001Uh >> [clears throat] >> please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. >> Pledge 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. >> [laughter] [laughter] >> Good evening fellow school board members, district staff, and community members. Welcome to tonight's board meeting. As a reminder, the mission of St. Francis Area Schools is to equip all students with the knowledge and skills to empower them to achieve their dreams and full potential while becoming responsible citizens in a dynamic world. Our first item for tonight is agenda item two, the adoption of the agenda. Are there any questions prior to a motion being made on the agenda before you? I do have one change to
002make, but I'll see if there's any questions first. All right, zero questions. So, just to take a look at the agenda, I'm going to offer up an amendment to remove action item 7.3 and 7.4. Those two resolutions do require the full board to be present for that action item. So, we do have a board member that is absent tonight. That was a last-minute change for us, so we're going to remove those two items for tonight's agenda because we don't have the board. >> Do either one of those have a time frame? >> What's that? >> Do either one of those have a time frame? >> No, they do not. All right, so is there a call to motion to approve the June 8th, 2026 meeting agenda with 7.3, 7.4 removed? >> I'll second. >> Second.
003>> Mr. Hanson, second by Mr. Working. Thank you. Any discussion that motion? Seeing no discussion, all in favor signify by saying I and raising your hand. >> I. >> No one opposes. Motion prevails. Thank you. Next item tonight is our Saint Star Award. This is the last one for this school year and it's a doozy for tonight, okay? Our Saint Star Award was established to publicly recognize Saint Francis Area School staff, students, and community members at a school board meeting to highlight the positive and impactful work happening within our district. A list of all of our prior Saint Star Awards is on our website. Um I recommend going back and refreshing your memory. We've had some really good ones uh since we started this. This month's Saint Star Award is presented to Communication Supervisor Dax
004Larson. Uh Dax was nominated for his honor uh by East Bethel for for this honor by East Bethel Elementary School Principal Melissa Kivi and Saint Francis Middle School Principal Heidi Pitchley. Uh Melissa said, "I'm honored to nominate Dax Larson, our district communication supervisor, for the Saint Star Award. Dax consistently goes above and beyond in every aspect of his role and has made an immeasurable impact on our district. Uh for highlighting the incredible work happening across our school and programs to supporting buildings and district leadership with his critical time-sensitive communication, Dax is a trusted and invaluable resource. His efforts have significantly enhanced the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of district communications. Whether communicating with families, staff, district leadership, the school board, or the broader community, Dax ensures information is shared clearly, professionally, and thoughtfully. Uh one of
005Dax's greatest strengths is is his ability to support administrators during challenging situations. When urgent communications need arise, he steps in seamlessly allowing building leaders to focus their attention on supporting students, staff, and families. His expertise, responsiveness, and calm demeanor provide reassurance during times when clear communication is essential. Uh Dax is also highly visible and engaged throughout the district, regularly attending school and community events to showcase the positive experience and achievements of our students and staff. Uh beyond his technical skills, Dax's kindness, professionalism, and exceptional interpersonal skills set him apart. He builds strong relationships with colleagues throughout the district and approaches every interaction with respect, positivity, and a genuine desire to help others succeed. Uh Dax has made countless valuable contributions during his time in our district, and we're incredibly fortunate to have him as part
006of our team. His dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence embody the spirit of the Saint Star Award. I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition. Well said, Melissa. Thank you so much. Well said. Uh and now we're going to tap it again, okay? So, Miss Critchley has this to say about Dax. He is a true professional who is an unsung hero for Saint Francis Area Schools. He is always willing to attend events celebrating students and staff to capture those special moments. He makes sure our community understands what an amazing place Saint Francis Area School is, and that we share our stories over and over again. He takes the time to actively listen and work diligently to capture the essence of our school community. In addition, in times of crisis, Dax plays a
007critical role. As a principal, I am consumed with details and needs during those times. One of the most important parts of working through any crisis is communication. People are often scared when these events happen, and I know I can rely on Dax to draft messages to our parents and communities to make sure they are informed and aware of any situation in a timely manner. During one weekend this fall, Dax was in constant communication with all of us as we work through a situation. He worked tirelessly to ensure we could share what we could with our community. He does this with a smile and kindness. He never makes me feel like I am bothering him. Uh, and she says although I sure at times that she is. Uh, he just does his job and does it
