September 8, 2025 Regular Meeting Time - 6:00 p.m. - Monthly Board Meeting

Description:  Regular Meetings:
July 14, 2025
August 11, 2025

Special Meetings:
August 11, 2025
August 25, 2025
August 27, 2025

Description:  Resignations:
Miranda Palmer - effective 09/08/2025
Trishana Maharaj - effective - 07/03/2025
Brooklyn Lee - effective - 08/13/2025

Hiring:
Madison Peterson - daycare sub - effective 08/11/2025
Brooklen Bendickson - daycare - effective 08/22/2025
Mitchell Myers - para sub - effective 09/02/2025
Val Tuff - long term sub - effective 09/02/2025
Brooke Rossow - paraprofessional - effective 09/08/2025
 

Description: 

ICS Facilities Update - Construction Estimates and Priorities

At last month’s meeting, Chris Ziemer from ICS provided an overview of Dawson-Boyd’s facility needs. This month, he will return to share updated estimates of construction costs and to outline suggested priorities for the district to consider moving forward.

The presentation will include:

• A summary of facility needs identified in earlier assessments

• Cost estimates for proposed projects, including immediate and long-term items

• Recommended priorities to help the board focus on the most pressing needs

• Next steps for planning and decision-making

The goal of this discussion is to equip the board with clear information on estimated costs and priorities so that future planning and budgeting decisions can be made with confidence.

Description: 

This report shares Dawson-Boyd student performance on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) in Reading and Math, comparing district results to statewide averages and examining outcomes for key student groups (Free/Reduced Meals, Multilingual Learners, and Special Education)

Key Findings

• Reading: Dawson-Boyd students continue to score above the state average, though proficiency has declined from 58% in 2021 to 53% in 2025. The statewide average for 2025 was 49.6%.

• Math: Performance has fluctuated. Dawson-Boyd matched the state average in 2024 but dropped in 2025 to 40.3%, below the state average of 45.2%.

• Student Groups:

  • FRP students score 5-15 points lower than non-FRP students.

  • Multilingual Learners show very low proficiency overall, though 2025 saw improvement.

  • Special Education students continue to face persistent challenges in both reading and math.

Conclusion

Dawson-Boyd remains ahead of the state in reading and has shown capacity to meet statewide averages in math, but achievement gaps remain steady for key student groups. The district is committed to continued investment in strong teaching and learning, with a focus on reading, math, and ensuring all students have the support needed to reach their full potential.

 

Description: 

We are proud to recognize three Dawson-Boyd educators who have reached the important milestone of achieving tenure. This recognition reflects their commitment to students, their professional growth, and their dedication to our school community.

The following teachers are being recommended for tenure:

• Alicia Croatt

• Alyssa Croatt

• Shelby Monahan

Each of these educators has demonstrated excellence in the classroom and a strong commitment to the success of Dawson-Boyd students. Granting tenure affirms their professional contributions and secures their continued role as valued members of our teaching staff.

The board is asked to formally acknowledge and celebrate their achievement of tenured status.

Description: 

Approval of 2025-2027 Dawson-Boyd Education Association (DBEA) Master Agreement

The School Board and the Dawson-Boyd Education Association (DBEA) have reached agreement on the 2025-27 Master Agreement. This settlement reflects a shared commitment to valuing and investing in our teaching staff while maintaining the district’s long-term financial stability.

Highlights of Changes

• Salary Schedule: Updated base salaries with step and lane adjustments to remain competitive and support teacher retention.

• Leaves of Absence: Alignment with new state requirements, including Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) and Minnesota Paid Leave beginning January 1, 2026, with the cost of premiums shared equally (50/50) by the district and staff. The agreement also adds one additional personal day for teachers with 16+ years of service.

• 403(b) Matching Contributions: An additional $200 per year at all tenured tiers of the district’s 403(b) match.

This agreement represents an investment in our teaching staff. Competitive wages, stronger benefits, and workload supports demonstrate the district’s commitment to attracting and retaining high-quality educators.

We are grateful for the professionalism and collaborative spirit shown by DBEA throughout the negotiations process. Together, the School Board and DBEA have crafted an agreement that supports our teachers, honors their dedication, and positions Dawson-Boyd Public Schools to continue delivering "Small School, Big Opportunities."

 

Dawson-Boyd Public Schools	Cost to District of Teacher Master Agreement Settlement
9/8/2025	2024-2025	2025-2026	DIFF.	CHANGE	2026-2027	DIFF.	CHANGE
TOTALS	4,617,581	4,829,176	211,595	4.58%	4,966,422	137,245	2.84%
		TWO YEAR TOTAL				348,841	7.55%

Recommendation:
Administration recommends approval of the 2025-27 Master Agreement between Independent School District No. 378 and the Dawson-Boyd Education Association.

