2026-02-09 LFCS School Board Meeting for February 2026

001[laughter] Good evening. It's uh 5 o'clock February 9th. I will call the uh Little Falls School District business meeting to order. Like everybody to please join me. So say the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance 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. >> District's mission statement is that Little Falls Community Schools works together for each learner to achieve academic and personal growth in a collaborative, safe, and engaging environment. Public comments. Do we have some Kelly? Okay. While you're bringing that, um, I will read that Little Falls Community Schools are public comment policy welcomes you to the meeting of the Little Falls Board of Education. This portion of the agenda will be limited to

002a total of not more than 30 minutes. Individual speakers are asked to limit their comments to not more than three minutes. The board asks that all comments be in keeping with, contribute to an atmosphere of civil, courteous, thoughtful, and respectful discourse. Um, our first is I have Sarah Marorrow and Kelly will have a timer there, so if we get to three minutes, she'll let you know. All right. Good evening, board. The district's referendum materials state that quote, "Many things have changed since the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, including the creation of Title 9, which requires equal opportunity for girls and boys athletics." End quote. I'm here tonight to address the gap between that public statement and my family's experience in this district. My son was denied the opportunity to participate in boys basketball despite protection under

003under his IEP, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and his right to a free appropriate public education. These are enforceable federal civil rights laws. Compliance is mandatory and not subject to staffing, administrative discretion, or convenience. As a result, our family has filed multiple formal complaints with the Minnesota Department of Education. Several investigations are currently active with additional complaints anticipated. These matters include failures in legally required communication, denial of inclusive access to school activities, and an incident involving physical contact with a student with disabilities when no imminent safety risk was present. Given this context, it is reasonable for the public to ask how district resources are being allocated. Specifically, how much has been spent on legal counsel, how many investigations are pending, and how those costs compare to investments in

004student services and compliance before any additional public funds are provided to district 42. Governance and leadership concerns must be addressed. This includes holding the board accountable for oversight, evaluating administrative practices and compensation, and ensuring leadership is knowledgeable of and compliant with all the laws. Only then can the district move forward in a positive and lawful way that protects students rights. Until that time, I cannot support this referendum and encourage voters who value accountability and equal access, especially families with IEPs or 504 plans to vote no. Um, next Annie Krauss. Let's open this. I need to stand to see better. [laughter] Dear esteemed board members, since 2007, I have had the great honor of working with the best staff from paras to custodians to administration. I am a proud Flyer. Our mission statement says that Little

005Falls Community Schools promotes personal and academic excellence in a collaborative, safe, and engaging environment. We value excellence, flyer pride, relationships, equity, innovation, and lifelong learning. As president of education Minnesota for Little Falls, I believe in that statement and I have watched your children grow and your grandchildren too. Our teachers make that happen and I know it is because of the relationships we build with our students and the community. Your contracted survey conducted from the spring of 2025 cited that teachers had 89% favorable rating and were considered by the survey participants to be a key strength of the district. As a matter of fact, teachers were the most positively viewed group in the district, and we want to continue that positivity. What brings me here today is that the equity in your mission statement does not

006extend to teachers. We have been working without a contract since July 1st, 2025. And for the first time, we are watching small neighboring school districts pay their teachers more because their district values them. Little Falls has always been in a unique situation as we absorb burdens that other local districts cannot handle. Yet, we are now paid less but asked to do more. I'm a proud Flyer. The current teaching staff we have is absolutely amazing and they are experienced and new teachers are so lucky to have that mentorship available and that's because of the relationships and the climate we build. But I am worried. For the past few rounds, negotiations have not kept up with the cost of living. And for the good of the district, we have sacrificed and been told and believed that it

007will be better the next round. And the next round has been here since July 1st, 2025. And while we have made some progress, our teachers who take family insurance have been offered a significantly larger pay cut. Our amazing teaching staff is now considering other options, whether that be teaching in other districts or even leaving the field altogether. And some already have. What makes me a proud Flyer and a proud union member is that this teaching staff looks out for each other. When asked for feedback as to why we declined the contract offer, the number one reasons or cited reason was we don't want any member to take a cut and pay. And that's what makes a union strong. We are better together. And speaking on behalf of the union, I urge you to understand our

008predicament. We deserve a fair contract. Thank you. >> Okay. Next, in front of you, board members should have um an agenda. So, looking for motion for approval of the agenda. >> Also move. >> Have a motion by Sharon. Have a second. >> I'll second. >> Second by Dan. >> Any further discussion? Hearing none. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oppose. Same sign. All right. A motion carries. All right. Next, we have the consent agenda which um we have personnel approval prior meeting minutes and financial transactions. Oh, and we also have the approval of the EMLF early retirement incentive for 2627. So, um I motion to approve that. >> Kelsey. Yeah. >> No, I'm looking for a motion. [laughter] >> I will make a motion then. >> Okay. I have a motion

009by Kelsey. >> Have a second by Sharon. Any further discussion? >> Okay. Hearing none. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I oppose. Same sign. Motion carries. All right. [clears throat] The resolution >> whereas the following have generously offered to donate to Little Falls Community Schools. Ann's Consulting LLC donation of $200 to the Little Falls Community Services adults with disabilities programming. Little Falls PTA donation of four mobile book stands valued at $18,500 to the Little Falls Community Schools Lincoln Library. Playing it Forward, donation of $1,000 to the Little Falls Community Schools Project. March on Playing It Forward, donation of $1,440 to the Little Falls Community Schools Project. That's all jazz. Playing it Forward, donation of $1,800 to Lil Falls Community Schools Project Band-Aid. Pine Country Bank, donation of $250 to Lil Falls Community Schools

010Robotics Program. National Exchange Club, donation of $2,000 to Lil Falls Community Schools High School Band Jazz Camp. Little Falls Lions Club, donation of $200 to the Little Falls Community Schools High School Choir Department. Kathy Adam, donation of $25 to the Little Falls Community Schools Randall Area Scholarship Fund and memory of Grandma Annie Sharon. [clears throat] Patricia Pan Panicky >> Pinkney, >> thank you. >> Pinkney donation of $1,700 to the Little Falls Community Schools playing it forward program. anonymous donation of um $11,000 to the Little Falls Community Schools Care Closet. Jerome and Dolores Smith donation of $50 to the Little Falls Community Schools Care Closet. Mary Hammer and Kelly Fuller Ford donation of $100 to Little Falls Community Schools Care Closet. Minnesota Power donation of $3,000 uh grant for stationary reading bikes to the Lincoln and

011Lindberg media centers. Gordon Lararsson donation donation of $1,9796.76 to the Gordon Larson Scholarship Fund. Tractor Supply donation of quarter C cable cordless tools valued at $3,500 to the Little Falls Community Schools Industrial Technology Department. Little Falls Fleet Supply donation of sandpaper and fishing supplies valued at $2,218 to the Little Falls Community Schools Industrial Technology Department. And Pam Schilling, donation of $200 to the Little Falls Community Schools Life is Good Scholarship Fund. I'll second it. >> Okay. And a roll call vote. Dan, >> yes. >> Doug, >> yes. >> Julie, yes. >> Sharon, >> yes. >> Mark, >> yes. >> And myself, yes. >> All right. Motion carries. Thank you. Um, next on the agenda is the flyer pride cards. Um, we have quite an abundance of them. So, in respect of >> our um presenters

012tonight, we were going to move those back to the board um reports towards the end. So, um, and next we have our presentation from our student reps, Maddie and Megan. Take it away, ladies. We did it on Canva this time to try and make it a little cooler. should be >> very nice. >> So, this is our um presentation for this month and John is actually at basketball tonight. So, Um, some sports over the past month. Our high school has been super busy. Uh, a bunch of winter sports are doing really good and our clubs. Uh, the Lindy dance team wrapped up their season with their annual Lindy show last Friday. Um, the boys and girls basketball have been present representing Little Falls really well. The girls have been really good and the guys have

013too. Um, they have section tournaments coming up soon. It's kind of all over the place with when, so we kind of just put soon. Um, wrestling has been competing well. Um, their section tournament is the 21st, so excited for them. Um, many other sports are doing good. So, boys and girls hockey, gymnastics, Nordic skiing, Olympic weightlifting. Um, Nick Spring will be competing in the state ski meet this week and Payton Bartos has qualified for the Olympic weightlifting state meet as well. Good luck. [snorts] And then here's just a flyer for Tuesday night. It is both boys and girls basketball at home. >> So, it's a great time to get out and support our teams. So, and a little update about the FFA club. Um, we have been super busy as National FFA week is coming

014up uh towards the end of the month. and the chapter attended winter rally last week, which is a good leadership event for all of our officers and um members. At the event, I actually interviewed and was selected to serve region 2 FFA um as a treasurer for this upcoming year. So, that's super exciting. We also went to Ridgewater College in Wilmer and competed competed in the livestock and dairy management and we took first place out of nine teams. So, that's super exciting. The team um was me, Maddie, Jackson, Timmer, and Joseph Hampler. We each received a medal um as the picture shows and $1,000 scholarship to attend Bridgewwater. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you. >> Um the nursing students also went to Bridgewwater and they actually took second place. So, Kylin Anderson, Lily Dalen, Courtney Herdering,

