001Since it's 6:00, we will call this meeting to order and we'll start with roll call, please. >> Michelle Brekken? >> Here. >> Adrian Domerlinger? Stephanie Ederman? >> Here. >> [snorts] >> Brandy Heitman? >> Here. >> Sarah Speer? >> Here. >> John Ward? >> Here. >> [clears throat] >> Please 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. >> [clears throat] >> All right. We'll look for a motion to approve the [snorts] agenda as presented. We did pull off the budget information. It wasn't quite ready, so we'll have to have a special meeting yet this month to approve that because it does need to be approved before
002July 1st. >> I'll make a motion. >> All right. >> Second. >> Got a motion by Director Ederman, a second by Director Brekken. Any discussion? If not, all those in favor signify by saying aye. >> Aye. >> Opposed, the same. Motion carries. We've got a number of recognitions here, and I'll just read through them if you guys are okay with that. We've got congratulations to the 510 2026 graduates from Brainerd High School, Brainerd Learning Center, Lincoln Education Center, and graduation equivalency program or diploma, the GED. Congratulations to the Warrior Robotics team. They took eighth place at the state tournament. Congratulations to the Super Mileage team for taking second place in the battery electric division at the state tournament. Congratulations to the boys golf team for earning both the Central Lakes Conference Championship and the Section
0038 AAA team championship. The Warriors softball team has been crowned section eight uh 4A champions. Congratulations to them. And both the Warrior girls and boys track and field teams won their respective Central Lakes Conference championships. Pretty amazing. 27 athletes qualified for the state meet. Highlights from the state meet include Cora Cloud was crowned state champion in the class 3A high jump. Oh, I'm sorry. [clears throat] Yeah, that is 3A high jump. Joe Smith took sixth place in the pole vault. Cecilia Dirks took seventh place in the 300 meter hurdles. Boys 4 by 100 relay took seventh place and the girls 4 by 100 relay took ninth place. Congratulations to Carly Sakora and and Dr. Kerry Boser for their work in the Greater Twin Cities United Way Building a Movement Grant. Brainerd Public Schools was awarded
004$10,000 to be used to support students working in the community to develop life skills. Pretty cool. All right, we'll move on to public input. A member of the public can address the board during this time. Comments will be limited to 3 minutes. Complaints or allegations against students or employees may not be discussed due to data privacy. Complaints or allegations must be submitted in writing to Superintendent Grant. The Board of Education and Superintendent will not converse with guest to address the topics discussed at this time and no visuals or props will be allowed. Up first we have Michael Erickson. >> Thank you. Um First off, this is your last board meeting. I want to publicly thank you for all the hard work that you've done and ups and downs and roundabouts and and so forth. Um
005the other thing I guess I would also want to say is I've heard a number of teachers uh so forth say basically the kind of trauma that they've had to endure in their classrooms. As a former school psychologist and uh mental health professional over the years, uh I've been involved in other school districts that have provided mental health support for for their teachers. Uh I don't know what the current standing of that is in this district, but I know that some districts are doing that now, too. That they're providing uh basically trauma-based support for their school teachers on a fairly regular basis. So, if that's something that the district is interested or is currently involved in, I would think that that would be something that would be uh very good. Thank you very much. >>
006Thank you. Up next, we have Sarah Roda, please. Welcome. I'm reading this off my phone. Usually, I'm a paper and pencil person, but it was so edited that I couldn't I had to write it, so anyway. >> [snorts] >> Um my name is Sarah Roda, and I'm the president of the EMBEA, the union that represents educational assistants and nurses in the Brainerd Public School District. My job at BHJS, for lack of a better way to put it, is the ISS lady. When I tell people this and what I do, the first thing they often say is, "How can you do that?" or "I could never do that job." The comments often come with a look of horror or a laugh, and I say, "Wow, who wouldn't do this job?" I do, and I love it.
007One of the first things you learn as a paraprofessional is to build a relationship, and then change can happen, and that is what I do. I build relationships. The students that I have are considered the students with challenging behaviors. Skipping, truancy, vaping, insubordination. These kids are my kids and they are my people. These kids are students first and they are also human beings. I do not like when people refer to these students as bad kids. As an example, I had a student this year who spent a lot of time hiding out in bathrooms, hanging out with friends instead of going to class, being truant, being tardy, not doing any academic work. I finally had her in ISS and we were trying to get some academic work done so she could at least get one credit
008for the semester. Another student asked me if I was retiring. I get this question a lot. And I said, "No, I'm coming back in the fall so I can hang out with you guys." And that student said, "Good, because because everyone I love always leaves." My point is that the people with the most student contact get compensated the least. Our jobs working directly with most challenging kids deserve fair compensation. Please remember that nurses and educational assistants are not just FTEs. We are professionals caring for the students who are most vulnerable with the greatest need and the most challenging behavior. I have heard many times in these board meetings, "This is for the kids and I care about the kids." Well, prove it. Compensate the men and women of EMBEA fairly. Thank you. >> Thank you.
009Up next we have Rick Felt, please. >> The Bible is very clear. You either serve the Lord Jesus Christ or you serve Satan. Those are not my words, but Jesus Christ's own words. I have watched and Randy Heideman has also stated in the past that there is a disconnect between the board members here and he's absolutely right because three of these board members are trying to serve the Lord Jesus Christ and the other three are your servants, Satan. And I have actually watched their spirit publicly humiliate Director Edelman. I have watched Michelle Brekken roll her eyes when when DJ Dowling is talking, and I've also watched Director Ward stand up and shut down Randy Heideman in in board meetings and treat them with total disrespect. >> I thought insulting board members wasn't supposed to be
010allowed. >> I'm not insulting. I'm using my free speech. I'm not insulting. I'm stating the facts. >> okay. Order. You may continue. But yes, please. >> But I But what the Lord has laid on my heart is that he's going to give this board a period of time to repent from these actions before he brings judgment. And I want to make this explicitly clear. This is not a public threat. This is a prophetic warning to you. He is going to give you a period of time to go ahead and repent and to accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior. After that period of time is over and he has not given me a specific number of days, one of the times that you can expect for some of the judgment of being
011turned over to Satan is severe anxiety, sleepless nights, a spirit of rebellion upon family members, and the ultimate period will be when you're removed from office. Thank you. >> Thank you. Up next, we have Doug Kern, please. >> So, a few years ago we had blue ribbon schools. We had all these schools that were hailed the best in the state, and blue ribbons were given to all these schools. I saw the options that that were looking at, you know, that were being looked at as far as closing one of those blue ribbon schools. Um when I look at those options, you know, consolidating, you know, that probably is going to have to happen with somewhere along the way. But um the problem that I see is that the issue is still has not been resolved
012as far as why we're losing students. Um it wasn't that many years ago with the Blue Ribbon Schools and it shouldn't take, you know, a rocket scientist to know why we're losing students. Um that hasn't been addressed. Uh PELBS, the Public Education Licensing Standards Board, the it's stuff that they're the curriculum for the health standard that they're pushing for next year, you're going to see a a a wave of children being brought out of the school taken out of the system if this passes, the health curriculum that they're looking at. Um yes, it uh it means another levy next year. We'll have to do more and increase next year to fix the problem because it's not being addressed, the DEI, the CRT, the girls, you know, having to compete against boys in in sports using
