001All right. >> So, I would like to call to order the September 23rd, 2025 Columbia Heights Public School Board meeting. Uh, if you're able, please join us in stand to uh for the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you so much. Uh Michelle, could you please call role? >> Absolutely. Uh Madaras >> here. >> Pway here. Palmer >> here. >> Granley >> here. >> P here. >> Smith. Anoir >> here. >> Rude. Superintendent Stick >> here. >> Wonderful. Thank you. Columbia Heights Public Schools where we create worlds of opportunity for each and every learner. All belong. All succeed. Core values are community, excellence, collaboration, integrity,
002respect, courage, and innovation. All right. So, can I We're going to move into the agenda. Uh can I get a motion to approve the agenda? >> So, move. >> Jessica, can I get a second? >> Second >> by Michelle. All right. Uh any discussion? All right. All those in favor say I. I. >> Opposed? Abstained. Motion carries. All right, announcements. Uh September 22nd through the 26th is homecoming. Uh Friday the 26th, we have our homecoming football game here uh at Columbia Heights with fireworks to follow. Uh October 10th is a flex learning day. October 14th at 4:15, the subcommittee on policy superintendent will be meeting in superintendent's conference room. Uh, also on October 14th at 5:00 pm, the subcommittee on community engagement uh will also be meeting, but in the community room. October 14th at
0036:00 p.m. we will have our regular school board meeting in the community room. And on October 21st at 5:30, we will have our work session again in the community room. All right, moving forward into the consent agenda. communication to the board. >> Oh, sorry. Correct. I skipped that one. >> There's >> there is none. >> Is there any communication? Uh, at this time, citizens and employees uh may briefly address the school board. The board will listen to their brief remarks, ask clarifying questions, and if desired, request the administration to follow up. The board will not take action at this meeting on requests presented at this time. Time will be limited to three minutes per speaker. Is there any uh communication to the board? There is not. Okay, moving into the consent agenda, keeping us straight
004on track. All right, the consent agenda can this week includes the personnel report, the employee handbook, and the school board minutes. Can I get a motion to accept the uh consent agenda? >> So moved. >> Thank you, Michelle. Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Julie. Any discussion? >> Yes. Um, I just wanted to note that the uh employee handbook uh changes to that were presented to us um as anformational item at the last meeting and so if folks are interested in that uh it is online. >> Thank you. >> Appreciate that. Any other discussion? >> All right, there's no other discussion. Uh all those in favor say I. >> I. opposed. Abstained. Motion carries. Moving into discussion, reports and information items. Starting with reports from members of the board. >> Michelle,
005would you like to go first? >> I'm like, I got this. There's literally almost nothing to report, so it's going to be very easy. Um, uh, I attended the work session last week. Um, this is very rare for me. However, it's been quiet this month. um as I have learned to say no to certain things. So yeah, that's all I have for today. >> Wonderful. Thank you. Uh Jessica. >> Oh, you went the other way. >> Be on your toes. >> Yeah, it's good. Um so since the last board meeting, um I had uh the chance with my kids to attend yet another parent and me cooking class at the high school. We took a learned how to make ravioli and that was really fun. It's always great to see um such a a broad
006representation of the community um kids all different ages in those classes. And for anyone who's interested, there's another one coming up. Uh we're going to make chocolate zucchini muffins on Wednesday, October 8th over at the high school, and registration is still open for that. So, I definitely uh recommend that to anybody in the community who uh wants to cook with their kiddos. Um, I was able to attend a meet and greet with families over on the Highland playground last week. Um, and uh, I was pretty excited about uh, the number of families and some staff that came to that event and uh, had some freeze pops and just played outside and did some chalk drawing and got to know each other a little bit. So, that was great. Um, I also attended uh uh Columbia
007Heights Pride uh over two weekends ago. Um, and was happy to see our high school uh GSA uh represented at that event. Um, and then I did attend like all of you the work session last week. Um, also as the liaison to the family center, I attended their um, gathering in the garden event last week that was put together by their parent advisory council. very successful event. I think they had 180 people is what they sent out after the event. Um, and they raised over $1,000. Might have been closer to $1,800 uh at that event, which was really great. And they had lots of free activities out in the garden with all of our early childhood staff. And then they had some um drawings in the community room and different stations where families could go
008and explore the ECF room. So that was a really great event. Um let's see what else. I attended the PTO meeting at Highland last week. Um and we had uh nearly 20 families that attended that meeting which was a great start to the year there. Um, and then I attend uh was able to um go to the library last weekend for the great Northstar read together, which I know all of us were invited to that event um by the library. So, I really appreciate the opportunity to attend as a board member and the invitation that went out to all of us to do that. Um it was great to see members of the community out um spending time together and independently reading. So that was kind of a a cool event and giving everybody the