015and Abigail Henry. Um, our music program, uh, the band and choir both participated in their solo and ensemble contest January and February. Um, congratulations to the students who participated. Uh, those who receive superior scores. Um, a superior and is the highest rating you can get to receive at a contest along with numerous high scores. Uh, the band has three students receiving best in sight. Uh, this means they had the best performance in their room for that day out of five total rooms. Congratulations to Riley Sherping, Colin Schlagen, and John Holland for that award. I'm just going to say that's John made this one [laughter] and then leaves us here to do it for him. >> Well, [laughter] >> so we also wanted to put this in here. Um, just showing you guys as from a

016student's perspective of how this referendum will really benefit the student body. Safety and security. Having a more up-to-date security system will help kids to feel more comfortable in the school environment. Uh, the bathroom situation. Having a oneperson toilet room would greatly benefit students. Um, from personal experience, it can get kind of crowded in passing times and it's kind of annoying when we have to lock up the bathrooms during school. So, this would be a lot better for manage and control. >> And then gym space with all the activities going on throughout all of Little Falls. Um, it would be beneficial to have that extra room for all the practices. >> And then our updated HVAC. This is our funny slide. Um, from experience, it's always freezing in the school >> and um, when you get

017upstairs, it's especially cold and having an up-to-date system would just make everyone more comfortable. >> Whose idea was it to put this in your slideshow? >> I just want to clarify that. That was came from the two of you. Thank you. >> And then just some upcoming events. The pack the gym. Um, that's next Tuesday. No school the 13th, the 16th, and then high school conferences the 19th, and no school the 23rd. >> So, no school is an upcoming event. >> Yes. [laughter] >> Celebration for me anyway. [laughter] >> Me, too. >> Very good. >> Good job, guys. >> Thank you. >> I like it when you tell us what's coming up besides what's already happened. >> Okay. Next on our agenda looks like an elementary band update from Jessica Peterson. >> We made with

018the help of our >> band band and choir folks um to bring back grade four band this year and I think that was a good thing to do and I'm very anxious to hear from Jessica on how that's going. Any other updates? Welcome. >> Thank you. Well, um, good evening. Like, my name is Jessica Peterson. Um, I'm the fourth and fifth grade band beginning band teacher, and this is my third year in the district teaching band and music. I just want to thank you for the opportunity to provide you an update of how our elementary band program is going this year. Um, at the beginning of our school year, we started with all of our fourth grade and fifth grade um, students trying out band instruments. So, they all get the opportunity to try out

019every instrument and they get to find their best fit. Uh, it's a really exciting day. There's lots of energy and sounds in the PAC. Um, and so like once they choose their instruments, we have a we had a parent night at the end of September where they signed up for all their supplies like books and reads and mouthpieces and then their rental um, instruments as well. And then their very first lesson is at the beginning of October. that's where they get their instrument. Um, our enrollment in the band program remains strong since um, the 2019 school year. Our fifth grade band enrollment has consistently ranged between 80 to 100 students, which is an average of 45 to 55% of the class. Uh, this year we started with fourth grade band um at 95 students. And

020then our fifth grade had um we started with 85 students at the beginning which reflects um continued high interest in and participation at our elementary band level. Um our instructional model is focused on small group lessons along with full ensemble time. Our fourth grade band students meet in small groups during their specialist rotation about every four school days. And then our fifth grade band students receive a weekly small group lesson which is about two to three band students per group. Um and they also receive two full band rehearsals each week. Uh this structure allows for individualized um instruction and differentiation which is especially important for our BNA musicians. As a result of this um lesson based approach, students are developing strong musical foundations that prepare them well for a successful transition into our middle school

021band program. With the addition of fourth grade band, students now receive two full years of instruction from their beginning band teacher, me. Um and this extended time allows for stronger relationships with our students and then offers a better individual education. um once I get to know those students. Uh both our fourth and fifth grade bands presented their first performance on Thursday, January 15th. Um and it's a demonstration style concert where the students narrate and perform examples of their progress from the beginning from October through the January time. Um this performance highlights not only their musical growth but also their increased confidence and musical understanding. The fifth grade band also got to perform a song called Power Rock, which is an arrangement of two famous Queen songs, We Will Rock You and another one bites the

022dust. It's always her favorite. Um, and then at this point in the year, we are preparing for our upcoming mass band concert, which is um a month from now, March 9th. And this year, it'll bring together over 450 band students from fourth grade to 12th grade. Um this experience gives the uh students opportunity to rehearse alongside the older band students. Gives them a chance to build relationships and receive guidance as they continue to grow as musicians. One additional component of our elementary band program is the flyer band challenge. Um this challenge encourages students to take ownership of their learning and progress. As students work through their band lesson book, they are required to individually perform specific songs for me and as they do, they level up in this challenge. Uh each level of the band

023challenge is based on military rankings. So the first level they are a recruit and then we have 18 um levels total getting up to colonel. I know there's like way more military rankings than that, but I had to start somewhere with the book. Um and right now we actually have a I believe it's a fourth grade student who's on the eighth level um which is sergeant first class in our system. So this system challenges the students to complete um their whole first lesson book in our band curriculum and they move at their own pace which allows for obviously the individual motivation and goal setting for the the students. So, if you ever see a band student with like a keychain full of colorful beads on their instrument case, you should ask them about it because

024each bead is one level um completion of the band challenge. Um, another thing we do in our elementary program is a the band mentorship program. We we started this last year. Um, fifth grade students are paired up with 11th and 12th grade band students. And every few weeks, high schooler mentors will join their lessons so they can build relationships, support the younger students, and provide um positive like a model of positive musicianships. So, this has strengthened connections across our grade levels and supports our long-term student engagement in our band program. Overall, the start of our fourth grade band program has gone very well. Um the ve the full impact of adding this additional year of instruction will become increasingly evident as the students move through the program. With more time to build skills and musical

025understanding, students [clears throat] will demonstrate greater confidence, stronger performance ability, and deeper connections to music. Um the the band staff is we're very proud of how successful our the Little Falls band program is and successful band and music programs need continued support from our teachers, parents, administration, and the school board. So I just want to thank you for that continued support in our program. Thank you. >> Jessica, what's been your favorite part of fourth graders? their energy. >> Yeah. I mean, it can be exhausting, but um I think they have so much more energy as like beginners and so it's exciting to to like kind of harness that energy and and and go with that as the teacher cuz it's it's nice like you're excited. Yes. So, I think they're energy. They're really excited to

026learn like a basic song like Hot Cross Buns >> and they're always looking forward to that song >> all the time. So, so yeah, I would say their excitement for sure. >> Yeah. >> Jessica, a few years ago, the Pikmin family started the Play It Forward program. >> Yes. >> Is that being used very much with your band students? And are the students that are leaving graduating out? Are they encouraged to donate their instruments to help other students? >> That's a good question. Um, we have play it forward instruments. So basically students that um >> aren't able to uh afford like the rentals through the music store get their own um we have instruments for those students. Yes. Um, I would have to refer the other question to like Todd Peterson about how, you know,

027former students and things like that. >> A lot of times after they graduate, they get stuck in a closet and it could be helping somebody >> and they might not, >> if they never had to use the program, they might not be aware of it. >> Yeah. Yeah. March that our our um our mass band concert is kind of the time where we try to promote that too in front of all of the the band, you know, parents and community. Yeah. >> That Yeah. >> You know, in a stroke of luck, I see Mr. Peterson sitting corner [laughter] back here. >> Sorry. >> No, that's okay. >> Do you want me to? >> I you know, I would love to. Yeah, if you don't mind. >> Sure. Tony on the spot like that. >> I

028just had to have a question. >> Yeah. Sorry to steal your thumb, but that's great. >> Um, so I am like the liaison for the uh the span program with Patricia and then Dwight is also a part of it too. So we have meetings every once in a while. Um, the program itself is growing playing it forward. I mean you saw the donations and different I mean she loves you know the terms and the vocabulary because we all have uh different things that we're doing. So, uh, one of the biggest programs we have right now is the summer camps, um, that we use, uh, money for that. Um, and then we also talk about project Band-Aid, which is that part of the donation and then fixing up a new instrument. So, I actually recently got

029a a donated clarinet from Patricia like two days ago that I'll send into Ecroth and then they'll fix it up and then another it can be the hands of a kid. So, it's it's out there. I think kids know about it. Um, and like Jessica was saying, you know, mass band is a big night for us to to show people, hey, if you have an instrument, you know, we'd love to to donate it or for you to donate to the school so it can be used again for another kid. So, >> thank you. >> Yeah. Awesome. Thank you, Todd. Appreciate you jumping in there. Thank you, Jeff. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Hiding in the corner didn't help. >> Yeah. >> All right. Next on the agenda is everyone's favorite audit. John and >> he's

030smiling. [laughter] >> The moment you've been waiting for all year, right? >> Okay. Yeah. >> Well, thank you for letting me join you tonight. Uh we're going to walk through the audit. We're going to go keep it pretty high level. If you have questions, just don't be afraid to interrupt me as I'm going and we can dive into things. But otherwise, I'll just keep going and and doing my nice field. So, we're going to go through this document and starting out first, let's talk about the audit opinion because if you think about it, that's really what you're hiring us for is to give an opinion on whether we think your financial statements are correct or not. >> So, the opinion we're giving is an unmodified opinion or a clean opinion. And so, that's what you