013the same facilities. That all has to be addressed or we're going to be hemorrhaging more students. And a levy's not going to fix it. Um at least not one levy. It'll be levy upon levy upon levy. So, that that's just what I see coming. So, thank you. >> Thank you. Up next, we have Connie Licio, please. Welcome. >> Thank you, and thank you to the board members that showed up tonight. I understand that um there's a very large vote that's going to be on the agenda here shortly. And sometimes I think the word democracy is used incorrectly, and I could be using it incorrectly as well. So, I actually looked up what democracy means, and it means we live in a democracy whereby its definition is where power is vested in the people. Citizens have
014the right to participate in decision-making through voting, which is very applicable to your decision in making um a hopefully a levy for learning the November ballot. And um along with that, I know that there's a significant budget shortfall. That's no shock to anyone. But, I think during these financially challenging times, it's important when cuts are made they are made in areas that don't affect directly affect the students. Meaning the para-professionals, who by the way are paid $16.40 an hour starting wage. Today, just for the fun of it, I stopped at a few establishments in the area. The lowest wage any of those started their employees at was um $17.45. The para-professionals, and I've said over and over again, are worth their weight in gold. If cuts need to be made, and again, I took this
015upon myself out of curiosity, since I retired 7 years ago, there's been a significant change in the number of bodies that are now in this building who don't have direct contact with our students. Just for example, um we now have seven employees in business services, one in communications, four in HR, and 15 underneath the umbrella office of schools. I would be hard-pressed to be convinced that any of those people go into the buildings on a daily basis and interact with our students. Thank you. >> Thank you. All right, that concludes our public input for tonight. We'll move on to the approval of minutes from our last regular board meeting. >> I'll make a motion. >> Second. >> Got a motion from Director Edelman and a second from Director Ward. Any discussion? If not, all those
016in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed the same. Motion and We'll move on to this consent calendar. >> [cough] >> I'm [clears throat] sure I have a question I'd like to ask about uh the Parent Square and SmartSites renewal. >> Sure. >> I'm not sure who's in charge of that or >> Um can we get a motion on the table first and then we'll discuss it? Does that work for you? I don't >> Yeah, I uh I'll make a I'd like to make a motion to discuss the Parent Square SmartSites renewal as part of the uh consent agenda. >> All right, I mean >> Are you looking for a motion to approve the >> To approve the consent calendar. >> All right. >> Okay. Thank you. >> [laughter] >> Is there a second? >>
017Second. >> All right, we've got a motion by Director Brekken, a second by Director Ward. All right, Director Hydeman, to your question. >> All right, I guess I was a little ahead of the game. Um I have a couple questions regarding that Parent Square uh and I don't know who to direct them to or whatnot. >> Yeah, check in with Emery. >> Emery is here. >> Oh, okay. >> [clears throat] >> Thank you, Emery. >> Or for clarification, Emery. >> Yeah. >> Uh first of all, it's a 3-year contract. >> Correct. >> And I'm looking at the first page and it only talks about uh uh pricing term start date is July 1 of 2026 and the pricing term end date is June 30th in 2027. I believe that's just 1 year. >> Correct. So,
018um >> So, what happens if it's a How does it >> If we uh commit to a 3-year contract with them, we will get lower pricing for each of those 3 years. If we choose to just renew for 1 year, then the pricing is not locked in. Um most of these communications companies have experienced a increase in cost due to um, unexpected, uh, charges from phone carriers for texting services. So, they are passing some of that cost on to us along with typical increases for a a product like that. Um, so they're offering us a better deal if we do either a three or a five-year contract, kind of locking in that price. So, um, I don't know. Did that thing that I should Maybe it didn't get shared. I had shared some information with
019you guys ahead of time that just kind of would show that it would save us like $1,282 the first year. And then the the next years, I don't know how much our price would go up if we don't lock in with them. But, this is both our website and our communication tool that we use for parents that don't see us wanting to make a change. We just adopted the website, uh, a little over a year ago. So, >> So, we're looking at the one-year contract. >> This is This would be for 3 years. >> Okay, and that that's where I'm I'm confused. Help me out because we're saying the pricing term starts July 1st of '26 and it ends on June 30th of '27. It's going to be a three-year contract. >> So, year one
020total would be that $37,924.47. And then year two total is $39,817.64. And then year three, it's going up again. And those are the three years that we're we're committing to. >> I I No, I see all those. >> Oh, yeah. >> Maybe I'm just being a blockhead here. But, the the end date is June 30th of 2027. >> Does it at the end of that? I'm not looking I've got my notes here, but >> it Are Are the dates correct if we're going to go with a 3-year contract? >> For that first year, the price will be a certain amount and that first year will end June 30th of 2020 2027. >> 2027. >> And then the new price will be And then the next year will be another 1-year price term. >> Okay. >>
021We could just, you know, sign up for and pay slightly more next year, but then the following years they aren't guaranteeing any cuz >> What was what is the difference if we did a 5-year? Would it still be just a slight increase for year 4 and 5? Or didn't you get >> It >> That's okay. >> Yeah, we could have locked in for 5 years, but we felt like that was maybe too long of a commitment in case things change or we want to make a change move away from from that product by then. But since we just adopted it in the last couple of years, we're we've already invested significant time in learning it and getting things set up, so. >> So, is this in my my own mind then, this is three 1-year
022contracts. >> Right. >> Okay. >> Basically, which totals more than $100,000, which is why we're putting it on >> Well, I wasn't the money part of it I wasn't worried. I was just worried about the contract and the terms of the contract and it was confusing to me that it ended on June 30th of 2027. Okay. I got that in my head. >> Okay. >> And the quantity. Okay? $6,107 per student. We got 6,107 students? Or am I am I interpreting that wrong? Or what am I looking at there? >> We that's what we were charged last year, so they're basing that off of our student rates this year. Um all contract fees are calculated on a per student basis, so the contract explicitly allows for annual financial adjustments if our numbers change. >> Well,
023our numbers are changing. >> Right. Right. So, we have to >> Well, but that goes from preschool to age 21. >> They're looking at our total ADMs when they pull that information. So, but if our numbers continue to go down or if they were to increase, we would have to potentially pay more, but >> I was just confused about the 6,107. >> Yeah. >> Where where they came from, so thank you. >> Yeah. Any other questions from anyone else? >> All right, thanks. >> Thank you. >> Thanks, [clears throat] Anne Marie. >> Yep. All right. There's no further discussion. We've got a motion on the table from the >> Madam Chair. >> Yes. >> Um again, I just looking at the donations, um I see donations from a couple of um churches and thrift places,
024and and they're always on here. Every month they're on here, and there's some significant ones from Dorcas this this time. So, I just want to give a shout-out to those folks again. Um and if anybody has uh consignments that they need, get to the uh churches and the and the thrift stores. They really help us in this district, so just wanted to point that out. >> Thank you. Appreciate it. All right, we've got a motion on the table. Uh if there's no further discussion, all those in favor signify by saying aye. >> Aye. >> Opposed the same. We passed the consent agenda. All right, up next we've got a presentation on the annual ACOM um presentation and report. Andy Thomas, welcome. >> [cough] [clears throat] >> Thank you. I don't see it up here. Is