009opportunity to talk about um why libraries, public libraries are important to them. Um, and then lastly, um, I was able to watch the most recent MSBA webinar, um, and Morris Leatherman was presenting on their annual Minnesota survey, and I absolutely recommend, um, that other members of the board take the time to watch that webinar. Um it goes through um sort of sentiment around all different issues, public schools, uh politics, capital projects, um across the state and they divided out um results statewide in the metro area and then also perception of parents um in school districts. And so I just thought that that was really great information. Um in particular gave me a couple things to think about that we might want to have some conversation here. One is um statewide um and even amongst parents
010there is a lack of understanding about technology and how that's used specifically academic technology and how that's used in the curriculum in 2025. And so an opportunity for us maybe to think about how we're communicating to our families and also the broader community. What does technology in the classroom look like in 2025? How does it differ what we're doing now from what maybe families experience during virtual learning? >> Um and just to be, you know, continuing to provide um good information about what learning looks like now. So I thought that was really interesting. And then also a good discussion about assessments and um echoing a lot of the discussion that we've had here around um MCAs and how to talk about uh both the value and shortcomings of the MCAs while also providing the community
011with information that we do find very meaningful like growth and the fast bridge assessments. And so the idea of like we can't just tell the community that the MCA has shortcomings and that's the end, right? We need to be able to talk to everyone about um what value we find in in the MCA and then other assessments and particularly um as we've talked about around the board table, what that growth looks like in our district. So um a couple of opportunities there. I'm sorry for my long-winded report, but I appreciate everybody's time. Thanks. >> No worries. Thank you so much for that. Uh, superintendent, if possible, could you get those links in our Friday packets up for us so we have easier time finding those? Thank you, >> Julie. Um I also attended the work
012session last week and um I had requested from um director Henneakans to provide some financial um information specifically around um expenses for electrical expense because we had some it it happened to come in I've looked at four months and we had like three months paid in one month and so I was like confused by that. So I asked about that and um I actually did some analysis on our payroll just to kind of look at that. Um our external auditor had mentioned that we had a a deficiency in internal controls around payroll. So that was something I wanted to just kind of take a look at from a high level and just see kind of where our percentages land. And um I'm still getting some additional information after I kind of laid out my spreadsheet,
013but just to tell you that um the energy bills that were explained away that we don't know why um Excel was, you know, behind in billing us, but they build us three months in one month. And so that was kind of a um just kind of a weird thing, right? I looked at it and went, "Oh, why are we getting build three times?" Um, and then I'm still working on the payroll analysis, but there isn't anything that I saw that was unusual. Our percentages are are comparable to other districts, so I'm really happy with that. So, >> well, thank you. >> Oh, and I had conversations with Chair Granland as well. >> Yes, thank you. Um, so as was noted, I also attended the work session last week. I had several phone calls with several
014members of the board, including uh Julie. Uh I also had several phone calls with Superintendent Dembeck and consulted with our legal counsel. Um I attended teacher negotiations, uh the soccer game last night. However, I left before the bonfire because I was told that parents weren't invited. >> Oh. >> So, just you or board members. And then and then when that guy I was like the side eye I got from this gentleman telling me this. Um which is fine. It was a joke. But uh then he people said well what about the chair? And he replied no any other school board member could come just not the chair. And I was like so uh no I let them have their fun. Um but it was really great to see the soccer game. Uh our varsity team
015really did you know they it was a hard it was a hard fight. Um, but they did really well and it was really fun to see uh so many people in the community there to support them for that. Uh, I also received uh an email from Principal Sherk about the American Indian overnight trip that she went on last week and that was it was really wonderful to hear and to be able to um to see her reflections on that which I'm you know I was very excited to to read. Uh, I also attended the chair meeting prior to this one. And I believe that's it. Then we'll go on. Wait, what did I Oh, and Laura, go on to Laura. Yep. See, this is what happens when I mess up my own flow. Laura. >>
016Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And you went to all those training sessions, too. I know. >> I haven't screwed up any of the motions yet. >> That is true. That is true. Okay. Um I I don't have a very very long one here. Um, so I attended a couple of chair meetings, the work session last week, the close session last week, which all of us were there. Um, so I'm just reminding everybody that we were all at the close session. So that is considered a meeting. Yes. Um, I also attended then the following night um I attended the um the uh the Metro Heights Academy. Um, we got we just moved into a new facility and oh my gosh, it is gorgeous. Um, so as soon as they have some more open houses and stuff, definitely check
017it out. It's it's it's beautiful. It is just beautiful. I mean, it looks like a little mini college on the inside. It is a really And it is and we're paying the same amount as we paid with with the old the old place. So, I mean, it's it's great all around. They're they they said they'll be able to um uh be able to accommodate 250 students. And then that is um of course it's an ALC. They even have college opportunities too. Um, so all kinds of stuff over there. It's good stuff. It's alternative learning. They can help with credit recovery and they can also um uh help to uh and and students can actually open enroll into that particular school too. So it's it's pretty good. And um actually if I can have this added
