001Thank you. >> Three days ago. Four days ago. >> I think it's going to go really fast. >> Yeah. >> What's that? >> Nice meeting. >> I'm just >> Oh, yeah. >> I'm just whining. Don't It's okay. >> Well, I know. [laughter] Oh, we had moved it up cuz you you need to be done by >> I Today's fine. We don't have it today. So, um Oh, >> where we get I gave them an extra week off. So, >> that was nice. >> They they came back to school. Give them a week out. >> I had a student invite me um to something you had over like last month for >> Oh, the probably live nativity out. >> Yeah, it was that was kind of I was in >> an eighth grade girl asking. So,
002>> yeah, that was fun. >> Yeah. >> Was it was it was her parent here right now? [laughter] No, it wasn't that. But the parent of that girl was standing next to the girl that asked me. So they might have >> They're all a pretty close group of kids. So, [clears throat] >> good evening. Let me call the meeting of Lake Park Ottabon School Board to order. Let's start with roll call. Megan >> here. Aaron >> here. >> Sarah >> here. Cole >> here. >> Jade >> here. >> Marge 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. >> Can I
003get a motion to approve the agenda? >> So moved. >> Can I get a second? >> Second. Any discussion? Any discussion? Any [snorts] discussion? Motion approve. Uh agenda is approved. 2.0 we'll move to election of officers. Can I get a 2.1 nomination of election of chair? Can I get a nomination for election of board chair? >> Nominate Susan Delel. >> Can I get a second? >> I second. >> Uh any other nominations? [snorts] Any other nominations? Any other nominations? If we only have one, I don't need to do roll call. Okay. Um all those in favor say I. >> I. All those oppose say nay. I >> I >> Susan is board chair. Uh can 2.2. Can I get nomination of vice chair please? >> Vice chair. A nomination please. >> I'll nominate Cole. >>
004Can I get a second? [snorts] Aaron. Uh any other nominations? Any other nominations? Okay. Uh, all those in favor say I. I. >> All those opposed say nay. I. Uh, Cole Wixel is vice chair. Can I get a nomination of clerk, please? >> Nominate. Miss B. >> Marge Vine. Can I get a second, please? >> I second that. >> Okay. Any other nominations? >> It's not me. So, [laughter] >> any other nominations? Any other nominations? [snorts] All those >> All those in favor say I. All those opposed say nay. >> I. >> March nine is clerk. Uh, can I get a nomination for treasurer, please? >> Can I get a second, please? >> Second. >> Any other nominations? Any other nominations? >> That's okay. >> Any other nominations? Okay. All those in favor of Sarah
005being treasurer say I. All those oppose say nay. I >> I >> Sarah will be treasurer Sarah Hill. Uh can I get a motion to approve our consent agenda? [clears throat] >> So moved. >> Can I get a second, please? >> Second. >> Any discussion? Any discussion? Consent agenda is approved. >> Madam Chair, may I say something real quick? I'm sure many of you already know this, but this is a typical meeting for every school board across Minnesota during this first, I don't know, 10 days after January 1st. It's called a reorganization meeting. I don't want to sound like I don't know what you're doing here. This is exactly what we're supposed to be doing. So, and I do appreciate Susan asking three times because that is a correct protocol. So, in case anybody has
006any questions why, you know, what's this plan and all that kind of stuff being kind of new? Yeah, >> thank you. >> Okay. 3.1 Authorize access of safety box to current superintendent and board chair. Can I get a motion to approve that >> motion? >> Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Madam Chair, just one sec. We we did all those. That was under the consent agenda. >> Perfect. I didn't know if you wanted me to do it again. >> No, that's okay. So, we should have everything. Um I just want to point [clears throat] this out there. We did have a resignation. Um you saw that I think you saw that we did have a resignation. Um Mr. Matthew Brown is on there. So want to throw that out there.