031want. That's us saying that based on the procedures we performed, whether it's looking at individual source documents like bank statements, invoices, uh doing analytical type procedures, asking Heidi a lot of questions, um we're able to be comfortable with your financial statements. And if we look at the next page here, this page talks more about how the audit went versus how you're doing financially. So overall, the audit went really well. Um, you're going to see there's really nothing negative on this page. So here we would be talking about if we had concerns over your transactions, whether it's uh recorded incorrectly, fraudulent. Um, we had no issues like that. Everything looked really good. Um, happy to say that we're not proposing any material audit adjustments this year. So that's a big deal, too. I may be stealing

032the thunder from a future page here, but um really happy about that. Um we take a look at your estimates. Estimates looked good as well. There is something new on this slide that I want to highlight and that's the very bottom piece where it talks about a new accounting standard. So we do have a new accounting standard we've adopted this year. Gazsby 101. That's not 101 isn't an entry- level course since this is a school. It's uh just number 101. It relates to compensated absences. And so more specifically, it changes how you acrew your um compensated absences by adding a requirement that we impute or add in payroll taxes that would be paid. They get added in now. U pay or TRA contributions. They also get added in. The biggest change though is that it

033looks at um compensated absences that maybe wouldn't necessarily be paid out because you've you've got a cap on the limits that can be paid. We have to now acrue above those caps because they would be available to be used in a future period. They maybe won't be paid out, but they'll be available to be potentially used. That's the biggest change on this standard is that change in the cap. It's actually a pretty sizable change. So, we actually record this year's liability and we actually go back and we adjust last year for this standard 2. Last year's adjustments about $4 million. This year's adjustments about $4.6 million. So, it is very sizable. Um, it doesn't affect your fund statements that we're going to go through. It affects your governmentwide, your school as a whole. Okay. So,

034that's the biggest change that we're seeing on the financials this year. Looking at internal controls. I talked about audit adjustments already. Really happy to say that we had no material adjustments. Two smaller adjustments both related to adjusting revenue mostly because reports come in later that have new numbers and so we adjust the latest numbers, the latest and greatest numbers from the state. Segregation of duties. Uh we've reported this last year. This is something that you're probably very familiar with. What we're saying is that because you don't have a full back office of accounting staff, um there is some exposure for segregation of duties. And then the final is that we draft your financial statements for you. So these are all very normal. >> John, just on that, if we wanted to be in, you know,

035not compliance, but how many more staff would we have to hire? >> So that's a really good question. We're actually going to re-evaluate this now that you're working with SMS for the next school year because sometimes we can find that with their control structure we can mitigate this. Um otherwise the biggest issue that we run into is you have to have enough staff that you don't you can limit access and so if John Archer is your finance director maybe I don't have access to do any data entry and I can only do read only um which is difficult because people take vacations um they are sick sometimes so I don't know if I could give you a number specifically but it would be enough that you you don't have any overlap. in in duties. >>

036And if I could mention, yeah, you probably are thinking that I'm working for SMS because I did for the last two years, but I'm actually an employee of the >> Oh, you are? >> So, sadly, >> I have >> So, we won't we Yeah. Okay. So, I have access to all of the systems. And what I've been told before is the business manager would only have view only and couldn't do day-to-day functions or operations, which in a small school district is almost impossible. >> Yeah. >> So, yeah. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Um, Minnesota legal compliance. So during the audit we um we take a look at compliance with Minnesota statutes and we have three items that we are noting this year related to statutes. Um one is related to the timing of your audit.

037So your audit was submitted late this year and so we we're noting that um prompt payment of bills is the next and so what that means is you as a government you're required to pay your bills within 35 days. Um there was when we went through our test work, we found one bill that was paid later than that and so we had to note that. And then unclaimed property is the final item that's related to outstanding items that are older than 3 years. And so if you have an outstanding check or outstanding item on your bank reconciliation longer than 3 years, you're supposed to submit them to the the state for um unclaimed property for people to be able to search for. Uh federal single audit is next. So here we're talking about federal expenditures.

038Uh the threshold for your audit was $750,000. And so if you spend more than $750,000, you have to have an additional compliance audit done. That threshold is now increased for your next school year to a million. Um we actually tested two programs this year. So child nutrition is one. That's the same program that we tested last year. And then the second is um it's essentially the the federal dollars for your child care building project that flowed through the city of Little Falls. Um both of those programs looked good. U we're able to give a unmodified or a clean opinion on both of them. We had one item that we noted related to compliance and internal controls and your food service program. This is the same item that we we noted last year in your audit

039too. So, what we found is that when reporting your meals served um in the federal system, it's called clicks. Uh the numbers that were submitted didn't match what you had in your internal system. And so, there was a disconnect there. It wasn't a material amount. It wasn't enough to modify an opinion or or even be a material weakness, but it's it's enough that we have to report it. So, if we look at the next page, this is just a snapshot of your enrollment. Um, so I like to start with enrollment just because it it affects your numbers so much. Your so much of your funding is based on how many students you're serving. Um, here we're looking at enrollment in total, your ADMs for 2025, 2,325 students. So, down about 20 ADMs from the year

040before. And if we look at the next page here, we're going to look at the general fund activity. And we're going to start broad and we'll just hone in from there a little bit. So looking at it really broadly here, we're looking at revenues, expenditures, change in fund balance compared to 2024 and compared to the budget. So if you look at it in total, your increase in fund balance was $1.33 million. So you had a nice year in the general fund. This year budget was $521,000. Last year you had a spend down of $211,000. So a nice change this year. Uh revenues came in $940,000 higher than budget. Expenditures were about $167,000 higher than budget. And if we look at the next page, we'll see your your different revenue categories here. and your school is

041like most min Minnesota schools where the majority of your revenue comes from state source funds. Um we'll want to maybe scroll just a little bit further down. Okay. So, uh, so state source funds, um, that's probably the most important line item in your revenues. This item came in $832,000 higher than budget. And if we were to drill down that on that just a little bit further, you would see uh 345,000 of that as general education aid. That came in higher than what you planned. But the majority of it was special education. about $500,000 of that is special education coming in higher. And special education is one of those revenue line items that's very difficult to budget for um because it's it's very volatile based on the students that are attending. Other line items here that

042are are a little bit different from budget. Property tax levy. This is one that I wanted to highlight. This came in 275,000 higher than budget. This is primarily from due to some tax increment financing or tiff receipts that you have received this last year that makes up that variance. Uh other local and counties relatively close down just a little bit from your budget. Um most of that's related to student activity dollars. And then federal source dollars also down slightly from budget. Um that's mostly related to federal special education. And if we look at spending next, these are your expenditures. Um, I'll look at some of those that have bigger changes. But before I do, I wanted to maybe just point out one thing. So, you'll notice on this page, your regular instruction costs are lower

043than what you had planned, lower than budget, administrative and district supports higher than budget, and instructional supports also higher than budget. The reality is there's just some coding differences that happened this year versus how you had originally planned on coding. So it's not necessarily that these expenditures are are less. It's just that they were allocated differently than what you had originally planned. Um so with that um maybe some of those that aren't related to some some reallocations. Uh instructional support services. This is higher than what you had planned by about $745,000. Um, included in here are some staff development costs as well as some non non-licensed teacher wages and that's really kind of driving that increase along with some allocation items too. People support services uh came in below budget by 235,000. Um, that's almost

044entirely transportation related. So transportation costs are lower than what you had planned. Uh, site and building costs came in quite close to what you had planned. uh fiscal and other fixed costs are lower than what you had budgeted almost entirely related to insurance costs. So insurance savings. So if we look at this next page, this highlights your cash position for your general fund over the last five years. You had a nice increase in cash in the general fund this last year. Increased about $1.1 million. So, your cash balance at the end of the year is uh $4.1 million in the general fund. So, a nice increase there. I was happy to see that. And looking at your fund balance next a few pages, I mentioned that your fund balance increased $1.3 million. That's broken up

045into different categories. You'll see on this page the largest increase is in your unassigned fund balance. And so, that's really good to see, too, because that's more available for your discretionary spending. Um, you did have a a decrease in your restricted dollars. So, you were able to use those restricted dollars. Um, non-spendable, you'll see that line items up. Non-spendable is primarily things like prepaid expenses. So, expenses that you paid for in the 25 school year, but they actually relate to 2026. And so, they're not considered spendable. And if we look at that fund balance, that non-spendable fund balance relative to the size of your district here, what we're doing is we're comparing that balance to your total budgeted expenditures in the general fund works out to be 8% of a year's spending. Um, so you

046have a policy on what you want that floor or that minimum to be and that's 5 point or 5 to 7%. So you're just a little bit over that that minimum fund balance policy. What do you recommend, John? As an auditor, where would you like to see that number? >> Um, that's a good question. Generally, I on a health on on our healthiest schools, we'll see that somewhere in the 20 20% range. Um, 15 to 20% would be would be nice. Um, you don't want to go too high because you're not in the business of hoarding cash. You're in the business of helping students. Um, but even if it were at 30%, I wouldn't necessarily be concerned. So, I was happy to see the increase this year. We're going to go through your remaining funds