018to our packet, this is some of the um information. It's it's about the programmings, how her services have changed over the years. And if we can get that added to the packet. I forgot to submit that earlier. Um, let me see. Uh, I'm g sure meeting prior to this and that's it. All right. Thank you, Superintendent Denbeck. Uh, thank you. I met with the Northeast Metro 916 superintendent today and I was going to ask you um, Vice Chair Palmer, if you and I received the same presentation, which I think we did. Um, and I will definitely include that in the Friday packet. Um uh so they did provide an overview of the programs and services. Um and we had a robust robust discussion on how we can better collaborate amongst the districts to ensure that
019we're getting off of the waiting lists and into the programming that students really need. Um so I really appreciated the conversation there. Um this week, Assistant Superintendent Nemway and I spoke to the high school education classes. Um they asked us questions revolving around our own journeys working in education and also asked us for advice for becoming a teacher and we just found the group both groups to be delightful and just amazing critical thinkers and um just a reminder that the compensatory task force meeting is coming up um on October 6th. That's a full day meeting for me. Um so after that I plan to provide an update to all staff and if the board pleases I would at that time share the board goals because I I think that the compensatory work is directly linked
020to the board goal of creating developing a legislative task force and so at that time seeking staff interest if anyone might be interested. So that's kind of a timeline that I'm thinking about. I know the goals are yet to be approved, but I'm hopeful. Um, and as mentioned, it is homecoming week, and it has been very fun to see the school spirit all around, including our own student school board rep, who I've seen, I think, all days so far. >> Um, and then again, September continues to be schoolboard recognition month. So just another shout out to you all and thank you for all you do on behalf of students and families in the community. Thanks. >> Wonderful. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> And now we will go to Atanad. >> I would also like
021to say thank you to all of you for what you do for the community. Um happy schoolboard recognization month. Um like um Superintendent Stemic mentioned, it is homecoming week. Uh I think the spirit days are all pretty cool. I did help plan them, but um I do succeed myself. I'm having very much fun. Oh, let me just show you. >> Oops. >> Yeah, tell us what the day is today. >> Today is white lie day. >> Could you turn us just >> so everybody has to write of like a a lie? >> So, it's captured it's captured on audio because I'm standing up. White lie was the theme today. So, you take a white shirt and you write something that's not true on it. That's a great idea. That's funny. >> Yeah. Uh >> that
022is very much fun. Yeah. And then um I also attended um the bonfire last night. It was so much fun. I really enjoyed it. One of the custodial I wouldn't know but there >> it was the event of the year. >> Yeah, it was it was a great time. Um one of the custodial staff Dale brought out his like giant speakers. So he's playing really nice music. If I do so say myself like I think he had a good playlist. Yeah. It wasn't like I don't want to like shade you guys but it was pretty Gen Z. >> Move along at >> love it. >> Um I also attended senior night. One of my um best friends were getting honored for senior night. So it was a great game to watch with family. There was
023a lot of people there which I love to see. I hope we can bring that energy the rest of the girls soccer season. and just in general uh height schemes. I think that's all for me. >> Thank you. >> We need to make sure that we let Dale know that his music list was >> Very Jenzy approved. We make sure that we we pass that on. >> Uh all right. Thank you so much. We will move into action items. First up is the language access plan and that is presented by uh Assistant Superintendent Miamboy. >> It's a longer walk now, huh? >> It's a runway. >> It's a longer walk than it used to be from. >> I I wonder who made that decision. >> Somebody who doesn't have to walk that very often. Uh
024good evening, Chair Gremlin, Superintendent Stanvvic, and members of the board. Um I was here two weeks ago and presented the language access plan and uh we talked about the policy governing the language access plan. We talked about the procedures and uh we were able to share information about uh agencies that we work with to provide access to language and interpretation including translation. So, I am here tonight seeking the approval of the language access plan as presented. >> All right. Thank you so much. Can I get a motion to uh approve the language access plan that was presented at the September 9th, 2025 meeting? >> So moved. >> Thank you, Laura. Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Julie. Any discussion? Laura, >> I'm just going to make a comment. We went into
025great detail with this and um the scaffolding that you're putting in place to make sure that we have better access is just absolutely amazing. I cannot believe how far it's come in 12 years or 14 years that we've been working. That's that I mean 14 years ago was just like oh my gosh we can't do this. It's just too expensive. But now there's all these great opportunities now you know for you know instant translation and and all I mean it it's it's pretty incredible. So, um, so details of that are available for the general public somewhere. I'm I'm >> Yes. So, the language access plan is posted on our website under families and it says language and you'll be able to view it. >> Okay. Okay. Thank you. >> And we're still working on the
026beautified version for family friendly. >> Yeah, >> it's always a work in progress. >> Thank you. Any other discussion? All right, there's no other discussion. We can move into a vote. All those in favor of accepting the language access plan as presented say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Abstained. Motion carries. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> All right. Next up, we have the insurance renewal. Um, and that'll be presented by Director Henkins. Thank you, Chair Grahamlin, members of the board, and Superintendent Steenbeck. Um, supposed to be in this folder somewhere. Why don't I see it? Okay, it's not there. >> Prior to this meeting, Brian, weren't you just saying that maybe you were there some space between you doing a lot of technology work? >> All right. Okay. Um since uh this was