007I also um want to make sure that we have a checks and balances system for our school district. Hence you might see um you know superintendent and business manager to make expenditures within budget parameters uh to make electronic transfers. It's not just one person. It's not just me. I don't I don't want that. Right. Every district needs to do this sort of thing. A checks and balances. Okay. Thank you, Madam Chair. >> And then in the contract approval, >> Oh, yeah. Sorry. >> We have [snorts] Shadza Stalberger joining us from the elementary school special education teacher and junior high basketball coach Bernie Pogle. >> So, just a second. Uh Shadesa um is apparently subbed here before. Um >> she's an LPA grad. >> LPA grad. Her mom teaches here and she was gracious enough to
008uh and want to give credit to Scott Mass and Link Agassy to get Shadza in to come for Mr. Matthew Brown to fill in as a teacher. She'll be continuing the rest of this year. So thank you Shadesa. [snorts] >> Uh 4.0 appointment of committee members. uh 4.1 as you see we have seven seven areas of committees that you get to join uh we cannot have more than three people on a committee so if you look through and see committees that you're interested in uh we have negotiations finance policy transportation and facilities meet and confer raider pride and personnel every year we redo our committees um uh negotiations who would be interested in joining negotiations >> I'd like to continue okay Jade I will continue on that for the year as well if nobody else
009wants to take >> I think we keep it the same. [clears throat] So in negotiations we will have Aaron Jade and Susan. We don't need to approve that. Uh finance uh I would recommend Sarah does it. >> Yep. Thank you for volunteering, sir. >> Yeah, of course. I would recommend I I will also volunteer to stay on finance. Uh because as board chair, I want to be very aware of that. And >> I believe I've been on that correct. >> I think you were too. Would you like to stay on it? Absolutely. >> Susan. Okay. We have policy committee. >> I'd like to volunteer for that. >> Sounds great. Marge, >> I'll do a second. >> Yeah. >> Marge Sarah Cole. >> [snorts] >> Okay. Policy committee will be March, Sarah, and Cole. Transportation facilities,
010>> Aaron. [clears throat] >> I'll continue if nobody else would like. >> Would anybody else like to be on transportation and facilities? >> I wouldn't mind. Okay, you got it. Megan, Aaron, Jade, and Megan will be on transportation facilities, meet and confer. >> I'll volunteer for that again, please. >> Thank you. Clarify that for me. >> Yeah, I'll do that, too, because I think policy and me and confer go hand in hand together. So, >> sounds good. >> I'm sorry, I didn't catch who's on there. >> March and Cole. >> Okay, thank you. >> Anybody else? >> I'm not sure what it covers. >> Yeah, that's Go ahead, March. >> Oh, you meet with the teachers mostly in the fall. once in the fall, once in the spring, and they will put it out there
011if the teachers have any concern, positive or negative, and then we meet and we discuss and then we bring it back to the superintendent. >> Does anybody think if Sarah, if you're not interested, I'll do it, but if you are, go ahead. >> I I have two, so if we need a third, I'll do it. But if you are interested, I'm I'm okay with that, too. Yeah, that would be >> Sounds good. Megan. Okay. Meeting confer will be March colon Megan Raider Prime. >> I've been on that. Yeah. >> And we've had one. >> Yeah. I'm sorry. We've only had one meeting >> and I would like to continue, but if there's anyone else that would want to participate, by all means. >> I was on that, too. But it it uh >> I' I'd
012really like to see get some momentum on that. >> You'd like to what? >> Get some momentum on that >> and and try to generate that >> community. Do you want to Who's on it right now? >> J just volunteered. >> I was if anyone else wants to, but otherwise I would go on too. >> Okay. >> I would if anybody else is interested I would volunteer. >> I could be interested, >> but I don't want to be like overzealous here. Okay. [laughter] [laughter] >> Okay. We got Jade. >> Yeah. I mean, if you want to mar, you go ahead. >> Well, you can have more than three. >> Nope. You cannot. Three is the max that you can do. >> You can have two, you can do three, but you don't want to go
013to four because then you have a four. You have a meeting. >> So, if you want to be on I mean with Jade and who else? >> Jade. Megan. How many are you on March? >> I would do it. I just don't want to take anything from [snorts] >> I'm on two right now. >> Okay. I'm new. So, move me around. I'm open to the >> Who? Well, >> so who's on >> Jaden >> and then >> Marge? I can't think of anyone else with more pride, but I would do it. >> It's up to you. >> I mean, I'll be humble. Let's see. Okay. Yeah, go for it. >> What's our last one? We have personnel. >> And how's that different from meeting and for like >> I thought we have so policy and