025it up here? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Thank you. >> [clears throat] >> Um so this is the teacher development evaluation and A comp annual presentation that we do. Um this first slide is the statute that is a requirement from the state on the teacher development and evaluation process. Um and I know you each have access to that. Just states that every 3 years a teacher must have a formal observation from their administrators. Um and then annually they actually have a peer coach that works with them and helps them with they observe them, but then they also teachers also go in and observe someone else and do what we call it as a reverse observation. Um we also have what we call PLCs, which is collaborative teams um throughout the district. Um there's around 60 teams
026of teachers with like-minded subjects or areas that they are collaborating towards a common goal. Um on the evaluation years, this is what that every 3 years those teachers are what we call on a high cycle, but also all probationary teachers. They are observed three times a year. Um whether they're probationary or high cycle, they get three observations from their admin. Um they have a pre-meeting, they do the observation, they have a post-meeting, um they go through a rubrics and kind of assess where they're at on that rubric and go through any other questions and concerns that they have. They do meet at the beginning of the year and then at the end they set a goal at the beginning and then they come together after all their observations to see what they accomplished and what
027kind of assistance they would need from their administrator in the future to keep moving their practice forward. >> And what does high cycle mean? >> It just means that that's the term that we use that every 3 years I have an observation done three times a year on me. >> Because you're tenured. >> Yeah, because I'm a tenured staff, I don't have to have it done annually. They just do it every three years. So, we call it high cycle. The this group of teachers are your high cycle. So, then that administrator knows who they have to observe three times besides our probationary teachers. Um A-comp is the funding portion of this. The state calls it Q-comp. Um Brainerd School District chooses chooses to call it A-comp. This is the funding portion of the TD&E um
028a similar program, so they have been tied together as one. And the teachers, same things. They have those peer coaches, the PLCs, and all the same expectations. They do have some career ladder positions in the A-comp where they have curriculum leads or the people people that run the PLC meetings, also. So, there's a few other extra duties within the A-comp program. This is the breakdown of the career ladder positions. We have about 80 peer coaches and mentors. Um there's 52 curriculum leaders and 68 PLC leaders that are working every week towards improving curriculums or their teams' meetings, planning their meetings and looking at data and moving their dis- their groups in a forward direction as much as they can. >> [clears throat] >> We do do a training every fall for these people, for curriculum
029leaders, PLC leaders, and peer coaches. They do a refresher training, initial training, and then a refresher to every fall just to remind them of the things. >> Are these all separate roles? >> Yes. >> So, nobody is in more than >> There might be some people that are in >> Okay. >> dual roles. Um they choose to be. >> Okay. >> And those they might be the PLC leader, but they also want to be very involved in the as a curriculum leaders. So, we have a few people that >> overlap. Yep. Um how A comp is funded, it's um the approved amount is $260 push per student. 169 is state aid and then 91 is per student on board of board approved levy. Um what that supports is this the participant stipends, the teacher stipends
030for those leader positions, any trainings that we do, um the salaries for the A comp coordinator and the secretary. This is our breakdown of where we were at this year. Um we had estimated funding of 1.5 is what we're estimating for next year. We have a preliminary carry over of about 300,000. Um so you can see the salaries that were paid out, the career ladder, the program uh coordination, professional development, all of that. We did um agree to the speech signing bonus for the next 2 years. So any speech teachers that we're hiring, A comp is paying for a stipend for them and they'll receive it at the end of their first year and then the other half at the end of their second year. So that is something that we added to the A
031comp budget. >> Sandy, that's um my understanding is they're hard to find. >> Very hard to find. So that's why they came to us and we agreed to help with that process too. >> And but that was just not not necessarily speech teachers. >> Correct. Yes, thank you. You have one of them, don't you? >> [laughter] >> Couple actually. >> So what I'm requesting from the board is to approve our participation to continue in the A comp program. Um this is a approval between EMB and the board and the state. >> I make a motion we approve the A comp um continuing participation. >> Is there a second? >> I'll second. >> We've got a motion by Director Brekken and a second by Director [clears throat] Edelman. Any discussion? If not, all those in favor,
032actually we do a roll call. This is a resolution. >> Director Brekken? >> Yes. >> Stephanie Edelman? >> Yes. >> Brandy Heidmann? >> Yeah. >> Sarah Speer? >> Yes. >> Don Ward? >> Yes. >> All in favor. >> Thank you, Sandy. >> You're welcome. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Up next, we have the annual comprehensive literacy plan update from Dr. Cornea. Welcome. >> Hi, all. >> [clears throat] >> Thank you, as always, for the opportunity to serve our warriors alongside you. Um, I'm here to speak, excuse me, [clears throat] here to speak to the local literacy plan. How we look at the local literacy plan is we reflect on the past year as we look forward to the coming year. So, early childhood through 12th grade, this is how it is stated in the
033READ Act, Minnesota state statute. Um, a key shift from in the past is that it is every child at every grade level. Um, previous years, I think we're, well, yeah, 2023, um, it was read well by third grade, and so now that focus on every grade level, students being proficient and specifically making sure that we are paying attention to our multilingual learners and our students receiving special education services. So, this past year, we had three goals. Goal number one was, if you remember back to OLA and all of that professional learning with structured literacy, this year we were moving into implementation. Our Our goal was utilizing assessment data for that ultimate goal of students who are fluent so that they can comprehend and we close achievement gaps. So, goal number one, that implementation of structured
034literacy, structured literacy and if you pursue that link link there, you can see what that consists of, but ultimately um and you saw it with our K-4 literacy resource recommendation is making sure that our instruction upholds what we know about the science of literacy, the science of reading, the science of writing. It's explicit, sequential, cumulative, systematic, um and it aligns to our Minnesota state standards, those grade level benchmarks that assure success by the end of college. So, last summer we started a summer literacy group. They pretty much did that work of they took the 45 plus hours of OLA, um all of that learning that our teachers did, they held that up next to the Minnesota grade level benchmarks and they made recommendations last summer of how do we actually put this into action this
035school year? Um so, that idea of we didn't have a resource yet. That's the journey that we took all of you on this year, but without having a resource, how do we start doing best by kids every day based on our new learning for OLA? Um so, that was the summer literacy group. They continued to serve grade level literacy leadership teams throughout the school year and how that looked is they really informed our implementation um and the professional learning that we needed to do. So, for example, in September, kindergarten teams were focused on letters. Um whereas our fourth grade team might have been focusing on multisyllabic words. So, how do we take what we learned in OLA, uh that 45 plus hours, hold it up to the Minnesota standards, and actually put it into action.
036So, that was goal one. Um that consisted of I believe about six professional development days over this past school year to move into that implementation of structured literacy. Goal number two, utilizing assessment data. One key change is the CAP-M assessment. I'm going to show you quick everything we continued from previously. So we had our pre-K through 12th grade assessment system. We had our K-3 testing team that high percentage of participation participation and then moving into that database decision making across our tiers. Continuing that family communication especially at the K-3 level with letters home. So I'll go back up to the CAP-M assessment. That was required per state statute that we're not just screening our young students, but we're continuing to screen up into those upper grades. So CAP-M assessment, this was our first year rollout.