027uh discussed in detail at a work session the previous work session but was not on camera um I wanted to take a quick minute to go through the slides um um so that it was out there on camera um so every year uh I'll just start with the um mission Columbia Heights public schools creating worlds of opportunity for each and every learner all belong all succeed in our core values focusing in this presentation of excellence integrity and innovation aligning with our CH HPS board of equity statement. So this again was presented at the work session in in detail and discussed uh and this evening um seeking action for approval for our insurance renewal um for the district. Um so uh property liability insurance um includes um or within this we're including the property liability package
028as a whole, business auto, umbrella, boiler, machinery um and cyber liability. So those are the things that are included. Um every year we go through this process. Uh June, July, August, we're evaluating our current plan, any changes that need to happen, whether we need to uh go out to to bid. Um and uh August, early September. Um we're receiving those renewals, uh the quotes. Um I'm filling out um these um long questionnaires on on what we have what we've changed in the district. Um and then in September we're bringing it to the board because this is an October one renewal every year. So um on the left hand side uh of this graph uh or in the center I should say you have the starting premium in each category from last year and then we
029have a renewal premium that um is being proposed um and uh focusing at the bottom of the total premium you can see $346,8609 and the renewal premium of 358,19308. um a very good renewal for us. Um we do spend a lot of money on property liability has been going up a lot. Um evaluations of the buildings have been going up a lot. Uh there's been high claims with storms in in um not just our state, the Midwest, but also across the country. Um it's been driving up um these costs for us. Cyber liability has been driven up. Um obviously we hear a lot about in the news. So a 3.3% roughly increase is very good. we've seen, you know, the 18, the 20, 26% increase um over time. Um over the last five years, we've
030seen some pretty hefty ones. So, very happy with this renewal this year. Um actually seeing cyber liability going down a little bit. Um which is fantastic. Um so, those are the the premiums uh in this renewal. Um and and we talked about, you know, some of the key factors, um you know, high claims, the things that happen, um events that happen, lots of hail storms, um typically, you know, these things as they're happening. Um and uh they'll cause great increases. We've seen a um calmness of those storms this this summer. Uh knock on wood. And then wind and hail. So um that's lowered lowered our renewal. And uh and actually even with an inflationary adjustment um to our property um you know we still only saw that 3.3. So very good for us. Um and
031so um I guess again this evening um just seeking uh approval um for this as presented. Um and our um insurance um is covered by chub handover and travelers for cyber liability. questions. >> All right. Thank you, >> Julie. So, Director Henkins, did we do anything I mean, other than a lower amount of acts of God, is there anything we did to help reduce our costs this last year? Um the things that we continue to do I think help uh manage our costs in that area with uh cyber liability the the security things that we implement like multifactor authentication um additional tools um we've uh added into our um network um you know help um control that cyber liability. So the things that we're doing um in those areas uh with our buildings um the
032property liability things like um replacing roofs, replacing windows, maintaining your facilities um those are those are good things. So the average age of roofs is something they really look at. So you know as we continue to maintain our facilities, it it helps maintain these um these renewal prices. So um so you know we've done a lot of roof work um in the last five years. the board has approved a lot. Uh we just did over a million dollars at Columbia Academy this year. Uh these things help our renewal. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions, >> Julie? >> So one question on the cyber security. I just kind of wanted for the public. Um so with that what is our what is our deductible on such a thing when somebody attacks us either you know
033doing fishing or you know um or just getting into our system. What is our liability there and what is covered? Um so uh pretty much any I mean there's different aspects of it. Um so like if you say social engineering um uh you know Steve McKelpin um with Northern Risk um is talked about that at the work session and and you know that aspect of it is covered both under our cyber liability insurance and under our crime. So, you know, if we have 250,000 coverage under our cyber liability, we have additional 100,000 on our crime. Um, and so between both our liability insurance and our cyber liability insurance, we have some coverage there. Um, and depending on what plan is, depending on what the deductible is. Um, so, uh, I think on the cyber liability,
034it's it's $25,000 deductible. It's significantly higher on our, um, not significantly higher, but it's higher on our, um, on our crime. So, um, those are factors. Uh, over the last few years, we've seen our deductibles, and I think Steve talked about this, um, really over the last handful of years, we've seen our deductibles go up a lot. Um, you know, Steve recollected back in, you know, a decade ago, we saw our deductible at 25,000 for anything that happened in the district. Um, you know, tornado wipes through, it's a $25,000 deductible. Well, now our buildings have a $250,000 deductible on them. So, it's the deductibles have changed a lot. Um, and uh, thankfully they've ratcheted back on our roofs um, a little bit um, again because of a good, you know, storm season. Um, so the
