001Exist stage riser. >> [laughter] >> I'll keep reminding you. As long as you light above me the double players. Yes, he's calling you. He was he wasn't he was having trouble. >> [laughter] [laughter] >> He said he's waiting to be let in the meeting. She just sent you another invitation. Can you try that one, please? >> [laughter] >> I hope they're only a dollar fifty each. Dollar gin. Dollar tree. Dollar tree. First of five songs. The other ones I can't find [laughter] out. And I lost them many times when I took my hat off the phone. >> [clears throat] [snorts] >> I'm just going to call him real quick. Okay. Waiting for the host to bring me in to the meeting. Did you check the second one? And she just sent it. >> [clears throat]
002>> It should say here. Yep, should say right here. Can we add people? I searched for people. Oh my god. Hey, I'm just having Hunter. Go forward here. He's actually going to be on here. It's too far. Can you cancel right now, right? Yeah, I'm still here. Can you hear me? >> [clears throat] >> Okay, cool. Hunter's working on it. >> [laughter] >> Oh, it should say right here. >> [laughter] >> Now, add people. >> [clears throat] >> Can we add him and go back on? Sure. Yeah, try that. Here, Susan's going to try that. >> [laughter] >> Did you Susan, did you send him this one? Which one is >> [snorts] >> Let me try this one again. Who are you on? I heard somebody come Oh, that's Susan. Yeah, I'll try too. Okay,
003yeah, we're going to log out. We're going to send this to Can you type in Tony's family address? Oh, okay. Why can't I type in? You did it again. Cool. I'll try the second okay. There it is. Yeah, there were two. >> [cough and clears throat] >> So, can we send it to him? Should be fine. Send it. What if he's going to get a new invitation again? He's going to get a new invitation. Okay, thanks. Um, I don't know why it's not coming through. I'm not sure. He just sent it. Can he get in here? Okay, [laughter] please click and join right now. Say we're here waiting. Waiting for the host to let him in. We have to uh So, can you see him on there? He's able to He's able to use it.
004You have to let him in. Right here. Oh, wait. Okay. >> Now, he's invited. He's invited. You're invited. Can you go to the to the Yeah, I don't know if we're supposed to let him in. Can we click on that one, please? Okay, where's There's one up there or what? >> [laughter] >> What says five guests, one guest, four are leaving? Did you click yes [laughter] that you were going to join? >> [laughter] >> It says waiting for the host to let him in. Click on the one up here, please. Yeah, can you try to refresh and do it again? It says ask to join. He's added. >> [laughter] >> This is the same meeting where we're the same. >> [laughter] >> So, what He says what? He's waiting for the minute up there. >>
005[laughter] >> Here, okay, sounds good. Send me the picture, please. Might just have to have you call me on the speaker. You know what I mean? I mean, I can have you on speaker. Did you send me the picture, Cole? >> [snorts] [clears throat] >> I'm trying. Yes. Who's Yeah, this Is this the host or who's the host? So, does it mean John has to Well, we can just have him talk on the phone. He just did it completely. It's too loud in here. Okay, he can hear me fine. So, you just said have him just go into the board meeting on Facebook so he can hear me and he'll be comfortable. He can do that, too, but then he's not going to be able to see us. Right. How many guys are in the
006meeting? I think it's still five. Oh, sorry. Cole, you're still in there. He's um Hunter's making a new Google Meet. Yeah, okay. Yeah. I'm going to go just to call. Oh, we need Susan on there, too, cuz she's got to screen share. Okay. Sorry, guys. Bear with us just a minute. We're So, we got to put Cole in there. We're struggling to get him in the meeting. Did you send it to him? I'm going to Okay, okay. I'm going to I'm going to end this one, Susan. Yep, I'm off. >> [snorts] [laughter] >> I just keep a point. Okay, send you to another one. So, Cole got one, too? Just now, Hunter? Cole, can you double-check, please? Yep, Cole at DLP one. He was He was a little bit kidding. I sent him a new
007one from the media center. Are you still streaming? Can you click and join Google Meet? Is he in the meeting that has John Yes, but I just created a new one. Okay, I will go to see Susan. Thank you. We're good. Okay, we're good. Tell me, guys. Yes, yeah, we will. >> [applause] >> Streaming's what? Cuz it says streaming. >> [clears throat] >> You want this one to be the >> [laughter] >> Can you see me, Susan? Can you hear me? We can hear you. Yeah, we're streaming right now. >> We can hear you. Yeah. Yes, it says we're streaming. Oh, excuse me. Yep, you're good. Good evening. Welcome to the meeting. Let's call the school [clears throat] board to order. Let's start with roll [clears throat] um roll call. Sarah. Here. Aaron. Here. Uh
008Megan. >> Here. Arch. Here. Jade. Here. Cole. Here. Susan, here. Let's all rise for 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. Okay, [snorts] can I get approval for the agenda? So moved. Can I get a second, [snorts] please? Second. Any discussion? Any discussion? Agenda is approved. We move on to public comments. Susan, still none? Um consent agenda. Uh can I get a motion to approve our consent agenda? >> [clears throat] >> I'll motion to approve our consent to I'll second it. Okay, we have a second. Any discussion? Yeah, we have some discussion on the consent. I'm trying to get to this spot. Where we at? It's three
009three and consent agenda. We're on 3.1. We have consider approval of payment of ISD 289 bills. [snorts] 3.2, consider approval of minutes from our February 11th meeting. Consider approval of minutes for our February 23rd school board meeting. We have contract approvals. >> [clears throat] >> In our contract approvals tonight, we have baseball. We have the head coach of Brandon Johnson. We have assistant coach of Tim Hendrickson. We have a junior high coach of Tom Tom Bergen. Bergman. Uh we have softball. We have a head coach of Mark Hall. We have a junior high coach of Tammy Vanstrum. We have an assistant coach of Jason Matson and Corby Matson. Uh a split coaching. And then in boys golf, we have a head coach of Landon Schultz, a junior high coach of Andrew Erckland. Girls golf, we
010have head coach of Arch Budine. Uh track and field, we have head coach Joe Conrad, junior high coach of Kinsley Torman, robotics head coach John Anderson, senior high knowledge bowl of Rich Fite, and Carly Iverson, ECFE professional. And Then in our resignation retirements, we have an MOU attached. We have Ruby Turbedal, ECFE professional. Elizabeth Mindel, high school social studies. Uh Jerry Nelson, elementary school teacher is retiring. Tracy Ragnarud, special education teacher assessment coordinator retirement. Eric Peterson, high school work-based learning teacher coach. Faye Johnson, dishwasher elementary school. Any discussion? I would like to discuss the uh contract approvals, I guess. Um season's started with most of the athletics. And this is the first we're seeing for coaching approval. >> [clears throat] >> Is that a standard operation, or should we have had approvals prior to season
011starting? Uh yeah, I can answer that question. Usually, we try to get coaches approved before the season starts, and I think that's something that our district has to do a better job, and I'll take responsibility for that next year to get those coaches ahead of time. Cuz yeah, all the season spring season has started. Um and so, I will make sure that we do that in the future. The responsibility of bringing this to the board as far as the list of coaches, the uh hiring for the coaches, I mean, who's responsible for that at this point? Well, I guess >> [clears throat] >> probably the superintendent. I mean, I get the information, and I will um put that information on the school board agenda. Um like I said, the season's already started, so I do
012apologize that we we didn't get that on sooner. >> [clears throat] >> I guess the reason why I'm asking is we're in a spot right now where we're trying to squeeze and cut. And there has been conversations that we have talked about on how we handle our extracurriculars, cuz that's what's costing the district 70-some thousand dollars a year. Correct. Um I think this is some place that we need to look at. It might be What does that coaching look like? Is it head coach only? Are we looking for volunteers? Um As a board member, I would have liked to have more time to look at who's there, what we have available, and how are we going to pay these individuals in their positions. And it's just it's a little bit I feel like it's kind
013of the cart before the horse on us. So, moving forward, is it a possibility that we can look at head coaches only and try to start our cost-cutting moving forward? Right now, is that something that we should look at? I guess I'd like to just kind of throw that out there and go from there. Madam Chair. I think one entity you have to look at, too, is how many kids are participating. And you have to cover how many kids are out participating with the coach, too. Yep. >> You know, and I know baseball has a lot. Yep. And And now you want you know, like you always say, we want what's best for the kids. >> Mhm. So, that's how they go about that. Not saying that we won't have coaches, but I think it's
014time to have uh I mean, I think we are in a spot where we shouldn't be too proud to ask for volunteers. I I got to be honest. I mean, our extracurriculars are 70,000. How can we cut some of that? And how do we go about that? And I think it's something we need to look at, and it isn't going to go away, and you know, include our community, ask for help, help ask for support, so Madam Chair. >> I mean, in March, I'm going to elaborate on the junior high baseball, junior high softball. Um you know, the numbers when they initially came in were were lower, right? Um and I thought it'd be a great cost-saving measure not to have those two positions. However, now we're well over 30 uh for the junior high
015positions, so I do support the junior high positions at this point because I look at the liability issues. We don't have people watching over, somebody swings a bat, hits somebody in the mouth, and it's close in there. So, as far as the junior high positions, yes, I did I, in conjunction with our athletic director, activities director, did look at those potential numbers when they came across. But I understand what you're saying, James, so I wanted to address that, March. Thank you, March. Anybody else have any discussion on that? All right, I'll piggyback off that up bit, Jade. Do we know if we've sent our current coaching staff any type of survey or questionnaire as to like how or if they would be able to volunteer and maybe not be paid for a season or two?
016Um I think everyone kind of knows where we are financially, so I'm just wondering if we've reached out to them to see if that would be something that they would be willing and interested in doing. >> [clears throat] >> Madam Chair, we have not done that, Sarah, but that's something that we can definitely uh put together a survey. I'll work with Mr. Schultz um sometime this week, maybe next week, and we can look at for something for next for next year cuz you know, we're Yeah. >> we're really 2 months into the end of the school year. So, I think it's something that we really need to focus on for next year, and I get where you're coming from. You know, you have the head coach cuz there will be people willing to step up
017Oh, yeah. in some areas, right? Um but I can definitely put together a survey We can put together a survey and send that out to the coaches and advisors. Mhm. That would be for all programs, not just athletics, but that would be the you know, the music and different things like that. I'd say even in the summer activities, I think you probably get some volunteers. Sure. Bless you. Thank you. Thank you, Sarah. Any other discussion? Okay, all those in favor of approving the consent agenda say I, all those opposed say nay. I. I. I. Nay. Aaron? I. Uh Cole? Cole? He's muted. Cole, you're muted. I'm sorry, guys. Bear with me. I Okay, five to two, the consent agenda passes. Um MOU attached. We have a member memorandum of understanding. The MOU is entered into
018by the by the in into by and in between the Independent School District number 2889, Lake Park Audubon, Minnesota, the district and Lake Park Audubon Education Association, the union. Whereas, the union is the exclusive representative of all teachers and licensed staff employed by the district, and whereas, the district and union are parties to a collective bargaining agreement, and whereas, article section three, subdivision two, and sub-section four, subdivision one, require a notice of resignation by February 1st to access the benefits provided by those sections, and and whereas, the parties mutually desire to waive the February [snorts] 1st deadline for the 2025-2026 school year only, and now therefore, [snorts] the parties mutually agree as follow follows. Number one, the union and district mutually agree to waive the February 1st deadline in the article section three, subdivision two,
019and section four, subdivision one of the CBA, which allows teachers who are otherwise eligible for the benefits to submit a letter of resignation after February 1st to obtain those benefits for the 2025-2026 school year only. This agreement is effective once signed by the parties and will sunset on June 30th, 2026. Nothing in this MOU shall be deemed to establish a precedent or practice or to alter any established precedent or practice arising out of or relating to the master agreement between the district and the union. No party shall may submit this MOU in any proceedings as evidence of precedent or practice. Yes, Madam Chair, if I may. Um first of all, we had a retirement letter from Ms. Racknerood. Um and uh met with her and I met with the teacher union as well. In [clears
020throat] our contract, it says we have to teachers have to kind of let us know by February 1st, but you know, something that's we've kind of taken the contract negotiations and put them on the back burner while we go through this budget situation. So, I I support this. No. Okay, I support this decision. There's just that little black part up where like it's showing you guys. I don't know if you want the community members who are watching to Oh, the black part. >> Yeah, to see all your body face. Yeah. The little black Oh, keep going. Keep going. Keep going. So, uh Ms. Racknerood has given a lot to this district, Lake Park Audubon School District. She's going to be we're going to be missed, and she's done done a lot for not only our
021communities, but for the students. She's touched the hearts and minds of many students. So, I do support this. I want to give her credit, too, because in that contract, it says that once you retire, have so many years, there's two things. You can have health insurance until you're 65, and I know Ms. Racknerood was only 45, would still have 20 years left to do that. There's that, but then take that out of there, she um can put in 25% of her vacation days, 25% amount, and that's what uh the memorandum of agreement or understanding is asking. Sick days, not not Not personal, her sick days. Or her I'm sorry, her sick days. Yes, thank you. So, I support that, and I just want to wish Ms. Racknerood uh great experience moving forward as she retires.