037Looking at students who did not make growth fall to winter and then administered the CAP-M assessment to them. The other thing I'll point out that would be yes a continuation from last year but kind of a step up is tier two at Forest View. Their tier two truly was informed by FastBridge data and determining what our students needs especially related to literacy and those foundational skills. Our 5-12 That's the next slide. Tier two at BLC and MLAP, they also used FastBridge data to inform their tier two time. And then K-4 literacy continuing to use that MTSS systematic approach with how do we use data to inform what our students need. And lastly, our third goal of how are we impacting students. So, the data is linked there. I know that Christina will speak to this
038data more, but what I want to highlight from the data is you might not have the comparison from last year when I was here, but I did a quick check of how does our data look now compared to last year. Last year's kinders, 30% of our students were proficient last spring. We now have 41% of our kinders proficient this spring. That's not comparing apples to apples. That's two different cohorts, but 30% of kindergarteners being proficient to 40 1% of kindergarteners being proficient. If we do follow that cohort from kindergarten to first grade, that cohort went from 30% proficient as kinders and 40% proficient this year's first graders. Um if we look then at high school, Brandy, it's stuck with us that when we came to you about came to all of you about um high
039school literacy, really appreciated that you complemented the work that the teams have done and we want to see results. Um so, I want to share those results that eighth grade last year was at 62% proficient. This year, those same that same cohort of students, 72% of our students are proficient. >> Melissa, do we have access to that? >> Yes. It's not opening? >> Oh, I am I don't know. I don't think so. >> Okay. If not, we'll get you access. >> Is that under data link? >> Yes. >> So, I'm getting um Yeah. Okay. I Yep, I do have it. Yep. Okay, I see it now. Thank you. >> Yep. So, um what I'm excited about is that we are we're making gains um and year one making gains. That's usually where you have your
040implementation dip and so being able to make gains and knowing that we're continuing to grow in our capacity with structured literacy. Every school has a literacy goal as part of their SIP plan. We've spoken about the K-4 literacy at the tier one level of both implementation this year but also moving into that curricular resource next year full implementation. We talked about that middle school time to thrive that targeted intervention. High school English shared some of the impact that we saw with high school English tier one and their resource adoption. And then 5-12 special education ELA Language Live they're in year two of implementation with Lang or just finishing up year two of implementation with Language Live. So, going forward goal for 26-27 is full implementation at tier one for K-4 literacy. The exciting part is
041last year was like our let's step into this without a resource that can fully support us with your approval of emerge we're going to be able to fully step into structured literacy aligned to that Minnesota grade level benchmark. So, met with the summer team today and have started the work of what does full implementation look like going forward this fall. Then goal number two is really refining that tier two and tier three support system so being able to now that we have tier one established how do we look at tier two and tier three? How do we make that systematic to do best by every child? And then next year next year 26-27 your 7th through 12th grade English teachers, they will be engaging in OLA. So, there was OLA that was um geared at
042the elementary years, and now there's OLA that is geared at your secondary, your middle school and high school, um so that they too are implementing structured literacy and what we know best about reading and writing development. So, what questions can I answer? >> Madam Chair. >> Mhm. >> Um first of all, nice gains. That's good. That's really um impressive. If there's any media here, I hope they share that. Um the [laughter and gasps] growth that we've seen in one in the first year. Um 92% participation, right? 92% participation. >> Yes, in the >> So, why isn't there Why isn't there 100% participation? >> the assessment. Um and maybe Christine, I know you're sharing this data, too. >> It's It's mostly at our high school. So, the I don't know the exact percentage for the K-8,
043but it was >> So, is it because of absences or refusal? >> Yeah, I would say grades 11 and 12 in particular. So, we've got PSEO students >> Mhm. >> who are >> Okay. >> absent from the building, not absent, but they don't take the test, and um online students that are not in the building, so that there was a difference grades 10 through 12. >> Another reason we want more CIS. >> Yeah, but we did ask for them. >> Thank you. Good question. What else can I answer? >> Madam Chair. >> Mhm. >> Melissa, the gains we're talking about here, these are FastBridge results, right? Or are they This is not MCA stuff. >> No. FastBridge. >> FastBridge. >> Yeah. Good question. >> And these are managerial goals uh Uh far as staff is
044concerned, what they're doing to >> Yep, when I think of the goals, um like the kinder goal, uh the kinder kindergarten goal, truly how do we improve kindergarten literacy skills? Um those are the goals they take up as a building, a goal that they take up as a PLC. Um these are the goals that they believe in and are working toward. >> Correct. And I would assume that we will sit down and have actual goals, proficiency goals. Uh I know superintendent, incoming superintendent Rankin, uh I know I've talked to him about it, and I think maybe other board members have too, but uh having a 5-year plan for growth. Uh and I'm assuming I'm assuming that's going to come later. Uh etc. So, this is this is good stuff. Uh And finally, I just want
045to take the opportunity to say thank you. >> Thank you. >> You're leaving, and uh you'll be missed. >> Thank you. >> And uh I've had the pleasure of working with you in DAC, and uh uh this is good stuff, and uh hopefully uh hopefully we'll continue uh following your uh expertise and what you've laid out for us. And uh best wishes >> Thank you. >> on your new endeavor. >> Thank you. It's been an honor to serve alongside warriors and serve our warriors, um and I have no doubt that the warriors, the the educators are going to be able to continue the amazing work that they've invested in. Thank you. >> Madam Chair, one other point. >> Yes. >> I really appreciate the fact that the sped kids are now recognized >> Yeah. >>
046with um criteria and data, um because well, just because. >> Yeah. We do best by every kid. >> Well, it's great to include. thank you. >> Thank you. Um I believe it's an item for approval. >> Yes, we're looking for a motion. >> So moved. >> Okay, I'll second. >> Got a motion by Director Ward, a second by Director Brekken to approve the comprehensive literacy plan as presented. Any further discussion? If not, all those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed the same. Motion carries. Thank you, Dr. Corning. Thank you all. Up next, we have the fiscal year 27 liability work compensation insurance renewal. Director Ward. Welcome, Marcy. >> Sorry. >> No no problem. >> In my own little world. Um so, this came in last minute, so if you haven't had a chance
047to review, I apologize. Um but the district general liability is going to be a 4.2% increase. The cyber or crime and cyber is a zero and a 1.8. Overall, the whole package is only going up 1%, which is awesome when you talk the world of insurance. >> Oh, yeah. >> Um a big contributing factor in that is our our work comp mod is going down. So, we went from a 1.39 to a 1.04. So, that means our claims are starting to fall off some of our higher claims. Um we're hoping that continues to go down. Uh but this is a good good trend to keep going down. >> What do you attribute that to? >> So, during construction, we did have some >> Okay. >> claims related to that. Yeah. >> Got it. Okay. And
048those are falling off. >> Yeah. Yep. >> We'll look for a motion to approve. >> I'll make a motion. >> I'll second. >> We've got a motion by Director Edelman, a second by Director Brekken. Any discussion? >> More good news. I hope the media picks up on that, too. Just >> [laughter] >> Just saying. >> All right. All those in favor >> [clears throat] >> I like that. I hope John >> Yeah, no kidding. >> [laughter] >> All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed, the same. Motion carries. >> Thank you. Thank you, Mercy. And we're going to skip number four and come back to that. Aaron Caspers joining us remotely, and he's not available yet. So, we will come back. >> Madam Chair. >> Mhm. >> Um I don't know
049we need to go back, uh but when we approved the literacy plan, >> Mhm. >> should have been a roll call. Did we I think we just did a voice. >> Was it a resolution? >> Well, it was a presentation, and I'm looking at the agenda, and it says roll call. >> I took >> I'm just questioning. >> It was A8. >> We're okay. >> Oh, on A comp. Oh. On um number one under presentations. >> Under two, I might unless [snorts] you unless the agenda got changed. >> Yeah, the original draft had a roll call. >> Oh, okay. Good catch. But yeah, I think we're good. >> All right. >> [laughter] >> Yeah. >> [sighs and gasps] >> All right. So, we will move on to number five, the approval of the renewal renewal
050for the membership to the Minnesota State High School League. >> This is a annual um resolution for school boards in the state of Minnesota to approve to be memberships with the State High School League. Um should you cho- choose not to do that, um our athletic programs, our music programs, anything in a contest will not be able to participate. >> Will I make a motion we approve the resolution for membership in the Minnesota [laughter] State High School League? We want that. >> Yes. >> We've got a motion? Is there a second? >> Second. >> And I would just like to go and say I still do not agree with girls and the boys and girls sports that still happening in the United States. But I do realize that yes, we have to approve it. >>
051Good point. >> All right. Any further discussion? >> Uh one question to Peter. Um this is based on enrollment, right? >> Correct. >> Uh would that be the same enrollment that we just talked about with the Parent Square or is it Is that just grades 8 or 9 through 12? >> Okay, 9 through 12. >> That's how they determine classification. >> That's right. Okay. Okay. So, 9 through 12 is how they >> Right. >> base our price. Got you. Thank you. >> Good question. All right. If there's no further discussion, we'll do a roll call. >> Stephanie Ederman? >> Yes. >> Brandy Heideman? >> Yes. >> Sarah Speer? >> Yes. >> Don Ward? >> Yes. >> Mr. Brekken? >> Yes. >> Thank you. We'll move on to the approval of the PSEO contract for the
052following school year. >> So, the contract with CLC is the same as this present year. Um in discussions with the consortium who works with CLC um there's difficulty in trying to determine what's an appropriate cost to share. >> Mhm. >> Um whether we like it or not some of our money goes to them and we get some money back. Um it's just the nature of the beast in Minnesota. But we have a a good standing agreement with CLC for next year. Um might change after that, but right now um they recognize the constraints that public schools are in. We recognize the constraints that they're in because we're both getting funded through the state of Minnesota. So, it's a uh I think it's a good second-year program for us to agree to. So. >> Is there
053any uh Do those kids that go to uh CLC through this program, are they counted as students for us? >> Unless they're full-time over there. >> Oh, cool. >> If they're shared, then we get residuals from that. But if they're full PSEO, no. >> We get nothing. >> Right. >> So, and we don't count them in our EDMs or whatever that is. >> And that's where the >> Okay. Okay. >> argument is kind of about, you know? It's mine, but it's yours. You know? It's like when you put up a fence on your property, if you put it 6 in over on the other neighbor's property, you got a problem. >> [laughter] >> But if we have uh Director Dahlin, if we have Dahlin here >> [laughter] >> I tried to get him. I'm sorry.