008so well. I cannot even begin to explain how much stress and pressure this takes out me and our building when he helps out like that. He's also been patiently teaching me how to share our story at St. Francis Middle School. He has taught me how to use social media and then has encouraged me as I have some anxiety about it. He does not judge me but gently encourages and informs. This is an area I look forward to continuing to work with him. Dax, thanks for being a solid foundation in times of celebration, crisis, and everything between. I'm so happy to be on the team with you. You are an amazing professional. Ms. Fritzley, thank you for those beautiful words about Dax. About this honor, Dax said this, "There are so many great people who work
009uh, and learn in our buildings and they are doing amazing work. I just feel fortunate enough to lift up their countless outstanding accomplishments and help them tell their stories. My favorite part of this job is capturing just a glimpse of the magic that happens in our buildings every day. I'm used to being behind the camera and behind the scenes, so this is truly a humbling honor to be recognized." Dax, uh, that was awesome, right? Uh, words are hard to explain what you have done to support the district not only in the recent weeks but throughout the school year. We truly do, uh, thank you. The Saint Star Award was established for exactly what you have been doing and what you are doing to support this district. So, let's give her a ROUND OF APPLAUSE. >>
010[applause] >> DAX, YOU'RE JUST GOING TO SET A TIMER ON THAT. >> [laughter] >> BUT, WE'RE GOING TO TAKE THESE. We're going to take two. Okay. We're going to take one for external purposes and that's with this. >> Yeah. >> And then Dax Dax needs to take a selfie. >> Yeah, he's got to >> [laughter] >> Not too often you get to do this. All right. Come in. >> No pressure, Chris. >> [laughter] >> There's no pressure. There you go. >> You're going to take a selfie now, aren't you? >> Yeah, hold on. You're going to take a selfie now. >> Oh, yeah. Yeah, yeah. >> This is for internal >> Both things only. >> Crazy Okay, crazy. >> You did all right, buddy. >> [laughter] >> NICE SHOT, DAX. >> [applause] >> OH, YEAH.
011>> THERE WE GO. HARD TO FOLLOW THAT ONE UP. UH next agenda item for tonight is consideration of visitors. We have no cards, right? Has anyone handed me any cards? >> We did not collect >> Okay, no cards for tonight, so no consideration of visitors tonight. But we do thank those that do come and engage with us at past meetings and future meetings. Next agenda item is the consent agenda for district policy 203. We'll approve our consent agenda items. There are five items on tonight's agenda. Are there any questions or requests to remove any item before a motion is made? Seeing no requests or changes, is there a call to motion to approve the consent agenda? Thank you, Mr. Schonrock. Thank you, Ms. Anderson, for the second. Are there any discussion on that motion? Seeing
012no discussion, this will be a roll call vote. So, if you are in favor, say aye. If you're opposed, say nay. Ms. Bakken Clabaugh. >> Aye. >> Ms. Ortman. >> I. >> Mr. Anderson. >> I. >> Mr. Showalter. >> I. >> Mr. Humphrey. >> I. >> And I am I as well. Motion prevails. Thank you. All right, as we move forward to uh information items and reports, uh tonight we have one informational report tonight and that is the superintendent report, ministry report. Mr. Anderson. >> I'll just highlight a few of the items. Uh first of all, uh the city of East Bethel learned that uh the federal allotment for the water tower treatment plant was reduced to 3 million to 1 million dollars. So, we have 3 million dollars for the uh 3 million dollars
013in state funding and 1 million uh for federal funding. Uh that will require the city to look at adjustments. It could be staging, it could be scope, you know, number of things. So, we will uh be communicating with them on a regular basis to uh learn how that's going to unfold. Uh the uh admin team, especially uh Mr. Nelson, uh has been working on personnel plan related to Crossroads East and Crossroads North. Uh because of those closures of those two schools, there were, you know, significant number of staff members impacted. And so, we spent considerable time placing those people preferably in open positions uh to mitigate the impact on our personnel. Uh in fact, one of the uh one of the items that we approved, uh the discontinuance of the tier two teachers related to
014that decision. So, or related to the closures. Uh I also included a fundraiser report just as an FYI and the softball state tournament and state trip request. Again, it's an FYI, we do not need board approval uh for either one of those items. Any questions for Mr. Anderson Mr. Shaw? >> Yeah, just a couple. Well, not not a question more just thank you for doing the extended training here report. >> Yeah, that resulted from Mr. Humphrey who you know asked questions about it and I I like this compromise because then it's still transparent. >> Yeah, that was a good question Craig. >> And then the next one is Crossroads East middle school want to open in the fall. Do you need any more information about them? Possibility of opening in the fall? >> [clears throat]
