February 23, 2026 at 6:00 PM - Regular Meeting of the School Board
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I. Call to Order / Pledge of Allegiance
Discussion:
The Board of Education of Hermantown Independent School District No. 700 met in regular session on February 23, 2026. Chair, David Hokanson, called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.
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II. Mission Statement
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III. Roll Call
Discussion:
Members Present: Eric Griffith, David Hokanson, Jodi McShane, Ashley McFarland, Matthew Munger, Tim Peterson, Wayne Whitwam, Superintendent
Visitors: Sarah Turcotte, Jason Wilcox, Kristian Hartmann, Bill Wietman, Chad Viergutz, Gretchen Appelwick, Nick Allen, Cindy Vittorio, Jesse Singer, Dacia Selzler, Michael Michelizzi, Erin McMahon, Kristal Berg, Jill Hansen, Nick Levander, Britt Levander, Brent Chouanard-Nguyen, Connie Adamec, Laura Bakker, Luke Walker |
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IV. Approve Agenda
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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V. Approve Consent Agenda
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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V.A. Approval of Minutes of Previous Board Meeting: February 9, 2026
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V.B. Approval and authorization of audited vouchers for payment #118324-118495 charged to the following funds, voided checks #117977, 117978, 118282 and the Bank and Electronic Transfers:
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V.C. Approval of Personnel Items
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VI. Resolution to Accept Donations
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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VII. Comments and Congratulations
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VII.A. Elementary, Middle, High School, and Community Education Reports
Discussion:
Wietman. Change Championship just wrapped up at the middle school with over 2,000 students and a tournament-style format this year. Thanks to the middle school student counsel for the idea this year. Thanks to all of our teachers for building of Experience Day and to Sam Janz for organizing Experience Day. The kids and teachers had a great time.
Berg. ECFE hosted its first pop-up class at Yellow Bike to get more community involvement. Whitwam. Congratulations to both the boys and girls hockey teams on success this year. Maintenance Appreciation Day is coming up and I would like to give Chad and Greg recognition. McShane. Recognized Mr. Tipple for being named an Outstanding Teacher of the Northland by WDIO. |
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VIII. Recognition of Visitor Business
Discussion:
Nick Levander spoke about the eighth grade social studies curriculum.
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IX. Administrative Report
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IX.A. Chad Viergutz – Building & Grounds Update
Discussion:
Director of Buildings and Grounds Chad Viergutz gave an update on the Middle School gym bleacher replacement. We could get them in by August if they are approved in the next meeting or two.
The custodian I'm asking for would be a floating position. There have been a couple times where we are down to one custodian in a building and maintenance staff needs to fill in. If at full staff one day, they would have special projects to take care of. |
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X. Correspondence
Discussion:
Hokanson. Received correspondence regarding head start and changes in our early childhood building and about the eighth grade Social Studies curriculum.
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XI. Superintendent's Discussion Items
Discussion:
Hokanson. Received correspondence regarding head start and changes in our early childhood building, and about the eighth grade Social Studies curriculum.
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XI.A. Enrollment Update
Discussion:
Down six high school students, putting our enrollment down to 2,031.
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XI.B. District Projects
Discussion:
Work session before the next board meeting to talk about district projects and big picture. Would prioritize lists from both the Finance Committee and Facilities Committee.
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XI.C. Other
Discussion:
We would like to pilot the curriculum as soon as possible for the new Geography text book that has been chosen under the new cycle. We are also planning on creating new guidelines for supplementing curriculum.
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XII. Committee Reports
Discussion:
No Committee Reports.
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XIII. Old Business
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XIII.A. Video Board
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XIII.B. Superintendent Job Description
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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XIII.C. Human Resources/Personnel Director Job Description
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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XIII.D. District Policy Update 435
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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XIII.E. New Position Request for Custodian I
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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XIV. New Business
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XIV.A. NLSEC Membership Enrollment Renewal Purchase of Service Agreement 2026-2027
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XIV.B. District Policy Updates 432, 438, 444
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XIV.C. Elimination of District Policies 430, 436, 437, 442
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XIV.D. American Indian Education Annual Compliance Review (Action Requested)
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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XIV.E. Elementary Bathrooms
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XIV.F. Middle School Bleachers (Action Requested)
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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XIV.G. Pole Vault Pit
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XIV.H. Parking Lot
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XV. Closed Session for the Purpose of Contract Negotiations
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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XVI. Reopen Meeting to the Public
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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XVII. Adjournment
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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