022As she happens to be in the audience, I want to put her in the spot, but uh thank you, Ms. Racknerood, for everything you've done for our students and our district. Yes, thank you. >> Thank you. Any questions regarding that? Shouldn't have a couple more years in her? That's a great question, Megan, hey. Okay, if so, moving on, we'll move on to 4.1, donations resolution to accept. Can I get a motion to approve our donations? So moved. Can I get a second? I'll second. Uh I W- uh whereas, Minnesota Statutes 123B.02, subdivision six, provides the board may receive for the benefit of the district request donations or gifts for any proper purpose and apply the same to the purpose designated. In that behalf, the board may act as a trustee of any create any trust
023created to provide pupils of the district with advanced education after completion of high school and the advancement of education. And whereas, Minnesota Statutes 465.03 provides any city, county, school district, or town may accept a grant or devise of real or personal property and maintain such property for the benefit of its citizens in accordance with the terms prescribed by the donor. Nothing herein shall authorize such acceptance or use for religious or sectarian purposes. Every such acceptance shall be by the resolution of the governing body adopted by 2/3 majority of its members expressing such terms in full. And whereas, every such acceptance shall be by the resolution of the governing body adopted by 2/3 majority of its members expressing such full such terms in full. Therefore, it be resolved that the School Board of Lake Park Audubon
024School District number 2889 gratefully accept the following donations as below. And thank you much very much for the generosity generosity. We have CAF at $198 for school supplies. We have Lake Park Fire Department at $500 for art class supplies for barrel firing ceramics. University of Minnesota at $2,000 for robotics. We have Fultz Building set $300 for the school carnival. FM Recreational Incorporated at $50 for the elementary school carnival. Marvin Barberg Robertson Well Drilling LLC, $500 for archery. Lake Park Fire Department, $5,000 for archery. Uh any discussion [clears throat] or we Any discussion? >> Madam Chair, I would just like to reiterate um thank you to all those businesses, organizations, and these individuals giving to our students and our programs. And just you know, the district office has sent a thank you card out to each
025one of those donations. So, uh real credit to Sheri and Susie for helping that through that process. So. We appreciate that. Thank you. Okay, all those in favor say I, all those opposed say nay. I. I. I. Cole? I. Uh the eyes have it. The resolution passes. [clears throat] And thank you for all the donations and grants. We can we continue to appreciate your support. Um we move on to old business. We have nothing in old business tonight. We have [clears throat] new business. 6.1, name Roth >> [clears throat] >> Rothwick, Brose, and Oh, sick. and Maloney. Is that correct? Yes, Madam Chair, it is. as the new school district law firm. Yeah, Madam Chair, we are going [clears throat] to go with this law firm. I know Sarah and I and you and I
026they met with this law firm at the MSBA conference. Um the individual that we have talked to, named Christian Schaefer, does a nice job, and I think he's um their company's willing to help us out through any kind of situations that might arise. So, I I support that. I don't know if there's anything you want to add, Sarah. No, it was a really nice meeting. Honestly, he was very professional and knowledgeable, and has a great deal of experience, his entire law firm does, with dealing with school boards and school districts. And I'm super excited to work with him. I think he's going to be a great asset to our team. I think it's time that we look at a different law firm and kind of move forward as we are a different school district than
027we have been in the past. So, I fully support the new law firm. And Dr. Burke, was you feel comfortable with this law firm? Yes, Madam Chair, I do. Okay, can I get a motion to approve this? I motion to approve it. >> Can I get a second? I'll second. Any discussion? Any discussion? Um we'll do roll call vote on everything tonight. Uh Sarah? I. Aaron? I. Megan? I. Marge? Yes. Jade? I. Cole? Yes, I. And Susan, I. Um motion passes. [clears throat] Uh Rathwick, Rossick, and Maloney will be our new school district law firm. Okay, sub 6.2 substitute teaching long-term substitute rate reduction. All right. Uh Madam Chair, we currently um pay for our long-term subs $220 a day. And our short or everyday sub is $200, which is significantly more than other districts,
028right? Um being a sub is often hard to find that position that person. Um I'm just asking us to consider reducing that as a way of maybe trying to save some money. I think the neighboring districts that we looked at were 165 and we're currently paying 200 uh for everyday sub. The sub costs get to be very expensive for every district, right? I know uh Mr. Wicksel, I believe you had some thoughts on that as well on the sub rate, but I would like to you know, still pay more than the neighboring districts, a little bit more, but I think we can reduce our rate. Yeah, I agree with that. I don't want to go back to where we were, um but I think you know, if we can still be competitive and and save
029money at the same time, I think that's a good call. Dr. Berquist, what are you looking to move to? Well, >> [clears throat] >> I was initially thinking 175 a day, but Mr. Wicksel, maybe you got thoughts on that, and then maybe go $200 for long-term sub. Um which is, you know, $20 less than what we're currently getting, but you know, the students in LPA are pretty good students, and I think the subs like to come to this district from what I'm hearing from the principals and some teachers. So, that's what I would propose. Mr. Wicksel, what do you think on the 175? You want to go I agree that's that's still still an increase from where we were a year ago, um and still higher than what our surrounding districts are, so I'm good
030with that. So, my my suggestion, Madam Chair, is 175 just on a daily basis, and then um 200 if it's a long-term sub. Like if somebody has a baby or or whatever it might be. Any questions for me regarding that? Did we figure what that could project for cost savings? Yep. If If we get them, of course, it's just an estimated, right? The cost savings would approximately be if we went from $200 to 175 approximately $28,000 between both buildings. Which is how much we approximately paid last year. But remember, I want to caution everybody, I if we don't make $28,000 next year, don't say to Mr. Berquist, "You lied to me." Well, you know, we have cold and flu seasons, maybe somebody breaks their arm, different things can happen. So, that alone was 28,000, and
031remember, we did cut the long-term sub that we previously had. That person just subs periodically now. That person does not sub every single day like they have in the past. How many days until the long-term sub rate kicks in? Like 2 weeks, 10? >> It's uh Oh, you mean how many days do they get before they get paid that long-term sub rate? Yeah. Well, if it's I think it's they moved it up to 20 days now. So, but remember um let's just say somebody has a baby, right? They're probably going to use family medical leave, so it's 12 weeks. So, they would We would hire somebody at that rate right away because they're going to have to help with the the curriculum planning and different things like that. Okay. A lot of schools, Megan, what
032they do used to be 15 days. Mr. Wicksel, Marge, remember but I remember that. Used to be 15, right? Then they went to 20. Yep. A lot of districts, what they would do, which I think is kind of mean, is they would put you [snorts] on for 19 days and then take you off so they don't have to pay the long-term sub rate. We don't do that here because I think that's not a very good thing to do. No. So. Thank you. Thank you, Megan. Any other discussion? >> [snorts] >> Dr. Berquist and Madam Chair, the only thing I would suggest is if we have any long-term subs filling positions now and that or that are filling positions coming up here that that have already agreed that they be paid upon the rate that we've
033been paying. Does that make sense? Yeah, they've already made up their minds. They've already signed on. Yep, we're paying what they agreed upon. Yep, I think that makes sense. Thank you. I agree with that, too, Mr. Wicksel. Okay, can I get a motion to approve the substitute substitute teacher long-term substitute rate reduction? I'll make a motion for the reduction to 175 and 200 starting the beginning of next school year. I'll second. Sounds good. Any other discussion? Any other discussion? We'll do another roll call vote. Everybody in favor say I, all those opposed say nay. Uh Sarah? I. Aaron? I. Megan? I. Marge? I'm going to abstain just in case I sub. Sounds good. >> [laughter] >> Good point. It's a good point. Jade? I. Cole? I better do the same thing as Marge, good call.