015>> They want to open but um but you know they're going to have to step through a lot of hoops before they can get authority and I'm sure that would include a lot of training, staff hiring, uh getting students to re-enroll. So, it's it you know, could be in early July or maybe not at all. We we just don't know. >> Is there any way to get information if they did open how fast would they need to get staff hired? >> Yeah, we I think there's a really good plan that shaped up. Ms. Parson and Mr. Nelson have really developed the plan. So, we will have some one or two staff members that will be able to work with the first group of students if it does reopen and then we can add staff, you
016know, as needed. So, yeah, the plan kind of accommodates for that. And you know, we'll have flexibility so we can reassign them to some other places as needed. >> Any other questions or comments Mr. Burden? >> I will add that the the cost to the district is approximately $300,000 so far and that's because you know, we had to let probationary teachers go uh we have more experienced teachers, and of course more experienced teachers cost more. So, there is a direct impact on our budget uh because of the closure of those two facilities. Uh I know that uh Ms. Nucci is factoring that into the budget that will be presented second meeting in June. >> Do you want to highlight the softball team before we get to the board member reports cuz I'll say some of
017the things >> Yeah, so as everyone knows, we um St. Francis uh won the the state AAA uh softball tournament. It's the first team championship ever in St. Francis. Um so, we should be really proud of that. And I think it's going to be the first of many state championships in multiple sports. Cuz I think we have all the tools in place. You know, we just have to keep it going. You know, start with a good youth program, have great coaches, and of course we already have talented Well, we have all those things already, our parents and students, and it's this won't be the last one. So, we'll be on it. And I know the the track uh team members had a successful state tournament. I don't have a list of names or exactly how
018they did in the finals. Uh but we can present that [clears throat] unless one of you happens to have that information. >> Who is Scott? >> Yeah, I don't have any individual No, not that I know of. Softball, uh we'll highlight that in a minute. Any other questions or comments for Mr. Anderson? All right. Thank you, Mr. Anderson. Moving on to our next agenda item, which is uh action items. Uh there was four, but now there's two. Our first one for tonight is the resolution relating to the election of school board members uh and calling the school district general election. Uh the resolution calls for the election of three board members for a four-year term, and that's for the election held in November 3rd, If you have any questions, uh Ms. Anderson will answer. If
019you have any specific questions, uh we will need a motion to approve the resolution. The resolution will be a roll call vote. Any questions before I hear a motion being made? Is there a motion to approve the resolution relating to the election of school board members as presented? >> So moved. >> Okay, Mr. Branson, is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Workman. Any discussion on that motion? >> Yeah, uh we just got a a message as far as the filing period for candidates, it's July 14th through the 28th. Put that on your calendar, so if you know someone who wants to run for the school board. >> Say that again, July 14th to July 28th? >> Yeah. >> [clears throat] >> Thank you, Mr. Shonrock. >> Uh I I just thought to
020myself, it just seems early. >> I thought the board was in August. >> It feels early to me, too. Uh that came directly from the election officer of the Anoka County, right? >> Yes. Yep. >> So, we'll double-check just to make sure. I always thought it went to August 3rd. So, we'll double-check. >> Any other discussion on that motion? You know this will be a roll call vote. If you are in favor, say aye. If you are opposed, say nay. Mr. Umphrey. >> Uh aye. >> Mr. Shonrock. >> Aye. >> Ms. Anderson. >> Aye. >> Mr. Workman. >> Aye. >> Ms. Barthel Plummer. >> Aye. >> I am aye as well. Motion prevails, 6 to 0. Thank you. Next agenda item 7.2, uh resolution of certification of updated district population estimates. Uh this is required
021for our 2026 payable >> [cough] >> and 2027 revenue calculations. Uh we will need a motion to approve. If you have any questions, there's a couple admin here tonight that can help answer those. Is there any questions prior to the motion being made? Seeing no questions, then I call a motion for approval of the resolution, the certification of updated district population estimates as presented. >> So moved. >> Thank you, Ms. Anderson. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Orton. Any discussion on that motion? Seeing [clears throat] no discussion, again this will be a roll call vote. I if you're in favor, nay if you oppose. Mr. Humphrey. >> Aye. >> Mr. Sherlock. >> Aye. >> Ms. Anderson. >> Aye. >> Mr. Orton. >> Aye. >> Ms. Bottomley-O'Keefe. >> Aye. >> And