047really quickly here. This is a little more high level than what we just went through with the general fund. Uh, debt service. There's not a lot to say with debt service because it's pretty pretty much pre-planned. You know what your principal and interest payments are going to be. you know what your your uh levy is going to be on the debt. Um it kind of rides itself out. So this fund had an increase in fund balance of $190,000 this last year. Ending fund balance of 760,000 building construction fund. Um this fund had a lot of activity related to the child care project. Um those revenues coming in the 1.523 million 1.5 of that's those flow3 dollars from the city. uh 23,000 is just the investment earnings on those dollars as you were waiting to spend

048them. So [snorts] this fund had capital outlay of $2.3 million, had a decrease in fund balance of a million dollars, and it has a residual fund balance of $449,000. You'll see on this page really quick that there's a line that says other sources and uses and it's 190,000 coming out of the building construction fund, 190,000 going into the debt service fund. This is capitalized interest from that construction project that we're just shifting over to that fund. Food service and community service. Uh food service had a decrease in fund balance of $18,000. Um this fund has a fund balance of $958,000 at the end of the year. This fund had um some larger uh food service equipment purchases this last year which was contributing to that decrease which is so planned. Um community service had a

049pretty close to break even year this year decrease in fund balance of $4,800 and it has a fund balance of $43 at the end of the year 43,000. And if we look at the cash balances in these funds, the uh the building construction funds skewing the scale of this a little bit because it had such a large dollar amount coming in and then going out again. Um but if we look at the highlights here, building construction, we had a a large spendown like I talked about. Cash went down uh $1.2 million. Debt service had an increase in cash balance of $100,000 partly from that transfer that I talked about earlier. Um, food service had a spend down in cash of $34,000. So, our next page is your uh employee benefit fund or your self- insurance

050fund. So, this fund had $4 million or $4.1 million in employee contributions coming in. Uh, $4.5 million of benefit payments coming out. It had a decrease in net position of 463,000. This fund's in a deficit at the end of the year. Um the net position is a deficit of 177,000. Um and then the cash balance is a deficit of 138,000. So on the financials we call it claims in excess of collections, but it's it's essentially negative cash in this fund. >> Okay. If I could ask a question on the fund 20, our self-insured fund, [snorts] the 4.1 million in revenues includes both employer and employee. >> Correct. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Thank you. >> Okay. So, the next page shows district-wide total assets. Um, you'll see total assets increase this year, but the makeup shifted a

051little bit. So, your long-term assets increase primarily from your construction on your the child care center, but also those other capital assets that I mentioned like the food service equipment. Um, and you had also purchased a van this last year. Current assets decreased. This is almost entirely due to a spend down in your cash partially from the purchase of that equipment in the capital project. Liabilities have decreased this year. Um, current liabilities have actually increased n $59,000. That's almost entirely accounts payable. So, it's just timing on when things were paid versus 2024. Your long-term debt on this page, this is a little bit misleading, so I want to explain this. It shows an increase in your long-term debt of uh about $2.5 million, $2.4 million. This is where that new standard line line that I

052mentioned lands. So if you remember I mentioned that we increased your liabilities by 4.6 million from this new standard. It's buried in that debt and non-current line. So if we were to try to normalize this and strip that back a little bit, you would see that your your debt actually decreased by $2 million this year. Net pension liability. This number is determined by PAR and TRA's actuaries. This had a decrease this year. This is something that we're seeing on most schools this year. Is it is a decrease in those pension liabilities. And then post-employment benefits. You'll see this number actually didn't change this year. And you might think, well, was it just not adjusted? So, the school actually had a change in accounting policy this year. So, under the standard that requires us to record

053liabilities for post-employment health, there's two options that are given. One is having an actuarial study done for the current year that you're that you're working under. The other is what they call the look back method where it essentially lags by a year. So this year we actually worked with your actuary to convert you to the look back method because it helps with the t with timing and being able to have information done sooner if if you're not using the look back method. Um sometimes information or the audit can be delayed because of that. And so there it's just a change in accounting principle. So you'll see that number converting or changing every year going forward. Um long-term debt. This page shows your actual decrease in long-term debt. Um decrease $2 million. Um the only real

054notable change here is uh you've got a copy of your lease that's been capitalized this year. And so that you're showing the liability for that on This page does not include those compensated absences. So, with that, I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have. Um, really happy with how the audit went this year. Happy with how the numbers came in this year. I was happy to see an increase in your fund balance. Um, yeah, be happy to answer any questions you have. >> So, the reserve I I mean, I know we have it on a policy, but we were we were at that 5 to 7% or whatever. >> Yeah. What do schools around us have? >> That's a good question. So, it's it's really very broad. There's a there's a school that's

055nearby that has a negative fund balance right now and they're in statutory operating debt. Um there's other schools that are maybe a little little north of here that's probably closer to the to the 20% mark. Um, on average I would say you're you're not unusual in your fund balance. You're maybe on a little bit on the lower side, but >> for the policy, I guess. >> For the policy. Yeah. Yeah. Mhm. Right. >> I guess that's what I was kind of getting at. Do people have is there policy set at 10? Is there some policy set at five? Just kind of >> and and we see a pretty wide range with that, too. And so we have some schools, I have one school that says zero, that they want their minimum to be zero and

056they just set that as that's the policy. In practice, they're going to really try to have it much more than that. And I have others that target 15%. Um it's it's really all over the place. >> So there's no real >> consistent. >> I'd say that that's also a little bit on the lower end. >> Um but it's not unusual what you have. >> Okay. Are those school comparable as far as budget size too? >> Yeah. Yep. Yep. Mhm. Yeah. Maybe not geographically in in central Minnesota, but yeah, similar budgets. >> I think that's good. It was a nice presentation. Very >> concise and easy. Yeah. All right. Any other questions for John? All right. Thank you, sir. >> Appreciate it. >> Thanks. >> Okay. Next, we will go to the superintendence report. A few

057uh items to share. Um some reminders. We have school bus driver appreciation day is next week on February 18th. Another reminder of IceFest, an outstanding fundraiser that supports our care closet and backpack program February 21st and 22nd. Want to give a shout out to Ryan Tennold and the grade eight grade 8 band. The last time we had a meeting, we talked about the concern with the students heading down to the cities and that event with the Minnesota Music Educators Association was cancelled, but Ryan performed for the middle school on Friday, which was an outstanding concert. Our student reps gave a shout out to a couple of athletes heading to the state tournament. So, thank you for that. Like to give a shout out to Joe Bartos. Joe is transitioning to a new position outside of

058our district at the College of St. Benedicts and want to thank Joe for his time in our district. And you will likely see a posting for that head football coaching position coming out soon. We were able to fill his teaching position, but we wish Joe all the best. We have teacher negotiations mediation on Wednesday. Mark says we're good to go on our high school kitchen remodel, which will create some efficiencies at the high school. Um Mark has talked in previous meetings about how public health has deemed both the walk-in cooler and freezer as needing to be replaced. So that'll be a key part, probably the most expensive part of the project. If you walk into the high school at the conclusion of the summer from a visual standpoint, you would be able to see in

059that serving area some differences with that outside kitchen wall. They'll make some revisions to that space as well. Let's see, referendum updates. Um, we have on February 24th at 6:00 a community discussion open to the public. It'll be a brief presentation, some breakout, small groups, and then tours of the high school. >> And where will that be? >> At the high school. >> February 24th. We'll start in the auditorium, transition to the commons, and then take a tour of the school. We are uh plugging away with election work. Thanks to Kelly and Chelsea and the district office for helping with that. I will make one suggestion for you to consider as we approach next year. We've typically had three combined polling places. I would strongly support we change that next go around to one combined

060polling place. It's been a little bit of a a challenge as we've recruited election judges and head judges, but we're in a pretty good spot for that on April 14th. We uh have plenty of volunteers at this point. We've ordered 5,500 ballots for the election and Morrison County and the city of Little Falls have been extremely helpful as we have leaned on them, especially the county who will be in charge of our absentee balloting. And a little bit later in the agenda tonight, you have a couple of election related documents and resolutions to approve. And then a uh on behalf of the school district, I'd like to extend um we've had the passing of several teachers here in the past month or two, but I would like to extend our sympathy to the families of

061former teachers Doug Larson, Gary Ganon, and Tony Kula. Each of these individuals made meaningful and lasting contributions to our students and the Little Falls School community during their time within our district. That's all I have. Thank you. >> So for absentee ballots, we instruct them to go to the courthouse. >> Correct. >> Yep. >> Okay. So we are on to the new business portion. Um first item is the approval of the 2425 audit as John just presented. So that is an action item. So I would be looking for a motion. >> So second. >> Okay. So I have a motion by Dan and a second by Sharon. Any further discussion hearing? None. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Oppos. Same sign. >> Motion carries. >> Next looks like our APAC presentation. Chris,

062come on up. My name is Chris Midbird. I am the American Indian Ed coordinator from the school district as well as a wind teacher at Lindberg. Sorry, been changing schools. Can't remember which one I'm at. Um, just as a side note regarding the band, I can vouch for the kids are very, very excited about that because if their win time, it comes right before when they go to their band lessons and we go one minute over, we hear about it. It's like, we got to go to band lessons. So, the kids are super excited about the fourth and fifth grade band. [clears throat and cough] Sorry, I just had to put that plug in there. Very excited about that. Okay, so the every year in January, the Apac parent committee takes a vote on how

