001Let's all rise for the pledge of >> 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. >> I hear a motion to approve tonight's agenda. >> Nikki seconded. Thank you. All in favor? >> All right, >> Steve. Um, >> maybe want to make that Steve >> Steve is joining us over the over phone line. >> Um, at this time is our public comment. I will just remind everyone of a few details. you want to state who you are and then you don't want to mention any faculty or students names and you are limited to three minutes. So at this time we welcome any public comment. >> I guess I'll go up first. >> Okay. My
002name is Ethan Czech. Um graduated 2008. Uh recently I was hired. My wife was just hired, but um spoke to the high school principal and I would like an opportunity to start a group at Houston High School called uh Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Uh it's a Christian non-denominational group that typically meets before school um or after school depending on what the students want. But the reason I'm here tonight is just to make you aware that I did have a conversation briefly on the phone with Mr. Oh, sorry, I can't see. Sorry with with the high school principal. Um, and locally, you know, um, Calonia has one. I'd work directly with the regional director. His name is Jimmy Weslin from Calonia, uh, with FCA, but I'd like to do that in Houston to, um, start a
003group because I run the group in Lewon, and obviously I've transferred, um, someone to take that one over, but, I'd like to start one in Houston. >> Thanks, Ethan. >> Yeah. >> Any The floor is open. Any other public comments? Seeing none and hearing none, we'll move on. Do I have a motion to uh accept tonight's consent items? >> Nikki, >> I'll second. >> All in favor? >> Now with me. >> Thanks, All right. Uh discussion items. Hurricane Hero Leah Stenson is joining us virtually. >> Yes. Hello everybody. >> Hello everyone. >> You want to see everybody in the audience too, Leah? So you can see who your staff is to support you. Claire's like, "Oh, don't do that." Right. >> Um so so those of you who don't know Leah, Leah Stinson is our
004head of operations and she works behind the scenes. She works behind the scenes for our whole entire Minnesota Virtual Academy um which is about 2,800 students and she makes sure their platforms are up and operating. She works handinhand with the teachers um and also with William who is also online tonight as well. Um and so sometimes those jobs go unnoticed but Leah you are not unnoticed and so you're going to painfully have to sit through a few um things that have been written about you from our team. So just hang tight. Okay. Um Leah serves as an essential link between MNVA and K12. She ensures alignment across systems, processes, and communications. A true jack of all trades. Leah brings a rare ability to step into a situ any situation and move the work forward. Navigating
005complex and often unclear challenges with professionalism, steadiness, and a cal and a calm. Her positivity, reliability, and unwavering willingness to support others make her incredibly unique and an asset to all our teams. And that was written. She's here supporting you. I'll show you. That's written by Ashley Brown. She's getting choked up just looking at you. So, there you go. You can't see that. The next one is, I cannot put into words how exceptional of a leader Leah has been throughout this whole entire year and in the past. Through the challenges and maybe sometimes frustrations of this school year, Leah has continued to rise above all and support our staff, students, and our families. You are the heartbeat of MNBA. Your passion, dedication, and determination is what makes everything possible. You're always going up and beyond.
006And it doesn't even touch what Leah does for MNBA each day. That is written by Amber. >> Leah, this would be so much easier if you were here in person. >> I didn't sketch the baseball game. >> Darn Travis. Uh Leah is truly deserving of a special recognition for her outstanding dedication and hard work as our MNBA operations manager. She consistently goes above and beyond to support both families and staff, ensuring that everyone has the resources, guidance, and answers they need, especially when navigating escalations with K12 stride. You approach every challenge with positivity, never complains, and regularly gives far more of your time and energy than is required. Your commitment, reliability, and your uplifting attitude make an incredible difference every day. Simply put, I could not do my job without Leah. She is without a
007doubt a hero of our team. And that was Vicki. All right, we got one more and then I'll do my, you know, verbiage here, too. Leah is a truly deserving of the Hurricane Hero award for the incredible impact she has on our staff and school and community. She is consistently polite, approachable, and always willing to help no matter the situation when challenges arise, especially with courses or technology. She is a person who um everyone turns to. What sets her apart is her persistence and dedication. She does not stop at the surface level for answers. She's willing to dig into reports, investigate issues, and follow through even when others have reached a point of frustration. Leah goes above above and beyond in her role every single day, assuring that staff feel supported and able to do
008their jobs effectively. Her reliability, problem solving mindset, and genuine care for others make her an invaluable part of our team. Simply put, we could not do the work without Leah, and we are incredibly grateful for all she does. And that's your sidekick on my screen to the left of you or to the right of you depending on where she is on your screen. So from Natasha and Leah, I will give you your award in person when I see you on Tuesday at our meeting. But I will just say my favorite part about you that makes you a hero is you will always do what's best for our kids and our families. And that to me, number one, >> have a ROUND OF APPLAUSE. YOU CAN GET BACK TO THE baseball game and go up. Get
