Resignation
Erin Johnson-Crosby - substitute school nurse - 6/10/2025

Hiring
JH Girls Basketball - Paige Diekmann
C Volleyball - Paige Diekmann
FCCLA Advisor - Loral Webster 
Childcare Program Coordinators - Karoline Dahl, Angela Forsberg, Samantha Peterson - effective 07/15/2025
District Administration Support and Payroll - Bryar Kahloff - Start Date 08/04/2025
 

Communication

Honoring Ronda Krosch

Statement on Behalf of the School Board - Tonya Kelly
Personnel Committee Report - Megan Lynch
Policy Committee Report -  Lynn Marotzke
Summary of Superintendent Evaluation - Tonya Kelly

Information Item: Foster Care Transportation Agreement

Dawson-Boyd Public Schools will enter into a purchase of service agreement with the county to support the transportation of children and youth placed in foster care. This agreement ensures that students remain in their school of origin when it is in their best interest, consistent with the requirements of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

This collaboration between the district and local child welfare agency is required under Minnesota Statutes, section 260C.212, subdivision 1(c)(5). The statute requires the responsible social services agency and the local education agency to develop a written transportation agreement for children in foster care that prioritizes educational stability.

No board action is required at this time.

Information Item: 2025-26 Local Literacy Plan

Dawson-Boyd Public Schools submitted its annual Local Literacy Plan to the Minnesota Department of Education on June 13, 2025, in compliance with the Minnesota READ Act (Minn. Stat. §?120B.12). The plan outlines how the district will ensure all students, including multilingual learners and those receiving special education services, read at or above grade level each year beginning in kindergarten.

Key components include:

• Implementation of FastBridge as the universal screening tool for K-12

• LETRS training for teachers and administrators to align literacy practices with the science of reading

• Use of Functional Phonics & Morphology as the foundational curriculum for K-6

• Continued development of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)

• Personal Learning Plans for students not reading at grade level

• Planned use of READ Act Literacy Aid for aligned materials and professional learning

This plan reflects the district’s commitment to structured literacy, equity, and continuous improvement. The full plan is posted on the district website, as required by statute.

No board action is required at this time.

Dawson-Boyd Public Schools intends to enter into a formal PSEO contract with Ridgewater College for the 2025-2026 school year. While Minnesota law allows schools to pay per participating student, establishing a contract helps clarify responsibilities, timelines, and expectations between the district and the college.

Using a contract allows the district to:

• Secure consistent tuition and fee rates

• Streamline administrative processes

• Improve communication and coordination on student supports

• Ensure alignment with local scheduling and transportation needs

This approach is authorized under Minnesota Statutes §?124D.09, which governs PSEO agreements and encourages cooperation between school districts and postsecondary institutions.

No board action is required at this time.

The U.S. Department of Education has delayed the release of federal funds for several key Title programs, which were expected July 1. This delay has immediate financial impacts for Dawson-Boyd Public Schools:

• Title II (Supporting Effective Instruction): -$4,960.33

• Title III (English Language Acquisition): No direct allocation to Dawson-Boyd, but reduced funding through MRVED will limit resources available for our multilingual learners

• Title IV (Student Support and Academic Enrichment): -$10,000

The Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) is actively advocating at the federal level and monitoring the situation. District leaders are encouraged to contact congressional representatives regarding the impact on students and staff.

No board action is required at this time.

This Language Access Plan follows Minnesota Statute § 123B.32 and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which require school districts to provide processes and procedures that effectively assist students and adults who communicate in a language other than English. This plan provides information about the language access tools, processes, and resources available for students, families, and staff in Dawson-Boyd Public Schools.

Federal Requirements

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects students and families from discrimination based on race, color, or national origin.

Equal Educational Opportunity Act (EEOA) requires our district to help students learning English overcome language barriers.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) For students with disabilities:

• Students are tested in their home language when needed
• Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) are written in the family's home language
• IEP meetings are conducted in the family's home language with a qualified interpreter

Minnesota State Requirements

Minnesota Statutes, Section 123B.32 Starting in 2025-2026, our school board must create a language access plan that:

• Uses trained interpreters for important conversations about your child's academic progress and special programs
• Informs families about their language access rights
• Is reviewed and updated every two years

Minnesota LEAPS Act of 2014 Sets three goals for students learning English:

1. Academic English proficiency
2. Grade-level content knowledge
3. Multilingual skills development

 

6/25/2025		Backpack for Kids		Minnwest Bank		$12,000.00
6/26/2025		Tympani for band department		Greater Community Credit Union		$1,300.00
6/26/2025		Farm Credit Services-Jordan Croatt		BJBabies playground equipment		$600.00
7/8/2025		Clarkfield Fire Department		Backpack for Jacks program		$500.00

Each year, Dawson-Boyd student groups and activity programs submit fundraising requests to support participation costs, equipment needs, travel, and special events. The proposed fundraisers for the 2025-2026 school year have been reviewed by administration to ensure they align with district guidelines.