034I abstain. Uh Susan, I. The eyes have it. Motion passes. Uh substitute long teachers substitute teacher long-term substitute rate reduction will be 175 a day and 200 for long-term subs starting next year. Uh moving on to 6.3 staff travel per per diem update. So, my understanding um and Sherry and Susan might have to help me out with this. Last spring, it was determined that if you go somewhere, you're going to get a a per diem rate of $28, right? If you go to a workshop in the cities, for example, I think what we were paying before was you'd be lucky to get a burger at McDonald's, right? Yeah. It goes into the per diem state calculator. So, you put where you're at. Okay, thank you, Sherry. So, it depends on where you're at in the
035state of what your breakfast, lunch, and supper is going to be. So, it could be 20, could be more depending on what so we went to. Sure, and uh >> [clears throat] >> and this is maybe something to think about for next year, but currently we're paying individuals um I'll say driving bus, they might be going to I don't know, Minneota for a basketball game, for example, and they might just get the money from the or they might get a hot dog and pizza from concession stands, but we've been paying $28 to every single bus driver, right? For for that rate. I'm not saying the bus drivers don't do a great job. I couldn't be a bus driver, but I think it's another cost-saving measure to look at and say, "Look, I don't know if
036we can pay somebody $28 to go when they only spend maybe five or six dollars on pizza and a pop." That's my thoughts, and we can definitely have a motion for this for next year if you want to take a look at this, maybe get some more information on it as the spring goes on. If if before we're using that tool, why would it be that high? Going into Minneota? I mean, or is it just kind of a minimum? is kind of a basic for a a dinner anymore. It It just >> where It gets higher when you go like towards the cities, but 28 is actually in all of the areas up here for dinners like But we're paying people to eat at the concession stands. You know what I mean? And I'm not
037saying the bus drivers don't deserve it, right? But I just want to you know, we got to look at everything when we look at this. So. We're not saying that absolutely anybody doesn't deserve to eat a really good meal when they go and have any other and come out of any part of their pocket, but at this point, we have to look at absolutely everything and make cuts. And this is something that we added what? Last spring. Yeah, last spring. This is This is not old at all. May or something. Wasn't that long. I mean, it's something we could as we get back on our feet and we build our For sure. students and everything back up and we have more funds, we can look at changing it again as well, but in the meantime,
038we have to be cost-saving. If it is that ran the same way if it was an all day activity, so they leave in the morning and they don't get home that till that evening, is it spread So, there's a breakfast and lunch and and a dinner. Yeah, so they would get So, it depends on what time of the day they're there, and if they're there all day, then they can actually All all three of them. All three of them, yes. Yep. What are you proposing we go to on it? >> [clears throat] >> Um I I think we probably need to have a little more discussion on it because I don't want to I mean [clears throat] I I think we need to look at it if we have teachers that go to the the
039cities, you know, $28, is that enough? Is that not enough? You know, that comes out of staff development. But if we have somebody going to you know, just a basketball game, I I think you're comparing apples to oranges right there. Right? So, I think it's more discussion needed. I'll make a motion to table it. Can I have a second? Second. Any discussion? Any discussion? We'll table the staff travel per diem update. Moving on to 6.4 community ed discussion. Oh, sorry, Madam Chair. 6.4 uh community ed discussion um Sherry and Susan, we had a meeting, I don't know, week and a half ago or so, whenever it was. Um I think the discussion was just that you know, community fund the community ed fund is the umbrella, and we have different things underneath that. We have
040preschool, we have summer rec, uh community education classes. We just kind of um talked about that, and we also talked about doing a survey um our community ed. I'm working on a survey that will be sent out to talk about the summer programming because we have some older baseball and older softball. Correct me if I'm wrong, ladies, that we're potentially looking at playing in Detroit Lakes. And my understanding is that it would probably give us, I guess, more opportunities to play a little bit more competitively. But they're looking at signing up through Detroit Lakes. But my understanding is LPA kids would be on the team. Not a combination of LPA, Detroit Lakes, and you know, all those kids. But that's what they're talking about doing. We have a significant deficit in our community education fund
041or community services fund, right? And I'm not throwing anybody under the bus, right? [snorts] But we have to do what we can to try to reduce that deficit because that deficit should not be that high. And what happens is school districts take money out of the general ed fund to try to reduce that rate. But where we're at, we don't have that much money to reduce that rate. So we have to look at everything that we possibly can to reduce reduce rates. Sherry or Susie, would you mind if there's anything I might have forgotten? >> [clears throat] >> I'd like to say when we were last winter at the beginning of the Was it October or November? We were advised to reduce our Was that our I forget. So that advised us on it that
042we needed to reduce by considerable amount in our community ed funds. Yes. >> And that we were over what neighboring schools are spending. By significant amounts. Yes. I think just transportation was part of that, too. >> Yep. That was a big >> Thank you, Sherry. Transportation was part of that. You know, um that's potentially one of the cuts, the transportation for the summer program summer transportation. It's approximate cut of $16,000. Um and that's the summer academy. So we would pick up students in I don't know, Audubon, and then they would maybe go to golf or pony kill soccer or whatever, then they'd come back. It just got to be a lot of extra transportation costs. And And I'd like to say although we'd love to offer to our community, um at this point when we're
043financially struggling, it's just more than we can do. But we do love to It's sometimes it it's hard to get all those kids into those programs cuz I was one of those moms when my kids were younger and I depend on a neighbor or something, but we'd love to operate, but it's we do have to make cuts. You know, something as a kid who grew up with a single mom who was the three boys, I I get the transportation, right? I I I feel bad if kids can't participate in an extracurricular activity cuz the school won't offer a bus, right? I feel bad about that. Um but we have to look at everything, Madam Chair. I say being that our community is fantastic as it is and I both finished raising five kids in it.
044Uh ask your neighbor, I always filled my vehicle. Yep. Um There's no That's just a discussion. There's no I mean >> There's nothing to vote on there. No, it'll be part of the budget discussion. That's That's travel. Okay. Any other discussion on community ed? Okay, we'll move on to 6.5 support Raider Care fundraiser. Yes, Madam Chair. It should be in board docs. The Raider Care fundraiser. I think it's important in this district, I think I we have to do a better job when we have a fundraiser that the school board approves it, right? Because what happens in previous districts I've been at, everybody and their grandma gets hit with, "Hey, you want to buy some, I don't know, pretzel twists? Do you want to buy this or do you want to buy that?" I think
045it's important that we want to support our programs, but there's a lot of businesses and individuals that get hit up a lot in our district. And I just want to make sure that if you're going to do a fundraiser, that's great, but the school board has to know and superintendent has to know. And I don't know if we've always done that. Um so I just I said that we would put this on there and I support this fundraiser on here for um Raider Care. Can we start with the motion to approve it? I make a motion to approve it. Okay, can I get a second? Second. Okay, and then any discussion? I just have one question. I wonder if we track like in like our asks for donations at all, like over an annual year
046to see what sectors are maybe asked more frequently than others at all. I don't know. >> We don't, as far as I know. Megan, that's a great question. I think it's something that we need to implement for next year. Um I don't know, Sherry or Susie. I just don't want a free-for-all for everybody doing fundraisers. I'm not opposed to it, you get it? But I want to make sure that we're doing due diligence for our community and our and our our students and parents. Susie or Sherry, do you have anything to add to that? Madam Chair, is there something in the works right now? With this? Uh well, this is the the Raider Care would like to ask for donations. But before they can ask, we have to approve it. >> That's what they want
047is ask, so it's not approved. Yeah, I did I I They asked me about it. I said I'd really like the school board to approve it. Um anytime we have a fundraiser, I think the school board should approve It should go before the board. But there's nothing set up as to um people getting together and having a a I can speak to this because they came to me first and asked me about it. They have not done any kind of fundraiser or asking for funds this school year. Um but they're they're struggling. They're struggling for activities, they're struggling for arts and crafts. And so one of the teachers that came to me and asked what my thoughts were as a school board member. So I took it to our chair and the superintendent. And really,
048they're not looking for anything huge. They're just looking for the community to get involved and these younger kids and to be supportive of them. So I don't know that it will be like this huge fundraiser like like the winter festival or you know, whatnot. I think that they're just looking to go around to some businesses and community members and asking for their support in the program and donations. Thanks. Yep. Any other questions? I guess the one thing I'd add is as long as it isn't be a text and [snorts] un- not face-to-face type of thing. I just feel like a personal approach. >> a personal approach. I mean, it's only fair. And it also helps train our teacher youth on how it is to have that interaction. I think that's important. I mean, over the
049last umpteen years, you'll get a text with a number asking for our money. Yeah. I mean, if we can improve upon that and make it a learning opportunity also and networking. These folks that are giving, it's they they've earned the right to get to know them the name with the face and have that interaction. So And I guess last piece I would say is we can't forget about those that do know and do do donate. Give back. Our our groups that leave the community to go buy concessions, they need to give back to these. So if we do have any recruitment, which would be great, here's a list of those that have donated to us, let's give back to them. So again, it's important that goes both ways. I have a question. Do we still
050have We used to have a policy where if you did any type of fundraiser, you just had to go through a uh it was a sheet of paper, a chain of command, and and basically it was a principal of the building wherever that was taking place would sign off. Um do we still do that because I I I I don't think we should be approving every single fundraiser. Um you know what I mean? There's so many how many split the pots and stuff every every week at um Are we limiting this to certain type of fundraising or Yeah, I'm not I'm not talking about splitting the pot. To me, that's a little bit different. Sherry, you were going to say something. >> I actually I just sent that out a couple weeks ago. Um that's
051what we used to do. Kind of we've kind of gotten lax with it. So I just sent the form out district wide. Just here's the fundraising form. Just asking people to fill that out, get the the building principal's approval on it, and then who's doing it. Like there's BPA with split the pot, all that. I don't think that needs to be my personal That's why it's in the board approval. Just just like the bigger ones. But we're just trying to get better at that same thing, knowing cuz sometimes you'd go to a basketball game and there'd be two different groups doing split the pot. Or or there would be one game would have three or four fundraising activities going on and the next game would have nothing. Um so we're just trying to get a
052hold a handle on that and just make sure they're all approved and that we're following the right rules. Yeah, Cole, I don't know if you caught that. Yeah, I got it. That and that's what I think we just >> [cough] >> For the most [clears throat] part, I think those can be covered underneath the um a signed document of the building principal because Yep. um otherwise we're micromanaging every little thing that Right. And but I I'm talking more like the big ones, like maybe the Florida trip or something like that because I think it's a also a you're protecting the individual or the group that's running the um running the fundraiser. I I don't want anybody to come and say, "Well, geez, Brooke, what you took $300 out of the $3,000 fundraiser." There's such a
053I right now on this on fraud that I I think it's a way of protecting the individuals and the entities as well. So that's why I look at it, too. >> [snorts] >> That's just my thoughts. I mean, I'll support whatever anybody wants to do. Any other discussion on this? Okay, Shelly, any other discussion? Any other discussion? So, we'll do a roll call vote. All those in favor of supporting the Raider Care fundraiser, say I. Sarah? I. Aaron? I. Megan? I. Marge? >> I. Jay? I. Cole? I. Susan? I. The eyes have it. The Raider Care fundraiser can proceed. Um 6.6 superintendent report. Madam Chair, yes. Um I'm just going to kind of segue into the budget cuts resolution, but first of all, we have a number of contracts in our district with different organizations
054and entities that are anywhere from 10 to 15 years outdated. All right? And I think we I will I don't know if we need to get a committee together and take a look at some of these contracts, but we're potentially losing out because $1,000 10 or 15 years ago was less than $1,000 is today, right? So, um you know, prime example, there's a I won't say the name of the company, but there's a company out there that they're still giving us money that they did 15 years ago, and I think we need to update our contracts. So, I just want to let everybody know about that. I think that's important. Um I think we probably should look at maybe having a policy meeting coming up in the near future. MSBA is coming out with a
055number of policies regarding AI. Um and uh artificial intelligence. I think that's something that's be starting to become very prevalent in school districts, if not already. So, I would like to maybe look at that. I also want to talk about a couple things. Um and I have administrators and and some teachers here. We uh had kindergarten registration, and we have 44 students that are signing up for kindergarten. And my understanding that's the last couple years, which is great news. Um so, I'm excited about that. Uh March 15th, we opened preschool registration. So, that was only like I don't know, 8 days ago. For 3-year-olds, we have seven student seven kids. And 4-year-olds, we have 15 kids. [clears throat] So, you know, we're getting numbers coming in, um which is great. Um trying to think of
