September 28, 2026 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 September 28, 2026. Chair, David Hokanson, called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.

Discussion:  Members Present: Eric Griffith (absent), David Hokanson, Jodi McShane (absent), Ashley McFarland, Matthew Munger (virtual due to travel for work), Tim Peterson, Wayne Whitwam, Superintendent, Candace Nelis, Director of Business Services

Visitors: Jason Wilcox, Bill Wietman, Michael Michelizzi, Gretchen Appelwick Kristal Berg, John Wojciuk

Discussion:  Wietman. Middle School Math Department is hosting its first Math Parents Night on Wednesday, Sept. 30. Teachers set this up to help answer some of the same questions they were getting from multiple parents.  
Berg. The Learning Garden is 90% complete. We are just waiting for the benches and pergola to be installed and we will plant this spring. Early Learning is participating in the FACE Pathway with the Northeast Service Cooperative (Family and Community Engagement). Goal is to work with our staff and the community and the families that we serve to co-design our early learning program so it best fits the needs of our community. 
Whitwam. Recognized the PTO for their hard work. They will host a direct drive this year so that all funds raised can benefit the Elementary School. 

Discussion:  No Visitor Business. 

Discussion:  No Administrative Report. 

Discussion:  No Correspondence. 

Discussion:  Enrollment is sitting at about 2,045 for the year. 

Discussion:  We ended up canceling our Facilities Meeting because a Board member wasn't feeling well. We will be rescheduling that for next week. The District owns 2.5 acres of land in Fredenberg and we received notice that there is a non-conforming lot (150x150) that has been tax forfeited and the opening bid is $5,500 to make our lot a 3-acre lot. The only reason we would be interested in purchasing would be to park four buses there to save on gas. Would make the lot a conforming lot and would give us a chance to sell the lot if that was a route we wanted to go also. Bids are due Oct. 21, 2026. Met with LHB to have them come up with five proposals for the Strategic Planning meeting, and are working with them with options for the Elementary remodel plans. Narrow down five realistic facilities options with the principals for the Strategic Planning meeting. 

Discussion:  Insurance rates came in today at a 7.04% increase. We had budgeted for about a 12% increase, so we will be saving a little on insurance. For Legislation, I talked about two things with MREA and MASA. One was a possible transportation allowance, even a one-time allowance, as our fuel costs have almost doubled since last year. Unemployment funding runs out in June at the state level, so the other ask was to have the state either continue to fund it or eliminate it. We do not want them to have us pass the cost onto our taxpayers. School Board Candidate forum will be on Oct. 21 or Oct. 23. Just waiting on confirmation from Hermantown Chamber of Commerce. 

Discussion:  McFarland. Activities Liaison Committee met with Activities Director Nate Buck for the first time this year. The main thing discussed was sponsorship policy, especially with the new video boards and our CO-OPs with Proctor.  
Whitwam. Hermantown Legacy Fund met. Contentious meeting. Talked about if there were Google funds offered, if the group would take it. It was split on whether the group would or not.