichmann - Board Chair Justin Zavadil - Vice Chair Angie Deichmann - Clerk Gordy Möller - Treasurer Amanda Ogdahl - Director Zach Lagred - Director Chad Barseness - Director - Lakes Area Enrichment Center (LAEC): LAEC held their pre-construction meeting on Friday morning, September 18. They are now waiting for final concurrence from the USDA which is expected Monday. Once received they plan to begin preparing the ground early next week. - Permanent School Fund: This November, Minnesota voters will be asked to decide whether to modernize the way Minnesota's Permanent School Fund (PSF) distributes revenue to public schools through a proposed constitutional amendment. The amendment would not raise taxes, create a new tax, or establish a new funding source. Instead, it would update how revenue from the existing education trust fund is distributed. -The PSF was established in Minnesota's Constitution when the state was founded in 1858 using lands granted to Minnesota specifically to support public education. These funds are invested through the State Board of Investment to create a permanent source of support for the state's public schools. - Over the past decade, the fund has grown significantly - from approximately $675 million in 2010 to more than $2.3 billion today. Constitutional restrictions written generations ago limit how much of that growth can be distributed to schools. -Following a comprehensive review by a nonpartisan working group, the Minnesota Legislature approved a constitutional amendment that would allow annual distributions to schools to be based on 4.5% of the fund's three-year rolling average market value rather than primarily on interest and dividend earnings alone. This more modernized approach is widely used by university endowments, charitable foundations, and other long-term trusts. What Voters Should Know: -The proposal does not raise property taxes, income taxes, or sales taxes. -It does not create a new government program. -It does not change the purpose of the PSF. -The proposal is to use an existing state asset more effectively for students. -The proposal maintains protections for future generations. *Information provided by the Minnesota School Boards Association. Additional information may be found at mnpsfamendment.org. -The MAS District Advisory Council met for the first time this year on Monday, September 14, 2026. Superintendent Lempka and Dan Hoveland of Northing Consulting presented an update on the current state of the district as well as a timeline for the DAC's work to develop a new strategic plan by the end of January 2027. The next meeting is scheduled for October 21, 2026 in the Media Center. Additionally, three in-person stakeholder feedback meetings are planned. October 1, 2026 at Minnewaska Area Middle/High School 6-7:30 p.m. October 7, 2026 at Minnewaska Area Elementary School 6-7:30 p.m. October 8, 2026 at WIN Academy 6-7:30 p.m. Community Surveys will also be shared this week. The surveys and in person feedback opportunities will be shared via social media, email, and the local paper. |
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9.A. INVESTMENT REPORT:
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Scott Lempka, Superintendent, will present the monthly investment report. The report is attached to the agenda.
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9.B. 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, Lempka.
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10. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 08172026 ACCEPTING DONATIONS TO THE SCHOOL DISTRICT: (APPENDIX) (ACTION) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
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Motion by _____________________, seconded by _________________, to approve Resolution No. 08172026 accepting the donations to the school district. ROLL CALL VOTE: Barsness _____, T. Reichmann____, A. Reichmann ____, Ogdahl____, Lagred ____ Zavadil____,Moeller ____ Motion carried.
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11. 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. Reichmann ____, Ogdahl____, Lagred ____ Zavadil____,Moeller ____ Motion carried. |
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11.A. New Hires:
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Ken Anderson JV/C Girls' Basketball Coach, BS+10 Step 10, effective 11/01/2026 Ashlee Armstrong, Paraprofessional, Grade 5 Step 2, effective 09/28/2026 Dawn Blair, School-Aged Child Care Assistant, Grade 5 Step 10, effective 08/24/2026 Kylie Fenger, After School Program Child Care Assistant, Grade 4 Step 2, effective 08/26/2026 Addison Heid, After School Program Child Care Assistant, Grade 4 Step 3, effective 08/26/2026 Emma Heidelberger, After School Program Child Care Assistant, Grade 4 Step 3, effective 08/26/2026 Jeff Iverson, Varsity Speech Coach, BS+10 Step 10, effective 11/01/2026 Bobbi Jo Johnson, Intervention Teacher, MA+15 Step 4, effective 08/25/2025 Mari Jordahl, After School Program Child Care Assistant, Grade 4 Step 1, effective 08/26/2026 JoAnn Kocher, Preschool/Intervention Teacher, MA+45 Step 2, effective 