009out of your car or wherever you're at. >> And let's listen to what William has to say. >> Oh, okay. >> All right. We'll carry on now. Uh, at this point in our meeting, we have the student schoolboard report brought to you tonight by Claire Ray. >> And we also have students online >> and students online. And also Gray and Beckman's at that baseball game as well. >> All right. We'll let Claire if you want to if you want to start and then our students sometime of the year will go. >> Um so not a whole lot with um so student council we are starting to plan for spring playing which will be April 20th through the 24th the dance the 25th at the hub from 6 to 10. Um so we're really excited for
010it especially the eighth graders as this is the dance we kind of let the seventh and eighth graders have and they planned like the coordination and kind of stuff. So for the council office or eighth graders, they enjoy it because it's kind of like their time that they get to voice their opinion. We should do this or that. So, they're really excited for that. And then on March 17th, we went to the nursery home for St. Patrick's Day. It was really fun. Again, they made us different treats, like St. Patrick's treats. So, it was really fun. We had a blast. And then honor society, we are still planning the spring cleanup. We are still form. So if anyone has any spring clean up they need help with you can either I know the form paper
011is still online or then can contact Mrs. and that will be on May. And then prom planning is underway. Really exciting. And that is May. That's really it. >> Okay. Um Tracy or Natasha, if you want to introduce your leadership team or if they want to introduce themselves or I don't know. I know Tracy, you met with them prior, so you're a little nervous to talk tonight. Thank you for being here, but go ahead. >> They're ready. So um this is our online um student leaders that I have Bristol Horsel and London Nhard and Fatima Ishki. So this is the last you're going to hear of my voice because this is our leaders and they are going to take it from here. >> What's going been going on in our school kids? Um, if Bristol
012wanted to start us off, that would be great because I feel like we kind of work well like we all kind of work well off of each other. So, you can go first. >> Okay. Um, our main thing that we have been planning lately is seed donations. We have that set up at the Mall of America for MCAs. So, people and students and parents can bring in seeds and then we can donate those seeds. >> Great idea. Um, and to add on to that, uh, we've also been doing a lot of planning with, um, with prom and stuff like that going on. We have been talking about that. Um, and one thing that I'd also like to add is that during our meetings, a lot of the stuff we cover is usually to do with
013accessibility um, on our platforms. And just like for the actual website itself to make it more accessible, to make it easier for people that are neurody divergent or have learning disabilities or just to make things more organized and make it easier to understand, like to make the material easier to understand and easier to find for people that have certain disorders. And me personally, um I have uh siblings in my family who have ADHD um and and stuff like that. So, I've definitely experienced what it's like to kind of make things more accessible for them, too. Or I've seen my mom do certain things and I'm really glad that we talked about that in the meetings because I feel like that's something that not a lot of not a lot of schools really talk about. Um,
014so that's that's cool. I just wanted to mention that. >> Thanks. >> And then, um, what they were sharing with me, I know they to share this with you as well. Um, these are kids that have been with MMBA for quite some time and they just wanted to share with you what they love about MMBA and why they love it. So, go ahead guys. >> You want to go first? >> Yeah, I can. So, I first started doing online school when CO started and my whole family did. My whole family does online school. That's me plus my four siblings. Um, we have we jumped around to some online schools that we only stayed at for a year. I think we went to like three different online schools before we came to MNBA. And I have
015personally now been at MNBA for three years. I love doing online school. MNBA has just been so supportive and all the teachers and all the students just are the best. I I can't say enough about how amazing the teachers are. how supportive they are, how nice they are, how much that they go out of their way to help the students and how much they make an impact on us. >> That's great. We love to hear positive things. >> Yeah. One thing that I would love to add on to that is like me personally, I've had um mental health struggles at times and the teachers are very accommodating for that. Um like they're very accommodating for helping out when kids have issues. The counselors are great. Um, I've been able to make a lot of like
016like if they get behind on work, they help me with catchup plans. They help me manage my time better. And I just wanted to say how much I appreciate that because yeah, the counselor team is great. Like, everybody is great. And I also have been at MBA for a very long time. I've been there since about seventh grade and I'm a junior now. and I was in online school that was based off of the brick and mortar school I went to when I was in elementary school. And I will definitely say that I do feel like this is much more accommodating than that. And I think there are so many more options for classes and the way that we do things than it was when I was there. And I think that it's just overall
017more accommodating for students than a lot of schools that I've been to over the years. >> I joined M&A since I I've been with MPS since fourth grade. I joined online school because I was I got really sick for like two months. So that scared my mom. So she kept me in online school and my older brother is immuno compromised. So it's better if it's online germs all the time. And I really enjoyed it here. It's much more accommodating than resourceful. >> Well, thank you all for joining us tonight in your positive words. We're we're excited about all your progress and we'd love to hear from our MNBA students as well. >> So, >> thank you everybody. >> Thank you all. >> Thanks guys. >> You guys are welcome to stay on or sign off.
