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 15, 2025, WORK SESSION ON DECEMBER 16, 2025 AND ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING ON JANUARY 5, 2026
IV.B. APPROVE PAYMENT OF BILLS FOR DECEMBER 2025
IV.C. APPROVE MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR DECEMBER 2025
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 FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES
IV.I. APPROVE INDEPENDENT PROVIDER APPLICATION
IV.J. APPROVE FIRST READING OF DISTRICT POLICIES
IV.K. ADOPT DISTRICT POLICIES
IV.L. APPROVE SCHOOL DISTRICT AGREEMENTS
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 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR
VI.B. ADOPT RESOLUTION DIRECTING ADMINISTRATION TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING THE REDUCTION AND/OR DISCONTINUANCE OF PROGRAMS AND POSITIONS AND REASONS THEREFOR
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 26, 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:

The Discovery Middle School Spelling Bee went five rounds before Kaleb Danielson took first place with the words assignment and syndrome. PJ Vanderheiden was the runner up. Both students will advance to the Regional Spelling Bee in Fergus Falls in early February.

Athletes recognized this past month as Central Lakes Conference Performers of the Week in their respective sport include:
  • McKinley Hoelscher - Girls Basketball: in three games, scored 50 points and had 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals
  • Anna Korynta - Girls Hockey: in two games, scored 3 goals and had 1 assist
  • Riley Beyer - Girls Basketball: in three games, scored 39 points and had 13 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals
  • Riley Beyer - Girls Basketball: scored 34 points vs. Brainerd and tied a school record with eight 3-pointers
  • Brody Berg - Boys Hockey: had a hat trick and an assist in a win vs. West Fargo Sheyenne
  • Miles Breitzman - Boys Hockey: had 1 goal and 3 assists in a win vs. West Fargo Sheyenne
  • Emily Doherty - Girls Hockey: in two wins, recorded 4 points to lead her team
  • Nolan Fettig - Wrestling: recorded his 150th career win by winning three matches at St. Paul Harding
  • Maya Dutton - Girls Hockey: in two games, scored 3 goals and had 3 assists
  • Kira Johnson - Gymnastics: had a personal best in All Around (36.825) and bars (9.3) vs. Fergus Falls
  • Micah Kietzmann - Boys Swim & Dive: won the 50 Free and 100 Back with lifetime best times vs. Brainerd
  • Connor Zirbes - Wrestling: went 3-0 with 2 wins vs CLC opponents

Senior Girls Hockey Player Quinn Hills was named a scholarship recipient from the Shannon O’Hara Foundation as part of MN Hockey Day. Quinn earned this award as a result of her leadership, work ethic and the way she supports those around her.
 
Subject:
IV. CONSENT AGENDA
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Subject:
IV.A. APPROVE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING ON DECEMBER 15, 2025, WORK SESSION ON DECEMBER 16, 2025 AND ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING ON JANUARY 5, 2026
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The following pages provide a copy of the minutes from the December 15, 2025 regular board meeting, the December 16, 2025 work session and the January 5, 2026 organizational meeting.
 

RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the board approve the minutes as printed.
 
Subject:
IV.B. APPROVE PAYMENT OF BILLS FOR DECEMBER 2025
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
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 2025.
 
Subject:
IV.C. APPROVE MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR DECEMBER 2025
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The following pages provide a summary report of revenue and expenditures for the district as of December 31, 2025. 


RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the board approve the revenue and expenditures reports for the month of December 2025.
 
Subject:
IV.D. 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.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 National Fluid Power Association for $435 to support the development of hands-on fluid power projects and bring opportunities to DMS science activities.
  • Grant application to the CTE Consortium - Lakes Country Service Cooperative for $3,500 to assist in the purchase of a washer and dryer for the Transition Center.
  • Grant application to the Douglas County Children’s Mental Health Collaborative for $15,000 to assist with start-up costs to open a business to provide competitive employment for adults with disabilities and/or mental health needs.
  • Grant application to the Douglas County Children’s Mental Health Collaborative for $31,550 to support HOSA members in proactively addressing mental health needs of the youth in the county through a community-wide education and prevention campaign.
  • Grant application to the Douglas County Children’s Mental Health Collaborative for $3,000 to provide clinical consultation for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years.
  • Grant application to the Douglas County Children’s Mental Health Collaborative for $40,000 ($20,000 per year for 2025 and 2026) to support the Summer Challenge program.
  • Grant application to the Douglas County Children’s Mental Health Collaborative for $40,000 to partner with Douglas County Human Services to engage families in school and increase access to community supports to meet family needs.
  • Grant application to the CTE Consortium - Lakes County Service Cooperative for $5,000 to fund three truck simulators to be used in the Heavy Equipment class as students seek their CDL Certification.


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 trips:
  • The Robotics Team is requesting permission to travel to Minneapolis, MN on January 14-16 to showcase robotics at the MSBA Conference and to Grand Forks, ND on March 11-14, 2026 to participate in the Great Northern Regional Competition.
  • The FFA students are requesting permission to travel to Duluth, MN on March 5-7, 2026 to visit UMD, tour 1 or 2 businesses within the agricultural field and complete a community service activity.
  • The Carlos Elementary 5th grade students are requesting permission to travel to Deep Portage Learning Center on March 18-20, 2026 to participate in classes related to science and social studies.
  • The Boys Hockey Team is requesting permission to travel to Duluth, MN on January 30-31, 2026 to play two hockey games and participate in team building activities.
Subject:
IV.H. 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 fundraiser:
  • The Robotics Team will put on robot showcases to local businesses to raise money to offset costs associated with tournament fees, travel costs and updated parts.
Subject:
IV.I. APPROVE INDEPENDENT PROVIDER APPLICATION
Presenter:
Rick Sansted
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Viking Sportsmen Inc. is applying to be the Independent Provider for the Alexandria Public Schools National Archery in the School Program during the 2025-2026 school year.


RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends that the board approve Viking Sportsmen Inc. as the Independent Provider for the National Archery in the School Program for the 2025-2026 school year.
 
Subject:
IV.J. 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 502 - Search of Student Lockers, Desks, Personal Possessions and Student’s Person
  • Policy 504 - Code of Conduct
  • Policy 505 - Distribution of Nonschool-Sponsored Materials on School Premises by Students and Employees

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

The following policies received a first reading at the December 2025 board meeting:
 
  • Policy 451 - Leave Request, Staff
  • Policy 455 - Employee Assistance Program
  • Policy 457 - Comparable Work Value and Equitable Compensation Relationship
  • Policy 458 - Substitute Teachers
  • Policy 460 - Domestic Abuse Safety Policy
  • Policy 470 - Teacher Supervision, Performance Improvement and Evaluation
  • Policy 471 - Employee Use of Social Media


RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the board adopt Policies 451, 455, 457, 458, 460, 470 and 471. 
 
Subject:
IV.L. 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 agreement:
  • Memorandum of Understanding between Alomere Health and Alexandria Public Schools beginning January 5, 2026
Subject:
V. REPORTS/DISCUSSION ITEMS
Subject:
V.A. WOODLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL UPDATE
Presenter:
Heather Timm
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Heather Timm 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:
Trish Perry
Description:
INFORMATION:

Trish Perry will provide a mid-year status on activities related to the 2025-2026 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 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR
Presenter:
Trish Perry, Jessie Hjelle, Michelle Bethke-Kaliher and Rick Sansted
Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Attached are the planning assumptions for the 2026-2027 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 2026-2027.  Further discussion will take place at the meeting.


RECOMMENDATION:

The administration recommends the board approve the first reading of the 2026-2027 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 2026-2027 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:
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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