014personnel are no longer together. They're separate. >> I thought we did Did we have those together before? >> Personality for a while. >> I'm sorry. What? We had them separate. >> Okay. >> They used to be together. >> How does that vary? >> Yeah. I >> personality would come to deal with. So, say if you had an issue with the teacher or we had an issue with something and it got brought in, correct me if I'm wrong, Dr. Burquist, it'd be you and the schoolboard representative and it only needs to be one. >> Yeah. One or one or two. I think personnel, this might be an important committee coming up in this rest of the school year >> um to talk to. you know, if people have any teachers or anybody has any concerns about
015what's happening, I you know, they can surely come and talk. You know, is that what you gathered for March? >> [clears throat] >> Well, the I'll tell you my uh example of when I was on personnel, we got together, a couple board members and Craig Bar and someone maybe it's super I don't know who it was, but uh they wanted to have another first grade section and we looked at the numbers and it was the and the personnel that's what we were came together and said we need another section. This was like five years ago or four years ago. That's how we use personnel. >> And at one moment there was kind of talk of raider pride and personnel kind of be some of the same in a poss. But >> yeah, >> I guess
016I would throw it out there. Nobody's interested in personnel. I could go that way and step aside from pride. >> Jade, you're this would be volunteering for four. >> I would I could pull away from the raider pride side. >> Pull away because >> and then support on the personnel side. >> And then does that mean Cole would be on Raider Pride then? >> So then we would have Cole making in March on Raider Pride. I think I think between the two I think I think like that's kind of what you ran on was I mean pride I mean that you know what I mean that's it's and I don't want to put words into your mouth but I mean I I would I would prefer personnel over >> okay >> that >> okay so
017then we have Jade Bacon and Marge on Raider Pride >> I'm still on four no matter how you look at it. >> Okay. >> Just so you know just so you're counting once you sign up for the meeting. [laughter] >> Okay. Raider Pride. Are Megan Marge and Jade interested in Raider Pride? >> Yes. Okay. No. Yeah. Me. Megan Marge and Jade. I mean, okay. Yes. >> Yes. >> So, we will have Megan, Marge, and Jade be on Raider Pride and 4.7 personnel. Cole, did you say you were interested in that? >> And you just need one there, R Dr. Burquest. >> Yeah, that's fine. Should we interested or you want >> should we do a second just to have like an alternative like only one has to show up but if they're not able to
018deal with backup >> can can we do that or do both people have to show up if they're on the committee? >> We can't have three. >> You can have you can have people where you have a committee and somebody's absent >> for >> but what I'm saying if it's only Cole and he can't if he can't make it we have no one else technically on this committee. So, I feel like we should put two, but only one has to be there. >> I think we would be just fine adding two. >> Um, it is best if you're on the committee to try to attend just because you speak for the committee um and represent it, but you can put two in if somebody's absent tonight, you just can't make a meeting. >> Madam Chair,
019just cuz I'm learning like why would we why would we not want three on that? Does that make it two? >> A lot of times when we've had committees, we've only had two on them as well. So, we're just very overwhelmed. >> Yeah. Yeah, that's great. It was also only five of us for a while, >> right? >> Got it. >> And I guess at this point, I mean, I'm more than happy to participate, but if there's somebody else that wants to, but to be available as as a second personnel and you >> I I would do the personnel. [clears throat] >> So, >> okay. Uh Sarah and Cole on personnel. Uh Dr. Burquist, you think two should be good on personnel, right? >> Yes, madam chair. I do think so. That' be fine. >>
020So then on Raider pride I have Megan March and Jade and on personnel I have Cole and Sarah. Is everybody set with that? >> Yep. >> Sounds great 5.0. Moving to board appointments. So luckily enough we are now a full board and we have seven areas of board appointments. Um I guess we can go over discussing each one because Megan you will not be you're pretty new to a school. Lake Agasses. Uh March was on it before you meet over at the Lake Agasses building. May March, you want to share a little bit on it? >> Yeah, it's it's uh over at Holly and it's our new Lake Agassy education. Um the C the C where's the C? Somewhere else. And anyway, uh maybe in the summer just once. >> Uh there's a meeting coming
021up in January and they go over what is happening at the school. They go over the finances. Um and they talk about uh new programs are coming up. It's just like a board year. >> Okay. >> How often do they meet? >> Well, like I said, in the summer once. >> Yep. And then uh I only got on it last last uh uh February or March, >> but not monthly. >> Okay. >> Um we did not meet in December, I don't think. No. >> So I would go per um appointment. >> One appointment. Yeah. One person. >> I would do that. So each person will have one. >> Okay. And >> it's you know sounds good. Uh anybody else want Agassies? Otherwise Marge would like to volunteer to do that one again. There you go.