018We have much more ahead of us. Moving on, we have a K12 update from William who is also joining us online. >> Good evening everyone. I'm here. You guys hear me? Okay. >> Yeah, we can as a board. >> Awesome. I'm sorry I couldn't be there with you in person. I did have something already scheduled in Wisconsin. I'm in a neighboring state now at meetings for next week. But um wanted to first say thanks students for speaking out of their happy experience. It's awesome. Um Mary Amber and I have talked in some level of detail just the things that have not been working for uh her team and the local team and she provided a list of I believe four separate amendments to the agreement we currently have. And so uh the first being most
019important because of because of planning uh would be uh fulfillment logistics of computers student computers and uh staff computers. So we're working through uh that item uh writing specs of the laptops that have that happen right now and how do we get all the rest back and then there's three other items that uh we're working through. One is we've heard several months. I'm assuming Mary keeps you guys pretty up to date, but uh on the systems the way that they function compared to what was expected um one of the items to get a little bit into the week is um kind of the overall ultimate control of each one of the systems. So one of them being the SIS, the student information system and the other being the LMS, the learning management platform management system.
020And in previous functions when we had the OS or we had the online middle and high school systems or we used to view um schools such as MDA or any of my other partners never had back door access to that data system. All the data was provided in report. Um and so but seeing what Mary Amber Tasha Katie was my main points of contact have reached out to me for what they need. Um we're we're working through on ensuring that if a new instance or your own separate instance of canvas is put together uh as well as you talked about how they support enrollment locally and then the last one was the operational staff including u and others that that support operations there. So um you know we I think that I could speak for
021our CEO and say that it's was a trying year. has been trying here with a lot of the system updates that we did have. There have been a ton of enhancements throughout this year, including basic stuff as far as login right all the way to now we have a new uh K through2 platform or it's called Launchpad um and I'm sorry not K through 12 6 through 12 and a K through five dashboard. So there there have been quite a bit of enhancements and that's where all of our energy on updates to the Canvas platform uh to make to give these kiddos that are on the screen right now a better learning experience. Uh so those are the real I mean real brief updates. I I'm open to any questions the board have. again come
022to visit with you guys next month as well or anytime that throughout next month individually whatever needs to happen. >> Yeah, that would be appreciated. I'll I'll open uh to the other board members for questions. >> No, we don't have like there's no insert in the packet with Okay. Yeah. No, I don't have any questions to you. Um just to clarify William what the amendments were. I heard one and two. I heard computer fulfillment and system control. What were the other two? >> Um enrollments. So essentially when students after they hit the application process basically when they raise their hand. >> Yep. >> So we have to talk about these details because we just received the language and amendment form. So Katie, Tasha, Amber, Mary and I have to get into the video who's responsible
023for what now moving forward. But when a kiddo raises their hand and they hit that platform that they're directed to MFA staff to talk to the enrollment process. So that's that was one of them. And the last one I believe was to take on the operational staff. >> Uh and so that's connected to current. >> So the operational staff is becoming local staff rather than K12 staff. Is that what you're saying? >> Well, right now what I've made definitely an agreement to is to move toward the first year. Um we have to We have to find what works for your team when it comes to platforms. That has been an ongoing issue. Um, and then there's been a dire or desire to take on the fulfillment, the shipment, the maintenance, and the management of laptops.