Description: 

Each year, school districts are required to certify their levy to the county auditor as part of the annual budgeting process. At this stage, the board is asked to certify the maximum levy amount. Certifying the maximum does not mean the district will go out for an operating levy referendum. Rather, it preserves the option for the district to adjust the levy amount later in the fall once final figures are determined by the Minnesota Department of Education.

By certifying the maximum, Dawson-Boyd ensures flexibility and accuracy in the budgeting process while meeting statutory requirements. This is a standard annual procedure followed by school districts across the state.

Recommendation:
Administration recommends the board certify the maximum levy for the 2025-26 school year.

Description: 

The legal name associated with Dawson-Boyd Public Schools does not match the district name currently on file with the Internal Revenue Service. The IRS records list the district as Lac Qui Parle County Ind School Dist N 378 while the district’s official legal and operating name is Dawson-Boyd Public Schools. This creates confusion with some agencies as we are receiving grant funds.

This discrepancy requires formal board action to authorize updating the IRS Employer Identification Number to reflect the district’s correct legal name. Supporting documentation from the Minnesota Department of Education confirms that Dawson-Boyd Public School District 0378-01 is the valid and active district name in the state system.

Recommendation:
Administration recommends the board approve the resolution authorizing the update of the IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN 41-6001874) from Lac Qui Parle County Ind School Dist N 378 to Dawson-Boyd Public Schools.

 

FAQ: IRS Legal Name Correction

Q: Is Dawson-Boyd Public Schools changing its name?
No. Dawson-Boyd Public Schools remains the district’s legal and operating name. This action is only to correct outdated information with the IRS.

Q: Why is the IRS involved?
Every school district is assigned an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for tax reporting purposes. Our EIN (41-6001874) is still tied to an old name, Lac Qui Parle County Ind School Dist N 378, which no longer reflects our official name.

Q: What is the purpose of this board action?
The board resolution authorizes the Superintendent to notify the IRS and update their records so that the EIN correctly matches our official name, Dawson-Boyd Public Schools.

Q: Will this affect district operations or finances?
No. This is purely an administrative correction. It ensures consistency across all state and federal systems but does not impact funding, programming, or district services.

Q: Why now?
This correction is being made now to align district records with the IRS and ensure accuracy moving forward. State and local records already show Dawson-Boyd Public Schools as the valid and active district name.

Description: 

Policy Addition: 609 - Religion and Religious and Cultural Observances

Administration presents Policy 609 for board consideration as a new addition to the Dawson-Boyd School District policy manual. This policy outlines how the district will approach religion and cultural observances within its programs and curriculum to ensure compliance with state and federal law.

The policy affirms that Dawson-Boyd Schools will neither promote nor disparage any religious belief or nonbelief. Instead, it encourages appreciation and tolerance of diverse views while recognizing the influence of religion in history, culture, and the arts.

Key provisions include:

• Religious themes in music, art, drama, and literature may be included if presented objectively, with educational value, and without sectarian indoctrination.

• Instruction may explain the origins and significance of religions, holidays, customs, and beliefs in a nonsectarian and unbiased manner.

• Activities must serve a secular purpose, neither advance nor inhibit religion, and avoid excessive entanglement with religion.

• Reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate students who request to be excused from curricular activities for religious observances or American Indian cultural practices. Annual notice of this option will be provided to parents.

The superintendent is charged with ensuring implementation of this policy and may present further guidelines for board approval.

Recommendation:
Administration recommends the board approve Policy 609: Religion and Religious and Cultural Observances at this meeting on its first reading.

Description: 

ach year, Dawson-Boyd student groups and activity programs seek approval to conduct fundraisers in support of their work. Fundraisers provide important opportunities for students to offset costs, support team and club needs, and engage the community in positive ways.

The administration has received applications for upcoming fundraisers from a variety of student organizations and activity groups. These applications have been reviewed to ensure alignment with district policy and guidelines.

Recommendation:
Administration recommends approval of the fundraiser applications as presented. Approval will allow student and booster groups to move forward with their planned efforts to support Dawson-Boyd activities.

Description: 

Dawson-Boyd Public Schools has received two SHIP grant awards administered through Countryside Public Health. These grants provide targeted support for student health, well-being, and learning.

• Hydroponic Garden Grant - $2,999 Funding will be used to establish a hydroponic garden to grow fresh lettuce for the Dawson-Boyd lunchroom. This project connects students with agriculture and healthy eating while providing a sustainable source of fresh produce for meals.

• Be Good People Curriculum Support - $3,000Funding will be used to purchase additional classroom supplies that strengthen implementation of the Be Good People social-emotional learning curriculum. This will enhance classroom activities that promote positive behavior, empathy, and responsible decision-making.
• REAP Grant - $51,260  The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant provides support for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. This funding will assist the district in advancing its energy efficiency goals, lowering operating costs, and modeling environmental stewardship for students and the community.

Recommendation:
Administration recommends acceptance of the two SHIP grants through Countryside Public Health totaling $5,999.