056any notes right now. So, if you, Shelly, can just um I just want to say the budget discussion, it's tough. It's tough for everybody in this room. It's tough for everybody at this table. I uh I hate it. Absolutely hate it that our district has to cut up to this amount. Um it's just so many emotions. And um I'm sorry that we're in this position. Because unfortunately, on this list, there's a lot of great great people. A lot of great people who have tough positions. I'm going to work really hard as well as the administrators and the staff, the teachers union group to move forward and try to get a lot of our students back or get more students to come here in our district. No matter what happens, this is a tough time for
057everyone involved in this process. I get it. And I'm just sorry that this is here tonight at this place. I do want to mention though, we have got to make decisions because we have teachers and individuals wondering, "Well, What are you going to do? Where Where do I stand?" You know, I talked to a teacher [clears throat] today who I think could probably get a job like that, right? And has a lot to offer districts. I hate it. I hate that we're losing great quality people. As an example, this teacher. We're also We're going to be cutting the middle school principal position, right? So, we'll have a K-6 principal, a 7-12 principal. But I do want to give credit to um Mrs. Zick for willing to step up and, you know, do different things in
058different scenarios. I know Mr. Johnson, Mr. Meyer are also willing to step up and do do whatever it takes. I guess my idea tonight is you've got information here that you've got. If you have any questions, please ask. Remember, as a board member, you can pull things out, a position out, or a person out to have more discussion on it. I want to remind board members though a couple things, okay? Everything is funded differently, right? Our teachers are funded through general funds. Our access teacher or our WIN teachers are funded through access and title. Um our school nurse and is funded through different I different different things as well. We have uh building and grounds, athletic director. Everything's funded differently. Um so, I do want to mention because I made a promise to to this
059person that, you know, if the school nurse happens to be one of the cuts, you know, we are still and I apologize if I didn't explain this well enough. We still need somebody to oversee that position. And if I didn't explain that well enough, I'll I'll own it, and I'm sorry. We're We're still going to need somebody to come in, whatever that looks like. Smaller school districts have different ways of bringing in the county, for example, to come in. All right? A lot of school districts are making cuts. I'm sure you've heard that. I know I really don't care about the other school districts. I care about here. But what I'm hearing is that people want to know. They want to know, "What are we going to do?" Because they want to start looking. I
060don't blame them. Um so, yeah, that's it, Madam Chair, for the superintendent report. Are you going to push it at all on the 4-day school week? Yes, that was another thing. Yeah, I didn't write notes on that. Here's my thoughts on the 4-day week. I don't think if we're we're ready to do that for next year. I don't. Now, I know as a student, I think and as a teacher, I probably would like a 4-day week. I really would. All right? But I don't think our communities and maybe we're ready to go for a 4-day week. I think we should hold off on that. And you can disagree with me, that's fine. Is it the right decision? I don't know. You know, they say we could maybe save up to 300,000. I don't feel comfortable
061enough that we're going to save $300,000 overall. Plus, the bottom line, and I've said this before, is that if we go to 4 days a week, the people in our district that get paid the least amount of money are going to make less because their hours are going to go down. So, that has been a concern. The two biggest concerns on the 4-day week, the negatives, are the parents with little kids. I get it. You got a kindergarten and second grader, right? What are you going to do on that fifth day? That's been the biggest concern. The second one is people who get paid the least amount in our district are going to lose time. The pro to a 4-day week is, yeah, we might be able to save some money and maybe keep some
062positions. So, that's what I wanted to say, Madam Chair. Thank you for asking. But we did want to look at everything, so that's why we looked at them. And Madam Chair, if I may, too, remember a 4-day week, there is a bunch of paperwork that you have to fill out through the state, including community surveys, which we've already done. Um April would be coming up to if if the board decides that they really want to go down route, you know, I would do the necessary paperwork. It's a packet of about this much that you have to fill out. So, thank you. Sounds good. Thank you, Dr. Dr. Breakfast. Anybody have any questions for him? Just a question about the district portion of the budget that you recently sent out. Yes. >> Um with you saying
063that that middle principal position's going to go, I just don't see that reflected in there. And so, just wondering. Well, um the We're not going to have a middle school principal, but we're going to reallocate some of the administrative duties. So, the potential cuts right there, Megan, >> Yeah. are right on the district underneath the district. Okay. So, myself, Mr. Johnson, Mrs. Zick, Mr. Meyer are going to have to pick up other duties if this is the route you want to go. I don't know if I explained that well enough. Yeah, I think so. Yeah. But we're not going to have a middle school principal. Got it. Cole, any anything you want to add or cuz I feel like I'm leaving you out. No, we're we're good. I'll interject when we Okay. get to the
064budget discussions. Anybody else have any other questions? Okay, well, thank you, Dr. Breakfast. Moving on to 6.7 budget cuts. Uh shall we start with getting a motion to approve and then we can discuss through I will motion. Um I don't know that we should make a motion to approve it. I I I think I'm where I I think I want to go is I want to motion. I mean, we need discussion on it, but I think this evening I think what motion is we have to make some headway here. Um and I feel like we need to look at what least impacts our students today. Um I think we I'd like to make a motion that we put some emphasis on the staffing side of it. Um Yep. I I'm at least this evening we
065have a good hard decision on that. Not not withholding what other decisions can be, but I think right now is put some focus on the staffing side of it and try to proceed forward. We'll open it up to discussion then first and then we'll Okay. Do one section at a time maybe? Yeah, we'll we'll start with one section. Okay. That makes sense. I don't have the full list online. Oh, I'm sorry. Oh okay. I'm just looking at this. Okay. So I'll share with you. Okay, so we'll start with the elementary staffing. Want to read them all off? Do you want me to read them? >> No, I can read them. Uh we have Janna Nelson. [clears throat] Uh read up read the reduction as well. Uh yes, uh 20,000 a reduction of 20,472.11 would move
066to a from a 0.96 to a 0.66. Jackie Godfrey, 0.4 steam, 34,000 reduction, 34,224.80 0.4 Um and it would be steam. Brandon Johnson, a sixth grade teacher, $66,727. Uh a whole position. Megan Cline, $56,168, a whole position, second grade. Abby Nagel, $56,168 a whole position, uh third grade. Isabel Barber, $59,623.09 a whole FTE and that's pre-K. And then we have Jerry Nelson, 100,500 555,000, uh whole position. >> And Madam Chair, just a couple things to Jerry resigned or retired resigned. So that's [clears throat] included in there. So um you know, she's done that so you don't have that isn't I mean, it's a cut really, right? I forgot to mention this as well too and I apologize, Madam Chair. Remember, because we make or the board decides to make a cut tonight, doesn't mean that
067we're not going to continue to evaluate and reevaluate numbers this spring and summer. As I've said before and I heard a good term today, fluid, right? I've been in districts and you've probably heard of this where all of a sudden maybe you get seven second graders that come in and just tips that number, right? Um I just want everybody to know that this doesn't mean we can't reevaluate and look as the as the school year and the summer go on. Thank you. So we can start here, but we can always add back in and maybe we'll be extremely lucky and everybody will have the LPA [clears throat] as we deserve. Um Okay, should we start with discussion in elementary? Uh yeah, can I can I go ahead? >> Yes, go ahead, Cole. Okay, there's I
068appreciate the I really like what's what's going on with the phy ed not seeing um students being limited to, you know, one one one or two or every other day with phy ed. Um So I appreciate that. >> [clears throat] >> And board members and and Dr. Berquist know where I stand on this. I really I'm really proud that we have less than 20 teachers or excuse me, 20 students in a classroom and that's something I'd I'd love this to see going forward. Um So I I would like to see I would like to see two less elementary teachers on this list and then with our with our pre-K uh we've had I I got and and Dr. Berquist already alluded to this earlier. Um That four-year-old pre-K class um in the past few years
069has been around that 40 number. Right now after eight days of registration, we have 15. Um I and Mrs. Brathe Brasset talked about this at the last school board meeting. If we do not have that other four-year-old class, that could be 20 20 less students that that come to LPA because we don't we don't offer that class. So I would and I'll leave it at that for now for discussion, but I would like to see us keep our class sizes at less than 20 because I think that's a selling point and that means two less elementary teachers um on that list and uh our pre-K uh position staying on there. Cole, I'll piggyback after you. Which which two classrooms would go over 20? Sixth, second, or third? Uh if we had two second tech two
070second grade or excuse me, [clears throat] two classrooms uh or two section classes, our next year's third graders and fourth graders would be over 20 per section. Where there's So that would be this year's >> Do you have any idea? Yeah. Um 22. Right now their their current um second grade is 43, third grade is 42 according to the numbers that I last got. Third grade is 42 and second grade is what? 43. So we're looking at going over the 20 mark by one and two. Yeah. Okay. I was in those I was in those classrooms uh couple of times the last couple of weeks and when you get it it our facility is awesome, but those new wings just being in there um to get, you know, a lot of those classes are had
07115 14 15 kids in there. Uh to get a few more desks in there, uh I don't know. And studies show that anything above 18 is is not ideal. So And from an educator, that's that's where I come I'm going to come at this from a different standpoint than everyone else. I understand that and I'm okay with that, but that's where I am. And uh Dr. Berquist said what at a meeting we had just a while ago, didn't you show what the neighboring school districts do for class sizes? Yep, Mr. Johnson actually helped uh that and um Mr. Johnson piggyback off that what we were still below other districts, correct? >> Correct, yep. Yep. Um I call it I I'm not sure because I was trying to look up this document but you referenced there
072would be two grade levels if our numbers stay consistent with what they are. Our third grade next year, if we had two sections, would be at 21 and a half on average. Yep. >> area average is 22 and a half. Yep. >> and then fourth grade, uh if we were down to two sections, would be at 21 per class uh and again, the area average is 22 and a half for that as well. Right. So yeah, there there are two classrooms that would go over that 20 mark if the numbers stay where they're at. Right. It's so hard cuz we don't want to cut >> I understand and and and what I want to do is I want to sell ourselves at providing the most for our kids and bringing students back into our district
073and by showing that we're willing to class sizes small and that we have the facility to do that. Um Yeah. I understand we're still under what our area's other area schools are by one student. My only other thought on that track is third grade is the year, right, where students start MCAs. Reading to learn. They have learning to read up to second and then reading to learn through third. So it does seem like, you know, really important stage and if they don't get it then And that's the third grade. That's the first year they start the MCA test. Correct. Reading them out. Well, I would like to point out that we can discuss it as much as we want to and then if there's anybody we want pulled off the list to come back to
074later to not pass tonight, we can do that as well. I still yeah, my suggestion would be to to pull two elementary teachers classroom teachers off that list plus the ECFE instructor. That would be my suggestion. Um however we want to make that a motion later and vote on it. If we want to go section by section and say that section's done. Cole, is this for further dialogue to get a better understanding as we proceed? Yep. That's fair. I mean, there's a big decision there. Well, I would like to say on our ECFE position too, where we're still wait thing we just opened registration, our numbers can increase so we could actually potentially need more. [clears throat] The only thing I would interject, if we do move forward not bringing those three positions on, it's
075not fair for them to be hanging our hat and hoping we do. Yeah. So I it's not to lead them. Well, and I think I think that's that's yeah, I'm sorry, Jade. I didn't mean to cut you off. >> No, you're good. You finish. No, I just I don't want to make to make anyone feel like we're leading them on either. I think it's only fair, but I I get what you're saying. I mean, the classroom size is important. You got a good feel of that, and I think most of us respect that, and Um yeah, and I mean, how do we I mean, what I think that's a decision we make now. I mean, if they're technically we have if they're not a tenured or or continuing contract teacher, we have a few more
076months yet, but I think that's the commitment we're making to to our staff members and to our community that we want to keep our class sizes small. Um And I And I know we're in a I know we're in a crunch. I I I told I said last meeting, I can get to 1.2. I can't get to 1.5 without doing harm to our students, and that's a community member told me when when you're going to be there, do what's best for the students, and that's what I believe. So. Although we should be worried if we don't cut enough this year, we just have to worry about the budget cuts next year, which leaves everybody in limbo wondering how their job will be next year. Yeah, and I think you're absolutely correct. We need to make
077make the hard decision now, this year. So, we'd have four four classes total with This let's say use 1.5 over is what we're talking about being over that on average. And that would cost us about a hundred our district because of that $120,000 a year. Roughly. [clears throat] Just simple numbers is kind of averaging it. Correct. For the two classroom positions. Yep. Yep. And if you add in the ECFE, it's closer to 180. Right. Madam Chair, if I may, I spoke on this last week, and Cole touched on it, and we've had some conversations, but I am going to speak again about our pre-K and third grade classes. We cannot afford potential students to go somewhere else and end up not coming to the school district because we don't have the program, which is amazing.