022I as well. Motion prevails 6-0. Uh we are moving past 7374. As discussed earlier, we will now move to agenda item eight, upcoming meetings and preliminary topics. Are there any questions or concerns about the upcoming meeting or topics? Mr. Sherlock. >> On November Sorry, I had zoomed in. It's just a couple of This is Tuesday, I'm doing them. November 9th. And May 24th. I believe they were supposed to be Mondays. Um and then just one comment, question type of thing. For next year, we're going to be looking into just doing one meeting a month this summer. Not that I don't like coming here, but I don't think there's anything on this agenda that couldn't be pushed to the end of the month. And I think it'd be the same next And I think August will
023be the same, unless you think we do need >> I would love that, one meeting a month, every month. >> We can going to that, too. And some schools actually >> That's what I was talking earlier. >> But really that's up to the board to decide, you know, what you feel comfortable with. There are some HR issues uh because we need to get the hiring going. And so sometimes we wait for the consent agenda before we take additional action. That'll be the only uh barrier, I think. >> Yeah, but in most scenarios, unless it was an emergency, we could always plan a special session. >> Right. >> [clears throat] >> Is it a deal one off as opposed to People could pencil in, you know, the the the second Monday of the month just in
024case that ever happens, so at least we'd have a quorum. >> So, something to look into there. So, thank you. I think Vanessa took the notes on uh changes to our original. Uh we do approve this in the first meeting of January. >> Great. >> So, what Superintendent and I will do is take suggestions and take a look at what that looks like and offer that back up before that January meeting for any approval that might come through. Superintendent, you want to make sure you add that to our task. >> You bet. >> And that would be fine with one meeting and one or two work sessions in there, so just by the way. But especially in the summer. >> Okay, any other comments or questions? All right, moving on to agenda item nine, school
025board member reports. Ms. Hanson, could I start south? >> Sure. Attended um program supervisors and custodians, I believe since they're all in negotiations and mediation. Um we have negotiations program supervisors again tomorrow and mediation with um the custodian of the school district. I attended graduation, which was exciting as always. Um It's probably the most rewarding um event of the year to see a culmination of everything that has happened throughout the year for our graduating seniors. Um it's also the one time of the year that you don't get an email for something usually, and this is probably the first year that we haven't gotten emails saying, "How come you're not pulling your own side?" Um probably because the weather was a little bit sketchy. Um but it's the best event of the year. Um and it's
026unfortunate that we can't have that like regularly throughout the year. So, that's everything I have, and congratulations to our senior softball team. >> Thank you. If I should have had there, and I know you're referring to all three graduations. We have the the um honor ceremony for our American Indian kids, as well as the um graduation ceremony for Saints Academy and the high school one as well. So, all three were really well done. Each one was enjoyable in a different way. >> Mr. Sherman. >> Um yeah, of course I've just congrats to the softball. That was so exciting to get the updates. See that they got the championship, and uh the first one of many like said previously. Um yeah, I attended the ABE back to learn center and high school graduation. And like Jill
027said, it's just such an honor to be a part of that and witness all of that. Um and all day party right after the high school graduation with the best bingo callers in the state right here. We had a good time with that. Um and then last week I did attend the Minnesota State High School Board meeting. Really want to feel like you're a nobody and you don't exist, just go there and you'll just be physically ignored. But anyway, so you can only speak to something that's on the agenda and luckily the >> [clears throat] >> I don't know what was it. Yes, thank you. The dues was on there so I got to speak on that. And I just said well, how just getting the price tag beforehand would be nice. And then it
028came up and then Director Davis the overview of everything and there was basically zero discussion. Cuz there was no vote on it that night and it's pushed until the next meeting so there was nothing really decided that that meeting but there was no discussion at it either. I'll just leave it at that before I get myself in too >> [laughter] >> That's it. Thank you, Mr. Shelton. Mr. Warren. >> Uh Jillian and I have hit everything that was on my mind. Congratulations to the person who voted for this graduation and the state of awesome. That's all I got to say. >> Same um but I did want to shout out I got to believe that graduation is a heavy duty for custodians so thank you to them. Congratulations to the graduates, softball team. Everyone said
