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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 DECEMBER 16, 2024 AND THE ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING ON JANUARY 6, 2025
IV.B. APPROVE PAYMENT OF BILLS FOR DECEMBER 2024
IV.C. APPROVE MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR DECEMBER 2024
IV.D. APPROVE PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATIONS
IV.E. APPROVE SUBMISSION OF GRANT APPLICATIONS
IV.F. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT DONATIONS AND GRANTS
IV.G. APPROVE EXTENDED FIELD TRIPS
IV.H. APPROVE INDEPENDENT PROVIDER APPLICATION
IV.I. APPROVE FIRST READING OF DISTRICT POLICIES
IV.J. ADOPT DISTRICT POLICIES
IV.K. ADOPT 2025-2026 DMS CURRICULUM COURSES
IV.L. APPROVE REQUEST TO ISSUE BIDS FOR PRIME VENDOR SERVICES FOR SCHOOL MEALS PROGRAM
V. REPORTS/DISCUSSION ITEMS
V.A. WOODLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL UPDATE
V.B. MID-YEAR UPDATE ON DISTRICT'S OPERATIONAL PLAN
VI. ACTION ITEMS
VI.A. APPROVE FIRST READING OF PLANNING ASSUMPTIONS FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR
VI.B. ADOPT RESOLUTION DIRECTING ADMINISTRATION TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING THE REDUCTION AND/OR DISCONTINUANCE OF PROGRAMS AND POSITIONS AND REASONS THEREFOR
VI.C. ADOPT RESOLUTION FOR IMMEDIATE DISCHARGE OF A CONTINUING CONTRACT TEACHER
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: January 27, 2025 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:

MN Representative Michelle Fischbach has nominated Lydia Oldenkamp to the U.S. Military and U.S. Air Force Academies.

Instructional coach, Sue Green, was chosen to be on the MDE Health Standards Committee and was also chosen to be a co-chair of the committee.

The FIRST Lego League qualifier saw 24 teams compete for the 8 spots in the sectional competition. Two of the three Alexandria teams were able to secure a spot in the sectional:

Team Scuba Studs, advancing to sectionals and receiving awards for Programming and Champions:
  • Colin Binger, 3rd grade at Lincoln
  • Leif Fredrickson, 4th grade at Voyager
  • Sullivan Golberg, 5th grade at Lincoln
  • Daxon Hardee, 5th grade at Carlos
  • Edwin Heyn, 5th grade at Carlos
  • Jason Simonson, 5th grade at Garfield
  • Charlie Thimmesh, 5th grade at Garfield
  • Greyson Zammitt, 4th grade at Woodland
  • Mentors: Tyler Golberg, Abram Heyn, Amy Thimmesh and Bjorn Fredrickson

Team Lego Masters in a Yellow Submarine, receiving an award for Robot Design and advancing to sectionals, where they were awarded the Rising All Stars Award:
  • Erik Eigen, 3rd grade at Lincoln
  • Dylan Klumper, 5th grade at Woodland
  • Riaden Luedeke, 4th grade at Miltona
  • Ian Momsen, 4th grade at Miltona
  • Gabe Olson, 3rd grade at Voyager
  • Everest Patterson, 2nd grade at Miltona
  • Whittier Patterson, 4th grade at Miltona
  • Braxton Pruett, 5th grade at Woodland
  • Mentors: Jared & Britta Patterson and Brandon & Crystal Luedeke

Meghan Orgeman has been honored with a Special Merit Award from National Girls & Women in Sports Day - Minnesota. This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to taking action that ensured opportunities for girls and women in sports.

The Discovery Middle School Spelling Bee went eight rounds before Miles Gibson took first place with the words writhes and bibliophile. Adley Lorentz was the runner up. Both students will advance to the Regional Spelling Bee in Fergus Falls in early February.