078So, that is my take. I don't think that we should take that away. I don't think we need one less classroom classroom. I don't think we need less students, and we need to keep our early childhood up and running with all of the teachers. Can we stay fluid through this process? I mean, we don't know the hard numbers coming in, correct? Correct. >> It's still fairly fluid. We're yet to hear that. [clears throat] Correct. And that's something I think as a board that we need to become better at is to adjust more quickly. And And not prolong this for months or a year or whatever. When when we see the need, we need to get it approved to move forward. So, would it be so wrong if the numbers don't equate right now over the
079next If If this were to be >> held, and we hold off on making a decision on that, and in our next work session we realize that it grew, up you know, greatly, then we could retain. And if it doesn't, then is it a Would it be a bad to move forward without that position knowing that we didn't have enough to fill that class? Well, here's the issue, and I think Beth Brissette spoke on it the last meeting was that if we cut this, and then we get all these, you know, three and four-year-olds coming in, Yep. the issue is is that her program is not going to continue to be able to run if we don't have the staffing. Am I misthinking? No, well, we would be cut to one section, so we'd only
080be able to take 20 kids. >> we would be limited on how many kids we could take. Like, that would be it's >> And we're already at 15 right now. Yeah. How many ECFE teachers do we have now? ECFE is the only ECFE teacher we have now. Well, how many early childhood teachers do we have now? >> teachers. Okay, so this position here that's on the board tonight is the fourth teacher. Nope, that's [clears throat] the third teacher. Third teacher. What if >> So, then we would We would have to cut off the basically the registration and not take any more kids if we don't have that third teacher. We are able to as board to take one person off. Or two or three. >> two or three, and keep moving on, and still continue
081to pass stuff. Right. Okay. I like the idea of a preschool teacher here and not and not having that on there. Reason being, I have a little coming up that I'll more than likely be using that. And I would hate to be number 21. Mhm. I'd like to be number one or number two, not number 21. >> [snorts] [clears throat] >> Then my other question for you too, Aaron, is you know, when your child gets to third grade, and you have the option to have them in a classroom of 15 or 16 versus low to mid-20s, what's your What's your thoughts there? I think my average class size growing up was like 35 to 40 kids. So, I don't I don't have a good I don't have a good grasp on that. I came from
082a much bigger town, and I don't have a grasp [clears throat] on that. That's That's out of my If I was I was to say that I was giving you an educated guess, I I would be wrongfully talking to you. So. I respect that. >> I don't have a I don't have a good educated opinion on that. Seeing as the the community um responses and stuff like that when we were reading through kind of some of the the stuff, the small class size is an asset. That's That's our number one marketing tool. So, I mean, it we would be It is something that we can cut. >> we are still We are still cutting positions. Yes. It is just I I don't want to see us cut and lose students. I want to still promote
083our district and do what we've been good at as long as I've been here for >> [clears throat] >> the last 30 years. So. So, should we motion to retain the pre pre-K and two teachers on this situation at this time for further discussion and proceed forward with the remaining? Well, Megan and Sarah March, what's your interest on that? What's your take on that? Sarah, your turn on the pre-K. March and Megan? I mean, I kind of feel strongly about pre-K as well. Yeah, I mean, we need room to accept more students, so I think if we could get a little bit more time with that one. And remove it from the list tonight. >> [clears throat] >> I've already talked a couple weeks ago of saving more teachers, but it wasn't in the positive
084because people not not everyone, but people want to move on and not continue the second year in hope. But yes, I would rather keep teachers. Keep the teachers, keep the class sizes. >> Marge, can I ask you a question? You were a third grade teacher for a few years. >> [laughter] >> Um >> [clears throat] >> How many dinosaurs did spots get? I need some more. Yeah, um as a as a third grade teacher, what are the benefits of having >> [snorts] >> mid-teens versus 20s in a classroom? And I know you've had it both ways, so. Um all the research that I've looked through uh has shown that that 15 to 18 is optimal, and anything above that becomes uh a distraction uh or impacts impacts student learning in a negative way. Well, you
085know, Cole, less kids, the more opportunity you have to work with them. I mean, that's a given. Um if you have 30 kids like I have had, or 29, you don't seem to get to them that quickly. Mhm. Not that they're hidden, not that you but it's so much time in a day, and you can get to them a lot [clears throat] easier when you have smaller class size. Can I speak on that? And I'm not a teacher. I'm not an educator. Um These are really really hard decisions that we have to make. And we don't want to cut anybody, but the truth of the matter is we have to cut. We have [cough] to. And we can sit here all day long and continue to say that it sucks because it does. But we
086have to make cuts, or we are not going to survive as as a school district. I mean, we're not. And if we go the next 2 years, and we have to make cuts until we get more students, that's what we have to do. I have an up-and-coming I have a kid in the school, in the elementary school. I'm going to have to deal with this, too. I don't want her to be a 20 21 22 in the classroom, but if I take her out, and I send her to DL or Holly or wherever, she's still going to be number 21, number 22, number 23. So, I mean, as a parent who has a student here, I'd rather her be here and be 21 than be anywhere else and be 22. That's my take on that.
087But no matter what, we have to make cuts. We don't have the money. Like that's it. And it's hard and it sucks and I don't want to do it, but we have to. That's our job right now. Sorry. Thank you, Sarah. I agree. Sarah, that's you bring up You bring up a great point and there's a part in there that I really agree with is you know, LPA is great. You want your child here at 21. Um I would, too. If But I really believe in investing in people and [clears throat] I know this I know this community. I have faith in this community. If we invest in this people and we invest in our kids our community's going to stand behind us. Madam Chair I would I would I would make a motion to
088to pull two elementary teachers off of this list and our uh pre-K position. Madam Chair, I have to say something. All right? I get it. >> [clears throat] >> These cuts sting. If we don't make these cuts this year we're going to have to make the cuts next year. I hate making cuts, right? I don't think >> [clears throat] >> we should as much as I like the two elementary teacher concept, I don't think we should keep those elementary teachers. And I know you're going to disagree with me, that's fine. We are possibly going to be in SOD at the end of June. That means the state will eventually come in and say, "This is what you're going to do." We were just on a call for a Moody's rating. Our ratings went down two
089areas. So if we go out and ask for a We're this close. If we ever have to go out and ask for money for to pay our bills we're this close to having somebody say, "Their LPA is too much of a risk. We're not going to borrow the money." You have to make the cuts now. If [snorts] you want, we can see what the numbers We can still promote the district and see what the numbers come. Remember, we're fluid. We have to be fluid through this process. I just want to say that. And on on top of yours, what will happen next year, it'll compound. So it might have been two teachers this year. If we don't do it this year, next year will be four teachers that we should have done it this year
090for two. Now next year it's four and it makes the class sizes even growing more. And and it's just that's what's going to happen is the compounding and that's what we got to be cautious to. I'm sorry. I just had to say that, Madam Chair. I'm sorry, board members. I You know I mean, I'll support whatever you want to do, but And with this evening, if if we go with these cuts and PK comes in and we have another fifth 10 kids that come in another five kids come in what's to say we can't relook at it? Is there something against us relooking at it? No, and if you want to pull out the pre-K teacher, couple board members and look at how the numbers come in because we've only advertised it for eight days
091that's your prerogative. That's okay. Um And as much as the other Go ahead. You finish. As much as the teachers on the list I hate to see go I mean, we can nitpick a a lot of these positions. I hate it. Absolutely hate it. But I have to agree with Sarah. Sarah's right. You have to make some tough decisions. And if you want to do that and keep that, we'll just have to figure out other ways to make cuts. Sorry, Cole. Go ahead. No, I just said I've made a motion. So if anyone wants to second it, that's fine. If not And I'd like to say as a board we trust our superintendent to that he did the work that we can actually fulfill these without those positions. Okay, do we have a second on
092Cole's motion? Will you remind me what it is? To pull two elementary positions from this list and our pre-K position. So that would be about uh rough numbers >> [snorts] >> 100 80 60 165,000. Do I have a second? I'll second it. Okay. Any discussion? I just don't think we have the guts to do it. I'd like to keep them all. I don't I think we need to I don't I don't think we have the I don't have the finances to pull it off. No. It's just a motion. Do you vote? >> No. We have We have a board to vote. Discussion in between. If this motion fails, you can still go and pull the pre-K teacher as well, too, a separate motion. Uh any other discussion? I'd love to see the smaller class sizes,
093too. I know when my kids went through that if they were higher class sizes. I work in early childhood. I have 13 kids in my program right now in all different age ranges. Um I know the importance of when I run out of just a tiny bit more time when I wanted to do a little more curriculum on a child. Um But we can always come back. If we make hard choices now, we can always come back in a couple years when we have more funds and add to it. When we can This isn't set in stone. We just have to balance our budget right now. Madam Chair, I do want to say this as a former parent I guess I'm a still a parent. Um I want to mention that I understand the small
094class sizes. This district has been lucky to have small class sizes. I'm going to tell you that's part of the reason why we're in this dilemma right now. I'm just saying. I don't want to sound like I'm being a jerk about it, but that's it. The research Cole's right. The research out there small class sizes is is good. But you know what is even beats that? The teacher. The teachers. >> Yeah. The teacher. That's what it says. So I hate it, but I just I don't know. Thank you. And when I the the first financing finance meeting I was in when I became board chair, they I was told that the issue where we started as a What do you mean we're struggling this much? And they said because we didn't downsize our staff due
095to lack of enrollment as kids were moving on or leaving us. So we do have But hey, we have a great kindergarten class coming in. That's right on. I'm happy you're rooting for everybody [clears throat] to come here. Um okay, any other discussion? We'll do a We'll do a roll call votes on this and uh all those in favor say I, all those opposed say nay. >> [clears throat] >> Sarah? Nay. Aaron? Nay. Megan? Aye. Arch? Yes. Jade? Nay. Cole? Yes, I. Susan? Nay. The nays have it. Did not That did not pass. It's a lot easier for me. I I'm running short on time, too. So I'm going to just try this motion and then like and I know we haven't discussed this section, but just overall looking at the budget, it's a lot
096easier for me to approve like the district staff being session section. Oh, let me come in. I'll come jump to that in 1 second, but did anybody want to do what they did with the preschool teacher? >> So I I would like to make a motion that we uh keep the pre-K because we can't shut the door before it's open. So if if we keep the pre-K position and like we're already at 15, so five more kids. So I would I'd make a motion that we keep the pre-K. Okay, any discussion on that? I guess the discussion I would have on it is we keep the door open. But if the door do if the room doesn't fill we need to come back around and make that tough decision. Dr. Berquist, if we get our
097enrollments in say April, May, we have till what? June, July? Yeah, I mean, [laughter] I think so. >> Yeah, I mean And again, I just want to reiterate everything can be fluid. We can do that. Mrs. Brassard does a really nice job. Um we can communicate a couple times a week and I'll just keep everybody updated where the numbers are at, but I do agree with Jade. I do agree with both of you as well. So Okay, so that's a position we can come back to with if we don't have the numbers. Okay, any other discussion? Any discussion? I'll do another roll call vote. Uh all those in favor say I, all those opposed say nay. Sarah? Aye. Aaron? Aye. Megan? Aye. Uh Arch? Aye. Jade? Nay. Cole? Aye. Susan? Aye. The ayes have it.
098Motion [clears throat] passes. Uh Isabelle Berbig is removed from the staffing for the elementary right now. Okay, so you want to move on to district staffing, Megan? Yeah, if others are okay with that. I Yes. That's That's fantastic. So in district staffing, we have the school nurse at 81,195, Grace Carlson. That'll be district wide. We have elementary food service, Gabby Donner, 42,840. Transportation, Matt Jensen, 48,370. Activities Director, Landon Schultz, 78,803. Wind config Wind configuration, 98,000. Buildings and ground, Mike Sick, 89,804. Uh community ed, Brad Halloran, 34,103. And use SSPA for school counselor or social worker 80,000. So, a district-wide total of $553,115. Let's open discussion. For clarification, transportation manager that 48 It's not Matt full-time or part-time. Matt is is uh resigning. Yep. Correct. I just put in an amount in there because let's see
099what happens. Remember, everybody these positions here will have to be absorbed by the other administrators including myself. I just we went with a 50% time cuz we're going to maybe have to get somebody to come in there. Maybe we can get somebody in there for I don't know, 6 hours a week, whatever it might be. I was just it's a basic A baseline to start with. Yeah. And I'd like to say for our administration, it's been really fantastic [clears throat] to watch all of you step up and volunteer. From the bottom of our hearts, we appreciate that. Um so, transportation, we're looking at 50% for somebody else. Um Or a distribution of responsibility. >> Correct. And potentially it may not require the full 50%. >> Correct. Yes. Activities director is no longer a full-time position.