063we are doing with the compliance. The first area is to provide pro ah sorry our smart goal for the first area was by spring 2026 little fall schools community schools will ensure that the all Mars identified American Indian secondary students are aware of their post-secary options and are adequate adequately prepared for success in their chosen paths. This will be measured by an increase in participation of American Indian students in courses directly related to their post-secondary goals compared to the data from the 2425 academic year. The vote was unanimous 4 to zero that we are in compliance. Um just as a side note, we have one student in AVID at the high school. Um we have one student that is in college in the classrooms and six students in advanced English both at the middle school

064and high school. and for students, Native American students in advanced math, both at the middle school and high school. Um, area two in our smart goal was in order to reduce the the 15.5% reading gap and the 7.1 math gap in the MCA scores from 2023 to 2024. Among American Indian students at the Little Falls School District at least 80% of the academic struggling American Indian students will show individual growth from fall to winter in both reading and math. This will be measured by a comparative analysis of fall and spring assessment data obtained by the in the MCA scores. This data will only represent grades 3 through 8, 10 and 11 as that's when they take the MCAs. The other grades will be assessed using fastbridge data. Um there again it was a four votes

065to zero unanimous v vote that we are in compliance with that one. We do have um two students that are receiving academic tutoring through [snorts] the money provided by the grants. Um, also as part of that, just a heads up, if things calm down, we're hoping to take the senior high kids as a celebration of their academic achievements down to the Wanami restaurant as a celebration, which is, if you don't know, that's the uh sue chef Sean Sherman. It's his restaurant, and it's very good food. We went once before a few years ago and the kids convinced me to eat crickets. >> They're good if you put the head first down. [laughter] First, I don't recommend >> bad chocolate or something. >> They were with popcorn and so it tasted a little like popcorn. [laughter]

066[snorts] >> Um, kids all eat them. >> Not all. About half [laughter] of them did. Um goal area three. Our smart goal for area three was by the end of the 2526 school year 85% of American Indian students will report an increased engagement in satisfaction with Little Falls education curriculum and how it relates to their cultural heritage and improve attendance. This will be measured by student interviews, discussion groups, and attendance data through the integration of culturally revalent content content and teaching methods. There again, it was four votes yes, zero votes no for being in compliance. Um, as a side note to that, we were um, sorry, can't read my handwriting. Um the kids would like to see a little bit more with the content related to native American stuff but it has been increasing as

067this program is moving through the years. So that was a good thing. [snorts] Area four provide or sorry our smart goal was by the end of the 2526 school year American Indian pupils in the district will report an increase in selfimage and cultural identity identity as measured by pre and post program surveys and group discussions from fall to spring. This again was a unanimous vote four to zero. And um one of the big things we're doing hopefully this year between area four and area five is within the next couple of weeks if the ice holds and the temperatures hold out, we're taking a group of high schoolers and maybe middle schoolers ice fishing on max. [snorts] Keep your fingers crossed the temperatures stay cool enough we can still do that. Um, area five, by the

068end of the 202526 school year, Little Falls School District will develop intercultural awareness among pupils, parents, and staff through targeted programs and collaborative activities aimed at fostering understanding and respect for cultural diversity as demonstrated by participating in programs and internet intercultural activities. There again, four votes yes, zero votes no as we are in compliance. Um [snorts] the one of the big things as you can see are the tribal flags that are around here. These were purchased with buttons from last year and this year's grant and we hope to have them displayed around the different schools rotating around the schools and at board meetings and such. Um we also will be tra taking the students in the beginning of middle of March to the Malax treaty days to celebrate the signing of Max Band of Ojiway's

069treaty. And the last one was that we supplement not supplant state and federal funding and that was a four votes yes to zero votes no. So overall good job. We're in compliance according to the AP pack. Chris, do we know what tribes all our kids are from? Are they from the same or are they different tribes? >> Different tribes. Um, we have Max, we have Red Lake, um, we have Cheyenne River, which is in North Dakota. Um, shoot, I forgot. We fondac we have a couple. >> Okay. So pretty diverse. >> Yep. And I know that we have a couple kids who are Dakota and Lakota, but I'm not sure what tribe they are from. >> Okay. Chris, how many total students do we have? >> 30. Should it just changed? 37 38 something like

070>> And because we exceed 20, we receive the funding from the state. Is that accurate? >> Yes. Yes. And any any school district that has over 10 students, Native American students, has to have an A pack by state statute. >> Thanks for your work on all this. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> All right. Next, um, kind of what Mr. Johnson had alluded to, a resolution for the approval of absentee ballot location time and election. Okay. >> Okay. >> If you want, I can read a summary. >> That would be wonderful. Go ahead. >> That way we Yeah. There's some It gets deep in the weeds. >> Yep. >> Thank you, Kelsey. So, this is the the first part of this is the establishment of an absentee ballot board, which is required by statute. And

071as I mentioned before, the county will be facilitating our absentee ballot work as well as being our members of the absentee ballot board. And that group is appointed by you. And their work obviously takes place prior to election day. It's a role to verify voter eligibility, accept or reject absentee ballots in accordance with state law, and ensure ballots are handled securely and consistently, helping the election run smoothly and in compliance with Minnesota election requirements. And you'll see on the document that we have seven county employees that are listed as our ballot board. And the second part of that resolution refers to the having election judges that are available to go into hospitals and healthc care facilities. And they have to be qualified election judges and they deliver the ballots to hospital patients and residents of

072healthc care facilities for the election as allowed under Minnesota law. And you can see Kelsey and Chelsea who are both I'm sorry Kelly and Chelsea who are both trained election judges will be conducting that for us on election day. >> Okay. >> So we'd seek your approval. >> Roll call vote. >> Yep. But I need a second. >> I'll second. Okay. So roll call would be Dion. >> Yes. >> Doug. >> Yes. >> Julie. >> Yes. >> Sharon. >> Yes. >> Mark. >> Yes. >> Myself. Yes. Okay, motion carries. All right, next is also a resolution for the approval rates of the election judges. >> You can have that one. >> Okay, >> thank you. >> Yep. >> My screen. Whereas the school board of Little Falls Community Schools must appoint and compensate election judges

073for school district elections. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the school board of Little Falls Community Schools, the following election judge pay rates are approved. The head election judge at $22 per hour, election judge at $18 per hour, and additional required training at $16 per hour. to the superintendent or designate is authorized to increase these rates if necessary to ensure adequate staffing with any such increase reported to the school board at the next regularly scheduled meeting. >> And as I've stated, we were we have been able to secure three head judges for our three combined polling places as well as I believe six election judges to support their work throughout the day. >> Okay. So, you think we're good? >> We are. >> Okay. I need a second. >> I'll second it. And a roll

074call vote. Dan, >> yes. >> Doug, >> yes. >> Julie, >> yes. >> Sharon, yes. Mark, >> yes. >> Myself, yes. >> All right. Motion carries. Thank you. All right. Next, we have the approval of a purchase agreement for the sale of Dr. Knight. Um, Greg, you're going to kind of read through what that give us the summary of that? >> I can and and Mark, who's been really involved, >> uh, chime in at any point. So, we do have very much like purchasing a home or selling a home, we have a purchase agreement with a buyer for Dr. Knight Elementary and this is with the Brakes Properties out of the metro area. Um, your approval tonight allows this agreement process to move forward with likely some additional inspections to be completed prior to executing

075the final sale. But we've gone back and forth, you know, that we've have this building posted for a number of months. Um really important goal of the board and the city of Randall is to make sure that we find an appropriate use for the building. And so we've been able to secure a counter offer from Briggs Properties of $100,000 for Dr. Knight Elementary with Briggs uh paying all closing costs as well as any additional assessments on the building up to $125,000. There will be assessments on that building due to some work in Randall along both streets to the east and west. So that $100,000 will be reflected as a higher number when you add in the closing costs in those assessments. The intended use of the building is senior living. Uh the buyer, although would

076like to retain ownership of the baseball field, but is more than willing to work with the Randall Cup team so that amateur baseball games can continue to be played there. That won't be a problem. The buyer plans to resurface the tennis court and convert it into a combined tennis and pickle ball court. The playground would remain a city asset for community use. And if feasible, the the buyer would like to uh configure the gym for continued pickle ball use and explore a community service center option for that gym. And then overall, and Mark can attest to this, the buyer has expressed a strong desire to continue to partner with the city and the Randall community to make that continue to be a community asset for Randall. And I believe they've been in contact with the

077city and Randall. >> I believe they're playing phone tag right now. >> Okay. >> We did talk to Matt Pansky today and Matt's aware of this information and >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> What kind of closing date are we looking at for this sale date? >> Do we have any dates worked out? >> Well, the purchase agreement calls for uh a closing date in June of So, um but his offer states that um that could be moved up if if the uh approvals that he's need needs to get to happen to have that be a um senior living facility to happen quickly, then that would that could be moved up. >> Okay. But he intends no later than June 26. I think it's important just for the board and for the community to know the