022>> Okay. Next we have the Minnesota State High School League. Jade, you [clears throat] were on that one before. >> Yes. >> I think you said not that very very lacking in >> Yeah. I I'd like to continue because I'd like to understand why we're not having any participation with the state high school league. >> Sounds good. >> And there has been no communication. >> Is anybody else else interested in the Minnesota State High School League? Otherwise, Jade would like to continue on there. Jade's >> Jade. Next we have Becker. Uh what's the the other seat? Becker County Children's Initiative. Um Erin, I know you were on that one. Did you go to one of the meetings? >> Um Becker County Children's Initiative. So I don't remember I don't believe the meetings are monthly and
023you meet via Zoom. >> Yeah, via Zoom. >> And you vote on, you know, how to disperse funds and what to do within Becker County. I think it started the day, too, if I recall. >> I think it does. >> I never got an email. Nothing on it. >> I did have everything sent over to you. >> Yeah, I don't I got nothing. >> It's all right. Um I would be interested in this one if nobody else is interested in that. >> Congratulations. [laughter] >> Okay. Um 5.4 legis legislative liaison. So that's where you look at all the legislation, keep a breast on it, and it you can come back to the board and inform anything that >> is anybody interested in that. Sarah, >> I think Sarah would be really good at that. Madam
024chair, um I'm also on a MASA committee legislative layon. we meet periodically and I I think there's going to be a a lot of things that are going to be happening in the next five to six months at the state level and probably national level too but at the state level definitely um you know for example Sarah there is a day at the capital >> if that's something that interests you anybody can anybody [laughter] >> you've been there okay yeah and you know we don't just have to be the superintendent one board member we can have a couple board members go then you set you can meet with different representatives and stuff >> it's an amazing for multiple reasons and it's great. >> Sure. So, >> sounds good. Sarah will be our legislative liaison. Next,
025we have ECF, >> early childhood family education. Uh, let's see. Uh, four meetings a year. We don't meet during the summer. >> That's a really good one for Susan. >> She's early childhood as well. >> Oh, perfect. >> I did it before. >> Yeah. Well, are you still interested? >> No, I get one. Oh, you only get one. >> Yeah. And if if we're a seven seven member board, we'll all we should all take one appointment. Okay. >> Um so you meet four times a year. Uh the early childhood group can reach out with you with any concerns and stuff like that. We actually have early childhood and community ed together right now. >> So you would meet together at a meeting four times a year. >> Okay. Well, I am interested in it. The
026community ed was the other one I was interested. So I was kind of holding out a little bit. So they're together. >> Nope, they're not. Well, you would be together in the meetings, but you will be there early childhood board appointment. >> I would do ECF if she wants to do >> Community if you're >> Yeah. >> Okay. Uh ECF will be Cole and community ed will be Megan. >> Please tell you Aaron. [laughter] >> Process of elimination. >> What is that one about? There is there's a foundation that's been set up in the last 15 years. >> Yeah. >> That it's uh they distribute funds. So they do fundraising and then have a fund balance that >> they'll meet. >> So So someone passes away and they want to give, >> you know, money
027to the school, they give it to the legacy. Yeah. >> And when you come in high school, I think on top there's like from years ago like people who got it started and where it came from. >> So what's the responsibility of that position? >> Is it it's >> I would recommend they meet with the >> I have not served on that board. Let's see who who served on it. LP I want to say >> I think I was on it just as I came on this fall but we never met. So, um, I asked Sherry who was on it or who was who was in charge of it now because it's been >> The only thing I know about the legacy >> wasn't the piano thing. >> Yeah, the piano thing was on there.
028Um, >> you got a you got that notification. >> Yeah, I I haven't heard anything about it. Um, I know our music department was kind of interested in a I don't know, baby grand piano or grand piano or whatever. It's the difference. >> so Lake Park on Legacy Foundation got involved in that, but we they only could put together $5,000 or something like that >> and it would be more than that. Remember that? >> I do vaguely kind of, but I do great on it. part that you're volunteering to be on it, right? Sure. I think you would be very good on it. >> Think about when you people come in for the fire department and stuff. >> That's what I was thinking too, Susan. I think >> I think you'd be really good at
029it. >> It's a good >> Okay, Erin, are do you are you okay with being on the healthcare legacy foundation? >> Okay. Uh, moving on to new business. >> Before we move on, can I just make a really quick comment? That was amazing that we'd all just worked together and volunteered and I I appreciate everybody because now that we're a full seven people, it's much smoother and so thank you all. >> You know, I want to I want to I want to say something too. I agree with you, Sarah. Um pretty impressed that we went through that quickly on those committees. >> There's [snorts] a lot of board members meeting boards that don't get through that quickly. So, thank you everybody for stepping up and helping. >> Yes, thank you very much. You guys did
030great. >> Okay, new moving on to new business. We have 6.1. A motion to approve the settlement agreement and release of claims. Dr. Tim Godfrey. Can I get a motion to approve it? I have to approve it to discuss it. >> Make a motion. >> Can I get a second, please? I will second that. >> Thank you. Uh any discussion? Uh please be please be mindful that we are restricted by what we can say here. So um yeah, I guess I would I would like to table this. Um I think that we need to have some more discussion as a as a as a full board about this. Um, I would also like some some input on um, you know, what our best direction is from. >> If we table it, Cole, it'll go to
031our next board meeting and we can go to close session and we can have our lawyer present to explain further. >> I would I know I know that it's going to cost us a little bit of money to have legal representation, >> but I I'm really having a tough time swallowing this. So >> that's absolutely >> I would I would much rather table this for now and have have representation here at our next board meeting before we >> do anything. I mean if if we were in a different situation if we were looking at not the financial >> [snorts] >> um situation we're in be different but >> can I have a second motion to table it? >> Second. Any other discussion? Any other discussion? The motion to approve the settlement agreement is tabled and
032we'll bring it up at our next board meeting. >> Sorry. Do we need to have a a roll call vote? I I would just >> We'll do a roll call to table. >> Yeah. Because Well, we've had a Yep. >> We've had a yes and we've also had a table. >> We'll do roll call. >> Okay. >> Um so we're [snorts] going to do roll call now. We're going to go around. You can say yes if you approve. Do we do it? >> I think let's backtrack a little bit here, okay? Because I want to make sure we're doing this correctly. >> Yes. >> Because Madam Chair has asked for a motion. We had a motion to accept a second. Yes. >> So take that away. >> So I think what we need to do
033is we need to have a vote, a roll call vote on the yes motion. Okay? And then we can have further discussion after that. >> Then we can table it. >> Right. >> Okay. So, we're going to do a roll call vote if you motion to accept it right now. Uh, Marge Pad on >> I'm sorry. I have one more question before we do this roll call. >> Just making sure I'm understanding right this second. We are voting. What is the yes for? >> A yes is for accepting the settlement. >> Correct. >> Gotcha. >> A no is for not accepting the settlement. We have We're going to go off our first motion. >> Okay. So, a yes would be to accept the settlement. to second would be no at this time. >> Thank you.