054>> It's okay, John. But um CIS doesn't do that. >> I was just going to ask about that. >> Yeah, CIS College College and School. >> Right. College and School does not do that. Right. Um is it Is the new um Chancellor uh has has the new Chancellor been involved in the process at all or no? >> No. >> So, >> This was all set in motion before >> All right. >> Hara left. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> All right, we'll look for a motion. >> I'll make a motion. >> I'll second. >> Second. >> Okay. >> Go ahead. >> John, you can. >> Got a motion by Director >> wrestle, yeah. >> Peterman and a second by Director Ward. No arm wrestling needed. >> [laughter] >> Right hand only. >> Okay. >> If
055there's no You guys will have to save that for later, but >> [laughter] >> if there's no further discussion, all those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed the same. Motion [clears throat] carries. We will move on to the approval of the resolution for the IOA, the identified official with authority for the district. >> Right. Every school district needs to identify one person who has access to all data coming through MDE and then that person is able to disseminate once they're they're given approval. And we are asking that um Carrie Rass be that IOA person for 26 27. >> Is there a motion? >> [laughter] >> So Peter what can you give us a little more detail about the responsibility would be then? >> Well, in the document provided for you it
056identifies that >> Yep. >> you know, who is going to be given access. Um usually in smaller school districts it might be the superintendent and larger school districts it's probably someone who who is in responsible for the instructional learning and goals and so forth like Carrie is for the district. Um if there's ever a change in personnel then you just reapply to the state and rename somebody else. Um so last year it would have been me. You can't do it this year cuz I'm out the door. So um it's kind of a it's just a name identified so that the state know who is to contact. >> And why do we have to have Why wouldn't she be >> Cuz he hasn't He's not employed by the district. >> Got it. >> [laughter] >> So
057we have to start it so he can't. Okay. >> Okay. >> And this has to be done by when? >> June 30th. >> Okay. >> That >> Okay. >> Yep. >> That That helps. >> And it's kind of a perfunctory deal. >> Yeah. >> Yep. Another state >> I'll move. >> I will whatever >> I'll make I'll move. >> So we're all thinking the same thing. >> So this is something [laughter] that changes and or can change. >> Correct. >> Got you. >> Okay. All right. >> We've got a motion by Director Ward. Is there a second? >> I'll second. >> Any further discussion? If not, we'll do a roll call vote, please. Randy Heideman. >> Yes. >> Sarah Speer. >> Yes. >> John Ward. >> Yes. >> Michelle Brekken. >> Yes. >> Stephanie Edmands.
058>> Yes. >> Thank you, Kelly. We'll move on to the approval for the resolution of establishing dates for filing affidavits for candidacy. >> And you'll see in your packet >> The events uh under state statute and state laws for election processes, um opening date is July 14th to file, closing date is July 28th. Um and you pay your significant $2 fee. >> [cough] >> To show that [clears throat] you're serious. >> Right. >> [laughter] >> You're committed. >> [gasps] >> That's earlier than it could have been. >> No. Well, >> Is it? >> only like I did it in >> It was late. >> Yeah, in August. >> Yeah. Okay. >> It is from last year. >> All right, we'll look for a motion. >> Well, I'll make a motion we make a resol- or
059we approve the resolution for establishing dates for filing affidavits of candidates. >> I'll second. >> Got a motion by Director Brekken, a second by Director Heideman. Any additional discussion? If not, this is also a resolution, so we'll do a roll call vote, please. >> Kirsten? >> Yes. >> John Woods? >> Yes. >> Mr. Knapp? >> Yes. >> Stephanie Edelman? >> Yes. >> Brandy Heideman? >> Yes. >> Thank you. We will move on to the approval to support a conditional district-wide hiring freeze as presented by Director Olson. Welcome. >> Thank you. Uh yes, so before you tonight is a request to codify kind of our practice of reviewing vacancies when they become vacant to determine whether it's truly appropriate to continue on with those positions. Like I said, we have been doing that. I would say
060last year there were probably four or five positions that we that we pulled back when they became vacant. Um you know, we would we would assess you know, really focus on positions that would not have that direct impact on students, obviously. So, that's really our our primary focus, but just wanted that board's support of that in a motion. >> Thank you. We'll look for a motion. >> I will make a motion to approve uh and support a conditional district-wide freeze. >> I'll second it. We've got a motion and a second. Is there any additional discussion? >> I'm just curious what the reasoning is for having this be a resolution. >> I think it's something that um incoming superintendent um had asked for. >> Got it. Okay. >> Is there a timeline? >> It It would
061be an ongoing process. >> Yeah. Ongoing for years or Oh. >> Yeah. I mean, I I don't know. I suppose the board could uh put some deadline or timeline on it if they'd wish to do so. >> is for mostly the summer. >> Okay. >> As people make decisions of I'm not coming back, they notify the district I'm leaving, retiring, whatever it's going to be, and then it'll be determined is that position critical that has to be filled or can we live without it? >> Okay. Thank you. >> And we didn't do that already. >> Well, this makes it more formal. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> I get it. >> All right, there's a motion on the table. Any further discussion? All of those in favor, signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed, the
062same. Motion carries. >> Thank you. >> We will move on to item number 10, the approval for resolution of authorized authorizing an operating referendum to go on the November 3rd ballot. >> So, from the work session that occurred June 4th, um as you know, incoming Superintendent Rankin talked to you about whether or not [snorts] tonight you would approve um an operating levy for November. And on this particular ballot, it identifies uh what is requested of the taxpayers of the Brainerd Public School District. Um it is a 10-year um referendum levy request. School districts can choose a different number of years. 10 is the maximum. And what's important to understand is that uh I think it was four or five years ago, maybe even longer, the district or the state of Minnesota approved the a bill
063that said >> Yeah. >> um inflation can be included year after year once the a levy operating levy has been approved, and that is part of the uh language in the ballot. This is what it will look like to the public on the uh November election. Um I think what's really, really important is that um as the board makes this decision and I'm assuming it's going to be yes that there's an immediate action plan of how to um begin um a vote yes uh committee to help uh provide information to the public and for the public standing here or watching to or sitting here and watching tonight the school district cannot spend any money on a vote yes campaign. We can provide factual information on taxes, impact, and so forth. But we as a district
064and as a governmental entity, we cannot um encourage you to vote yes. We can only provide information to make your decision of yes or no. So, I want that to be clear. The district will not be spending any money on the uh vote yes or vote no. Cuz that would be illegal. Our goal is to provide the public with factual information on the tax capacity, the tax impact to individual owners. And then it's the responsibility of the owners of the of the taxpayers of the community of the district to do their research and understand what this could cost to them. Obviously, uh once a campaign gets started, there'll be a plethora of information available on the district website to you can plug in your own particular property value and find out what this could cost.