Due to recent staff turnover, Dawson-Boyd Public Schools will update signatories on district financial accounts to reflect current personnel. This ensures proper access, authorization, and oversight of district funds. Updates will be made in coordination with the district’s financial institutions and in compliance with internal controls.

Dawson-Boyd Public Schools has been awarded a $100,000 Youth Skills Training (YST) Grant to launch a Precision Agriculture program. The primary goal of this initiative is to build a sustainable agriculture program that offers ongoing industry certifications, paid internships, and hands-on work experience for students beyond the two-year grant period.

This grant serves as an entry point into the long-term development of more robust Precision Agriculture offerings that align with local workforce needs and student interest.

To begin this work, we recommend:

• Board approval to accept the grant award

• Approval to post and hire a 0.4 FTE agriculture teacher for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years

We are also seeking community support to help bring this vision to life:

• Launch an annual Agriculture and Ag-Adjacent Career Fair for students in grades 7-12

• Connect us with individuals interested in partnering as we grow this new program

• Encourage local experts in farming, ag business, and ag finance to guest speak or mentor students

• Offer tours of local farms, ag operations, and ag-related businesses or manufacturers

• Provide paid internships or work experiences for students in agriculture-related fields

This program reflects a strong partnership between our school and local industry leaders to prepare students for high-demand careers in agriculture and ag technology.

Dawson-Boyd Public Schools has the opportunity to apply for the Minnesota Air Ventilation Pilot Grant Program, which could bring up to $50,000 in additional funding to support the replacement of remaining heat exchangers in the district.

This funding would help address ongoing facility needs related to air quality, energy efficiency, and long-term infrastructure improvements.

We recommend board approval to secure the Upper Minnesota Valley Regional Development Commission (UMVRDC) as our grant writer for this application. There is no cost to the district for this service, as UMVRDC has secured external funding to support this work.

The application will be submitted to the Minnesota Department of Commerce before the December 31, 2025 deadline.

Dawson-Boyd Public Schools has reviewed and updated the extra-curricular activity fees and gate admission rates for the 2025-2026 school year. These updates reflect a comparison of area school rates, past district fees, and the need to balance affordability with program sustainability.

Key updates include:

• Athletic participation fees set at $55 for grades 7-8 and $70-$80 for grades 9-12, depending on the sport

• A maximum annual fee of $200 per student or $350 per family

• Activity fees ranging from $25 to $75, depending on the event or program

• Updated gate prices: $8 for adults and $5 for students/seniors

• Season passes available for adults ($85), students ($40), seniors ($55), and families ($175)

As part of this update, the district also aims to transition to a cashless system for gate fees and concessions. This shift is intended to reduce financial risk and support internal controls in a small school setting.

These changes reflect thoughtful consideration of local comparisons, historical data, and district capacity, while still prioritizing access for students and families.

Dawson-Boyd Public Schools has completed annual updates to the High School, Elementary, and Preschool handbooks for the 2025-2026 school year. Updates reflect changes in district policies, procedures, and program offerings, along with minor edits for clarity and consistency.

Each handbook has been reviewed by building administration and reflects current expectations for students, staff, and families.

 

In response to recent legislative changes and in alignment with MSBA guidance, Dawson-Boyd Public Schools recommends adoption of the following policy revisions and additions on the first reading, pursuant to Policy 208. These updates ensure our district remains compliant with current state and federal requirements.

MSBA has advised districts to adopt these policies following a single reading due to the time-sensitive nature of the changes.

Policies for Adoption:

• Policy 414: Mandated Reporting of Child Neglect or Physical or Sexual Abuse

• Policy 418: Drug-Free Workplace / Drug-Free School (updated to include tobacco in definitions)

• Policy 501: School Weapons Policy

• Policy 503: Student Attendance (note: Dawson-Boyd-specific language retained from prior revisions)

• Policy 515: Protection and Privacy of Pupil Records (revised per updated state law on directory and parent contact information)

• Policy 516: Student Medication and Telehealth

• Policy 516.5: Overdose Medication (new policy for Dawson-Boyd)

• Policy 524: Internet, Technology, and Cell Phone Acceptable Use and Safety

These policies reflect significant legal updates, including changes to privacy law, parent data protections, and student support protocols. The district recommends adoption as presented to remain in compliance with legislative requirements.

Close Meeting for Purpose of Negotiation Strategy