035renewal was was beneficial for us this year in that area. Um, so, you know, we'll continue to monitor those things. Hopefully, we continue to have a couple years of of uh, um, you know, good acts of nature, less acts of nature, acts of God. Um and uh uh and so we can continue to see those renewals. Um and uh um cyber liability would would hopefully then continue to tick down and more importantly our larger dollar amount and our um and our liability, property liability, which is really the major factor in that total cost. Um and it it wouldn't be unprecedented. He Steve talked about also that, you know, in his lifetime as insurance, he's seen, you know, decreases in those um costs. Um so, and we're seeing them currently in our workman's comp. So, hopefully
036we can see them in property liability in the future, too. >> Thank you. >> Yep. >> Great questions, Jessica. >> Thank you for laying out all that context and thank you, Director Hull, for your questions to the public. I think that's really helpful. As Dr. Henkin noted, we did have um a lot of discussion about this at the work session. And I'm very thankful that we're in a position that we have um these renewal bids that are uh you know, a very small increase, no decrease to our coverage or seeing these huge um increases in our the values of our property that necessitate these larger increases. So, I appreciate that. Chair Garland, I'm wondering as there's not yet a motion on the floor if I would be able to make a motion um that would
037select just correct some errors that's in the suggested motion. So, I move uh that we approve the renewal of the property and liability insurance coverage package from CHUB handover and travelers insurance as presented. And so, just to be clear, my motion is to approve the renewal. um as that's not in the suggested motion as well as changing in the suggested motion it says hand over and I believe that's supposed to be handover. >> Oh yes. >> Uh so >> that's my motion. My motion is that we approve the >> second. Thank you. Y I was just Yep. I was just going to say can I get a second? All right. Uh discussion on the amendment on the motion. All right. All those in favor of accepting the uh a the motion to amend the >>
038not a motion to amend just the motion friendly amendment. >> Yep. >> Uh thank you. Yes. Uh all those in favor say I. >> I opposed. Abstain. Motion carries. And we will >> go ahead and correct that. Thank you for catching that. >> Thank you. All right. Moving on to uh the 2025 payable 2026 preliminary levy with again director Henkins. Thank you so much. >> Thank you Chair Granland, members of the board and superintendent SEIC. Um so this evening uh my second item here is the prelim preliminary levy uh 2025 uh payable 2026. Um and in this presentation I'll I'll cover um what that really means. Um again our mission Columbia Heights public schools creating worlds of opportunity for each and every learner all belong all succeed and our core values of community excellence collaboration
039integrity respect courage and innovation aligning with uh the CHPS board of education equity statement. Um again this was presented in detail and discussed um at the uh the work session on September 16th and an action item this evening um on September 23rd uh at the regular meeting. Um, so to start, I want to just uh go through uh you know, school funding. We've talked a lot about this uh the state in in the levy uh process. Um and again, it's a state regulated process. Um and so they're setting the formulas um determining, you know, where we what we can get revenue from um in this process. Um so they're they're the tax policy itself, the maximum authorized amounts that we can receive. These are all set by the state um and the legislature. Um and
040so you know even as much as you know what exactly we can go out for referendums for and what that process looks like. So the state is like everything that we do is highly regulating um this process. Um in and within this process uh there's formulas that that create these dollar amounts in these categories and uh um within um this process over time. There's been some aid that's been added to these categories. We're just talking about the levy, the tax directly to the community this evening. That's what what we're asking the board to approve, but there are aid components in some of these categories that offset the levy, which is a benefit to our community because we're levying less to the community and the state is pumping in some additional aid. And that, you know,
041again, there's formulas that sit behind the scenes um that that factor into that and and you typically the wealth of the community, the the tax capacity of the community is a primary factor in what that aid looks like. Um, you know, some districts get very little, some districts get more. Um, but there are two components in that. So, um, I just wanted to mention that long-term facility maintenance is one of those things. Um, that does have a component to it. So, what's in the levy? Uh, or where does the uh, the levy is is property taxes directly to the community that's approved by the the um, uh, the school board based on again all of the regulations within the state. Um there's the general fund categories uh which is fund one. Um there's the community
042egg categories which is fund four. Um building fund which is fund six. Um and debt service which is fund seven. So there's different funds um that uh these revenues go into. So when I say levy 2024 payable 25 or um levy 26 payable 20 or levy 25 payable 26 um which the title is incorrect apologize for that. This is the 25 levy um so it's approving and certifying it in 2025 collected and paid in 26. So the taxpayers are paying this in 26 and then the school district is getting the revenue in fiscal year 27. Um so what we're approving right now um or we're in the process of this is a preliminary um is collect taxes collected in 2026 which we received the revenue in fiscal year 2027. So school year 2627 um and