100Just to clarify what we're seeing. Yep, this would be a a cut at the activities director position, cut at building and grounds. Okay. We're either going to reallocate that or potentially look at maybe advertising 50/50. I'm not sure what that looks like. Every one of the administrators have said that they would step up and take on additional roles, no extra money or anything like that. We don't necessarily have Sorry, Matt. Sorry. To make a decision who's going to do what administratively tonight. >> We just need to know if we're cutting the position. And it's very commendable of all of you. Okay, so if you want to look through the positions and if there's any you would like to discuss, if there's any you would like to make a motion to pull. I I guess at
101this point I'm sure there'll be discussion, but I'll make a motion that we follow Brandy's proposal of reducing these positions for the amount of $553,115 of uh costs. You're making a motion to go with the full I am. Okay, do I have a second on that? I'll second that. Okay, any discussion? I would like to say on the subject of the school nurse, um I think she's done a fantastic job in the area in our in our district. I have heard as a mother of a diabetic, I've heard that she's wanted to do presentations on it and stuff and I think it's just absolutely wonderful. Um I would love to have a school nurse in our school. And I know that it's not easy for everybody to just chip in and pull it off. Um
102anything we cut now is something we can possibly come back to later and add in. And I'm all for growing our district. I know just how fantastic we are. Are we supposed to speak up or are we supposed to be quiet? Be quiet? Okay. Just asking. That's up to the board chair, actually. Yeah, I mean I'm open to If you want to say something, go for it. Well, I know um I have a grandson that takes his medication. Yep. And when he first took it, Barb was excellent giving his meds on time. When it came to school nurse, I can't tell you how many days he came home without taking that med. So, What grade is your Yeah, school. Yeah, which grade is he Yeah, okay. Okay. And I tell you what, you know what?
103If I had to worry about kids in the class making big numbers, small numbers, I'd pick them. Small possible having a nurse. Madam chair, that's what we're all Yep. Thank you for your input. Um we have to uh we'll keep moving on on it. Um Okay. Any So, it looks like that we have a layout in between all of it and everybody will chip in to take over many of the positions or we'll work together and configure it. Um anybody else have any discussion on the district staffing? So, the only thing that doesn't specify in here Yeah. um is the middle school principal because of how you rearranged everything. >> But through this district staffing, just to clarify, there will no longer be a middle school principal. >> Correct. Okay. And if you want to
104put that in the somebody wants to put that in the motion, by all means they can do that. I I I'd put that in the motion just just to So, you want to redo Yeah, I'll motion that we we follow through with the staff district staffing reduction, which in that reduction also includes the middle school principal position. Okay, do I have a second? I'll second that. Any discussion? Any discussion? [clears throat] Any discussion? >> Yes. The only other thing that I would say is with this in regards to the school nurse and and maybe I'd ask for clarification on this and like our AD, you know, that says 81,000 and 78,000, those aren't we're still going to have to contract somewhere for services. Yep, that's correct, Cole. And And and and as an athletic director,
105I mean, unless someone's going to take those duties on duty free, that some of that money it wouldn't be the full 78. Am I correct in that, Dr. Berquist? Well, as I meant I think I mentioned this at the beginning. I apologize if I didn't make it clear. I don't can't remember if you were on, Cole. We're going to have to have somebody that's going to oversee this district. What that Whatever that looks like right now, don't know. Maybe we go to half nurse, 25% nurse. Whatever that looks like, we're going to have to have something. As far as the athletic director position, >> [clears throat] >> I mean, you know, if you're expecting people to, you know, supervise and everything else, you might have to Currently, people do get paid to supervise. But I
106don't think we can ask one person to continuously come to all the extracurricular events. I know the administrators, myself, and teachers I think have helped supervise. So, there will be some costs to that as well. Uh but we've already have those costs that we're incurring right now. Right, Sherry? So, So, pe- people get paid to supervise right now? Correct. That's not a duty assigned to anyone. Okay. No, it's >> That's changed. That's That's changed for me, so that Thank you. Yeah, in some districts, the adminis- the principal's contract expires in June. Some districts in the negotiation process, principals are expected to uh supervise a number of events as part of their duty. You know, they might get maybe a couple extra comp days in the summer or something. That's something to think about cuz all
107their contracts expire at the end of this June 2026. Something to take to negotiations. >> Correct. Madam chair, just that has been in this district. What's that? Oh, before it was >> Superintendent, yeah, yeah. Okay. >> had that. Sure. Cuz I I know all the principals and whatever haven't done that, yes. Sure. >> But you have you have to remember that the it's not athletic director, it's activities, yeah. So, that entails a lot more, too. Right. Yeah, Cole, you know, that it entails more than just athletics, you know, you've got robotics, you've got uh music, you've got art [clears throat] shows or whatever, you know, FFA shows or, you know, musicals and things like that. Cole, did that answer your question? Yeah. And we don't we don't know the the costs on like the the
108Well, so we're saying that we want to cut these positions and then like the the nurse position, then we would we obviously by law we have to do something. Correct. >> [snorts] >> Okay. We just don't know what we don't have a final dollar on what that contract service would be. No, because honestly, I knew I I suspected some of these individuals or these positions would be pulled out. I didn't know, you know, exactly what, but I mean, I'll look into that. I think if you've got the AD position to look at, um but remember, we can reallocate some of these to the individuals here. Um and, you know, they've all said they don't expect to get paid anything extra because of the financial difficulties our district is currently in. And we appreciate everything every
109one of them has done for our district. Uh any other discussion on it? Madam chair, can you just repeat What was it the You have an uh motion, correct? >> It's a motion to accept everything there with removing the middle school principal. >> principal. Any other discussion? Then we're going to do a roll call vote on accepting all the district staffing budget reductions with the middle school >> we do have one person that's has raised their hand over here. We Since we did give this lady I think it's important that we do that as well. Sorry, I didn't see you there, anyway. Yeah, if it's okay, I I think it would be really good that the board would know a couple things regarding um the nursing position. So, I am your district nurse. Um I'm
110Carissa Carlson. So, a couple things that you need need to know um are your administration cannot observe the duties of your nurse. So, I want you to as a board to know that. It would need to be contracted out to somebody with a nursing license. Um so, be aware of that. You do have to have a plan in place and approved by MDE. So, it can't just um be anybody. It does have to be approved by MDE prior to the school year and then a registered nurse or a licensed school nurse has to be the person to train and delegate your unlicensed staff. That's not something that your administration or teachers can do. That would be practicing nursing without a license. So, just so you know that that is what any of those things would
111be considered uh before So, I just want to make sure that everybody on board understands what those statutes mean. And I'm sure you want to mention too like I talked to the school nurse and um obviously she she I just want to reiterate she's very concerned about the students in our district, which I appreciate. Also concerned about any liability issues as well for our district. I wanted to make sure everybody knew that. So. And what that entails is you know, medication administration, paper for diabetics, G-tubes, uh wound cares, all of which your district has. So, I've sent multiples there. I've sent two peanut allergies and uh allergic to bee stings to school for my daughter as well. Just so you all are aware. It it absolutely can be done. Absolutely, but there is you know,
112some certainly some state statutes in place to be aware of. Thank you. Mr. Now, Dr. Bergquist, I think you said that for schools under 100,000 we're not mandated to have a staff nurse. 1,000 I mean it's still hopefully 100,000 But I couldn't hear a thousand for that. You don't have to employ a licensed school nurse. >> Yeah, we don't have to employ but Chris is actually right. We have to have somebody oversee it and I apologize if I didn't So, who would we have had overseeing it prior? Apparently there was nobody. Okay, but we'll make sure we have that. Yeah. There was nobody. The un- unfortunately for our district, I mean here we are. I mean if if if we retain that position, then we're looking at all of another teacher. And we cannot afford
113I I mean to do get rid of another teacher. We already don't want to get rid of what we're thinking about. So, it's a difficult situation. >> Madam Chair, I March asked that What did you You said something I didn't catch it. I'm sorry. >> I'm sorry. What were you What were you say stating? Uh I said who oversaw it prior when we didn't have the school nurse because the school nurse has been hired on since both you and I were on the board. Um who oversaw saw then and they said there was not somebody overseeing it. Um but then there is different there is different um nurse licensures we can look into. Yeah. Only an RN can delegate to unlicensed staff. And what's your What's your license? RN? Yeah, it can't be an LPN.
114No. Correct. I would have I absolutely knew that. I guess at this point >> something we could also consider is looking moving into a smaller position, but I don't know the interest that we would get from nurses there. And at this point I mean our we had our administration handle this situation. We We just know where we have to cut and we have to cut this position. >> proper. So, we have everything overseen plan in place by MDE. [clears throat] I need to make sure we have all of our ducks in a row. Yes. Uh Yes, ma'am. My answer is correct. Correct. Thank you, Chris. Okay, any other discussion? We're going to ask three times again since we had new information. Any [clears throat] other discussion? Any other discussion? Okay, we are going to do
115a roll call vote. All those in favor say I, all those opposed say nay. Sarah. I. Aaron. Nay. Uh Megan. I. March. Nay. Jade. I. Cole. Nay. Uh Susan, I. The eyes have it. The motion passes. [clears throat] District staffing will all the cuts will be made and we will remove the [clears throat] the middle school principal position. Now, we are into secondary staffing. We have the FACS teacher Anderson at $66,855. We have high school social studies Mindel, which she resigned by the end of the year. Sorry, this is Ann or Sorry, this is Anderson. Ann Anderson. Yeah, 64,429. We have middle school science Olthoff. Olthoff. Olthoff. Uh 62,131. We have WBL E Peterson, 24,206,000. High school sped, 38,000. And we have one ELA MS Barber, 68,541. For a total of expenses in secondary if
116all the budget cost cuts pass of 324,162. And three of the teachers did resign at the end of the year. Yes. >> [clears throat] >> Okay, let's open it up for discussion. Madam Chair, can we elaborate a little bit on what the special [snorts] ed position is and what that means? Uh Yes, um the high school special ed, well, we do have um a retirement. And that person that retired is the high school special education teacher. So, that approximate savings would be about $38,000. I did double check this with Mr. Mastin at Lake Agassiz to double check that amount. So, that's that position. But we're going to potentially have to um fill that position. We'll have to potentially We're going to have to fill that position, whatever that might look like. Okay. But I wanted
117to make sure for any discussion that if it was approved for Miss Rackow to move before we even went into that position or to that spot. Remember we get certain funding from the state from the government regarding special education um to help offset the cost of teachers. So. So, we are looking to fill that position prior to next school year. But for next year? Mhm. Yes. [clears throat] Okay. Okay. I'll make a motion that we support Randy and the administration's ideas on this on this one. For the staffing cuts, secondary staffing cuts. Make a motion to accept all the secondary staffing cuts. Can I have a I go on. I'll second it. Okay, I'll open the discussion on this motion. >> [clears throat] >> If we have to fill that special ed position anyway, can
118we not just pull that out of this motion because it needs to be filled? But there's savings to be had. Yeah, there are savings to be had, but um That's what it's called. But we do have There is a special ed teacher that's not on this list that potentially could fill that position. Okay. Um so, there would have been another person on this list um but this person's not on that list cuz that's what we're going to ask this person to absorb that. To absorb that. However, that person [clears throat] is not around right now. Mhm. They're doing something else. They've worked in the district um and so, I just I don't want to say that person's name and Yeah. we can get more figured out with her. With that person. So, my [snorts] hearing