08/25/2025 Eric Kolstoe, Junior High Girls' Basketball Coach, BS+10 Step 3, effective 10/01/2026 Karen Kraemer, Kitchen Assistant, Grade 4 Step 11, effective 08/26/2026 Caitlin Langlie, Paraprofessional, Grade 5 Step 1, effective 08/25/2026 Chelsea Lopez, After School Program Child Care Assistant, Grade 4 Step 2, effective 08/26/2026 Laney MacDonald, After School Program Child Care Assistant, Grade 4 Step 3, effective 08/26/2026 Olivia MacDonald, After School Program Child Care Assistant, Grade 4 Step 5, effective 08/26/2026 Hannah Meagher, Junior High/Middle School Student Council Advisor, BS+10 Step 3, effective 09/15/2026 Brooklyn Noyes, After School Program Child Care Assistant, Grade 4 Step 5, effective 08/26/2026 Jacob Ogdahl, After School Program Child Care Assistant, Grade 4 Step 3, effective 08/26/2026 Alexis Shea, After School Program Child Care Assistant, Grade 4 Step 3, effective 08/26/2026 Jackson Sturgess, After School Program Child Care Assistant, Grade 4 Step 1, effective 09/17/2026 Hailey Tauber, After School Program Child Care Assistant, Grade 4 Step 1, effective 08/26/2026 Eyan Wait, After School Program Child Care Assistant, Grade 4 Step 2, effective 08/26/2026 Kierra Wilmes, After School Program Child Care Assistant, Grade 4 Step 2, effective 08/26/2026 |
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11.B. Change of Status:
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Katie Heidelberger, Secondary Education Teacher, change from 1.0 FTE to .83 FTE upon request, effective 08/01/2026 |
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11.C. Resignations:
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Kayla Anderson, Paraprofessional, effective 08/25/2026 Lucy Devaan, Paraprofessional, effective 09/25/2026 Cassie Hauglie, Emotional Behavior Disorder Technician, effective 08/18/2026 Mackenzie Hromatka, Child Care Aide, effective 09/04/2026 Karen Kraemer, effective 09/14/2026 Jade Rasmussen, Paraprofessional, effective 08/19/2026 Morgan Rooney, Head Cook, effective 10/02/2026 Lori Schueler, Kitchen Sub, effective 09/14/2026 |
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11.D. The following certified staff lane changes are presented for school board review and approval:
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Tate Card, BS Step 8 to BS+20 Step 8 Alicia Christman, MA+10 Step 12 to MA+20 Step 12 Tessa Colbjornsen, BS+10 Step 7 to MA Step 7 Sara Geiser, BS+10 Step 5 to BS+20 Step 5 Jen Germundson, MA+10 Step 12 to MA+20 Step 12 Jeff Iverson, MA+10 Step 12 to MA+30 Step 12 Mary Johnsrud, MA Step 12 to MA+10 Step 12 Jamie Katzenmeyer, MA+10 Step 12 to MA+20 Step 12 Makenzie Larsen, MA+20 Step 9 to MA+30 Step 9 Leigha Lee, MA Step 6 to MA+10 Step 6 Sara Maasjo, BS+10 Step 6 to MA Step 6 Jacey Schlosser, BS+20 Step 5 to MA Step 5 Charity Vold BS Step 4 to BS+20 Step 4 |
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12. PROPOSED 2026 PAYABLE 2027 LEVY LIMITATION CERTIFICATION PROCESS: (ACTION) (APPENDIX) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
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Certification of Proposed 2026 (Payable 2027) Levy Each school district is required to certify the proposed 2026, payable 2027, property tax levy to the county auditor and to the Department of Education by October 1, 2026. The proposed property tax levy is the school district’s proposed property tax levy for all purposes, including debt service. The law provides that the school district may certify the proposed levy as: a. A specific dollar amount, or b. An amount equal to the maximum levy limitation certified by the Commissioner of Education to the county auditor, according to Minn. Stat. 126C.48, Subd 1. Superintendent Lempka will make a brief presentation and answer board members' questions regarding the proposed levy and the levy process. Following the presentation, the following motion is recommended: Motion by , seconded by , to certify the 2026, payable 2027, proposed levy to the Pope County Auditor, in an amount equal to the maximum levy limitation certified by the Commissioner of Education to the County Auditor, according to Minn. Stat. 126C.48, Subd. 1." ROLL CALL VOTE: Barsness _____, T. Reichmann____, A. Reichmann ____, Ogdahl____, Lagred ____ Zavadil____,Moeller ____ Motion carried. |
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13. REQUEST TO CONSIDER SCHEDULING A SPECIAL BOARD MEETING DATE & TIME TO CANVASS NOVEMBER 3, 2026, ELECTION RESULTS ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2026 AT 7:30 AM IN MAS DISTRICT OFFICE BOARD ROOM: (ACTION) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
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The MAS school board needs to schedule a special school board meeting to canvass for the results of the election scheduled to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Pope County officials have requested that the school board set a special meeting for November 12 or November 13, 2026. Most counties appreciate school boards scheduling the special meeting on one of the latter dates after the election so ample time is available for them to count ballots. Board action is requested to schedule the special meeting to canvass election results for Thursday, November 12, at 7:30 am in the MAS boardroom. Motion by _____________________, seconded by _________________, to set November , 2026 at am/pm to Canvass School Board election and Special Election Results. ROLL CALL VOTE: Barsness _____, T. Reichmann____, A. Reichmann ____, Ogdahl____, Lagred ____ Zavadil____,Moeller ____ Motion carried. |
