Meeting Agenda
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
III. DISTRICT POINTS OF PRIDE
IV. CONSENT AGENDA
IV.A. APPROVE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING ON AUGUST 17, 2026
IV.B. APPROVE PAYMENT OF BILLS FOR AUGUST 2026
IV.C. APPROVE PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATIONS
IV.D. APPROVE SUBMISSION OF GRANT APPLICATIONS
IV.E. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT DONATIONS AND GRANTS
IV.F. APPROVE EXTENDED FIELD TRIPS
IV.G. APPROVE FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES
IV.H. APPROVE FIRST READING OF DISTRICT POLICIES
IV.I. ADOPT DISTRICT POLICIES
IV.J. APPROVE SCHOOL DISTRICT AGREEMENTS
V. REPORTS/DISCUSSION ITEMS
V.A. HEALTH SERVICES UPDATE
V.B. OPERATING LEVY
VI. ACTION ITEMS
VI.A. ADOPT RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE CONTINGENT REDUCTION OF SCHOOL TAX LEVY CERTFIEID IN 2026 PAYABLE 2027
VI.B. APPROVE 2026 PAYABLE 2027 PRELIMINARY TAX LEVY
VI.C. APPROVE MOU FOR READ ACT
VI.D. APPROVE WORK AGREEMENT
VII. COMMUNICATION ITEMS
VII.A. ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
VII.B. SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
VII.C. SCHOOL BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS
VII.D. ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
VIII. DELEGATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS
IX. ADJOURNMENT
Agenda Item Details Reload Your Meeting
Meeting: September 28, 2026 at 7:00 PM - Regular Meeting
Subject:
I. CALL TO ORDER
Subject:
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Subject:
III. DISTRICT POINTS OF PRIDE
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Rick Sansted will share with the board the "206 Points of Pride."  The persons being recognized this month are as follows:

Sixty Alexandria Area High School graduates and current students have been named 2026 AP Scholars based on their performance on Advanced Placement (AP) exams. The awards given and students recognized include:
  • AP Scholar designation was granted to Alexis Bergs, Jeremy Boe, Leah Brittain, Ava Buboltz, Carson Bumgarner, Weston Burkey, Camden Danielson, Mae Denne, Gavin Gilbertson, Isaac Grieve, Shaelyn Groen, Aribelle Justison, Bodin Karlstad, Elsa Lucken, Jakin Miller, Brooke Persons, Jacobo Ramos, Benton Scholten, Nils Stadsklev, Chloe Tickhill, Taylor Tickhill, Ella Walz, Mila Warzecha and Connor Zirbes, along with ten 2026 graduates who received scores of 3 or higher on three or more of the exams.
  • AP Scholar with Honor was granted to Esther Bernards, Hannah Hoff, Lucas Klimek, Colton Nolden and Gavin Peterson, along with eight 2026 graduates for achieving an average of at least 3.25 on all exams given and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams.
  • AP Scholar with Distinction was given to David Close, Thomas Dutcher, Siegfried Henrich, Joshua Makalinao and Alondra Munoz Cortes, along with seven 2026 graduates who received an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and a score of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.

Athletes recognized this past month as Central Lakes Conference Performers of the Week in their respective sport include:
  • Patrick Klecker - Boys Soccer: scored 2 goals and 1 assist in win vs. Bemidji
  • Kate Jahner - Cross Country: took 4th place at Brainerd with a time of 20:25
  • Tyler Jahner - Cross Country: placed 6th at Detroit Lakes with a time of 17:19
Subject:
IV. CONSENT AGENDA
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Subject:
IV.A. APPROVE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING ON AUGUST 17, 2026
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The following pages provide a copy of the minutes from the August 17, 2026 regular board meeting.
 

RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the board approve the minutes as printed.
 
Subject:
IV.B. APPROVE PAYMENT OF BILLS FOR AUGUST 2026
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Because of the many year-end accounting adjustments and entries that need to be made, the financial reports for August 2026 will be presented when the number accurately reflects fiscal year 2025-2026 activities.

The listing of bills for payment is the last attachment to this agenda.


RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the board approve the payment of bills for August 2026.
 
Subject:
IV.C. APPROVE PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATIONS
Presenter:
Jessie Hjelle
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Personnel recommendations are made monthly. The conditional offers of employment are subject to successful completion of a criminal background check and I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification, and where applicable, the issuance of the required license.


RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the board approve the personnel recommendations as presented on the following pages.
 
Subject:
IV.D. APPROVE SUBMISSION OF GRANT APPLICATIONS
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The administration recommends that the school board approve the submission of the following:
 
  • Grant application to CenterPoint Energy for $12,574 to provide weekly library books and parent education information for preschoolers and families to borrow through the Raising a Reader program.


RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the school board approve the resolution to submit the grant applications and donation requests.
 
Subject:
IV.E. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT DONATIONS AND GRANTS
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

As per district policy, the board is required to approve the submission and acceptance of donations and grants to the district that exceed $1,000.


RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the school board approve the attached resolution accepting grants and donations to the school district.
Subject:
IV.F. APPROVE EXTENDED FIELD TRIPS
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

As per district policy, the board is required to approve all extended field trips that involve one or more overnight stays.


RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends that the school board approve the following extended field trip:
  • The Miltona 5th graders are requesting permission to travel to South Dakota on September 14-18, 2026 to learn about geology, Native American culture, paleontology and other aspects of history and science.
  • The AAHS Concert Choir is requesting permission to travel to Minneapolis, MN on March 12-14, 2027 to perform a concert, sing the national anthem at a Timberwolves game and take in a professional concert.
  • The Girls Hockey team is requesting permission to travel to Maple Grove, MN on November 13-14, 2026 to compete in two hockey games.
  • The Girls Hockey team is requesting permission to travel to Duluth, MN and Grand Rapids, MN on January 8-9, 2027 to compete in two hockey games.
  • The FFA program is requesting permission to travel to Indianapolis, IN on October 20-24, 2026 to attend the National FFA Convention.
Subject:
IV.G. APPROVE FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

As per district policy, the board is required to approve all fundraising activities.


RECOMMENDATION:

The administration is recommending that the school board approve the following fundraisers:
  • The FFA program will conduct their annual fruit, meat and cheese sales from mid-October to mid-November to help cover costs of student FFA activities throughout the year.
  • The AAHS choir students will hold a silent auction during their fall concert on October 22, 2026 to raise funds for new music, upgraded equipment and robe cleaning.
  • The DECA students will conduct a pickleball tournament with hat sales to raise funds for students to attend ICDC.
Subject:
IV.H. APPROVE FIRST READING OF DISTRICT POLICIES
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The following pages provide suggested policy additions or policy revisions for first reading.  Administration will review the policies at the meeting.
 
  • Policy 516.5 - Overdose Medication
  • Policy 537 - Shared Time
  • Policy 538 - Student Travel
  • Policy 539 - Violence Prevention
  • Policy 543 - Lost or Damaged Textbooks, Library Materials and Devices
  • Policy 550 - Student Grading and Assessment
  • Policy 551 - Early Admission Policy
  • Policy 560 - Elementary Student Transfer Process
  • Policy 567 - Student Dress and Appearance

The Curriculum/Policy Committee reviewed the policies at their committee meeting and supports the additions and revisions.


RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the board approve the first reading of the policies listed above.
 
Subject:
IV.I. ADOPT DISTRICT POLICIES
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The following policies received a first reading at the August 2026 board meeting:
 
  • Policy 420/540 - Students and Employees with Sexually Transmitted Infections and Diseases and Certain Other Communicable Diseases and Infectious Conditions
  • Policy 528 - Student Parental, Family and Marital Status Notification
  • Policy 529 - Staff Notification of Violent Behavior by Students
  • Policy 530 - Immunization Requirements
  • Policy 531 - The Pledge of Allegiance
  • Policy 532 - Use of Peace Officers and Crisis Teams to Remove Students with IEPs from School Grounds
  • Policy 533 - Wellness
  • Policy 534 - School Meals
  • Policy 535 - Service Animals in Schools
  • Policy 806 - Crisis Management

RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the board adopt Policies 420/540, 528, 529, 530, 531, 532, 533, 534, 535 and 806. 
 