065Um it it has to be perfectly clear. So, um this is what the ballot will look like and it really comes down to really simple question. Are the taxpayers of the district of Brainerd willing to increase their taxes to fund the district with more operating dollars? And the important part of that is operating dollars are specifically operational. They can be spent on anything. Now, in 2018 when you did a bond referendum, that was purely for brick and mortar. It was not for operations. So, this is a totally different levy, but we are the only governmental entity in the state of Minnesota that has to request the taxpayers to vote yes or no. City, county, and state, it's cart blanche for them. But, we as a district have to ask the voters of the community to
066vote yes or no. So, that's what this is all about. >> Thank you. Will I make a motion we approve the resolution for authorizing an operating referendum. >> Second. >> All right, we've got a motion by Director Bretzke and a second by Director Ward. Any discussion? >> Madam Chair? >> Yes. >> About a year ago, I was not in favor of a levy because we had no plan. We had really not much of anything. Uh and I'm not saying anything negative with Peter because he's he was an interim and yeah, he was he was trying to keep us afloat. Uh Chip's come in with a very our incoming superintendent with a very good plan. Um I have stated to some of my board member here that I am going to be voting yes for this
067levy to let the taxpayers decide if they want their property taxes increased. I live in Baxter. And as Peter said, we don't get to vote on stuff there. They just send us a bill and we got to pay, you know, I paid for street projects, I paid for water and sewer here just recently, and here, the taxpayers get to choose what they want. And I am not going to stand in the way of that. Because of the fact that we have a good plan. Um is it a perfect plan? No. But it's a good plan, it's a good start. And um I had made the comment that uh we were kind of in quicksand. And we were uh and we need to we need to do something. Uh and was not in favor of spending
068more money on a house that was built on sand. And obviously that has changed with our with our incoming superintendent. So, I just want to state for the record why I am changing my mind because of a plan. We never had one before. Now, it's my understanding tonight all we're doing is voting on the fact that we're going to do a levy. >> This is the resolution for the levy. >> Yep, we're going to talk more about dollar amounts and whatnot. Probably at another meeting, correct? >> Well, you can make different choices, but right now as it stands, the referendum authorizes authorization reads the school board of Independent School District 181 has proposed to increase its general red educational revenue by $865 per pupil. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would be applicable applicable for 10
069years beginning with taxes payable in 2027 and increase each year by the rate of inflation beginning with taxes payable in 2028 unless otherwise revoked or reduced by provided by law. So, that would be the 865 um Marcy I'm assuming is 5 million, correct? >> Yes. >> Yep. >> And then I'm sure um at our work last work session um as director um Heideman indicated uh I almost did it again. >> [laughter] >> Director Heideman indicated um Chip Superintendent coming in Rankin indicated um the plan of um you know, basic, moderate, most, and preferred. I believe this is this was the preferred plan. Am I correct on that? Marcy? Okay. And I just want to make make that statement as well. It's not it's a preferred plan it and it and as Randy said it's it's
070a plan that consists of not just an operating levy, there's other parts to the plan. >> Right. >> That is so >> Yeah, there's going to be more strategic cuts. uh etc. And so I I guess I just want to make sure what I am So we have until August 11th. I mean >> to make changes. >> That is when you have to notify the Secretary of State of Minnesota. and MDE. >> So I'd like to have a little bit more discussion about the dollar amount. uh with the incoming superintendent and uh I'm in favor of a levy. This is This is how much? How much? >> [clears throat] >> And I've got questions too that I need to get cleared in my head. We keep talking about this 1.5 million that we're going to
071take from long-term uh maintenance funds. >> Mhm. >> Right now, those dollars are you know are we borrowing those dollars? >> No. >> Increase the levy? I mean what I does want what I what I don't want to have happen is is these dollars we're getting from the state now, we do not pay any interest on. >> Correct. >> We are going to be paying interest. Uh potentially if we if we take those dollars and and maybe I'm thinking all wrong because no one's really explained what that 1.5 mil does. >> That's all of LFTM and that's reduces the levy here so you can have the levy over here. Maybe you want to have mercy. >> Clarify. >> So you would only pay interest if we need to issue bonds for projects which at this
072point we wouldn't. >> Right. >> And Matthew actually shared too with the amount of money or excuse me, the amount that the market value is going up that 1.5 million may not need to be reduced. We'll know more when the values come in. >> Well, what's what bothers me is that right now it's interest it's interest free money and I don't want to have it turn around and then all of a sudden we're borrowing money from it and now we're paying interest on money that was originally tax. There there was no interest being assessed to it. I just you know that because that happened I think sometimes a little bit when the blueprint 181 stuff happened and and I don't want this to uh uh potentially uh come into play. >> [clears throat] >> That's
073all I'm >> Can I speak about what role LR's would play in this? >> Yeah, so they are the behind the scenes calcs like the numbers that resolution came from our bond attorney, but they're the ones actually providing the per pupil amount, um and then they can run any scenario. They can tell you how the impact on the value of the home. They gave the median at that inform um session. But like if we had any questions, they can run whatever we need. >> And really important for agriculture is that the um tax impact is only on the one-acre home site, not on 3,000 acres or 300 acres or whatever. >> Well, the other thing, too, is that finally the legislature passed the seasonal. >> Yeah. >> That's going to help uh that's going to
074help a little bit too, and that'll be part of the explanation as well. >> Yes. >> But um >> And that's really that's big. >> Yeah. >> I just want to know exactly what I am committing myself to tonight. I mean, besides I'm I mean, I know I'm voting for a levy. Like to be able to just to discuss some of the finer details, potentially. >> So, I'm I I need some clarification then if tonight we're voting uh for this resolution >> [clears throat] >> as it's as it's [snorts] stated right now with the 5 million, give or take or whatever. That's what we're voting on and approving tonight. What if you change your mind? Then do we need to go back and do another resolution before August 11th? >> So, how do you amend
075it? >> resolution >> Yeah. Yeah, you have to amend it. >> I mean, really you're what you're Overall, you're approving we're going to go for a levy. This is what the ballot can say today. You can change it Let's Maybe we have a benevolent benefactor that gives the district >> 5 million >> few million >> No, I'm good now. >> And then you go, well, let's let's change this, but this is where you're starting from, but August 11th is That's when you notify the Secretary of State and the Department of Education. >> What I guess what I'm wanting to know is does it take board approval to amend >> Oh, yeah. >> that. So, this as it stands right now is what we're agreeing to, but if through our discussions we change have changes of
076heart or whatever, then we'd have to go back >> Correct. >> and amend it. Okay. >> So, so we're potentially voting on what's going to be on the ballot. >> Yeah, well, you overall you're pretty you're voting to say yes, we will have a a special election for I-181. The details in it can be fluid until August 11th. >> Okay. >> And that's >> voting on that >> Right. >> tonight. >> That's where I'm kind of >> That's where you're voting tonight. >> I'm voting. >> Yeah. >> Any further discussion? Thank you, Marcy. All right, if not, we will do a roll call vote, please. >> John Ward. >> Yes. >> Fred Reckon. >> Yes. >> Stephanie Etterman. >> No. >> Randy Heideman. >> Yes. >> Eric Spear. >> Yes. >> Thank you. All right.
