June 9, 2025 at 6:00 PM - Regular Meeting of the School Board

Discussion:  The Board of Education of Hermantown Independent School District No. 700 met in regular session on June 9, 2025. Chair, David Hokanson, called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.

Discussion:  Members Present: Eric Griffith, David Hokanson, Jodi McShane, Ashley McFarland, Matthew Munger, Tim Peterson, Wayne Whitwam, Superintendent, Lance Takkunen, Director of Business Services

Visitors: Sarah Turcotte, Jason Wilcox, Bill Wietman, Kammi Wietman, Lindsey Beier, Andy Beier, Lori Sinnott, Kristine Holt, Brent Chouanard-Nguyen, Erin McMahon, Terry Gilbert, Shawna Jokinen, Kenny Kolquist, Gretchen Appelwick, John Muenich, Kristal Berg, Karl Kunz, Leisa Klyn

Discussion:  Muenich. Congratulated the Hermantown High School Class of 2025. He thanked Laurissa Mickelson and Charlie Pillsbury for their work on the graduation ceremony. 
Wietman. Thanked the Middle School staff for their hard work throughout the school year. 
Appelwick. Thanked Joe Borak and staff for organizing the fourth grade field trip to Wolf Ridge. He also thanked Chris Pederson for his work in organizing Field Day. 
Berg. Thanked the Early Learning and Kids Zone staff for a successful end to the school year. Roxy Olsen-Hurst hosted another successful Bubble Dance, and we had the community education van out for its first event. 
Whitwam. Thanked John Muenich and Dave Thompson for their work in helping with graduation. 
Peterson. Recognized the 15 straight-A students from the 2025 graduating class. Mentioned to Muenich that they were a fine-looking group. 
McFarland. Mentioned how she was able to attend the Wolf Ridge field trip as a chaperone and how it was a great experience. She was happy to be able to experience the trip in person. 
Munger. Also had a child on the Wolf Ridge field trip and had great feedback. 
 

Discussion:  Lindsey Beier spoke regarding her dissatisfaction with changes to her position.  

Discussion:  Peterson. Mentioned correspondence that was sent to the Board and said that two parties had already responded.
Hokenson. Mentioned that the Board had received more correspondence regarding the baseball team. 

Discussion:  Enrollment is up by three students. 

Discussion:  The garage has been moved to a spot closer to the bus garage. Now it must sit for 30 days.

Discussion:  The insurance committee had a meeting to vote on whether to stay self-insured or move to PEIP, which resulted in a tie vote. With the result, the Hermantown Teachers' Union sent formal notice to Superintendent Whitwam that it has decided to exercise its right to enroll in PEIP, effective September 1, 2025, based on MN State Statute 43A.316. Enrollment in PEIP will be a four-year commitment. The remainder of the district employee pool will be too small to remain self-insured, so will be forced to move to PEIP, as well, if alternate arrangements are not feasible.  

Discussion:  Whitwam met with the City of Hermantown again about the District Office, which seemed positive. City representatives will be going to the City Council in June/July about the expansion of the child care center, which would open up space for the district office in the old child care center. 

Discussion:  McShane. The Hermantown Legacy Fund Committee met and the main point of discussion was brainstorming a different fundraiser other than the Taste of Hermantown.