078the facility itself. Um some might look at that purchase price of $100,000 and go, "Well, geez, that's that's a steal. I should have gone in and bought that." But the reality is there's a very limited amount of purposes that that building can be because of how it's built, right? With the cinder block walls and everything else. The other thing is that the buyer is going to have a very large investment that they're going to have to make to trans transform that building into a senior living facility. Um, and so that's reflected in their offer price, right? is the work that they're going to have to put into it just to make it be viable for to be um a senior living facility. And so it's just important that we acknowledge that um especially for those

079that are watching online to understand why a price like that becomes what it is. Um, you couldn't have put a manufacturing facility in there without basically knocking [clears throat] the building down and starting over with a large portion of that just based on how it was constructed and what it was originally designed to be. So, this uh senior living facility fits nicely into the footprint of the building with the construction that's there. Any other questions or comments? >> Okay. >> Are you looking for a motion to approve? >> Well, I think that's the um resolution. >> The next the next >> N resolution. >> Okay. No, just uh Yep. The motion to it's the next item on the agenda. The >> I'm sorry. That's the other part. So yes, Mark, my apologies. [laughter] >> Too

080much uh too much property on the agenda here. So >> yeah. [clears throat] >> Um so I have a motion by Mark. Do I have a second? >> I'll second. >> Okay. A second by Sharon. Any further discussion? >> Okay. Hearing none. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Oppose. Same sign. >> All right. Motion carries. All right. Next is the approval of the other property which believe this is the horseshoe kind of the property across the street from the horseshoe for habitat. >> Correct. It's been a a long process to be where we're at today with that property now. So you have in front of you board members three warranty deeds that legally transfers ownership of those parcels of land from the school district to Habitat and the two adjoining property owner

081owners next door. and you know that we had quite a bit of work to make sure that we were um accommodating the needs of those land owners next to that adjacent property. So in two of the warranty deeds you'll end up seeing coming to you probably in the next month or two actual purchase agreements for there those pieces of property. one from the dairy group that lives next door and the other one which is Habitat for Humanity. And then the third property, the Baxter property, is it's a very small sliver of property that would go to that family to make a clean piece of property moving forward so that we can sell all entities. So, we'd ask your approval of those three warranty deeds tonight and [clears throat] entertain any questions you have. Okay. Okay.

082Hearing no questions. I have a motion. So have a motion by Dan. Do I have a second? >> Second by Mark. All right. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oppos. Same sign. >> Motion carries. >> All right. Next, we have the approval of the February 2025 2026 lane changes. We should have that in front of you. Looks like three of them. >> So, I'm looking for a motion to approve. >> A motion. >> Okay. I have a motion by Sharon. Do I have a second? >> Second by Mark. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oppos. Same sign. All right. Motion carries. Next, the approval of the 2026 2027 school district calendar. Like it's up on the screen

083there. >> Sideways. It's the best I can do. >> Um, anything I know we've kind of discussed this briefly. Anything? >> No. >> Radically different or >> other than the pre-Labor Day start. >> That's the only big difference you'll see. It's been shared, presented to staff as well as uh Mary of Lawrence is aware of the calendar being presented tonight. >> Okay. >> And that's kind of a one-year change. >> Normally, we start after Labor Day, >> correct? The state is allowing two years, >> okay, >> next year and the following year to start prior to Labor Day. And that again will come to you for that final decision in 2728. Is that because of how the calendar lays that the state did that or just because there's so many building projects throughout the state?

084>> The calendar. >> Okay. >> Correct. >> Okay. So, I'm looking for a motion to approve. >> All right. I have a motion by Kelsey, second by Dan. Any further discussion on the calendar? Hearing none. All in favor signify by saying I. I. >> Oppose. Same sign. >> All right. Motion carries. >> If we have students who are a part of the FFA, we'll make sure that they [laughter] have full access to the state fair and no unexcused absences. [laughter] >> Good to know. >> In case we know somebody. >> Yes. >> Thanks for clarifying that. You're welcome. >> All right. Next item is the approval of anou between Little Falls Community Schools and EMLF Social Worker. um bill sorry and ma billings I think we had talked about this in our our um work

085session and stuff so I am looking for a motion to approve that >> so moved >> all right have a motion by Kelsey second >> second >> a second by Mark any further discussion all right hearing none all in favor signify by saying I I opposed same side. Motion carries. All right. Next, an approval of policy 701.2, which is um the unassigned fund balance, I think, which we talked a little bit about when John was here. So, um we would improve or I guess change that balance from 5 to 7 to 10 to 12. Correct. If I can interject, that that came from policy the policy committee work bringing that recommendation forward. You you heard from John tonight about what makes sense for a policy fund balance range. We talked about this at the work

086session as well. And then if you remember a couple years ago, um Moody's is a credit rating system that rates our credit. And because our fund balance was dangerously low a couple years ago, our credit rating was dropped down one level and that the recommendation that we received from Moody's said that your fund balance needs to exceed 10% to be considered to increase. So I think when you look at all of those factors from our from the Moody's rating to our audit report, this is the a good move. >> So we're at eight now. So we need to get to 10% to improve our correct rating. >> Yeah. Okay. Or Yeah. For >> 10 to 12 to be in our policy. >> Yep. So okay. So I'm looking for a motion to approve policy. >>

087So have a motion by Dan. A second. >> Second by Mark. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oppose. Same sign. All right, motion carries. Next, old or unfinished business. Um, in front of you is the second reading of looks like four different policies. >> Um, counting extracurricular transportation policy, uniform grant guidance, and chemical use and abuse. So um this is not an action item but yet um again a chance policy committee has went through these and chance to just read these for a second time. I believe the next time they come they will be for approval. >> Correct. >> Okay. Third time. So okay. All right. Now we are at the reports from board members which is our um flyer pride cards. So um Mark, you

088want to kick us off? >> Sure. Okay. And I guess if you have more to report when your cards are done too, feel free to continue on. >> Okay. Well, I was just going to start out with that. I don't >> Oh, do whatever you'd like. >> I don't have anything to report. [laughter] >> Okay. >> All right. We'll get through these. This one is for uh Sarah Olsen, ECF teacher. um your connections to yeah connections to parents from from education and so are so meaningful. I appreciate work you do every day. Thank you for being open to trying new things within our ECP program. And that was by Kayla um Guber. This one is for Lauren Marshik, middle school English teacher. Lauren brings much enthusiasm and creativity to her classes. She is also an

089amazing speech coach and willing to work on school conditions in in chap in chapter one middle school dance in chaperon I'm sorry chaperon middle school dance Laury Abbott Becky goes above and beyond for our students at Little Falls Community High School. She is always takes time to make our students needs are met, even if means having beyond the eight-hour day by Kayla Gruber. I'm sorry, I'm kind of stumbling through some of these because they're all handwritten. [laughter] Crystal Ochreman. Crystal has a calm, positive attitude that brings joy to my classroom that students and staff are always delighted to see her. Whitney Tuni and she's a Lean Fair official. Nikki Steel, second grade. We are so fortunate to have Nikki as a new addition to our district. She is a professional and p and personable and

090I have and I hope she stays forever with me again. Chad, what did we say that was? Shrek. Not Shrek. >> Shrek. >> I'm sorry. I didn't mean to call him Shrek. [laughter] math teacher. Chad goes above and beyond for his students. Besides teaching math, he is a positive role model for students and treats all staff with care and respect. The middle school is a better place with him here. Nikki Mole, Carol Stump, wind teacher. Carol is a great teammate. She is always thinking about how she can help out the the wind team and is willing to share ideas and is great at creative ways to help us stay organized. Julie at home. Rebecca Jones, school readiness teacher. Um, it it has been so fun getting to collaborate with her on and I love to

091read month. There's a heart in there. [laughter] Sorry. We should get these a week before. I appreciate her love and dedication to teaching our young learners. Loris Matinson, >> maybe our student perhaps should be the ones reading all the rest. [clears throat] >> Sarah Pullman, special ed. Thank you for bringing strong support for all of our special ed teachers. I know you make the evaluation process much easier on us. Uh Christians, how you fifth grade uh fifth grade team, thank you for the care and dedication you bring every day to our schools. Also, thank you for the support and laughs. It is a job I'm sorry. It is a joy working with you all. Uh Melissa Berg >> Annalie. Yes. Van >> Van Van part of it. Lincoln social worker. Thank you all. Thank you

092all the be thank you all for the behind the scenes work you do for our students, families, and staff. You are a vital link between home school and the community. Thank you for all you do. Glenda Davis, Lisa Sber. Lisa wears many hats in the district. does so with does so with a very positive attitude. Shannon Bord >> No, I stumbled through those and I apologize if I butchered names. >> Uh Miranda Nelson, school readiness teacher. Miranda is a great partner to teach with. I appreciate the flexibility and love that she has for the kids we share. Your hard work and dedication to the job shows in the growth our students show each and every day. Lauren Marson, Jana Nagel. Jana is always going above and beyond to help our department grow. She has great