Many athletes were recognized as Central Lakes Conference Performers of the Week in their respective sport:
  • Hadley Thul - Girls Basketball: in 3 games, scored 63 points, had 34 rebounds, 11 assists, 10 steals and 2 blocks
  • Emma Ramstorf - Girls Hockey: in 3 games, scored 3 goals and had 2 assists
  • Chloe Scholl - Girls Basketball: in 2 games, scored 25 points, had 16 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals
  • Luke Maanum - Wrestling: at 215 lbs., had 3 pins and picked up his 75th career win
  • Lilly Dutton - Girls Hockey: in 2 games, scored 4 goals, including a hat trick in 1 game
  • Cooper Running - Boys Swim & Dive: placed 1st in the 200 Freestyle & 100 Fly and anchored the 200 & 400 relays
  • Jersey Severson - Girls Hockey: in 2 games, scored 3 goals and had 1 assist
  • MaCee Linow - Girls Basketball: in 2 games, scored 34 points, had 10 rebounds, 5 steals and 3 assists
  • Andy Wacek - Boys Swim & Dive: won the 200 IM, took 2nd in the 100 Breaststroke and swam on the winning 200 Freestyle Relay
  • Kira Johnson - Gymnastics: at the Moorhead meet, scored a career high 9.7 on floor & 36.5 in the All Around
  • Nolan Fettig - Wrestling: last week, he had 4 pins and won the 127 lb. Alex Big Ole

The Girls Nordic Ski Relay of Brooklyn Jurchenko and Johanna Kjolhaug placed 1st at Spidahls in the Fergus Falls/Brainerd invite.

The Wrestling Team took 1st place at the Braves Classic in Benson.
 
Subject:
IV. CONSENT AGENDA
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Subject:
IV.A. APPROVE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING ON DECEMBER 16, 2024 AND THE ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING ON JANUARY 6, 2025
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The following pages provide a copy of the minutes from the December 16, 2024 regular board meeting and the January 6, 2025 organizational meeting.
 

RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the board approve the minutes as printed.
 
Subject:
IV.B. APPROVE PAYMENT OF BILLS FOR DECEMBER 2024
Presenter:
Trevor Peterson
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

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 December 2024.
 
Subject:
IV.C. APPROVE MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR DECEMBER 2024
Presenter:
Trevor Peterson
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The following pages provide a summary report of revenue and expenditures for the district as of December 31, 2024. 


RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the board approve the revenue and expenditures reports for the month of December 2024.
 
Subject:
IV.D. APPROVE PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATIONS
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.E. 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 the MN Department of Education for an amount to be determined by MDE to provide funding for a select number of preschool seats at no cost to families.
  • Grant application to Butler Tech for $10,000 to help subsidize the cost of beginning implementation of the Project Life curriculum, which allows for instruction and data collection across three domains (home, work and community) to create a comprehensive profile of an individual student’s needs and abilities.
  • Grant application to Douglas County Social Services for $40,000 to help support students and families by bridging the gap with county services, truancy and interaction with Woodland families and community service learning projects.
  • Grant application to Como Park Zoo and Conservatory for $1,300 to help defray the cost of transportation for the Carlos 1st grade field trip to the zoo.
  • In partnership with Alexandria Technical and Community College, Alexandria Public Schools will submit a letter of support for an MDE Concurrent Enrollment Program grant. APS will collaborate with ATCC for the Advanced Woods class at APS to be able to offer college credit for the class.


RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the school board approve the resolution to submit the grant applications and donation requests.
 
Subject:
IV.F. 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.G. 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 Carlos and Garfield 5th grade classes are requesting permission to travel to Deep Portage Learning Center in Hackensack, MN on February 26-28, 2025 to participate in classes related to landforms, geocaching, survival skills, rock climbing and other science and social studies-related topics, to foster awareness, curiosity, conservation, stewardship and sensitivity to the environment and nature.
Subject:
IV.H. APPROVE INDEPENDENT PROVIDER APPLICATION
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The Alexandria Shooting Park is applying to be the Independent Provider for the Alexandria Area High School Clay Target League during the 2024-2025 school year.


RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends that the board approve Alexandria Shooting Park as the Independent Provider for the Clay Target League for the 2024-2025 school year.
 