034>> Okay. March. >> No. >> Uh Jake, >> no. >> Sarah, >> no. >> Aaron, >> no. >> Megan, >> no. >> Susan, I do vote yes on it. Um [clears throat] 6 to one. The motion does not pass. Um further discussion. >> We have a or make a motion to table it until >> discussion. >> Can I have a second motion to table it? >> Second. Any discussion? >> Any discussion? >> We Yeah, I >> go ahead. >> Enable to We need more time than what we've been received and we as a team have not had the opportunity to even discuss this and and and some of of us, some of those that are here are probably not even aware what's going on. >> No. And some hard I mean I I was given
035information. I'm still trying to process this and and it's not fair to our district at this moment. So, it's up to us to make sure we make the best of decision on this. So, I >> absolutely and we need to do what's right for our district. We can motion to table it and then we can motion to go to close session and then we will come out of close session at our next meeting and open. And I believe Christie said she can make it. >> Yes, madam chair. If I may, if this is your prerogative, if you want to table that, that's fine. It'll be at our next meeting on uh not January 26th. it'll be there and then what happens is I unless Susan wants who we can contact um our lawyer and what
036that person will do is we'll come to this to the meeting on the 26th you know we'll have other business as well we'll close it so that our lawyer can talk about the agreement and if you have specific questions that's fine once that is everything's completed that night then we'll open it after that and then vote on whatever is decided. Yes, no, or table. I guess you can do it again. Okay. >> And when you're in close session, you can talk about anything as pertaining to the settlement agreement, but not nothing that's not on the settlement agreement. So, you'll have open discussion time. >> Yeah, we probably don't want to table it again because we need to move forward on this. So, >> so when I took this position, it I look at the final
037result as how it impacts our students. >> The settlement has a negative impact on our students. >> Absolutely. >> And it's not acceptable. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> And to me, this is just a savvy legal plate to present this to a board. >> Question. Will I be able to get more documents? >> Thank you. I think that's kind of where I mean I can't speak for everyone because I haven't had conversations but to answer your question Megan I think that was my big concern too was just making sure that we are making informed decisions and without all that proper documentation and information and a chance to you know speak together as a full board I'm I mean I'm in agreeance with that I think that we need that opportunity >> then at this time
038I would recommend that we table it And I would I can speak with the lawyer and I can ask all the documents to go out so you guys have time to preview it ahead of time and then at the next meeting we can go into close [cough] closed meeting and discuss all of it. Does that sound good to everybody? >> Okay. Can I get a motion to table? >> I think second and the second. >> Yeah. >> Okay. And I don't need to do a roll call on that. >> We did a roll call vote on the table. Correct. >> I'm sorry. Okay. Let's do roll. >> Okay. We're going to do a roll call vote to accept the table on the discussion. Marge, >> yes. >> Jade, >> yes. >> Cole, >> yes. >>
039Sarah, >> yes. >> Aaron, >> yes. >> S uh Megan, >> yes. >> Susan, yes. Motion approved. We are tableabling the discussion on the We are tableabling the motion to approve the settlement agreement and release of claims on Dr. Tim Godfrey. Um 6.2 Superintendent report. >> Yes, Madam Chair. Um, I do realize that we have uh also have to make sure that we pick a law firm uh for our district and that wasn't on there. Correct. Susie, that was a a discussion item. Um, you know, we don't necessarily have to pick somebody tonight, right? We can do that on the 26th if if you want to. Um, there are some things that I would like to move working with a lawyer on some other items for our on behalf of our district. Nothing related to
040tonight. So, I you know, we we've had uh one company, Peton Law, for quite a few years. I I guess I don't know how many years. Um, there are other law firms out there. Um, and I have communicated with MSBA, the individuals there, and I said, "Hey, you know what? what's the process for Minnesota School Boards Association? What's the process for, you know, determining if you know for law firms and banks and all that kind of stuff? And they said, "We can do whatever we the board can do whatever they want. If you don't want to use Peton Law, that's fine. If you want to use somebody else, that's fine as well. Peton Law is in this area. They have branches in Fergus, Fargo, Morehead. Um the other companies that I'm familiar with, law firms
041are based out of cities. Now we'll tell you this. I believe that they might be more expensive, right? However, I will tell you this. I do not like to use lawyers very much, right? Because they do charge, right? And I don't have a problem saying that to a lawyer or to a company. They charge. So, um that's something that we have to be mindful of. Um, you know, I I've used lawyers in the past and there is a company that I've used in a different district. Happens to be the same company that the Minnesota Schoolboards Association uses. After talking with them yesterday, but I was talking to MSB, they said all all the law firms are good. Pimpan's good. Everybody's good. But I think we need to maybe get that figured out, you know, because