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14. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF 2026-2028 MINNESOTA TEAMSTERS PUBLIC AND LAW ENFORCEMENT EMPLOYEES' UNION LOCAL NO. 320 MASTER AGREEMENT:(APPENDIX) (ACTION) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
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Motion by ___________________, seconded by _____________________, to approve 2026-2028 Minnesota Teamsters Public and Law Enforcement Employees’ Union Local No. 320 Master Agreement. ROLL CALL VOTE: Barsness _____, T. Reichmann ____, A. Reichmann ____, Ogdahl____, Lagred ____, Zavadil____, Moeller____, Motion carried.
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15. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 PRINCIPALS' MASTER AGREEMENT: (APPENDIX) (ACTION) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
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Motion by _______________________, seconded by ____________________, to approve the 2026-2027 and 2027–2028 Principals Master Agreement ROLL CALL VOTE: Barsness _____, T. Reichmann ____, A. Reichmann ____, Ogdahl____, Lagred ____, Zavadil____, Moeller____, Motion carried.
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16. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH PRINCIPAL SARAH SUCHY DUTIES FOR THE 2026-2027 & 2027-2028 SCHOOL YEARS: (APPENDIX) (ACTION) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
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Motion by ___________________, seconded by _____________________, to approve the Memorandum of Understanding with Principal Sarah Suchy's duties for the 2026-2027 & 2027-2028 school years. ROLL CALL VOTE: Barsness _____, T. Reichmann ____, A. Reichamnn ____, Ogdahl ____, Lagred____, Zavadil ____ Moeller Motion carried. |
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17. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH PRINCIPAL SUSAN KNUTSON'S DUTIES FOR THE 2026-2027 & 2027-2028 SCHOOL YEARS: (APPENDIX) (ACTION) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
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Motion by ___________________, seconded by _____________________, to approve the Memorandum of Understanding with Principal Susuan Knutson's duties for the 2026-2027 & 2027-2028 school years. ROLL CALL VOTE: Barsness _____, T. Reichmann ____, A. Reichamnn ____, Ogdahl ____, Lagred____, Zavadil ____ Holtberg Motion carried.
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18. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH SARAH TRAPHAGEN'S DUTIES FOR THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR: (APPENDIX) (ACTION) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
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Motion by ___________________, seconded by _____________________, to approve the Memorandum of Understanding with Sarah Traphagen's duties 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 ANNUAL ASSURANCE OF COMPLIANCE STATEMENT: (APPENDIX) (ACTION) (ROLL CALL VOTE)
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School Board approval of the Annual Assurance of Compliance statement is requested. This request for approval should be an annual board action acknowledging the school district is in compliance with all federal mandates, which are required for all federal program entitlements and programming. Following school board questions, a motion approving the compliance statement is appropriate. Motion by ____________________, seconded by ______________________, to approve the Assurance of Compliance Statement. ROLL CALL VOTE: Barsness _____, T. Reichmann ____, A. Reichmann ____, Ogdahl____, Lagred ____Zavadil Moeller Motion carried. |
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20. OTHER:
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21. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
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October 19, 2026, Regular School Board Meeting at 6:00 pm in the MAS District Office Board Room November 3, 2026, Election Day November 11, 2026, Veterans Day Program at 9:00 am in the MAHS Gymnasium November 16, 2026, Regular School Board Meeting at 6:00 pm in the MAS District Office Board Room December 21, 2026, Regular School Board Meeting at 6:00 pm in the MAS District Office Board Room January 4, 2027, School Board Organizational Meeting January 14-15, 2027, Minnesota School Board Association Conference |
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22. 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. Reichmann ____, Ogdahl____, Lagred ____ Zavadil____,Moeller ____ Motion carried. |