043we talk about this approving the maximum and what that means. Uh approving the maximum allows the district to capture changes made by the state prior to the levy certification in December. So the board will be asked to approve the levy in December. Um there's also as part of this process is truth and taxation and and that presentation. Um changes happen and for a variety of reasons we've talked about in detail. Um you know there could be a change in the levy calculation. Um for example last week um there was an error with the levy with 916. We weren't seeing it. Um, then we started seeing part of it and supposedly this week when they do the new levy run, we're going to see all of it, but I don't have that yet because the next
044levy run isn't out yet. So, um, there there is uh there's there's always there's moving parts to this process, but we have to approve it in September so the county can um get their estimates out to the taxpayers um and then we'll final certify it in December. um and approving the preliminary levy in SE. Did I already said this? Yes. So timeline. So September 2025, we're approving the preliminary levy. We approve it as the maximum is what we request so that we can capture those changes as they happen as we head toward the certification. Again, we're we don't we don't have the authority to arbitrarily change um those numbers. um this the formulas are you know may fluctuate a little bit but the fact that we get it the revenue integration revenue or the fact
045that our debt is our debt um those things still exist we can't just change that suddenly um and October and December again we're through that time frame there's a levy adjustments that naturally happen and then we will certify in uh December um so that's the process um and then I just wanted to quick throw the one pager up here um that shows the breakdown. So you can see in the um second column here our preliminary levy payable 2026 received in fiscal year 27 um versus our certified levy of last year. So then the far column is our differences. So you can see that there's not a lot of changes in this top category. It's uh student enrollment is a big factor in that category. We're projecting again um I have to we have to the
046district has to project um our enrollment for the 26 27 school year and what our projection is is what is built off of what our our levy um dollar amounts will be because a lot of this is mainly per pupil. Um and so we project a slight decrease in enrollment. So that's where you're seeing negative number differences here because we're starting to see a small decline in enrollment. Um the next category is you know they're um restricted categories. Um so they're assigned specifically uh you see two safe schools because there's safe schools for us security dollars for our district and then also there's a levy component for 916 who we are a member of. Um so intermediate school districts can't um uh levy themselves directly. So the member districts levy for them. Um so that's
047that component. Um not a lot of change in that category. Uh the next category is our operating capital designated. So that's where our operating capital is, our long-term facility maintenance is our lease levy. This was another component I I mentioned in changes. So um in that first column you can see or that uh number 16 district 916 lease levy. You can see that previous year was 250,000. Right now it's only 50,000. That's because that that the that the that system hasn't caught up that there's an error there. They know it's there. The information is getting there and that will adjust. Um so it'll bring it up close to approximately where it was the previous year. Um community service, not a lot of change there. Um that levy set um you know it's so much per
048there's just not a lot of change there in community service. it uh you know it's based on census and so census changes every 10 years. If it drastically changes within that 10 years we can petition to change it which this board has done um about three years ago maybe um we've done in recent history um because there was a drastic enough change that improved our funding and community service but typically it's a it's census on every 10 years so there's not a lot of change there. Um again like fund or item number six in this category. Um we're projecting what our expenses are going to be and we're entering that into the levy system. We believe it's going to be here and you know we see if we hit the mark based on the positive
049and negative adjustments. We had a hard time filling adventure club at North Park Elementary. We kept thinking we were trying to we were going to have it. So we levied in the sense that we were going to have that expense. We didn't. So there is negative adjustments which is lowering that dollar amount. So, um, so those are the things that can happen in that category. That's one of the big ones. Um, capital projects levy, that's our voter approved levy. Um, so just not a lot of change there. That changes based on the net tax capacity of the community. So, um, as as the um, valuation of the community grows, um, this can grow with it. um we haven't seen a decrease in that category in many years, but historically there have been decreases in the
050net tax capacity of the community in our debt service, which we haven't added any debt, so there's not a lot of change there. So, right now we're seeing about a negative 2.61%. Again, this will change um as things fluctuate. It's not going to change significantly, but I know there's going to be the lease levy that comes on. Um I know that um you know through our indoor air quality project um we we are um changing um our LTFM a little bit because we're bonding for that case work in the bathrooms within that indoor air quality project using our existing LTFM dollars. Those dollars are going to shift down into uh debt service once once the state catches up to us. Um and I talked to the person at the state actually this morning. So I
051think we're getting there. So, that should show up there soon. Um, and there's going to be a a period of time over the next few years that that'll sit on there and that'll shift from up above LTFM down into the debt service. We will see that change when it comes certification time. So, I'm guess I'm over um stating the fact that this is going to adjust a little bit just because I want to make sure that everybody's aware of that. But um right now um we we really will see a fairly flat um levy to the community. Um so again this evening seeking um approval um or of the preliminary levy as maximum from the school board. >> All right. Thank you. Can I get a motion to accept the preliminary uh levy as presented?