024Um, and so we're have done a lot of work with our internal team on how do we make that happen? All of that to, you know, how can we make it happen? But we're just not Okay, this other vendor is doing right be able to work together so that they have the information so it's not fall down. We don't want that to happen, >> right? >> Okay, thank you. >> Does that help? >> It does. Thank you. We want to come back next week. We have a online >> I can schedule time to come out and and if board members want to be able to join, of course. That would be great. You and I can connect. William, thank you so much for joining us this evening. >> Thank you for joining us >> giving
025us an update. Appreciate it. >> All right, moving forward. Old business policies for second reading. I'll lean on our policies committee any >> we talked about it last time. There wasn't really any major changes. So a motion to approve these five policies. >> Correct. >> All in favor? I seconded. Sorry. >> Um Nikki and Lisa seconded. >> All right. Moving forward. New business. >> Oh, I did. >> But you did. >> All right. Uh >> sorry. Sorry, Josh. >> New business. Uh superintendency search. So, we have uh a lot of work ahead of us. I'm not going to go into big details as far as um as far as Mary um leaving the district, but let's we need to handle the task at hand and that is who is her replacement. So, as a board
026we are given three options and uh Mimi and I met with MSBA and seek their guidance. So, our three options presented to us is that we can either hire internally or we can do a limited search which means is that someone um from our board um handles the search the scheduling. Um and then thirdly is what we call a full search committee where MSBA assigns someone does the scheduling and also the listing job posting. So that is what is before us tonight. Um >> to add a little bit to that um and there's a couple emails like some research that we did and some things that MSBA gave us um >> and so >> we the last page is it says when is it too late to start a superintendent search? So kind of at
027the end but we're not too late for MSDA. Um but we if we're going to do that we can't we can't wait anymore. So we need to move forward quickly and get the ball rolling if that's what we want to do. Um they had said that there would need to be four meetings. That's this little summary here. And I think she highlighted them on the page before that as well. Um what they are, but there would be need to be a planning meeting which would probably be next Thursday if we decide to to move forward. And then we would have an interview and interview training and select semi- finalists and then round one interviews and then round two interviews. So, four different times that we would have to get together um to meet. So, MSBA
028would provide the contact to help with the search. They would come lead us through the sessions. Um you can see all the things that they do as their full search. >> Yeah, I I will say um I don't I know that I don't have the time or the ability to handle a limited search. So, if we're going to be reaching out to all available candidates, I would make the motion to use the full search with MSBA as an assistance. Um, they would sign us. Um, do we have any other comments? Also, Steve, if you had any you wanted to add. >> No, I agree with what you just said. I don't I I don't know that you did you make I comment I will make >> I will make the motion that I will make
029the motion that we do a full search and we start planning and scheduling immediately. Do I have a second or do we have any other feedback um as far as if if you wanted to go to any of the other two alternatives? >> Thanks, Steve. >> He's not able to vote because you can't see. >> Sorry, Steve. You're just listening >> because you have to be able to see and hear each other if he's remote. So, >> Anna has corrected us legally. Thank you, Anna. >> I'll second the whole search. >> Okay. So, >> he he's on the screen. Oh, he is here. >> Is he? >> He's on. He's just muted. So, we didn't get >> But that's okay. We'll just go with Lisa. >> So, now we have further discussion. >> It's open
030for further discussion. >> Um, so I think that um first of all, I think your motion should um be very specific that if we're going to hire MSBA to do it that we should say that so that we're kind of triggering >> hiring them. Um, but I didn't know if you guys wanted to. I you know, we've met with MSBA and pulled together the packet, but I don't know if you guys have any questions. I don't um I've been through it quite a few times. It's going to take a lot of effort. Um uh it's a it's a it's a lot of work. It's a big deal. I do think that last time we did it, I mean, Mary's amazing. We got married, right? So um the best candidate whatever that candidate is should be
031our best candidate right so we're just expanding the scope for that and looking for the best candidate and then we know with positivity that we hired the best candidate >> so for the interview training I'm assuming like that's the time that we would like put our questions together >> so speaking on that note if we move in this direction I made the motion we we will want to schedule a meeting for a week from today and MSBA has provided someone to facilitate our scheduling and our planning. So that's where we're going to be and um and that will be a public meeting. So it is a >> I remember last time we had the public help with interviews I I think as like you have some options >> survey wasn't there? >> Definitely a survey.
032Um, I think we maybe had um we had the public sit in on some of the interviews. I can't remember if they asked questions or not, but you have some options as far as how much you want to do in certain areas. >> We can discuss Yeah, we can discuss that. They'll that person from MSBA will facilitate that. That being said, we as board members will all be giving a survey on what we expect and feedback currently and that that facilitates them putting together their advertisement for the position and um so that will be asked us and I believe we're given one week to do that. So amongst us we need to make sure that all everyone contributes that >> yeah if if if they need something it's not going to be oh you have
033two or three weeks to do it. It's going to be you have two days to do it and you need to get it turned around. So um we'll need to make sure all the board members know that and watch for those emails. Any other thoughts? Or >> do you want to adjust your motion or do you >> um maybe you should have made a motion. >> I I just want to make sure that it's clear that you wanted to do the full search with MSBA just so that we can trigger that and start the process. And I just know that you >> I make the motion that we do a full search assisted by MSBA and we schedule a meeting to start planning a week from tonight at 6 PM here. >> My second stand.
034And all in favor? >> All right. And I I urge any qualifying internal candidates to please apply. You want me to turn this off? Anyway, we we are excited to meet with everyone and we'll move forward in a week and anyone is welcome to join us. All right, moving forward. We have resolution for accepting donations. Any volunteers for reading that? Um, all right. So, therefore, be it resolved that the school board of Houston ISD 294 gratefully accepts the following donations as identified below. American Legion Post423 donates $400 to the HOSA student conference. Again, the American Legion Post 423 donates $400 to the student council conference. The Houston Athletic Booster Club um golf um donates $1,740 to the football team. Southern Smok and Chrome donates $815 to the dance team. American Legion Post 423 donates $2,000
035to the basketball uniforms. and the American Auxiliary donates $500 to the sixth grade class trip. Thank you for all of your donations. >> Yes. Thank you all. >> I'll make a motion to accept these donations. >> Second. >> I'll second. >> Roll call vote. >> I >> Thank you. >> I >> All right. Policies for first reading. School district mission statement, public and private personnel data, equal access to school facilities and crisis management. >> All very minor changes. >> Okay. So yeah, >> nothing to move on those but read through them. Board members moving forward. First quarter board pay. Any questions? We've all were previously given it to approve and have a motion to accept it. >> I'll make a motion to approve the first quarter board. >> Nikki Nikki got it. All in favor?