119going from like two FTE down to one. Correct. Yes, Megan. Any other discussion? Uh no, we got a motion now. With the FACS position And we did That's six That's 66,000 number is Is that a true and accurate number because I know that we and Dr. Bergquist, I know we've talked about this before like that's that's Carl Perkins, you know, this is a career and tech ed. Right. >> You know, we that we're not paying her full salary and or [clears throat] excuse me, that position's full salary if they are career and tech ed. That is correct That is correct. Um but remember we're hoping that our um one of our other teachers might help absorb some of the classes. So, we would have a Sorry, Cole. >> We would have a CTE teacher to
120help maybe with some of those classes. I believe that teacher >> Okay, so those those classes some of those classes won't be going away. Correct. Correct. Uh but I would really like administration and that teacher to work together to figure out something for our potential offerings for our class for our students. And you might recall too just so everybody knows this with this position, this secondary staffing model at these cuts we would have 2.5 science, 2.5 math potential 2.5 social studies and 2.5 English at this point. Cole, did you get that? Yes. Yep, I understand that. But with the the prospect that next year will be hopefully offering more in-person college classes next year as well. Yeah, we have some of that. Our our college classes, and I just want to be up front with
121this. Our bill for second semester second semester, January through May just Oh, bye, Megan. Sorry, Megan. Thank you for that. Thanks, Megan. Second semester just through M State $80,000. And I'm not saying I'm not saying we can't do that. I mean, that's state statute, right? That law. But we're going to really work hard um counseling and administration to try to offset that with having students doing online college in the high school, which saves approximately $300 or so a credit. Yeah. So. Okay, any other discussion on this? Any other discussion? Any other discussion? Okay, we're going to do a roll call vote on secondary staffing on keeping everything for the total expenses for the uh everything as uh Dr. Berkowitz recommended for the budget cuts. Um all those in favor say I, all those opposed say
122nay. Sarah? I. Aaron? I. Marge? I. Chad? I. Cole? I. Susan, I. >> [cough and clears throat] >> All those have it, the motion passes. Secondary staffing budget cuts are complete. We're moving on to extracurricular. We have two football coaches at $7,215, a volleyball coach at $3,304, two basketball trips for boys $1,200, two basketball trips for girls $1,200, one junior high football $2,546, one junior high volleyball $2,374, one junior high basketball boys basketball $2,500, one junior high girls basketball $2,500. Football field maintenance $3,740, one junior high baseball $2,340, one junior high softball $2,340. Let's open discussion. I'm going to make a motion to table this. This is exactly what we spoke about earlier about our coaches and making a decision right now when we don't have enough information to know how many students we have
123and what our needs potentially will be. So, if this one can wait, I would really like to table it. >> [snorts] >> Do I have a second for tabling? The the Can I Can I go? The only thing would be is like the reduction of games. I mean do we want to pull that? I mean, because we got to start planning for some of those. And if we were to I mean we're reducing a game and there's >> Because the baseball and softball are in there. Yeah. But we're not cutting >> about basketball games. I think we're Sorry. >> It'd be for next year. Yeah. But we're going to start scheduling those and it wouldn't be conference games necessarily would be you know, maybe take the farthest trip to Bagley for example or whatever it
124might be. I mean It's small peanuts, but it all adds up. Is there an opportunity in that situation too to look for closer games that are not driving half the state? I mean, versus running all over. I mean, is there an opportunity there for us as we proceed? I think so, but from my experience working with athletics and extracurriculars, a lot of those schedules are already completed for next year. I'm just going to be honest about that. But like um and I do understand, you know, I think at some point we have to outweigh the liability too, you know, do we have 50 kids in baseball and we have two coaches? I mean, I think we have to look at that. Do we have 30 kids in golf and one coach? I mean, so I
125get that. These are I just appreciate that the board decided on the secondary, elementary, and district cuz we're going to move forward on that. Um and I think people need to know these other ones if you're going to cut academics, you better look at cutting extracurriculars and athletics, and that's what why that's on here. All right? >> And this would be a reduction of uh there's a certain number of football coaches that are already there. This would be reducing to a whatever we had, correct? >> Correct. And the football coach has been talked to. We talked about this. But we as a I'm not going to say a district, as a community parents can step up and we embrace that support for volunteers to help assist Right. and help our program. We're open to that,
126correct? >> Of course. I Yeah, just like if if I was a classroom teacher and I had a parent who wanted to come in, a grandparent, you know, to help or whatever. I do want to mention though I understand that, but we will do background checks on all individuals that come into our school system. And I just, you know, we can have as many people come out and help, but we do need to do background checks. Background check on anybody that's in contact with children. Absolutely. I'm very supportive of that. So, yes. The grandparent in the school, we need to talk more about that. Grandparents supporting classroom, if that's a possibility. That could be a huge huge opportunity. We have a grandparents Well, we can talk about >> Yeah, yeah, yeah. Do I have a
127second motion for tabling this? I'll second it. Okay, then we can uh open the discussion on it. Do you guys want to discuss anything on it and choose if you want to table and then we'll do a roll call vote. Just have one and quick one. Go for it. The football field maintenance That's what I was going to ask. How do we cut that? How do we cut that? Like we got to See you there. >> [laughter] >> I think I think we need to look at I think we need to really embrace, you know, all We have multiple companies within our community that s- do landscaping and yard maintenance. And I think we reach out and ask for their help. Aaron, I've talked to the football coach about this. And I'm not going to
128you know grass and seed person, but the football coach had told me that they he believed that what they did this past year would be good enough for this year coming up. Okay? That's what I was told. So, that's why I put that amount down along with the two football coaches. Well, we added a football coach and a volleyball coach on to last year. Yes. So, it we'd be somewhat close to where we were going to start before we added them on. Say that again. Uh last year before before the season started, we added a football just one football coach, correct? Um and a volleyball coach. And we did the volleyball coach based on numbers, right? We we called the football coach. >> we did have a football, but I could be wrong. Junior volleyball
129we did have. Yeah, volleyball we did for C squad or ninth grade or whatever. I think we had a football. I think we added a junior high football coach later. Yes, I think we did cuz I remember If we are to approve your recommendation and the numbers are inflated higher than we need, then we can then progress to hire somebody or ask for support. >> Absolutely. If we don't approve this and we get in Well, we just ex- experienced that tonight is we hired coaches, season's in play we can't We never approved it. We never had an opportunity and now if the numbers are there, we really can't let a coach go because the numbers aren't there. But if the numbers are there, we can bring a coach on or ask for additional support. Right.
130And I again, I mentioned this at the beginning of the meeting. One of the things is we got to get the list of coaches ahead of time. >> Yes. >> Right? And I'll work We'll work together to get the list of coaches for football for example and volleyball really should be approved in in May. Yes. At the latest probably. So, with this if we were to approve what you have here Yeah. and then we got numbers and oh, we then we could then hire. Correct. At least we would not go in overstaffed potentially. Is this not all something that's budgeted? Like is this not budgeted? No. It's not budgeted. It's budgeted. That's a remove from the budget. We have to remove these positions. Then all of a sudden we get an influx of Oh my
131gosh, we have this many kids in this particular sport. >> is This is expensive, isn't it? This isn't like this isn't We're just removing this from the budget. We're not taking away a position necessarily. We're just taking a little bit out of the Like we're taking the cream off the top of the jar. So, saying >> Oh, yeah, we still have football. It's still be a jar there. We could have 100 coaches. If they got a $100 bill for all of them, whether there's one or two or 10 or 20. >> You're right. I mean, we're We're just taking that from the budget, that line. We're just taking the cream off the top of the separator. We haven't looked at the The way they answer would be contracts. Right. Cuz Well, we won't do contracts
132until August for fall. It's a good way to think of it. And we could look at the numbers. If it's budgeted, you're Well, we'll work on the >> you're going to put that much into the budget. We'll work on looking at each sports. How How soon out to when do they open up the sports enrollment? Do you know how many kids are projected to be in the sports? I think they usually the coaches for the fall we usually have meetings probably in August. Yeah. Beginning of August. Yeah. The fall registration opens. >> have it at the end of the August. Every every month before Yeah. Yes. Okay. Any other discussion before we vote on tabling this? And then if it doesn't table, you can open back up to vote. Yeah. I'll just add one thing
133to to comment on what was said earlier. I think Jade talked about, you know, volunteer coaches. That's great. We're going to have lots of people that want to come out of the woodwork to volunteer. But know that there is a difference between a paid coach and a volunteer coach. And I'll speak from experience. As a paid coach, you you are committing to something and we can hold that person accountable. If they're a volunteer coach, yeah, we can have expectations. But how do you hold them accountable? Um hey, the mentality's going to be there that, you know, I've got to be gone next week. I'm going on vacation. I've got to cut out early on Monday, Wednesday, Fridays. You can't hold a volunteer responsible for that. I don't want to go down the volunteer route. Um
134I think that would be putting us into Uh it's it's one thing if you're talking about um you know, elementary uh programs and things like that, but at the varsity athletics and and I've I've actually talked to many veteran coaches about this. There will be veteran coaches that will come out of the woodwork and tell you, "I don't care how good they are. Um if they're going to volunteer, they'd better be there every single day. And they'd better be willing to do everything that a paid coach is going to do. And it's great to say that someone's going to do that, but to actually do that, um I don't know. Well, Cole, I I agree with you and um you know, one thing we could look at too is you know, if you're going to
135volunteer, we expect you to sign some sort of contract or agreement. Right? You know, like, "Hey, if you're going to volunteer for football, for example, these are our expectations set forth by the district. Sign it and you know, you miss miss mess up on these expectations, you're done." You know, we could do something like that. But I agree, you're Plus you're going to have a lot of people coming out that you know, are going to think that they know everything, right? The coach coach. >> [laughter] >> Yeah, the coach coach. Sherry? >> you also have to make sure you look at Minnesota State High School League. Yeah. And you have to look at that and cuz they have liability rules about I think Yeah. how many coaches per students, things like that. So I think
136before you make any of those decisions, you really want to check with the Minnesota State High School League. I understand that. I just think we need further information and more details. Waiting one more month on this, I feel like it can wait. Okay. So my big thing is like we're doing a budget. And it's a bucket. Got your bucket. We're taking $7,215 out of the football coaches. So say there was a total in that bucket of 10,000 and now there's 2,800 in that bucket. Well, this just happens to be the cost of those two coaches and you understand that, right? So why can't we just smooth it all across the board? Like you're saying reallocate what they call >> Reallocate the funds. Like that's the budget for this activity. Sherry? That's in the EA contract.
137>> Yes, correct. That's in the EA contract. You can't That's not negotiated. It's in the EA contract. All coaching positions are and So I think if we have if we're sticking to the premise that we're doing this with teachers and staff that we're going to cut and if the availability is there, you know, later, we'll add that position back. I don't think we can say that, you know, we're going to do that for staff and then say, "Well, okay, let's wait and think about athletics." I mean, if if if we're saying let's cut and we can add add back for staff, let's do the same with athletics. Any other discussion? Okay, we'll do a roll call vote on tabling this. Uh all those in favor say I, all those opposed say nay. Sarah? I. Aaron?
138Nay. Marge? I. J? Nay. Cole? Nay. Uh Susan is a nay. Uh the nays have it. Uh we are not tabling it. So can I get another motion? So I would like to make a motion to follow with with this as is except for the football field maintenance maintenance. We're going to have some this can't be cut there. You really can't from the count of both of them. So there's going to be weeds, there's going to be seeds, there's going to be it'd be terrible to see somebody get hurt on the baseball seat. So you're making a motion to accept the alternative proposals [clears throat] except for the football field maintenance and we'll table this for 3740. You know, like there's there's all kinds of things that can happen with that. It's a football field.