052>> So moved. >> Julie, can I get a second? >> Second. >> Michelle. All right. discussion. >> I think it's beautiful. >> I think you did a fantastic job. Um I want to thank you. We did go really in depth with this last um at our last work session and I do appreciate you calling out explicitly that this will change. I had written down in my notes that if you didn't do it, I was also going to do it. So um just as a reminder that these things are not static. So >> Jessica, >> um I would echo the appreciation for laying this out in the work session and then again today. I think for the public um it's a very complicated um set of uh levers to understand I think particularly around a lot
053of the language that is used that is not our language but is state language. things like approving the maximum. I think that can send a message to the community that we're actually like levying new like a new tax burden on them. Um and while we while it is a levy, it is um sort of our portion of the levy that has already been approved by the community. And so when we talk about the maximum, I think it's helpful to have that explanation about um sort of balancing out what we end up getting from the state in these areas versus what is coming from our community. Um and knowing that that is really in flux uh through the fall. Um and so we have to um consider approving the maximum every year in order to ensure
054that we um are operating on the budget that we um were expecting. So um I just it is a really confusing concept and I know we're going to have u more discussion uh in the fall when we actually approve the final levy and have our truth and taxation hearing. Uh, but I just appreciate um being able to kind of slow it down and have multiple conversations about it and talk about it on on camera as well for anyone who's um trying to understand that. So, thank you. >> Thank you. >> Yes. >> Any other discussion? All right, let's move to vote. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Abstained. Motion carries. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. Okay. All right. Next, we will move into our school board goals. So, as
055a board, we work to develop three goals for the 2025 2026 school year. They will be we will be asked to approve them at tonight's meeting with assessments of achievement at midyear and year end intervals. Uh can I get a motion? >> Trevor and Lind. >> Yes. >> Uh I move that we um add the following preamble to the goals as presented which reads and Stephanie if this is approved I'll share later. Um, the Columbia Heights School Board annually identifies and approves goals for the board to pursue during the academic year. These goals align with components of the district's strategic plan and are designed to advance specific short-term goals that strengthen the school board as a governing body. These goals supplement the regular and ongoing governance work of the school board. >> Yes, that's all
056right. Thank you. >> This is a friendly amendment. Well, I move to add that to the to So, I would look for a second. >> All right. Can I get a second? >> Second. >> She can have it, >> Laura. All right. Uh, any discussion, >> Michelle? >> Thank you for adding that. I know um during our discussion we um wanted to make sure that uh we were transparent about our goals and uh we wanted to add them to our website um where the schoolboard members were, but we also wanted to let people know that they're not the only things we're working on. So that's very important and thank you Jessica for doing that. Um and yes, uh these goals are amazing. I am on board with them and yeah, I appreciate um member Maderas
057for um for drawing them up for us um and taking all of our ideas and putting them on paper. >> Thank you for that. >> Yes. Um you know, now we're doing amendments so or no that you motioned it. So now >> the motion's on the floor. We're in discussion. >> Yes. Okay. Um so we aren't going to need to do another one. Uh so I just wanted to for those people at home um you know this will be on our website. We we've discussed that and that's something that the board really treasures um is that uh transparency. So I just will I would like to read what those goals are. >> Chair Gland. Yes. >> So the motion that's on the floor is just to add the preamble so we can maybe vote on
058that piece and then >> we can move on to the goals. >> Thank you for that parliamentarian madaras. Yeah. >> All right. Um, so we'll move into uh voting on that addition. All those in favor say I. >> I. Opposed. >> Abstain. Motion carries. Now we will go into the board of education goals. Can I get a motion to accept? Well, actually, let me read the goals first and then I'll ask for a motion. Um, there are three goals listed. These are number one, the board values continuous learning and participation in leadership development that broadens perspectives and strengthens government governance practices. The board will participate in learning opportunities with other districts including the MSBA leadership conference and will invite student schoolboard members to attend events where possible. Number two, the board recognizes the strength of
059collective advocacy and the importance of civic engagement in supporting Columbia Heights public schools. The board will develop a legislative action committee to collaborate with Columbia Heights Public Schools families, staff, community members, and partners to build a unified voice in legislative matters that benefit Columbia Heights Public Schools students and families. And three, the board is committed to deepening and expanding relationships and partnerships with the community that promote trust, transparency, and support for CHPS and our students. In collaboration with the superintendent, the board will expand their participation in events and opportunities to build relationships in our schools with local partners and throughout our s our surrounding communities. Can I get a motion to accept the Columbia Heights Public Schools Board of Education goals for 2025 2026? >> So moved. >> Can I get mute? >> Oh, I
060guess that motion's on the floor. The the suggested motion in the packet is includes a little bit more information. So I'm wondering if >> Yes, thank you. And I had highlighted it and then Yes. >> Well, there is Was there a second on that motion or did it just Okay. >> Nope. We have not seconded that motion yet. So, let me change my motion and then we'll go to >> Well, it was moved. So, >> we need to either let it die without a second or director, you could withdraw. >> I can withdraw my >> my uh motion. >> Laurian never had to deal with this, honestly. >> Y'all are >> I'm a pain. Um, no, no, that's okay. Uh, all right. So, >> can I get a motion to approve the schoolboard goals for
061the 2025 2026 school year as presented with assessments of achievement at midyear and year-end intervals? >> So, moved. >> Thank you, Julie. Can I >> Thank you, Laura. Discussion. >> Uh, >> go ahead. Yes. >> I mean, >> um, I I wasn't just trying to be a pain. I wanted to make sure we had the full motion on the floor. um because we did talk in our work session about um ensuring that we're checking in on these goals throughout the year and so um there was consensus that we wanted to assess how we're doing on these both midyear and at year end. So I think that's an important piece. >> Yes, thank you for that and I appreciate it and um it is important to us and uh Stephanie filling out the packet worked really
062hard to make sure that that was in there and I read the wrong part. So thank you for that. Um, I want to say the other thing that I really like about these schoolboard goals and something that um I did not read out but will also still be available is our the way that these goals are tied to the um vision where we are um trying and and working to make sure that we are collaborating in all of the ways and there's a very good through line um from the classroom all the way through governance. So, I really uh appreciate the hard work that you did with this, >> Jessica. So, >> Julie, I was just going to say that. So, >> took the words out of my mouth. Well, >> all right. Uh, any
063other discussion? All right, then we will move to a vote. All those in favor of accepting the Columbia Heights Board of Education goals with assessments of achievement at mid-year and year-end intervals say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Abstained. Motion carries. All right. Thank you everyone. Um, next we will move into close session. Before I ask for a motion for that, I do want to say um the live stream will not continue once we come back from closed session. However, um the rest of our schoolboard meeting will be on uh will be recorded and posted uh tomorrow with with the entirety of the meeting minus the closed session. So just so everybody knows >> and that would include board topics and the adjournment is what we'll be coming back to. >> Thank you. Yes. And so
064we will be coming back to board topics and adjournment as was stated. Um all right. Can I get a motion to move into close session for the purpose of discussing discussing negotiation strategies? >> So moved. Second. >> I'll do a second. Michelle, she gave me the last one. >> First move. >> Laurel Laurel will get second on that. Any discussion? All right. All those in favor say I. I. >> I. Opposed. Abstain. Motion carries. Thank you very much. >> Can I have five minutes before we >> Yes. Roll the tape here? >> Okay. >> So, we'll take a quick second if you need to get water recording. I know we're not back online. Thank you. All right. Thank you so much. We are returning from closed session where we had just discussed um contract negotiations.