036>> I >> um Okay, moving forward. Schoolboard member resignation. Um we accept Mark Swinson's resignation from the school board. Uh he will be missed. Um I thought he contributed immensely and um he's very active. So um I want to thank him for his time on the board and if he ever wants to jump back in I urge him to do so. So um I make the motion to accept his resation and do I have a second? Second. >> All right, Nikki. All in favor? >> I. >> Thanks, Mark. Um, now we move on to filling this vacancy. Um, Mark also was our board clerk. So, oh, excuse me. I'm getting ahead of the game here. First of all, we need to fill this vacancy. We have a general election in November. This time frame is
037not brief enough. So, we need to fill it. Um, there's many ways to do that. My, we've been in this situation before, unfortunately. My suggestion to board is that we nominate and approve a previously um, elected and serving board member to fill that. That is someone that's already been accepted by the public, by the taxpayers, has experience, and will fill the gap until the general election. And then all interested parties can how many seats do we have open? Three and four. >> Four. >> There's four seats for the general election to properly discuss it and vote. But in the meantime to fill this vacancy that is my motion is that and then I will personally reach out to past members and bring anyone willing or interested to the board. >> So we don't have to
038name someone. We just have to set up. Yeah. >> Well, you need to name >> that. I thought we had to name someone. >> You need that person. >> Yes. >> In the resolution. >> I would uh nominate Tom Stillen to take the spot >> and and write it out till the general election. >> We need to read the resolution. >> Y >> there. Therefore, be it resolved by the school board of independent school district number 294. I'm not going to take Houston public school state of Minnesota as follows. Pursuant to Minnesota statute section 1223B 009 subdivision 5B, Tom Stillin is hereby appointed to fill the vacancy and to serve the remainder of the unexpired term. This the appointment shall be effective 30 days after the adoption of this resolution unless a valid petition to
039reject the appointee is filed with the school district clerk pursuant to Minnesota statute section 123b.09 subdivision 5B within that 30 day period. It is is a good point that if anyone has any problems with that nomination, they do have 30 days to appeal that. So, >> I'll make a motion to accept that resolution. >> Okay. Uh it'll be all a roll call vote then. >> Need a second. >> A second. >> Thank you. >> So, Nikki, Lisa, roll call. >> I I >> I >> Thank you. So, it's 30 days. If anyone has an issue, please stop at the district office. That right there >> Yeah. Thanks, Ann. Um, bus communications update. >> I'm so sorry, folks. Resolution appointing school board clerk. Do we have any nominations to fill the spot? Mark happen to be
040our clerk. I know. >> Okay, I will second that. Um, the roll call vote. >> I >> Okay, motion carries. >> Second person. >> Yeah. >> Welcome to being clerk >> bus communications update. Um, so there's a quote attached to this. This is an amount that we can't approve anywhere else. So, it is attached, I believe, in your packet. Um, we have put it in the budget for next year. So, just so you know, our we are behind the communications. We have some dead spots um within our radios that we currently have on our buses. Um, and we have a a place where we have a tower and we have a repeater and we have all those things out on a a farm that uh one of our local people generously does have and it's
041a great location so we want to keep that location but we do need to update the equipment. Um, Gwen and I went through this um met with the people who came and bid it um and we had put some money in the budget for a van for next year. So, um, instead of doing the van, I propose that we do the communications this year and then next year when that van is out of, um, Minnesota state compliance that we buy the 10 passenger van next year in the budget. Uh, so we always usually leave between 50 to 100,000 depending if we need a bus or a van in our budget. Um, so this would be uh coming up for next year's budget to replace, but I would want to get going on this sooner rather
042than later. It's all new radios of a repeater and a tower out at that local farm we have. >> Is it longterm facility maintenance? >> Um maybe we have to look into that. >> It's supposed to be attached to a building. So I'm not sure. Yeah, >> the the tower we might be able to part of it we might be able to but the actual like buses and the radio part. >> One question if the van situation escalates >> think about that. >> I assume that we could be able to do an emergency funding if the van situation escalated and put force the issue >> because we discussed about adding another all-wheel drive van. >> Yep. Obviously, communication is key, >> but I did meet with the transportation department about that and I said I
043we can't do both this year. So, what do you think is most important? Okay. And this is what they the transportation department decided that this would be the best moving forward. And Steve, if you want to talk about that at all, being that you used to be on the transportation department about our radios. >> Yeah, it's in need of being upgraded. A lot of those radios are 15, 16 years old. I was on bring it to our attention. >> Okay. So, do you need >> a motion? >> Motion >> if you want to or we can put it on May. I just wanted to get it ahead of you right now. >> Does anyone else have any questions for Mary on this? Any other concerns? >> If we want to move, we can definitely move