139We can't can't be like, "Oh, we don't have that in the budget." You can't account for that 3,700 bucks is what you're saying. I don't think so. I don't think you can. The $3,700 was specifically about the field. Maybe I didn't make that clear. It's about the field itself. The light bulbs and everything else that comes out of a different fund. >> Okay. So if a light bulb goes out on the the lights, that would come under long-term facilities maintenance. We can do that. The 3740 is roughly what the cost supposedly was to like seed the field and all that kind of Yes. Seeding, lawn mowing. That's that's one season that he heard me say. Yeah, that's what that number is. Correct. And if you don't do that every year, you're going to have some
140hybrid weeds coming in there. But manager, didn't he say [clears throat] PJ say it was fine for the next 2 years? Um I he he told me he thought it was good for this year coming up, but I'm not a weed expert. I mean, sure, you know. Um you know, I can get more specifics from him just to double-check with him. I don't know about the second year, with Steve about the second year, but my understanding was we talked about it and he volunteered he he could do less with two coaches and we he didn't think we needed to do the herbicide seeding stuff. So. You have a you have a game and it's raining. I mean, you it's just one of those things where I think I think everything else is good to go
141except for that football field maintenance. I'm sorry. I'm going to butt heads with you on this one. Well, that's only because we're talking 3,700 bucks and we're talking 1.5 million. That that 3,700 bucks, that's if we can cut it, heck yeah. But I don't want I don't want to hear the excuses in the in the stands this year. Oh, they cut the football field maintenance. Now this kid slipped and or this kid had a defensive one of those things where To be honest with you, 3,700 Come on, guys. $3,740 Yeah. I don't think we should spend a lot of time talking about $3,740 today when we're cutting teachers and other people. I I would agree. You know. I I I'd go on Cole. I mean, if we're willing to cut the other positions, this is
142just it's it it's got to be cut. I mean, we cut teachers, we cut a school nurse. I mean, we're talking about this stuff can all be picked up by somebody. Yeah, right. I mean, I mean, honestly, I'll I'll I'll sign a contract right now. I'll take care of the field yourself. Whatever it takes, we're going to take care of it. And I'm pretty sure I can drum up a group of people to take care of it. But again, like Cole says, this is peanuts. It impacts our kids. I get it. But there's different ways to make up those games. We can be more creative. We can get games closer. So instead of driving 100 miles one way, whatever it is, we can come up with ways to save this money. It's not necessarily the
143game, it's the cost, right? Yeah, it's not the game, it's the cost. The wear and tear it's about $3.50 to $4 a mile to send the bus to Bayg land back, right? That's where the costs are. And these costs associated with the games, they might be a little lower depending on where we go. You know, that was just a ballpark figure. So we could have a little bit higher numbers. I agree. Um I mean, J, I'm going to sign a contract for the football field. That's great. >> [laughter] >> Okay? You're in. You could get Aaron to help you. Well, last time I checked, yeah. I I mean, we need to I remember when I graduated talked about it takes a community to raise a child. We say it, but do we ever do it?
144And as a parent all these years, I got to watch as a parent get shoved out of the school and not be asked. And and it's unacceptable. We can do better than that. We got parents asking to support, let's provide the opportunity for them to support us. And there's a lot of things we'll have to jump through. It'll be a lot of extra work, but we can do that. But I'll go back to Cole. What you said, Cole, on this, this is I mean, in support of DB here, I think we need to proceed. As hard as it is and and we can make the adjustments as we go. Aaron, did you want to keep your motion or make an amendment? I'm making an amendment. We'll just approve it as is. Okay, so Aaron, your
145motion is to approve the extracurricular reductions as is. Yep. May I get a second, please? I'll second it. Okay, any discussion? Any discussion? Okay, we are going to do a roll call vote. All those in favor say I, all those opposed say nay. Sarah? I. Aaron? I. Marge? I. J? I. Cole? I. Susan, I. The eyes have it. Extracurricular reductions are approved. We are moving on to instructional support. We have the steam at the elementary for $2,000, steam at the high school for $2,000, instructional supplies for $500, one paper pallet of $1,300, uh copy overages at $3,000, and Golden Path WBL at $3,000. Let's open it up for discussion. Madam Chair, may I just keep Can we just keep going on with the technology? >> of the technology sounds great. Uh do you want to
146include all of it? Yes, please. Okay, technology will be in there. For Frontline Applicant Tracking Applicant Tracking at $7,310. We'll have a hall pass of $1,000. Seven Mindsets $12,850. Seesaw $3,010. MCIS at $1,180. Going books, we have lease expires 2027 and 2028. Look at the plan. We have summer wreck. We need to re- reconfigure the coaches. Uh transportation and no amount on the summer wreck for reconfigure coaches. >> No, not at this point. >> Nope. We'll come back and deal with that. Transportation Summer Academy $16,805.72. Transportation for DM, no amount there. Um substitute Rita Risland at $31,506. And has sub rate change from two $200 to 175 for a savings of 28,000. Correct. So total miscellaneous expenses uh 1,450 No, 1 Wait, no. We got it all. No, it's $144,720. I was too far down.
147Um okay. Can we open that up for discussion, please? Madam Chair, if I can just purpose uh discussion. Um some of these things, you know, they're small amounts, but we need to look at that. I think um you know, these are common-sensical type things. Well, I think we have to do a better I We have to do a better job >> [clears throat] >> of making sure that we watch um you know, some of our things like our our printing, for example. When we print things off, we have Chromebooks. I don't know why we would need to print off so many different things. Um we have paper pallets in there, copy copies overages. WB Let's see. Is it sneezing? WBL is work-based learning. It's a Golden Path program. We have a Frontline Applicant Tracking. Sherri
148and Susie, we have Frontline. And there's three components of Frontline. It's uh almost in this district $20,000. One of those components was that when somebody applies, we pay $7,300 to look at four or five people a year or whatever it is that apply, six people. And we did Susie and Sherri have graciously offered to help out with that. So when people apply, it will come right directly to the principals or myself as a superintendent. Um or the you know, the the leadership. So that was $7,300 uh $10. Hall pass is $1,000. Basically a I don't Some of these things I don't know how much we're using. >> [cough] >> We have Seven Mindsets. Going to get We didn't pay for it this year. You might remember uh we got a pilot program, but I know
149that they're going to come back and ask, "Hey, you ready to go back for a Seven Mindsets?" No, and I know that working with the union, there might be some free opportunities out there still to include social emotional learning for our students. Um Seesaw, that was a bill that was contract that was 3 years or so that we aren't going to sign again for a 3-year contract, let alone one. Um we have MCIS, that's a counseling type thing. I don't The only reason I put the Chromebooks on there is because they lease expires for one of them about about 60,000 I think dollars at the end of next year, and then the lease will expire at the end of the following year. I think we have to consider look real hard at what we're going
150to do if we're going to continue with technology in this district as far as Chromebooks, whatever that might look like. But that's a discussion down the road. And my um We got to reconfigure coaches summer wreck. Um We've talked about that. We can't allocate the amount of money that we get in. Say it's $1,000 for softball, Point Trail softball. We're not going to allocate a $1,000 back out to the coaches. We have to help absorb the our deficit in community ed summer wreck by maybe taking $200 of that, for example. Reconfiguring that. Um Summer Academy $16,000. That's the transportation. I hate it, but I hate a lot of these cuts on here. That's that. Um we've already done with the substitute of the full-time with Rita and the sub rate change. So any questions or
151comments? Yeah. With the $500, is that per teacher for supplies? What What was the $500 supplies? Uh instructional supplies. >> supplies. We just um That was just overall. For I think that was Was that the elementary or So not per teacher is the $500 supplies. Yeah, right on. The instructional supplies, Sherri and Susie, help me out. Was that just the from the offices? I think that came from Possibly the Mr. Johnson, I think. Right? Was it STEAM supplies? Maybe, yeah. No. We We stopped doing I stopped doing the $500 instructional supplies per teacher. Did we used to give a credit card? >> It was $250 per teacher, and then now it's just Whatever we can come up with. And then it goes into So I think what they were thinking possibly what the thought process
152was if there's no longer three sections, then we're going to look at two teachers at $250. We're going down to $500. Thank you. Oh, so it is Remember per section. >> that there was like was it $34,000 at the beginning of the school year that we were going to use for staff development? And I'll take responsibility for that. Um We didn't do that. I didn't do that this year to try to save some money for staff development so we could maybe help offset the general fund at the end of this year working with the EA on that. So So it's not what you're asking. I don't [clears throat] know if I explained it well enough. Probably not. Good night. This is just >> We're just taking $500 out of the instructional supply budget. Correct. Just
153500 bucks. Yeah. And I I guess with this being said, I would assume that we have the opportunity to maybe look at our purchasing and try to consolidate and try to do better purchasing instead of being so individualized Yeah. as as a unity. Well, we do have There is a purchase order re- request form that we're utilizing. We um Requisition. Requisition. So there's a checks and balances type thing. Um so the administrator has to sign off it. District office signs off on it. I sign off on it. And then if I ever have any questions, Sherri and Susie are willing to help me out say, "Hey, are they over budget?" Whatever it might be. And I get it. I know what somebody's going to say, "Well, teachers spend a lot of their own money on
154supplies." I get it. So at some point I would like to And I think Aaron talked about this at the last meeting or the meeting before. I would like to figure out something where we can eventually down the road, probably not next year, to help build up that. We do have a lot of businesses in this area that's very supportive of our school district. And they're always willing to help out. I don't want to speak for that person that happens to be in this room. But a lot of those businesses are willing to help, I think, with different things. Cuz you look at it, right? Science, art, uh ag shop. They're going to have to have more money for their expenses. I mean, we We can't offer a biology class without my frogs or cats
155or whatever it is. You know? So We want to go through the budget cuts where the kids [clears throat] don't notice. Correct. Um and then speaking on STEAM, we're still offering STEAM, but the teachers are going to be doing it. Yeah, we've talked about that. Mr. Wixel, if there's anything you want to add to that, we can implement that in the classroom. Just a reminder, too, and I didn't put this on the agenda. I We are going to get rid of the work-based learning requirement to graduate from Lake Park Audubon School and the two careers classes for to graduate from Lake Park Audubon School. We are still going to offer work-based learning as an elective next year, but we're getting rid of those requirements. Hopefully that'll maybe open up other opportunities for other elective classes
156for our students. It's like I'm screaming. I'm sorry. You know. Okay, any other discussion on this, or is anybody ready to make a motion? I'll make a motion. Okay, go ahead, Aaron. Make a motion to approve it. Like it's written or as it's written. As the budget cuts are presented. Do I have a second, please? Second. Okay, any discussion? Any other discussions? Any discussion? We are voting on instructional supplies, technology, um transportation, substitute for a total miscellaneous expense of $144,720.72. Um we'll do a roll call vote. Um all those in favor, say aye. All those opposed, say nay. Sarah? Aye. Aaron? Aye. Arch? Aye. Jade? Aye. Cole? Aye. Susan? Aye. Larry? The have it. >> [clears throat] >> The miscellaneous expense budget reduction is passed. Madam chair, if I may, I just want to mention
157too that there's a potential number $65,000 there in savings, $25,000 in special ed um possible savings along with the reduced budget of 40,000 40,000 for sorry, for technology at $40,000. I know that you know, I'm hoping with the state legislature coming meeting right now that maybe there'll be some opportunities for some grants out there and whatever we can do, I'll work very hard. If anybody would like to help write grants, >> I would I would appreciate that. >> to write grants as well. Yeah, I think between Susan and I we can we would have to write some. Thank you. Yes. I like how you didn't volunteer me for that. >> [laughter] >> You didn't want to hear that. You're right. Let's give it to our colleague Nicole. Yes. >> [laughter] >> Um Well, uh we'll
158move on to succeeding meeting 7.1 school board work session April 8th, 2026 5:30 p.m. Lake Forest Audubon Elementary School Media Center. 7.2 regular monthly school board meeting April 27th, 2026 5:30 p.m. Lake Forest Audubon High School Media Center. Uh thank you for all attending today. >> Madam chair, may I just want to say something. Um the MS EA is having a vote tomorrow to talk about potential agreement and I'm sorry I just went ahead with it. I know um for a one-year contract, but we really need to get back to the teacher group. So, I will um I I think this is the first step in getting this done to get back with the teacher group for something. >> have anything about this? Oh, no, you don't have to. No, that's okay. Okay, meeting is
159adjourned. Great. Thank you. Thank you. Towards the end of the meeting it's good >> [clears throat]