065All right. Now we will move into board topics. Does anybody have a board topic? >> I know it was in the announcements but homecoming game came on Friday. >> Who are we playing? I don't even know. Bloomington Kennedy I believe. >> Kennity. Thank you. Yes. Let's go. >> And as a reminder, we um there will be fireworks. So for everybody who is >> in social media and has pets, >> it is fireworks. Just getting that out there now. >> But only at the end of the game now. >> You have to stay. But also that um students and staff get in free. Yes. >> $6 for everyone with your with your ID. >> ID. Or students can also show their um student view. >> Oh, got it. >> Um and as a reminder, this is
066something that's newer, but middle school and younger need to be present with a guardian. >> So, there six bucks for everyone else, right? >> I >> There is a fee. There's an entrance fee. >> There's an entrance fee. I'm pretty sure it's six bucks. I'm just saying. I that's something I remember because I'm cheap and so I like to tell people what they're getting into. However, it will be worth it. >> Yes. And also Saturday is the homecoming dance. >> So I am really excited to see >> any ideas on the >> Are you shaperoning? >> Possibly. I may be chaperoning. >> Are you Are you allowed? >> That's good. >> I proxy. Always allowed. Oh, I'm just kidding. I'll be a proxy and keep my I keep a care. >> Tickets are $6. Not
067to the homecoming dance. That's $25 to the game on Friday night. For the public is $6. So, uh would love to see people there. I know the boosters will be there with hot dog. Nope, not the boosters. Sorry. >> We are tailgating. >> Nope. >> Oh, no tailgating. >> Nobody's tailgating. People can tailgate if they want to. Not the boosters will not be having their >> but other people can other people are. Yes. Okay. Thank you. Wow. Well, this has been a roller coaster of an end of a meeting, guys. >> Um, if there's no other board topics, I have one. Um, and so, uh, every three years the board negotiates contract with our superintendent. Um, at this time, Superintendent Stemvik's contract is up for negotiations. Uh the board has spent two work sessions and
068a lot of time in between discussing the nuances and this board is unified in our support and approval of the leadership superintendent Stunvvic brings to our district. After multiple conversations uh with our legal counsel, I have asked that Superintendent Stunvik's uh contract be an action item on our next meeting, Tuesday, October 14th. So there you go. >> Awesome. Thank you. >> Yeah. >> Any other board topics? >> Can I just make a comment? >> Yes. Um, we have to remember that Superintendent Stemik is our only employee that we monitor and supervise and um, and she's responsible for over 560 employees in this district even and she's always texting us, hey, this is happening at the school. The communication is great. I just want everybody to know that that's why we support our superintendent. >> Absolutely.
069>> Yeah. And we can we will obviously discuss this more at our at our next meeting, but I do want to echo that and say um Superintendent Stev has brought us uh this district back from a really hard place during COVID and she has um worked incredibly hard to make sure that we have the resources um to allocate to our students and families and community. And that's why I wanted to make sure to say that we are unified in our support for her leadership. Um, and uh, that has never been something that we were, you know, discussing about. So, uh, we're very pleased with that. But I just wanted to give a heads up to the community that this will be an action item. So, at our next meeting. All right. If there are no
070other board topics, can I get a motion to adjurnn? >> So moved. >> Michelle, can I get a second? >> Second. >> It was me. >> She can do that. >> It's been so long. Right. >> Right. Just do one thing. All right. >> All those in favor say I. I. >> I. Opposed. Abstain. >> Abstain. Just for fun. All right. >> She said no. >> Motion carries. >> Right. We didn't have fun board members. >> We are adjourned at 7:26.