077So, no. Okay. We will move on >> There are none? >> Okay. >> Not yet. Okay. [clears throat] >> We will move on to committee updates then and we will start with the curriculum and instruction and staff support committee that met on May 21st. >> I guess that's me, right? >> That is you, Randy Heideman. Take it away. >> Well, we've already talked about the ACOM presentation, so I'm not going to spend time talking about that because Sandy did a very good job on that. Uh and uh Dr. Cormier also did an excellent job of talking about the merged literacy uh curriculum uh implementation as far as next steps, as well. Uh so, I'm not going to go over that again. Uh professional learning plan for 26-27. Uh we've talked a little bit about uh
078the ELA English learning uh arts and reading teachers are going to participate in training >> [gasps] >> for the Read Act. And uh 26-27 curriculum work um for ELA, we're going to be working with the middle school English teachers on their instructional framework. Um math teachers, grades 5 through 12. Uh they're going to begin an understanding phase of the curriculum process. And [snorts] potentially examining some shifts in the 2022 math standards. Uh and that a lot of that has to do with some of these state benchmarks and things like that. And then, K through 4 math uh foundational learning around the 2022 standards will begin uh gently. Now, I'm not sure what gently >> [laughter] >> means, but that's what they're in the uh the notes. And uh our next meeting is >> [snorts] >>
079uh October 29th, and that'll be here before we know it. Uh end of report. >> Thank you. Thank you, Bart. All right, up next we have the spring screening data from Director Lundgren. All right, good evening. So, [snorts] in your information uh is the link to the spring FastBridge screening data. >> [clears throat] >> The spring window was April 20th through May 22nd. And I'm just going to call out a few of the celebrations that we saw this spring. So, district-wide, our reading proficiency increased by 3% from the winter screening window. District-wide, our math proficiency increased by 1% from the screening window. Nine out of 11 grade cohorts saw a percent proficient increase from the spring 2025 screening data in reading, so a year ago from spring. Eight out of 11 cohorts increased their proficiency
080in math from our spring screening window in 2025. And then looking at this year's winter to spring data, we had a few cohorts that shown showed that they had a 5% or more increase in their proficiency in reading. That was grades kindergarten, first, second, and seventh. And then in math, kindergarten, fifth, seventh, and eighth grade saw 5% increase or more. Our fall screening window is September 21st through October 16th in the fall. And then as indicated as part of the literacy presentation, our focus on literacy next year for professional learning, we have the implementation of our emerge curriculum for K-4 literacy. We're going to be continuing with our second year of time to thrive at Forest View. Our high school ELA will be in year two implementation of their curriculum resource, so making adjustments and
081responding to data in that year two work. And then we're going to be focusing on K-12 math and 58 ELA curriculum work next year. >> Did you guys need any of that repeated? >> [laughter] >> Just asking. Nice report. Thank you. >> All right, [clears throat] next step we have the Brainerd Public Schools Foundation. >> So, today was the last day they had their annual board retreat, but I am here so I didn't make it but I did go to the scholarship night. I was there for a little bit. Everything went really good at scholarship night and they will not have another meeting until September. >> Thank you. Next step we got APAC. >> Yes, I was at that meeting and they were quite upset they had heard they weren't going to be allowed to
082play the drums at the graduation on Friday night but they had been allowed to play it Thursday afternoon at the GZ center but then it all got worked out today we're able to play on Friday night at the before the graduation. >> Thank you. >> [clears throat] >> All right, safe and welcoming schools committee. So, we are not meeting since our last board meeting and will resume again in the fall. And then the wellness task force we will be meeting with Superintendent Rankin to talk about what he would like to see from that committee going forward. >> Great. >> Next step then we've got the business services report. Welcome back, Marcy. >> Um pretty short. Uh there's nothing really to note on the report, but I did want to share that their MSBA did do
083a webinar on Friday that I believe was recorded. So, it's on the permanent school trust. I would encourage you to watch it. Um they shared ballot language and that I learned no voting not voting is a no vote. So, just spreading the word so that people get educated on that before we have to vote in November. That's all I have. Thank you. And last but not least, the superintendent's report. >> Since Marcy brought up about uh the the ballot and the voting and so forth, um and there'll be a special election for the school district. I would really want voters to know that since this is a general election, the school ballot elections will be at the very end of the ballot. And I don't want people to go through the house, the Senate, and
084so forth, and whatever else, the judges, and all the other things, and then all of a sudden they say, "I'm tired. I'm not voting anymore." Flip the last page, please, because that'll be the district's ballot. And um sometimes, especially when it's a whether it's a midterm or a a regular full-term election, any school ballot is always at the end, and it usually gets lost in the shuffle. So, that'll be one of the things the campaign will have to do is make sure vote to the very end of the ballot. That would be important. Um number two, I was able to attend three graduations in one week. >> [clears throat] >> It started >> [laughter] >> It started with here in in Brainerd. Then I went to one in uh St. Paul, and then I went
085to one in Willmar. And the only thing I'm going to say is what we did in Brainerd was top shelf. It was uh very well done clockwork, organized. Um hour and 15 minutes. The other two were um less than organized. That's all I can say. And I had grandkids involved, so I'm being polite to polite the best I can. But it was a very very well-done graduation. I want to thank Carrie Bolson and her staff for um really being organized. Um I don't know if you ever know, but when you're a high school principal, you have so many things on your plate, and then when it becomes graduation time, nothing matters except having a really good graduation. So, uh kudos to the high school. Um I don't know if the public knows about it yet,
086but we do now have a tentative agreement with the teachers union as of uh Monday of this today. Um they will not be able to vote on it though until August because in their bylaws, um there is no uh no voting during the summer. And it's because people are not available or they're gone and so forth. So, but we do have a tentative agreement uh with EMB, which is a very good sign. Um >> [clears throat] >> We ended the year on June 2nd with students. Um as I went to the different schools, it was kind of interesting how um each whether it's elementary, junior high, high school, >> [clears throat] >> they were doing something different everywhere. >> [cough] >> And um it was fun to watch the kids doing some things they probably
087hadn't done all year long. But I'll [clears throat] give the each school uh credit for keeping the kids engaged. It was a very quiet, calm day, you know, and that's one of the things everybody worries about as the last day of school. It's going to be either chaos or it's going to be a really good end of the school year. And it was a very good end of the school year. And then my last thing is I want to thank the school board um and Kevin uh for giving me the opportunity to serve you. Um it's been interesting. I will tell you that. I've learned a lot though. Um when you when you've been an [clears throat] administrator as long as I have been prior to COVID, number one, but more importantly in a time
088when I think um our schools were better served by our politicians than they are today. Um it was kind of an awakening for me to understand that we are in a different we're not in Kansas anymore, you know, from Wizard of Oz. But [clears throat] it's it's really been uh I've been appreciative of all the thank yous and the kindness and the respect. Um that makes a person feel pretty good. So, Sarah and Randy and Stephanie and John Michelle, DJ thank you very much for two years of um giving me the opportunity to work with you. And I will always have blue. >> [laughter] >> So, thank you. >> Thank you, Peter. >> Um >> [clears throat] >> you know, it's been a wonderful two years. Thank you for saying yes to the the opportunity
089even after you knew what you were getting into. Um this is probably an interesting time to be >> [laughter] >> in the district and we've appreciated your leadership [clears throat] and your passion for education and for the students. And it's it was I think I can speak for all of us, but I but I won't. Um it was wonderful to see um when you shared that with us at times, so thank you. >> Uh and I want to make sure I don't forget um those people in the back row and that are not even here tonight. You guys do have a great leadership team. Um you got to let them do their work. And I've appreciated that. And I want you to know every successful superintendent has a very, very good assistant. And Kelly, um
090I remember our first couple weeks it was kind of like does he know what he's doing? >> [laughter] >> And then I would look at her and I'd go, does she know what she's doing? Cuz we were both fairly new. >> Yeah. >> But um for the board, you have a star who manages you very well. I think tries to the best of her ability to keep you in online and track. So, I want to thank Kelly for keeping me above water, so to speak, because it takes a team to make it work at with a two-person team in that office, and Kelly uh she'll be great for Chip, so I want to make sure I don't forget to mention that and the people that are back there, the administrators, so. >> That's great crew.