093organizational skills and is a very strong teacher from Eric Leblah. Austin Fensky. Austin is an educator that shows professionalism in so many ways. He is organized, devoted to his students, and accomplishes tasks that are at hand. Everything he does, he does with compassion, pride, care, and excellence. Lindberg, fourth grade is truly lucky to have him. Beth Lman, thanks for the arrow, whoever put it on. Um, Allison, I think it's Jagger. >> Yep. >> Special ed teacher. Allison is exceptional in her role as a special education teacher with Little Falls students. in the connection she forms with students and their and their families and in the dedication she displays in the individual directory of educational plans to fix their social, emotional and behavioral and academic needs and goals of our students. Thank you Allison for all

094you do. Annalie Vandenberg Kyla de Roer, secondary teacher. Kyla goes above and beyond to make sure her students are successful, safe, and feel comfortable in their learning environment. Her care and effort is amazing. Whitney Tony, Julie Alone, a wind teacher. Julie is a team player. She steps up to the plate when needed, communicates her ideas, and shares her resources. A real MVP from Carol STEM. Ai Bakula. Avi is a great advocate for her students. She is great at communicating with families and collaborating with classroom teachers from Whitney Tumi. She's a special ed teacher. Rachel Kota, science teacher. Rachel is a constant reminder of the positive impact educators can make for their students. She goes above and beyond to ensure all students grow academically. Her caring attitude is what all educators should strive to implement. Nick

095Mills, Marissa H. Hammond, a math teacher at the high school. I would like to to thank Marissa for her creative ideas about strategies our department can use to promote MCA readiness. Her recent idea was to create a gallery walk for students in the hallway each week. Steve Whitkkey. Here's a nice one all typed out. Ryan Tennel, middle school band teacher. We are fortunate as a district to have a teacher who is deeply passionate about helping students achieve at the highest level while also ensuring they feel valued and cared for as individuals. Ryan is an outstanding role model and educator for the young adults in our schools. In addition, Ryan has dedicated an exceptional amount of time and effort to preparing the eighth grade band for performance at the Minnesota State Music Convention, an honor achieved

096by only a few select schools. Preparing more than eight pieces of music with middle school students is a performance ready level is act no small feat, especially for an audience of musical teachers from across the state. Brian has spent countless non-contract hours attending to every detail from selecting music and creating programs to organizing the transportation. His thoughtfulness, professionalism, and experience made him an invaluable asset. Our district is incredibly lucky to have him. Todd Peterson. Nolan Biori, second grade. Nolan has been a wonderful teammate and co-orker. His positive attitude and willingness to jump right in is where everybody needs where everybody needs is awesome. Whitney Tuni, Brittany Norberg. Um, thank you Britney for all your hard work in the ECF program. This year there have been changes and new expectations, but you still show up every

097day with a smile. Thank you for your positive attitude from Kayla Ruber. Logan Gold um says he's a student. Thank you for taking the time to join us on the gym site visit to Lassour Henderson. We appreciate you giving up a day off from school to learn more about this project and share your perspective. Greg Johnson, Christy Holidayiday, the director of CEC. Christy is my boss. She keeps this place going. She is constantly communicating with students, families, staff, the district, and the high school staff to make sure every student is getting what they need to succeed at school. She is the best. From Nick Czech next. Oh, I do have I want to put an extra reminder. I know Greg did. Uh it's two weeks till Flyer Fest. We're still looking for some board members

098or more staff to pitch in and help. The money comes back to our district. >> Ice fest. >> Yeah, for ice fest. >> Ice fest. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> All right. So, we got Angela Budc, ECF teacher. Angela, your passion for family education is amazing. Thank you for trying new things and supporting all kids and families. Thank you for being so positive. Kayla Gruber, Maggie Ruby, special ed at the middle school. Maggie goes above and beyond to meet her students ac academic and personal needs. She rout routinely works through lunch, works with students during advisory while still meeting the needs of her own advisory and works afternoons and evenings to help students keep up with their work. Her compassion is amazing. And Gravy Marissa Hammond, high school math teacher. Marissa shows consistent flyer pride

099by showing up well before contracted hours start to make sure that she has everything ready. This ensures another day of meaningful learning for her students. Marissa does this every single day and she deserves to be recognized. Joey Leonard, Kobe Grant, High School Counselor. Kobe brings exceptional dedication, compassion, and professionalism to our school community each day. Her positive energy, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment to supporting students, families, and staff make a lasting impact on everyone around her. I am truly grateful to work alongside her and to witness the difference she makes. Shay Ekertton. Don Alto, middle school art teacher. Students love to take art as an elective class. Miss Alto is always kind, encouraging, and positive. According to one of her students, she will always find something good about your project. Lorie, Kelly Kilinowski, science at

100CEC. Kelly has been so welcoming to me in my new role at the CEC. Her guidance, support, and time given are deeply appreciated. Her positive attitude and life spirit are contagious. Jan Reer McKenna Anz Middle School social studies. McKenna is always looking for ways to help and has provided our social studies team with great ideas and resources. As a web coordinator, she keeps our team organized and is constantly bringing fun ideas and ways to give back to our students. We are lucky to have her. Kyle Con Eric Lubla, high school teacher. I'm so proud to work with Eric Lubla in our department. He is open to new courses and experiences for our students. He took on the CDL class, now the Habitat Project. His flexibility and professionalism along with wanting to help students gain real

101life skills is amazing. It's a lot of work for him, but he does a great job. Jana Nagel Tresa Gesville, BC special ed teacher. Tresa's love for her students every day shows in the relationship she builds. She is growing going back to school and being a great support for her students at school. Lauren Martinson Brad, teacher, coach, community leader. Brad's commitment to Little Falls community is absolute. His leadership within the schools, youth and high school sports and the broader community is steady and resolute. He is a man of genuine integrity. I am proud to call him coworker and friend. Joe Boss Carla Holland Peret Lindberg. Thank you for all the help you provide in the classroom. Your dedication to creating engaging learning opportunities and sharing inspiring ideas that make a real difference for our students.

102Peggy Rex. Stacy Jurick, special ed teacher at the high school. Stacy is an exceptional leader in our high school special ed department. She consistently goes above and beyond for both staff and students. Stacy selflessly gives her time and resources to enrich the lives of others and leaves with genuine care and compassion. Stacy ensures everyone feels valued and supported, making her a true example of flyer pride. Heidi Larson is Steve Lkey, mathematics teacher. Steve Lkey is a remarkable teacher that goes above and beyond to make learning memorable and meaningful. He's invested in all his students and pushes them to engage with complex topics. Often he plans exciting activities to make math topics click with his students. He loves getting students to talk, think, and collaborate. Way to go, Li. Your kids appreciate your passion for math.

103Peter Master Chub. Community members, tour participants, thank you for taking the time to travel to Lassour to see the donating facility. Your sacrifice of time is greatly appreciated. Mark Deal and Abby Delberg. Students, thank you for taking the time to join us on the gym site visit to Lassour Henderson. We appreciate you giving up a day off from school to learn more about this project and share your perspective. Greg Johnson. And then I just have a couple things. Um, speaking to Mr. W up at the middle school, they've been busy. They've got lots going on. They had their second dance. Uh, staff felt it was one of the best for participation and behaviors. kids were really great. Um, they have to have good standings and attendance, uh, grades and behaviors to attend. So, they were

104super proud of their kids and it was just a great thing. Um, this morning they honored their academic all-stars. Just under 200 kids had five or more A's in their second quarter. So, >> doing super. Um, our eighth grade band will be playing in the Commons this Thursday and then off to St. John's for a full day of music and a chance to record their music. So, they're super excited they get to do that. >> Um, last week the eighth grade registered for their high school classes. >> So, wow. [laughter] Uh, and they are continuing to work hard on their flyer pride and they start each morning in the comments as a whole school reviewing their character and staying in touch. Lots happen. >> That's true. >> I'll start with my news, too. I met

105with Janna uh last week. They have been extremely busy at the at the preschool program. They have several open spots yet for early screenings if there are any families out there that need to do some early screenings and they're already planning for prek and kindergarten registration nights. So those are coming up quickly. Um the preschool program is in their second year of TDS gold and that's going very well. Um in addition they this is their first year of creative curriculum I think is what it's called creative. Um, and the way Janna explained that was so wonderful. They have lots of local businesses coming in and doing lessons with the preschool kids about um, you know, she had like an electrician come in and they talked about light and electricity and all of that. So, kids

106are kind of tying local businesses and professions into their everyday learning. So, it's I like to see the community engagement um, and also bring some more family engagement in as well. um they've had some mystery readers and um they they have their first holiday program this year as well. >> And then I also met with Mr. Dobas and I want to give a giant uh shout out to Lindsy Bomb and the um the team over at Lincoln that put together the I love to read month. You guys have got to go to Lincoln and see their decorations. They are doing a um theme this year of Candyland and um they have little board pieces all over the floor and the kids are moving their their pieces along the wall and they're very engaged over there

107in this candy land. Um and I should tell you that my little Henry is very excited to put a pie in the face to the bald guy. [laughter] >> Who would that be? >> Mr. That was the comment he made. an honor to have [laughter] do that. >> They have to meet their goals. >> He's working really hard. [laughter] >> It sounds like kindergarten registration is night is scheduled for March 2nd. >> Um and they are working on um piloting four different reading curriculums over at Lincoln and they have it narrowed down to two. So now the work really really begins for them. Um conferences are this week. Um yeah, that's what's going on over there. Okay. Nick Abbott, teacher and coach. Nick consistently goes above and beyond for his students and athletes. He gets