Subject:
IV.I. 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 101 - Legal Status of the School District
      • Policy 101.1 - Name of the School District
      • Policy 103 - Complaints - Students, Employees, Parents, Other Persons
      • Policy 105 - Public Relations, School Communications and School Organizations
      • Policy 201 - Legal Status of the School Board
      • Policy 202 - School Board Officers
      • Policy 203 - Operation of the School Board - Governing Rules
      • Policy 203.1 - School Board Procedures, Rules of Order
      • Policy 203.2 - Order of School Board Meetings
      • Policy 203.5 - School Board Meeting Agenda
      • Policy 203.6 - Consent Agendas
      • Policy 519 - Interviews of Students by Outside Agencies
      • Policy 701 - Establishment and Adoption of School District Budget
      • Policy 721 - Uniform Grant Guidance Policy Regarding Federal Revenue Sources
      • Policy 912 - Use of Volunteers in School

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.J. ADOPT DISTRICT POLICIES
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The following policies received a first reading at the December 2024 board meeting:
 
      • Policy 901 - Community Education
      • Policy 902 - Use of School District Facilities and Equipment
      • Policy 903 - Visitors to School District Buildings and Sites
      • Policy 904 - Distribution of Materials on School District Property by Nonschool Persons
      • Policy 905 - Advertising
      • Policy 906 - Community Notification of Predatory Offenders
      • Policy 907 - Parent Involvement
      • Policy 908 - Rewards for Solving a Crime
      • Policy 910 - Sanctioning of District Activities


RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the board adopt Policies 901, 902, 903, 904, 905, 906, 907, 908 and 910. 
 
Subject:
IV.K. ADOPT 2025-2026 DMS CURRICULUM COURSES
Presenter:
Darcy Josephson
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The 2025-2026 DMS Curriculum and Program Modifications/Course Changes received a first reading at the December 2024 board meeting.


RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the board adopt the 2025-2026 curriculum/program changes as presented.
 
Subject:
IV.L. APPROVE REQUEST TO ISSUE BIDS FOR PRIME VENDOR SERVICES FOR SCHOOL MEALS PROGRAM
Presenter:
Trevor Peterson
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The administration is recommending the board approve advertising and accepting bids for Prime Vendor Services for the school meals programs for the 2025-2026 school year with the possibility of renewing the prime vendor contract for three additional one-year terms.


RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the board approve advertising for prime vendor services.
 
Subject:
V. REPORTS/DISCUSSION ITEMS
Subject:
V.A. WOODLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL UPDATE
Presenter:
Stephanie Ruegemer
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Stephanie Ruegemer will share highlights from Woodland Elementary School.  A question and answer time will be provided at the meeting.

No formal action is expected.
 
Subject:
V.B. MID-YEAR UPDATE ON DISTRICT'S OPERATIONAL PLAN
Presenter:
Darcy Josephson
Description:
INFORMATION:

Darcy Josephson will provide a mid-year status on activities related to the 2024-2025 Operational Plan.  She will provide the school board with an overview and an update of activities, programs and services.

No formal action is expected.
 
Subject:
VI. ACTION ITEMS
Subject:
VI.A. APPROVE FIRST READING OF PLANNING ASSUMPTIONS FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR
Presenter:
Darcy Josephson, Jessie Hjelle, Michelle Bethke-Kaliher and Trevor Peterson
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Attached are the planning assumptions for the 2025-2026 school year related to:
  • General Planning
  • School Improvement and Staff Development Planning
  • Staffing Planning
  • Special Education Planning
  • Budget Planning
    • Revenues
    • Expenses

The administration will provide an overview of the proposed planning assumptions for 2025-2026.  Further discussion will take place at the meeting.


RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the board approve the first reading of the 2025-2026 planning assumptions as presented.
 
Subject:
VI.B. ADOPT RESOLUTION DIRECTING ADMINISTRATION TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING THE REDUCTION AND/OR DISCONTINUANCE OF PROGRAMS AND POSITIONS AND REASONS THEREFOR
Presenter:
Jessie Hjelle
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Annually, the school board is required to adopt a resolution for possible reductions in staff.  The resolution is available on the following page.  With the adoption of this resolution, the administration will move forward with the 2025-2026 budgeting, staffing and goal setting process.


RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the board adopt the Resolution Directing Administration to Make Recommendations Regarding the Reduction and/or Discontinuance of Programs and Positions and Reasons Therefor.
 
Subject:
VI.C. ADOPT RESOLUTION FOR IMMEDIATE DISCHARGE OF A CONTINUING CONTRACT TEACHER
Presenter:
Jessie Hjelle
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The following pages provide the resolution the school board is required to adopt to discharge a continuing contract teacher. Jessie Hjelle will provide additional background information regarding the resolution. 


RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the board adopt the Resolution for Immediate Discharge of a Continuing Contract Teacher 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 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 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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