091Thank you. >> You're welcome. Madam Chair. >> Yeah. >> [clears throat] >> I just want to thank you for [snorts] two years you've been here and for your leadership and for your respect and being up front with us and everything, and you and I haven't always agreed. You know that. We both know [clears throat] that. But we have always I always felt respected by you, and I hope you feel respected by me and trusted by me, and you trust me. I trust you, [clears throat] but um so much appreciate you know, um it's like a head football coach uh taking on a team um that he's not sure um what he's going to do and how long it's going to last and where it's going to go and everything else. Um or any coach, not
092any not just any, but you you took on a as Sarah said, you took on a a I would say what it started as an impossible journey and made it pretty good, real good. >> Thank you. >> So, thank you. >> Appreciate it. And I would echo many of those same statements. I'm sure I gave you some sleepless nights. But uh you uh you kept us on course and uh you uh came out of retirement to do this and uh >> Yeah. >> that [snorts] uh took a lot of courage. Uh you could have just sat back and and uh use your pontoon boat, which you're going to do now a lot, which you deserve. So, and you taught me a few things. >> And you taught me a few things? >> You know, explained
093a few things to me and uh whatnot and I uh appreciate the relationship that we had now and in the future. So, thank you, Peter. >> Thank you, Randy. >> And I would like to just say thank you. I know it hasn't been easy and thank you for coming out of retirement. And I'll see you around since we only live a block apart. >> That's right. Appreciate that. >> Thank you, Randy. >> And I'll add to it, Peter, I've just really appreciated your um your leadership and your um uh positivity and and you've been really um what's the word I'm looking for? Really focused on what we need to do, what's best for students. And I and I I believe, I mean, we're a very new board. We've had a lot of ups and downs,
094but you I believe you brought us closer together by um by the work that you did to to keep us on track and to um to remind us what what what we're doing, what this is all about. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> And there are um cookies over here to be shared. Kelly took good care of us. So please stay after the meeting uh for that, but we do have one more thing we need to get back to. Um Erin is now able to join us. Thank you, Erin, for joining us. Appreciate it. Um for >> Yep. >> item number four under new business, it is the approval of the health insurance renewal [clears throat] recommendation. And there's Director Wilson as well. Thank you for joining us. >> [clears throat] >> Erin, do you
095want to talk? You want me to tee it up? >> I think you can kick us off. Yeah. >> Sure. What we have before you tonight is a recommendation from the insurance committee to increase our health insurance premiums by 2.5%. The initial renewal came in at 7 and 1/2%. Uh we had conversations with our union groups and the the members of that committee about uh making some changes to our health care our drug formulary uh particularly GLP-1 drugs for an obesity diagnosis and that has gone through rampant growth and um we spent about $500,000 on that last year. The the growth trend is in middle double digits. So it was just something we felt like um by doing that we would we would put the district and our employees in a tougher spot down the
096road. Plus, the way the the pricing structure works out, self-pay seems to be cheaper nowadays than running that stuff through insurance. So, uh just really at odds there. Then we're also recommending that the that we lower the the renewal by kind of dipping into our our reserves. We have a very healthy fund balance within our insurance fund and and we're looking to draw that down by a couple points as well. So, that's where we're ending up at that 2 and 1/2% renewal recommendation. That is contingent upon getting memorandums of understanding in place with all unionized groups because we're all insured together. We're all underwritten together. And we've got a number of them in already. But if we in the motion there, if we don't receive that by those by July 1st, then we would install
097recommend that the board install a 5% premium increase. >> Jason, I just need some clarification with this GLP-1 coverage. That does not include like a primary diagnosis of diabetes or something like that, right? >> That is correct. Yeah, type two diabetes diagnosis, sleep apnea, cardiovascular issues. Yeah, those are still different and distinct diagnosis for the GLP-1 drugs that are permissible and continue under our plan. >> Okay. >> And this the change will be effective September 1st with our new with our open enrollment period so that give people some time to kind of plan ahead and work with their physician in terms of the step downs or alternatives and that sort of thing. >> Okay. >> [clears throat] >> Madam Chair. >> Mhm. >> So, TeleMed or I don't know what what what I can't remember
098the program's name. >> Healthiest You. That made a I mean that made a huge impact and I'm What are we with it? What Where is our Where are we sitting with it? >> Yeah. Aaron, I don't know if you have any specific data on that. >> Yeah, yeah, I'll I'll it. So, Chair Speer and members of the board, appreciate you having me here uh tonight to answer some questions and and um provide some uh information. Uh uh directly to your question on the uh utilization of HealthyOSU, we we happen to be one of our our our best performers um in our book of business. Um we have a a a very good uh registration rate and actual um utilization rate, and that continues to tick up year over year. Um and our claims redirection is
099is in the $300,000 range, so um we're still uh kicking that out of the park. Um our our staff have really embraced that. Um and this is uh if you recall, board, this is a a program where we have a tap capitated cost and any claim um that our members, including our employees and and where their dependents if they use the program, it's 100% redirection off of our self-insured medical plan. Um and we're we're definitely in a a two-plus uh return on investment on this program. So, it's it's a been been extremely well received by our by our uh members. >> So, our marketing it is is working, but we're going to continue to push that as well. >> You were going to continue that for sure. We're doing great with our employee group. We
100need to keep marketing, you know, to spouses and dependent children over 18. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Got it, Chair. >> Mhm. >> Aaron, correct me if I'm wrong, but uh if I remember from uh being in attendance uh at the uh insurance committee meetings, um even without the two buy-downs that that we're doing, we were in pretty good shape as far as our premium increase based upon uh statewide uh districts as far as what they were going to be paying for for insurance premium increases. Is that a true statement? >> Yes, ab- absolutely. You know, we we calculated out to a recommended need of 7.5%. Uh we're we're well below that. Um in our in our book of business, we've only had a handful of groups that are in that range out of, you
101know, probably over a hundred school districts um, that we work with on the medical side. So, yeah, we're doing real well. Uh, the the medical trend is actually ticked up. So, we would we would peg medical trend right around that high single digits, 8 9% and depending on where you're at, greater Minnesota, uh, probably low double digits into the teens. So, from an overall perspective, we we literally are are are one of our our better performers. Um, just a handful of groups that are kind of below that that 10% mark. >> That's great. >> That's good. >> We'll look for a motion. >> So, moved. >> I'll second. >> More good news. >> Yes. More good news. >> Just saying. Just >> Keep it coming. We've got a motion by Director Heideman, a second by
102Director Edelman. Any further discussion or questions? If not, all those in favor signify by saying aye. >> Aye. >> Opposed the same. Motion carries and approved. >> Thank you both. Appreciate it. >> Thanks, Aaron. >> Thank you very much. Have a good night. >> Thanks. All right, that brings us to the end of our meeting. We'll look for a motion to adjourn. >> I'll make a motion. >> I'll second. Assuming no discussion, all of those in favor say aye. >> Aye. Opposed the same.