042we we usually do that. I'm sorry. Go ahead, J. being that we've had the relationship with them for a long period of time. I mean that is a value but on the other end is we usually go out for any relationship usually what what does the market hold and what what are we getting for our value is there any reason why we can't reach out and find out what our cost per hour is or what kind of relation just like any other vendor. >> Yep. >> So comparing some >> Yeah, I can surely do that. Um, and you know, I'm just guessing they're going to be more expensive in the city. I don't know for sure. You know, they're good companies. They're all good companies, right? I can surely put together some information. I can
043research it out, find out pros and cons, do some background checks, some calls on some of the different companies. Um, you know, uh, Pton Law is in this area. They they do work with a lot of schools in our region, in our size and so forth, good, bad. I'm just telling you that um some of the law the bigger city law firms tend to maybe uh support bigger school districts. You know, not saying it's good or bad. I'm just giving you factual information. But I can truly do that, Jake, if that's something that the board would like me to do. >> And I would say we'd focus on a law firm that has experience working with school districts. >> Yeah. Yeah. You have to. >> You have to. Yeah. Because >> it's too much. >>
044Yeah. I would only there's probably about four or five good ones and Peton Law is in that one, right? And there's probably four or five good ones that strictly focus on uh school schools. So, I can do that. Is there a possibility that we have an opportunity to narrow it down and then they can give us a presentation as to why we should be wanting to work with them? I mean I mean is that outside the kind of vetting? >> You know something I I think it's a possibility. I've never seen that done. I can double check on that. It might be a Zoom call. >> Sure. Yeah. >> You know what I mean? >> Have you ever seen it, March? Have you Have we been with Peton the whole time we've been on the
045board? >> And beyond. >> Huh. >> And before that. >> Oh, okay. >> And historically there's been no concerns or you know they've coached us that helped supported us in the right way. Yeah. And [laughter] you know, Megan, you know, it's the same concept as banks, for example. You know, um, who do we want to, you know, if we think we can get a better deal at a certain bank or entity, why not do that? Uh, same when we go out for big bids for dairy and milk or dairy and milk, the same thing, [laughter] you know, milk and different things like that. It's like the concept we we um we have a couple issues here in Ottabon that I recently become aware of. I'm gonna go out and get at least three companies to
046come in because I want the best bang for our buck knowing that we have to be fiscally responsible as a school board. That makes sense. >> Kind of like a business manager. You have to get one that's knows the Minnesota laws, >> you know. >> Well, I just kind of like look at it an insurance. I mean, we haven't been with insurance company for the last 40 years. I mean, or whatever it might be. I mean, it's no different than that. I mean, >> right. And my personal opinion is, you know, I think it's good. I think my personal opinion is competition's good, right? That's what I think because um you know there's so many different entities out there, I'm not focusing on law firms or this or that that think schools have big pockets.
047>> No. >> Right. They do. And you know something? When a salesperson comes in, what can you do for our district? I don't care what you did for that district or that district. What can you do for our district to give us something cool and awesome for our students? It's not going to be overcharged to us. Now, I know I got off the concept of the law, but um a lawyer, but um I'm just throwing that out in general. [snorts] >> And if you have questions or comments, please ask or say. >> Any questions? [snorts] Just a comment. I mean, I would like to see some other law firms. >> Sure. >> And I mean, I like the presentation idea. >> Um, but if it's not best practice, then that's okay, too. But >> that's
048if you can't sell it to me, you can't tell it to a judge, >> right? [laughter] >> That's true. That's true. And you know something? I don't think it's asking too much to do a presentation. Yeah, >> right. I I mean [clears throat] when you build in school, when you build onto a school, you have three or four companies come in and say, "Hey, we can do this and that." You know, I don't think it's as too much. I will look into it if that's what the board would like me to do. >> And you can ask. [laughter] >> Yeah. >> There you go. >> I think that sounds smart. >> Okay. >> Sounds good. >> All right. Thank you. >> Anything else? >> I'm Yeah. Um, I just want everybody to know, um, you
049know, thank you. The my contract was approved for the next three years. Um, it is on the agenda tonight in case anybody is saying, "What the heck? What's that B was doing? What's he getting?" or whatever. It is it's an it's a public document, right? You know, if people have concerns, come and see me. Um, but I just wanted everybody to know, you know, we approved it last month. Uh, it still needs to be signed, but I just wanted to put that out there to be transparent. Okay. Um, in case anybody was wondering that we happen to have, I believe January 12th, next Monday, I think we're meeting with MA negotiations. >> Susie, would you please post that tomorrow? >> It's already posted. It's already >> I was testing you, Susie. Good job. [laughter] >>
050So, we are meeting with MSEA and um I'm really hoping those individuals come in person. Um, >> it kind of sounded like they were going to >> Yeah. So, I've got that. I do want to um I just want to I want to thank what >> I want to we're trying some different things second semester for some different classes. Okay. And I I really want to give a lot of credit to um Becky uh at the front desk, Jamie, uh Mr. Meyer, and Mrs. Zick. and um I guess I sat in some meetings with them and we're trying to make things better for our students second semester. So, they've been working very hard to meet. They've had we've had a couple long meetings this week just to create other opportunities for our students second semester.