029it better before I got to it. >> Thank you. Mr. Humphrey. >> Uh yes, the graduate the graduates congratulations to all the graduates. Uh I'd also like to say and I forgot to say this while I was on the state of uh the high school Amy Vincent who retired but she was the one who for years now has been reading names uh and that's that's that's really nice of her and uh she's retired from that so wanted to say thank you for that. I forgot to say that. Uh the all night party went at about 9:30 from the high school with about 90 kids. Uh the price of admission was less than what they were giving back to them in the initial box of goodies. They got a cooler, a bunch [clears throat] of stuff
030in it, and then they were also winning prizes and having free games and food all night. And that went really well with the volunteers, and the kids were really respectful of that situation. It was a pleasure being around them till 5:30 in the morning. Uh and then uh finally I want to say good luck to Skyler Algire and my boy Jack Humphrey along with coach Mr. Tool as they leave Saturday for a week in Virginia to compete [clears throat] in the national debate competition. And that's all I got. >> Did you hear any feedback on the speaker? Congratulations. Heard nothing but good things. Thank you, Mr. Alfred. Uh for my report tonight uh superintendent did mention East Bethel uh and the funding that they received. Uh was able to have a a quick meeting with
031the city administrator. Uh excited about working collaboratively with them as we know that uh that project will directly affect our two elementary schools. Uh and it's nice that we have an open line of communication right now, so there's no surprises that come and we're working through what all that looks like uh with the district uh and um with our elected officials because there's a price tag that's still attached to that uh and making sure that they understand the impacts on the school district and what that's going to do. So, if any of you want talking points with our elected officials, just reach out to me. Uh they are all very supportive of the district in in process, and uh it's a good thing. Uh but if you have if you want some talking points, if
032you're going to talk to them, let me know and I'll give you the easy talking points as to uh what the district is looking for. Um attending the program supervising negotiations. Uh Joe already mentioned we have uh again graduation. Uh for those of you uh that didn't get to attend graduation, uh it is one of the most joyful experiences in the district. Uh seeing the students come up on stage. Uh there wasn't a uh individual that wasn't smiling, that wasn't happy, that wasn't just super proud of themselves uh as much as everyone in that room was of them as well. So, uh great to see. Uh and then uh Mr. Humphrey, you kind of hit on it a little bit with activities. Uh it's not just softball, they did an amazing job, but we have
033students across the district doing activities outside of the school year, uh and they're doing amazing things and representing St. Francis so very well. Um from sports to debates to other events. Uh I think we already have camps going on in our in our buildings. Uh they hit summer hard and fast, uh and it's getting ready, and it's absolutely awesome to see our students representing St. Francis the way they are. Uh I'm going to put out a little uh plug about the St. Francis fishing team. Uh they had the first ever uh high school conference uh tournament today that St. Francis has been part of, uh and we came in with a bang. So, nine teams competed four placed in the top 10 out of 40 boats, and we had a St. Francis team win the
034tournament, and also a team take second. So, uh all of our conference knows that St. Francis is here to play, uh and uh we're not to be messed with. So, I'm excited to see how that goes uh moving forward. Uh that is it for my report. >> Nice school. >> Yeah. I forgot to mention that um during Jack's speech when he was around making that video with his thing, that's an actual video that he shared amongst all of his socials and I think he sends it to the district if they want to share it. He's obviously in agreement. It's completely the same thing as everything else going on but from the kids' perspective, it's a really cool thing to see and maybe some people would like to see that but if that he I think
035he sends it to the district and said, "Share if you like or if you can but also if you if I don't know if that's going to come to fruition or not but if it doesn't, I'll make you uh talk to Jack or email Jack and he can send you a copy of that. It's a pretty cool perspective from an animal, too. It's a good keepsake I think for your class but um you walk through it and that is so >> Yeah, thank you. Thank you. Any other comments? School member reports? All right, our next agenda item is adjournment. Are there any questions prior to a motion being made to adjourn? We have approximately 8 minutes to make those comments. >> [clears throat] >> Yeah. Jake, it's so quiet and I know you can actually
036get out any time. >> Uh Jake, you can go. >> I have a motion to adjourn, man. >> Yeah, he had he had his work cut out for him after graduation. >> I did the motion. >> Oh, yeah, you did. >> Yeah, you have to second. >> I second. Is there a second? >> You should hear how it sounds from my side. >> [laughter] >> Thank you, Mr. >> Any discussion on that motion? >> No [clears throat] discussion. >> No discussion. All in favor signify by raising your hand. All right, motion prevails. Meeting is adjourned 7:01. >> Jake, you know we love you. >> [laughter]