Subject:
IV.J. APPROVE SCHOOL DISTRICT AGREEMENTS
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Annually, the school board approves educational agreements between the District and various consultants, agencies and service providers.


RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the board approve the following agreements:
  • Agreement for Police Services between the City of Alexandria and Alexandria Public Schools beginning August 31, 2026 through May 28, 2027
  • Resolution for Membership in the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) between the MSHSL and Alexandria Public Schools for the 2026-2027 school year
  • Concurrent Enrollment Agreement between Southwest Minnesota State University and Alexandria Public Schools for the 2026-2027 school year
  • Community Investment Partnership Agreement between United Way Lakes and Prairie and Alexandria Public Schools beginning July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027
  • Comprehensive PSEO Partnership Agreement between Alexandria Technical and Community College and Alexandria Public Schools beginning August 24, 2026 through May 12, 2027
Subject:
V. REPORTS/DISCUSSION ITEMS
Subject:
V.A. HEALTH SERVICES UPDATE
Presenter:
Michelle Bethke-Kaliher
Description:
INFORMATION:

Michelle Bethke-Kaliher, Director of Student Support Services, will provide information on the Health Services program in the school district.  A question and answer time will be provided at the meeting.

No formal action is expected.
 
Subject:
V.B. OPERATING LEVY
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Description:
INFORMATION:

Rick Sansted will provide information on the upcoming operating levy.  A question and answer time will be provided at the meeting.

No formal action is expected.
 
Subject:
VI. ACTION ITEMS
Subject:
VI.A. ADOPT RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE CONTINGENT REDUCTION OF SCHOOL TAX LEVY CERTFIEID IN 2026 PAYABLE 2027
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The following page provides a resolution related to the November 3, 2026 school board special election.  The resolution establishes the opportunity to reduce the current local optional revenue levy upon approval of a new operating referendum.


RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends that the board adopt the Resolution as presented.
 
Subject:
VI.B. APPROVE 2026 PAYABLE 2027 PRELIMINARY TAX LEVY
Presenter:
Justin Dahlheimer
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Justing Dahlheimer, Director of Finance and Facilities, will provide a summary of the 2026 Payable 2027 preliminary property tax levy information and answer questions regarding the levy proposal.  The summary is an overview of the state levy document that involves many pages of data and computations.

Further discussion will take place at the time of the meeting.


RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the board approve the preliminary property tax levy for 2026 Payable 2027 at the maximum state allowable amount.
 
Subject:
VI.C. APPROVE MOU FOR READ ACT
Presenter:
Jessie Hjelle
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

A tentative agreement was reached to add the following MOU to the Master Agreement between the District and Certified Staff:
 
  • To approve a Memorandum of Understanding regarding compensation and other conditions for certified staff completing READ Act training for 2026-2027

Jessie Hjelle, Human Resources Director, will provide an overview of the Memorandum of Agreement.  The administration and the Personnel/Negotiations Committee are supportive of the agreement.


RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the board approve the MOU as presented.
 
Subject:
VI.D. APPROVE WORK AGREEMENT
Presenter:
Jessie Hjelle
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

A tentative settlement was reached between the District and the following employee group:
 
  • Custodians

Jessie Hjelle, Human Resources Director, will provide an overview of the work agreement.  The administration and the Personnel/Negotiations Committee are supportive of the agreement.


RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the board approve the following:
  • Work agreement between the District and Custodians for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school years
Subject:
VII. COMMUNICATION ITEMS
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Description:
INFORMATION

The district administrative team will provide informational updates to the board at the meeting. 

The following pages provide the minutes of recent meetings of the Personnel/Negotiation Committee, Curriculum/Policy Committee and the Budget/Facilities Committee. 

Also, school board members will share information and other updates as appropriate.
 
Subject:
VII.A. ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
Subject:
VII.B. SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
Subject:
VII.C. SCHOOL BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS
Subject:
VII.D. ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Subject:
VIII. DELEGATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS
Subject:
IX. ADJOURNMENT

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