051I won't get in those opportunities yet because our second semester starts not next Monday the 12th, but January 19th. Okay? So, we're working on different things like that. Um, [clears throat] I would really like to see if we could possibly meet the 21st. It's a Wednesday for teacher negotiations. Um, I know it's a Wednesday, but Cole's not part of that. It would be I wanted to double check. It'd be Jade, Aaron, and Susan. >> Um, and you know, the board the whole board could probably be there if we want that, but um we've done that before. But Wednesday, January 21st at I don't know. Does this five still work? Does five work? >> 5:30 works best. >> Okay. 5:30. >> We can do 5:30 >> or 5:15. >> After 54 after 5 [clears throat] works
052better, I mean, >> yeah, sure. That'd be >> 5:00 to me. >> Okay. And then um >> [clears throat] >> There's so much going on. First of all, happy new year to the LPA school district. Um, thank you for giving me this opportunity, board members and community members and students for being able to work continue teaching your work for the next couple years. I appreciate that. Um, like I said, we got some great students and great staff. Uh, next Monday on January 12th at 10:00, we happen to have a business manager meeting that is every couple weeks. Sarah, I believe you've been on that before. If you'd like to continue, I'd love to have you on there and unless another board member also wants to be on it. It's a Zoom call. Um because we're
053going to start getting into the nuts and bolts with the budget going forward now and those different things. I've again met with the local union to talk about the process and I will make sure that we're transparent throughout this process these next few months. I'll work very hard with all educational stakeholders. >> You said that's the 12th. >> Yeah, 10 o'clock. Yeah, that doesn't have to be posted, but that's every other Monday. And I know Sarah, I think, enjoyed it. >> I loved it. Especially as a treasurer, I definitely appreciated the further information. I mean, as a board member also, but >> being that I'm on finance, is that >> I think it's a good idea, DJ. Yeah, >> if you can do it, >> I'll make it work. >> Okay. Okay. So, Monday at
05410:00, I'll make sure to get the Zoom call out. It's >> there's not four. >> Yeah. As long as there's not >> they put me down for that as well. >> Okay. >> The three of them. >> I'm going to be muted and I will click. >> So, Sarah, Jay, and Susan. >> Yes. >> And it'll be every other Monday. If we need to meet at another time, we can sure set it up. But it's a standing meeting starting this January. >> How often is it? >> Every every other Monday, right? But as we get into the nuts and bolts of the next couple months, we might have to meet more often because remember I promised that we would be having community meetings coming up as well too. And I think that I always try
055to keep my promises. Okay. Uh American Indian um update. Just want to let you know um Olivia Gravel will be uh offering an Ojiu language class during um what they call it uh [laughter] >> four days of the week advisory for starting with seventh and eighth grader American Indian students. That will start the week of January 19th, a six week course. If we have success with that, we're going to open it up to other students in seventh and eighth grade as well. So, that will start the week. I think it's Tuesday the 20th. It'll start this. >> That's fantastic. >> Yeah. I want, you know, I want to thank um Olivia and Mrs. for working on that and getting that going. I'm excited about it. >> Okay. Just want to let you know if you
056get a chance, Roz has been releasing a lot of stuff out on community ed things. That's going pretty well. big wrestling tournament Friday. Terry Taken is a legend in this area, so you get a chance to stop by. Um, I do want to be transparent about this as well, too. Um, uh, some of the extracurricular activities we've had, there's been a um um like a sign. You have to sign it when you use your phone. You know, you pay your phone or whatever to buy a ticket. Um, we will be having the cash drawer uh at the wrestling tournament on a Friday and I think um it's the right thing to do because you know my mother and father if they came to an event they wouldn't know what to do. >> They wouldn't know
057how to do that. >> Probably not too loud. They might make a scene if if they can't pay with cash because they don't know how they don't have a smartphone. So >> um we've been working on that and we'll see see about that. Um, MSBA workshop is next Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. The Minnesota School Boards Association. I absolutely love this conference. Okay. I do want to let you know that there's a checks and balances, right? The our school district is paying basically for us to go to this. Jade and I will have training on Wednesday from 9 to 4 phase three training. And I know you you've been there before, right? >> Not Yeah, but not I did one two last year. Used to be phase three. >> You've never been to the It's packed.