044if you want it. Um, >> it's a feasible amount. It's expensive, but I assume that sort of thing is expensive. >> Yes. >> I see the code expires 425. So, I don't think we can push it out to >> Yeah. If we don't have a concern, I say we make a motion to move forward. >> Thank you for being >> I'll make a motion to approve the as a second. >> I'll second. >> Um I just want to add that that's how if there is something that's attached to a that we can use maintenance on just quickly analyze that we want to follow the rules but even if it's just part of it it would help right >> we will do that >> all right so we had Nikki and then Lisa second it all
045in favor >> I that way things can get scheduled and move along parameters resolution for elementary school secure entryway been an ongoing discussion and something we're planning to improve. >> Um ju just so the public and everybody is up to speed. Um we had a quote uh we opened bids. The bids came in higher than our resolution that we passed I believe in January. Was it January or February? I don't remember. So we kind of had a timeline. So being that it was over, we had to go back to MDE and get a second approval um for that. In the meantime, we have worked to kind of cut some things, not totally out of there, but some take some things out and put them in different categories and and maybe do them um using some
046of them with like the windows that we had in the quote to use LTFM dollars instead because that was an overall quote. So, originally it was $460,000. Um the bids came in 700 to 900. Um, we're not asking for that much, but rather than going back forth back forth, we are going to ask for a resolution tonight um for 850 knowing that it won't be that much. What we agreed about in the finance committee is that 680 is kind of where we wanted to stay. Um, and so we will drop it down. But tonight, what we need to do is just approve the resolution so that they can finalize the bids and we'll have more exact numbers of the actual costs from the builders because the builder went back and then it's going to get
047really hard numbers for us that we'll have an exact dollar amount. But the finance committee kind of agreed to that 680 and people on the finance committee if you want to add anything to that. But so as you look at this number, this is not this is not what we will spend. This is just so that we don't have to go back. And again, we put 6%. And I know that our percentage that we originally had quoted is way lower than that. But again, this is being on the safe side of everything. So being on the secure side. >> Um I I'll say things were trimmed, but nothing was compromised as far as function and the aesthetics of keeping the historic building. That was also everything was weighed. So, we were all disappointed in the
048bids coming in and it was actively bid by many contractors. So, um but we want to get a secure entrance for that building. Um >> so, we're hoping that we're going to get a bit we're hoping like 680. That's what you said. >> Yep. >> Right. >> We're also hoping I was still hoping about some state funds for entry. >> It's a it's a potentiality, but we can't We have to plan on our own >> without any assistance. >> Just plan worst case scenario. >> So we know the exact number we have to go up for bids and get >> they're working on it right now. So right now the we have a bid that was the active lowest. So we'll go with that contractor and now he's pushing back to get the number down
049as low as he can get it. So he's working with all the subs to have an exact so that we know an exact hour. >> And the plan for when this will happen is >> in the next week or two. >> No, I mean at at the elementary >> June 1st. >> This summer. >> It's still this summer. >> Yep. >> Do we have a communication plan still on this? Like we've talked about like just knowing that we're starting June 1st. Like as soon as we have this have this finalized, we're going to check on that. >> Yeah. I wanted to do that like two months ago. >> I'm just asking. >> No, good point. >> Yes, it's still on. I had it on for to go out into communication and then I told because
050we didn't even know if we could do it at that time, so I pulled it off. So, yep, we will. >> Good point. Do we have anyone any other questions? Steve, did you have any questions? >> No, I don't. >> All right. Any uh resolution? Yeah, just one more thing is that um you know this was one of the big things that we wanted to do in the past and I want to say that the >> like $6 million or whatever before and so um because it included like an elevator and all of these other things, right? And so we've just been very pointed to get this down as reasonable as we can but yet achieve the goal of having that safe and secure entryway at the elementary. Um so >> yeah, >> that's why
051we are doing this. considerable discount from what we were originally looking at. >> Yeah. Creativity and ingenuity was able to provide that in this facility in in the elementary. We needed to make it a full-on addition >> for anyone. Any questions from the public and reach out to us board members. We're excited about the addition. >> Any other willing to read the resolution? Yeah. Which part needs to be official? >> Yeah. I was I was struggling to find the exact words you don't get to read. I would just say be it resolved just on page two like this one. >> 4. Well, >> let's correct it. >> No, that's saying that that's what we did on February 5th. >> And it go if it goes down here, then it goes down to the not to
052exceed 850 right here down below. >> Yep. Right down here on number four. So you want the be it result and then the number four item or I would say be it resolved. We're going to amend number one of the four 460,000 that was originally on February 5th, 2026. And we are going to move the board hereby then authorizes and directs. We can then go down there. Okay. Be it resolved by the school board, the board of independent school district number 294, Houston public schools, Houston and Winona counties, Minnesota. The district as follows. Number one, amendment and restatement of prior resolution on February 5, 2026. The board adopted the resolution, the prior resolution, stating its intention to enter into a lease purchase agreement series 2026A in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed 460,000. The