108the best out of everyone and always wants to make sure we are doing the right thing for the people. Jordan Leiser, Jeremy Statam, physical education teacher at Lindberg. Jeremy has been incredibly helpful this year. He is easy to collaborate with, open to new ideas, and brings strong enthusiasm to his work. His positive energy makes learning engaging and enjoyable. He consistently goes above and beyond both in the gym and beyond it. I truly could not ask for a better colleague to teach alongside. Michelle Bring, Julie Elholm, Carol Stump, Amy Blue, and Melanie Bros. WIN teachers. Shout out to our wind teachers for their awesome work administering all of the midyear assessments, actively participating in data meetings, and forming student groups based on need. Your dedication is making a real difference for our students. Chris Dobis, Heidi

109Larson, special education teacher at the high school. I would like to recognize Heidi Larson for starting and maintaining the Care Closet. She has done this as a volunteer for over 12 years. This program has helped thousands of students and families in our district. Care Closet provides everything from toothbrushes to Christmas gifts. Heidi never says no. She does this um on top of teaching full-time without pay. Stacy Urick, Angie T-shaper, uh EC special ed teacher. Angie's patience and compassion are a breath of fresh air. Always a smile on her face, even through hard days. Laura Lauren Martinson. Kayla Young Bloom, uh, behavior interventionist. Kayla has made a world of a difference at the middle school. She is approachable, consistent, fair, and firm. The strategies used are data driven, and effective. She continues to change these strategies

110as needed and adjusts to support our students. Kayla has a caring and compassionate heart and is always checking up on staff and students. We are incredibly fortunate to have her as an office team member. Jessica Janssky, school counselor. Yep. Okay. Karen Warner, art teacher, MFP advisor. Karen spends many extra hours outside of her teaching day recording events with FMP for the flyer activities so others can watch music concerts and sporting events from home. She is a fabulous colleague who is always willing to help others is friendly and positive. And I appreciate all she does recording our concerts, leading our CAP team for arts and music and the extra fundraisers and work she does in helping lead the art club on their summer trips. She wears many hats and gives her very best in all she

111does and we are lucky to have her as a teacher in our district. Noah Larson an Thorne a CEC English teacher Ann's biggest strength is her ability to connect with students and create long lasting relationships. She has a great way of pushing students to just beyond their potential and helping them grow personally and academically. Christy Holiday Melanie Brown, middle school math teacher. Melanie has embraced the spirit of the middle school. I don't think I've ever seen her without a smile on her face. Moving from an elementary to the middle school isn't always easy, but Melanie has found her place not only in the building, but as a positive member of the math department. Lorie Shoik, [snorts] Sha Edertton. I want to give a shout out to my colleague Sheay Edgurtton. Uh she is a team

112player, works incredibly hard and consistently supports students on a daily basis. Her dedication to students and communi and communication with staff make a difference every day. Our student services team and our students are better because of you. Thank you for the job you do. Becky Abbott Lingast, language arts teacher. Lynn is an essential part of our middle school team. Her leadership within her department and AVID ensure that her students and co-workers get the support they need. Thank you, Lynn, for being someone we can all count on. Rachel Kota, Jonathan Larson, Middle School Social Studies. Thank you, Jonathan, for being a kind, caring colleague and a great teacher. It's fun to see you banter with the students and the creative projects they have done. I appreciate you, Sarah Phillippy. Melanie Bros, Lincoln wind teacher. Thank you

113for being a valuable part of our wind team. You do a great job of sharing your resources and insight with our team. Amy Blue, >> Tony Catherine, special education teacher, Lincoln. Tony embodies flyer pride in every way possible. She is a fantastic teacher and I feel fortunate to call her a colleague. Tony always has a solution to a problem and is willing to help. Always. Thank you, Tony, for the support and energy that you bring to Lincoln Elementary. We are so fortunate to work with you. Brett Chicowski. Tony Bergman, fifth grade teacher. Tony consistently brings positive, enthusiastic attitude to the team and is always willing to step in and support others. Peggy Rexstead Jenny Tax, early childhood special ed teacher. Jenny has a big help has been a big help giving up time to help

114out when needed. She always has a lot of evs on her plate and her organization skills are an attribute I greatly admire in her. Lauren Martinson, Joel Guth, school readiness teacher. Joelle makes such great connections with students and families. She's a great sounding board when you need advice. Her love for her job and students show through her teaching. Lauren Martinson. Jennifer Peter, special ed teacher, high school. Thank you for being such a reliable, positive presence at work. Your teamwork and dedication don't go unnoticed, and I truly appreciate working with you. Kristen Hook, Rachel Kota, uh, teacher. Rachel has a tremendous impact on the culture of our building. From being the first one in the building every morning to her tireless work with the AVID team, her dedication is unmatched. Rachel balances a passion for science

115with a fierce advocacy for student success. She's a leader, a mentor, and a wonderful human being. Lyn Wast. Nick Czech, CEC, social teacher. Czech is a great is great at building relationships with students. He is always ready to talk fishing, history, or just about anything else with students. He keeps a positive attitude while teaching and truly cares about his students. Sarah Salo Nick Mo, middle school math teacher. Nick is an amazing mathemat is an amazing mathematics teacher. Mathematics teacher students enjoy going to his class and are engaged in his lessons. Nick is also an awesome colleague as he is always cheerful and willing to help especially with technology. >> Lori Shek Lori Shek >> Joel Leonard, high school math teacher. Joey does an amazing job getting his students engaged in learning math. He consistently is

116creating innovative lessons to show his students that math is cool and everyone can learn it. Joy deserves recognition for his hard work, passion for helping kids learn and forming connections with his students. Marissa Hullman Jeremy Statam, FIAD teacher, Lindberg. I absolutely love hearing about Mr. Statam's creative FIAD units, specifically midnight bowling. His student- centered approach fosters engagement, creativity, and a sense of fun while promoting physical activity. It's clear that he goes above and beyond to make learning memorable and meaningful for his students. Kelsey Herzog Grace Nagel SLP at ECC. I love your sense of humor, your organization, and your dedication to the students you serve. You make great connections with our students, their families, and the staff. Loren Lauren Martinson. Men Youngberg, student, thank you for taking the time to join us on the gym

117site visit to Sir Henderson. We appreciate you giving up a day off from school to learn more about this project and share your perspective. Mr. Johnson, Jace Ruby, for being so helpful during the preparation and performance of the second grade program. Thank you for the support and for sharing the gym which doubles as a performance center. Jamie Fuks, Sarah Shaw, Art at Lincoln for being such a such wonderful support in December for the second grade program. Thanks for making the backdrop, helping with rehearsals, and providing assistance in so many ways. Jamie Fuks, Beth Overton, teacher. Beth shows kindness, support, patience, and love to each of the many students she encounters. You can feel Beth's warmth and positivity in a single conversation. Matia Baker, Melissa Bird, fifth grade teacher. Huge thanks to Melissa for her enthusiasm

118and constant willingness to support our team. You make a difference. Peg your extent. Karen Warner, Flyer Video. Because of Karen, we are able to watch Flyer activities at home. Karen teaches art full-time, but a considerable amount of time is spent after hours. It is like another job because it is for the entire school year. Annie Krauss Reese Becker, student, thank you for taking the time to join us on the gym site visit to Lassour Henderson. We appreciate you giving up a day off of school to learn more about this project and share your perspective. Craig Johnson. Allison Henderson, school readiness teacher. Allison is a natural leader. She leads by example with her dedication to our students and our center as a whole. She has done a lot of work mentoring younger staff and sharing materials

119and knowledge. Lauren Martin Sarah Philippine LA teacher. As a young teacher, Sarah has taught me how valuable it is to trust myself as a teacher. She's a strong advocate for staff, but most importantly students. Her commitment is shown in the countless moments where she listens, supports, and follows through. McKenna Aness. Sarah Salo, teacher CEC, you do such a great job connecting with our students. Math can be hard for them and you have a way of teaching it for students to understand. Kelly >> Kellinowski, >> thank you. Kelly Kelanowski. Jordan Leer, math teacher at the middle school. Jordan is a dedicated teacher and always willing to serve on committees and take on leadership roles. Our students and staff benefit from his energy, knowledge, and willingness to collaborate. Lorie Sheek, Jan Reer. Jan has been a wonderful

120addition to the CEC. Her unique ability to provide a safe landing space for our most challenging students is unparalleled. She willingly shares her knowledge with the staff and keeps laughing with her quick wit. We are better placed because of her. Anne Horn. Crystal Orman. Crystal is amazing with our kids and always dependable. She does a great job advocating for student needs while still holding high expectations. She's been a great addition to Lincoln. Abby Pakula and Annalie Vanhoo. Annalie is always available to support our students social and emotional needs as Lindberg social worker. Her positive attitude and caring nature make a big difference for our students every day. Elizabeth Overton. >> Okay. Any other business to come before the board? Any other teachers not get a flyer pride? >> That's awesome. >> Outstanding. >> Okay. All

121right. Hearing none. I'd like a motion to adjurnn. >> So move. >> Motion by Dan. A second. >> Second by Mark. All in favor? >> I. Motion carries.