058>> Okay. Um I would really like to meet with the two of you afterwards. What I'd like to do too is those breakout sessions. So there are some things that really interest me, but I don't really want to triple up, right? you know, and um yeah, any questions on that? And then um you know, if you wanna get together at night, we're not going to Manny Steakhouse. I'll tell you that right now. We're not going to pay money to go to Manny's steakhouse. Never been there, but there are a lot of school boards that do that. I'm not part of that. I'd rather just [snorts] have Subway and save the money. Right. >> Contracting signed yet. >> Well, that's true. and I you >> No, I can't make it next week, but >> Okay, >>
059I do want to go >> if >> you go next week or next year. >> Yeah, that's what I'm hoping. >> Yes. And um >> there is um it it's a really good conference and um I'd be happy to introduce you to some people that work for the Minnesota School Boards Association if that interests you. Um and then you know [clears throat] there'll be other schools down there. You maybe know some board members from other areas. It's a great networking thing. I bet you there's probably a hundred booths set up. >> There's a lot of vendors. >> Um, just be careful because they will try to sell you something if you stop. You know, you can pick up all these little free trinkets, right? Which is great, but don't promise anything. So, anything else? That's
060pretty Susie, did I forget anything? I >> think so. >> Okay. Any questions or anything for me? Any other questions? Well, if you think of any later, you can feel free to get a hold of Dr. Bergus. Okay. Moving forward, we have succeeding meeting 7.1. A regular monthly schoolboard meeting will be January 26, 2026, 5:30 p.m. Lake Park Ottabon High School Media Center. 7.2 2 schoolboard work session February 11, 2026, 5:30 p.m. Lake Park Elementary School Media Center. >> Madam Chair, I just want to I want to I want to throw this out there, okay? Cuz I'm okay with whatever. I know this district has gone to two meetings a month, right? But I know we you board members are getting paid nothing. I just want to reiterate that as schoolboard members, you're getting paid
061nothing to attend these meetings, right? And I I don't want to sound like I'm [clears throat] kissing any kissing up to anyone, okay? Because I don't do that. But I will tell you, I don't know of any other board members that are doing their civic duty for free. And I know we've got some tough decisions to make. And I've kind of mentioned this before. Um I just appreciate everything being able to serve on this because I think it's a great civic responsibility or duty that you're serving on this. We can continue to do two meetings a month if you want work session or we can sporadically set up a work session as we go through the budget process. I just want to throw that out there. >> So we could do one meeting a month
062and do a work session as needed. >> Correct. >> The only thing is depending we might need a work session the next couple months as we're working through. >> Correct. I that's what I think. But I also want people to know, you know, I'm pretty transparent. So, if a community member wants to come in and say, "Hey, I want to see this this." I I'll show it to them, >> right? I don't have a problem. Um, but I just I just want to throw that out there. Thoughts? >> You know what, Madam Chair? >> I think it's an excellent idea to continue with it twice a month just because with what we're going through, you know, to keep up the tabs with everything. >> Yep. I would just add my comment is like just with
063scheduling it's nice to know the date for >> correct. Yeah, you're right >> instead of trying to >> Okay. I just want to throw that out there. >> Maybe in the summer time. >> Yeah. >> I think my only concern and I agree with you Mrs. be because we do have a lot going on with the one meeting a month is that the possibility of tableabling things too often because we're discussing it and we're like, "Oh, I need some time to process and I'm not sure if I'm ready to make this decision when when we have the work session, we get to have our discussions, take it home, process it, think about it, and then our next meeting we vote." Um, so that's my only concern with doing one >> one meeting a month. Thank
064yarn's got a good point. Some are kind of different, but [laughter] you're right. There's going to be some big decisions coming up. So, I Yes, I want to throw that there. Thank you, Madam Chair. Any questions or or comments for me? >> Sure. >> We appreciate your hard work, too. >> Hasn't been easy to sit on that side of the table either. >> Thanks, I appreciate that. Very, very great. Thank you. >> Any other discussion? Motion to adjourn. >> Okay. Motion to adjourn. >> These new appointments I'll like get in the mail. >> Yeah. Susie and I are [laughter] we'll talk about that. So, >> bye. Thanks. >> The um >> you want to turn off. Will we get a cop?