053board hereby amends and restates the prior resolution as follows. Uh number four, procedure for review of proposals and selection of a purchaser. The board hereby authorizes and directs the superintendent and any board member, the authorized officials with the advice of the municipal adviser to review proposals and select the bank based on the recommendation of the municipal adviser and the following parameters. The par amount of the lease shall not exceed 850,000 and the true interest cost shall not exceed 6%. >> Thanks, Lisa. I will second that motion or I'll make the motion. Second. >> I'll second. >> Okay. It's a It's a roll call vote. >> I Let's just hope the it's coming in as low as possible. >> If they don't recover this back, right, that's fine. We We'd have to bring it back. And
054then the other still do have to we're really hoping by tomorrow um we also have to have a department of industry approval yet. So we're just trying to stay again just kind of stay ahead of the game once we have to go back then and have it all ching ching ching. and we'll try to be as transparent to the public as possible. >> Anna, did you get everything we need on that for that paper that we have to submit? >> Um, important events on the docket. We're active into spring athletics right now. >> Yep. Today was a big exciting day of the career day at the elementary school. Um, I wasn't able to make the right, but I there and kids were super excited. All the different careers and local businesses um there and um
055the students were super I was just up in the third, fourth and fifth grade hallway, sixth grade hallway, but they were super excited. I don't know Kathy if you have anything to add there but >> they enjoyed it immensely >> and the time spans were actually perfect so nobody would get bored and wouldn't get >> the chicken for a big >> yes >> especially since we had chicken at lunch today so then it was the chicken's watching me eat the chicken >> well one of the kids came into the fourth grade classroom and they said well we're advertising we're doing marketing and I'm like well that's marketing that's that's good of that company that came in did that. So, it was it was fun fun to see that. Um, also on Saturday is our um
056day here u with the family um >> family. >> Yep. Yep. And that starts at 9 to 11. >> Um so that's good. Uh we also have National Honor Society this weekend. Um and so that will be um for MNBA. Um so that will be up the Mall of America. And then we have like the students talked about, we have MCA testing coming up there. And then they're also doing um community events, uh gathering the seeds and doing different just kind of like these guys are talking about their spring cleanup day. MMDA is trying to do things um similar to um give give back to the community at large and how do we reach the whole entire state. So very creative um planning. Thank you principal. So I know you're still online um so thank
057you for all that work on that. seeds. Are they taking donations of seeds? >> Oh, yes, they are. You want Do you want me to bring some up? >> Sure. I can >> You can drop them. >> Thank you. >> We will take them. >> There you go. >> Yeah. So, spring's busy time, busy planning. Um, principles are busy planning, putting together a whole entire process of re-registering and building schedules for next year and our goal is that all students will have a you know rough draft of their schedule for next year by the end of the school year. So the principles of working really really hard on that and we have six student teachers right now. So that's been fun to We have a new one that just started with us in the math
058department only here for a few weeks, but that's always fun to get those student teachers in our buildings and people after prom chicken. >> Oh, we have we have overund what 120 students, Mr. Min 119 students signed up to attend Central Lakes College on Saturday. So I'll be at Central Lakes College on Saturday. So um for one of our OB and then that partnership with that college. So that's exciting. That's the biggest number we've ever had in my five years here. So excited to meet those 12 kids and feed them lunch. >> Anything else that you guys want to add from online or any of you admins that are out in the audience that want to share anything online? No. I would say registration. >> I could just share that we've done um a lot
059of interviewing and we've got some new positions um for next year due to the growth that we have and we're wildly impressed with the candidates that we have had to come and join our team. Um, we've got some amazing people that are have years and years of experience that are coming to MNA next year and I just so excited. >> But it's I think it's a testament to our school and our district that we have as many applicants that are looking um to join us as we >> Thanks, Katie. I would just second what Mary said. We're deep into the scheduling to try to build that master. Right now, we're kind of meeting with those students that either gone or didn't complete their registration so that we have a trying to get a true number
060of what our kids want. So, we try to make sure our students are getting what they want from our school, whether it's classes here in person, if it's a PSO course or current course. It's just been interesting to see the students coming to meet and then they start looking at the board. They're like, "What if I did this? like you can't because of that like oh that come. So it's just interesting to see them talking and looking for themselves but then also being like wow it's kind of like this massive puzzle that you guys are working on. So it's just kind of interesting when they come in the last couple days we're trying to last things that they want. >> Do you want to talk about your moose? >> Oh sure. So our um >>
