July 28, 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 July 28, 2025. Chair, David Hokanson, called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.

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

Visitors: Jason Wilcox, Sarah Turcotte, Bill Wietman, Alex White, Lindsey Beier, John Muenich, Kristal Berg, Gretchen Appelwick, Cindy Vittorio, Brent Chouanard-Nguyen

Discussion:  Berg. Thanked her Community Education interns for taking the van around the community all summer long. The events with the van have been going really well, especially in Hermantown. Gave shout-outs to Kaitlyn Koehler and Roxy Olsen-Hurst for organizing the Motor Mania event at the Hermantown Community Learning Center. There was a really great turnout and the kids seemed to have a fun time. 
Griffith. Thanked Hermantown Middle School Spanish Teacher Jaclyn Koehler for setting up an eight-day tour of Panama through EF Educational Tours for middle school students. He was able to chaperon the trip and said it was a wonderful experience for all that were involved. 
 

Discussion:  No Visitor Business.

Discussion:  Director of Business Services Lance Takkunen gave an update on the budget using the Ehler's model. 

Discussion:  No Correspondence. 

Discussion:  Northland Engineering conducted an inspection of the roof at Hermantown Hockey Arena and concluded that the structural integrity of the roof is good. The bottom part of the roof where there has been some ice build-up has caused some rusting and is the only spot that seems to be an issue. We will not need to replace the roof, but will need to do something to mitigate the rust damage on a smaller scale than we were originally thinking. 

Epicurean has created the first model of the locker for the locker rooms in the new arena, which took approximately 45 minutes to assemble. Both varsity coaches have been part of the design process. Kraus-Anderson has given two high quotes for assembly, so we may need to assemble with volunteers to save money. Options we are considering are possibly building the lockers in sections and then having Kraus-Anderson install them on the wall or installing them all with volunteer workers. Epicurean is bringing the sample to the arena tomorrow and will do measurements in both varsity locker rooms. Do not have an exact cost of materials yet, but it is estimated to be around $80-$100,000. That will include the lockers, a table, cubbies and a stick holder in each locker room. 

Discussion:  The City of Hermantown has presented the YMCA expansion plan to the City Council, which includes plans for the Hermantown District Office. Nothing has been voted on at this time. 

Discussion:  Principal Appelwick has started working on plans for a new front elementary playground. She received news that the school had been awarded a $126,000 grant for use toward the new playground, which needs a commitment prior to September 30. Once ordered, playground materials will arrive within about a month. The Hermantown PTO has already raised approximately $80,000 specifically for the playground, which, in addition to the grant, would cover the majority of the equipment. The surface of the playground would be an additional $250,000. 

Discussion:  Facilities Committee met to discuss the Long-Term Facilities Maintenance Plan.