061not not an actual moose. >> Never know Michael. >> Uh so so one of the partnerships that we've had through MNBA is to partner with Barnum Public Schools and Willow River Public Schools which is just south of the Loop Club 535 perhaps 235. And um and right between those two different districts, Willow River and Barnum is Moose Lake. So, there's this um long-term care facility called Boo Lake Village who we partner with and we have uh students that are doing their labs from both Barnum Public Schools through MNBA, Willow River Public Schools through MMBA and then other MNBA students from the area that are doing their labs in that Moose Lake facility. So, they're doing their labs for the CNA, the PL for the the clinical nurse assistant program sort of. >> Thank you. I
062appreciate that. So the CNA program um and it's just been amazing because we started uh so we're approximately looking at about 43 students from across the state. So we have uh Loose Lake, we have Anoka, Minnesota where we partner with Anoka Ramsey Technical College and we have Winona Senior High where we partner in this area. So we have students from this area that go there. So, it's been uh just amazing to work with communities and the impact that partnering together has um enabled long-term care facilities like Moose Lake Village to um fulfill their gaps of employment, looking at opportunities for students in that area. So, it's very exciting. And going into next year, we have districts just north of the cities that are interested in having very similar partnerships with very exciting. >> Always good
063to hear positive things. progress. >> Any other comments? >> I was just going to ask, do we know when MNBA's graduation is yet? I know that's on the list. I just was wondering >> May 30th. And then also in addition um just share since we're celebrating here um some really good things happening at MMBA like with our student leadership kids uh talked about our service learning project with um the seeds when we go up to the model of America for MCA testing. Um the kids have put together a seed collection which will be donated to people in need or libraries who have a liveing so we can take them there. So they're collecting that way. Also, um we are doing virtual events. So even kids that are not testing for MCA testing, this isn't a
064a free week for them. Um we are going to seize the moment and this is going to be a week of character building. Um so the kids will be doing some virtual um type of service learning projects whether um you know we're gather brainstorm ideas and maybe write letters to veterans. Um, draw pictures for people in the nursing home. Um, kids can even go and pick up the ditches if they have supervision, you know, with their parents and stuff. So, um, that's our big focus this year with our redefining ready that we are really wanting to build that character piece of our MMBA students. Um, And also um we are currently working on filling our manufacturing position and I'm super excited to share with you guys that we had quality candidates to that applied for
065our position. And the caveat to that is that this is a position that is naturally hard to fill because there's not a lot of people out there with this type of qualification. Um we have some really great applicants. So wanted to share that with you. And in our our manufacturing pathway is growing. So um we're going to send our MMBA students out ready for the world after graduation. That's awesome. So, we that's our goal. >> Yeah. >> Thank you all for your comments. Um any meeting and committee updates? We had a facilities meeting uh prior to the full school board meeting tonight. Um do you want to speak on that at all? Yeah, I guess we just were looking over the list of things for the getting ready for summer. I think this is the
066list that we're bringing next. >> This is just generic. It has to be in MP. >> That's what I thought. I was like it has to be the main project is that elementary school entrance. So the smaller, you know, there's other smaller items, maintenance items, nothing super overwhelming. We've accomplished a lot in the last few years. Um, oh that that spurs my question too that and I don't know Ann if we need to handle it some of the committee seats and positions that Mark held is there any kind of time frame that we need to fill those or um you know we're at a certain stage in the school year that some things aren't already past tense. Um, is there a time frame? Do we need to air out those? >> No time frame on
067that. But I mean, >> so you guys >> My suggestion is what's that >> would the appointee take? >> We can I thought that same thing. We could ask ask Tom if he would like to take those spots automatically. Um, both committees that um Mark was filling already have two members from the board. So those are properly filled. Um, but we also have the uh special ed and QC comp and Mary was going to check into how many meetings are left on >> Yeah, QCOM would only have one more, right? And um special ed are they are they done for the year? This school year in the summer. Okay, >> we do have the summer, but those are things to if you have an interest in filling that vacancy, reach out to me or Mary.
068>> I will two meetings left. >> I will following this meeting. >> Okay, that's what we >> um and just so you know, it is 30 days. You did we did read that resolution. Very true. >> You will not be able to be >> good. Good reminder. >> Yep. >> He could come and listen. >> All right. Any other feedback or >> So, you'll just have to remember that too as you do your superintendent. All of it. >> Correct. You are absent. >> Yep. N are aware of that. >> All right. Without hearing anything else, do we have a motion to adjourn the city? So move. I'll second. >> All in favor? >> I >> thank you all for joining us online. Thank you everyone in attendance. Appreciate your time. >> Good night. >> You
069as well. Yes.