001Mhm. >> Mhm. >> I'd like to open the meeting. Please join us 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. So, we need a motion and a second to open the public hearing regarding the Kendall Howard tax abatement. Um, so the procedure is we'll have a public hearing, we'll vote on a resolution, then we'll close that and go to the next. So, we need a motion to open the public hearing. I'll make a motion. We have a second. I'll second. We have a motion and a second. All in favor of opening the public hearing say "Aye." Aye. Against, same sign. Um, Chisago City Administrator John Peckham is
002here to talk to us today, um, about the or maybe just answer questions if there are any. I wasn't sure if you were going to say a few words or not, John. I certainly can. I can talk if you want. It's all up to you guys. You know, maybe it'd be good just to give a a brief overview or you know, for the public that's listening. Yeah. Um, I think that'd be a good idea and then we can ask any questions. Yeah. So, we're here this evening uh for you to consider a tax abatement agreement uh for the expansion of Kendall Howard in the new facility. Kendall Howard currently occupies a 100,000 square foot manufacturing facility on Liberty Lane across the street from and are in the process of purchasing an additional 19 acres from
003the industrial listing that now development authority. Uh with that 19-acre purchase, they they plan to expand their manufacturing with an additional 226,700 square foot building. They'll employ approximately 150 more employees, bringing their total employment to about 250 people. Very significant uh employer for our city and our county and very significant development of commercial industrial property in our county. So, what we are asking for tonight is the school the school board uh consider the tax abatement. The tax abatement would be for a term not to exceed 10 years and for an amount not to exceed $700,000. I understand $700,000 is a lot of money. A part of that is a major part of that is going towards the reconstruction of Carmela Avenue and Liberty Lane. We're all aware of some of the issues we've had with
004the school and traffic. Uh we're also aware that we bring a big industrial center in as well, this is going to create a bigger problem. If you've driven these roads, which you all have, they're in really bad shape. So, um this would allow us to capture that money and put a lot of that towards the improvement of Liberty Lane and Carmela Avenue. We have engaged our uh two engineers the two engineering firms that work for the city to submit an RFP which I'll get next Thursday. We'll then select one of them to begin the design of the reconstruction of Carmela and Liberty Lane. So, there is a large benefit to the school district in that in helping us we can help the whole area and help the school. And uh for doing that, part of
005the agreement we would the ultimate agreement we would have is that the school would face no assessment for that road improvement because they're participating in this tax abatement. So, as I had mentioned earlier in your work session, I'm trying to create a win-win-win for everybody as best we can. Um it's been a very positive project with the city, a very positive project going through the county process. And now we're here for this the school board here kind of the last the last task, if you will. So, I would I appreciate uh your um willingness to look at this and make a decision if you have any questions about I mean, I think it's also important to point out some of what we've already maybe discussed, but that beyond the no assessment for the road work,
006we're we're potentially gaining 115 families into our school district that, you know, a certain percentage will have school-age children, and that's a financial benefit for the school district. Um and are there some any anything else that you think is notable to point out to people that are listening? Well, there's some relief potentially as an industry comes in and pays taxes and as far as the apartment, I residents may pay a little bit less. Certainly the road improvements, like you said. And with that increase. Just those three things, right? Yeah, I think that's what we Okay, so are there any questions about the tax abatement agreement? Okay, if not, it is a resolution, so we need a motion and a second, and then we'll do a roll call vote. So, um do I have a motion
007to accept the um tax abatement agreement as it was provided to us tonight? I'll move. We have a motion, do we have a second? Sarah seconds it. Um so, Sarah, can we start the roll call vote with you, please? Sarah, I. Jen, I. >> Jeff, I. And Lori, I. All right, thank you, John, for being here. Appreciate it. And I think that's all we have to do, so we'll take Oh, is is there anyone from the public here to talk about the tax abatement? Okay. All right. So, we don't we need a motion and a second then to close this public hearing. the tax abatement. I so move. We have a motion and a second. All in favor, say I. I. Against, same sign. The public hearing is closed. And thank you. Have a good
008night here. All right, so now I'll need a motion and a second to open our regular meeting for tonight. Motion. I'll second it. All in favor, say I. I. Against, same sign. Yes, the meeting is open. Now, we need a motion and a second to accept the agenda for tonight as presented. I make a motion to accept the agenda. Well, I'll second it. We have a motion and a second. All in favor, say I. Against, same sign. The agenda is accepted. Let me just get to the right spot on the agenda. Okay, so no one has signed up for open forum. So, we will move on to our Director of Fiscal Services um audited report. All right. Good evening, Madam Chair, members of the board. We'll start with enrollment report. Enrollment is static right now.
009It's stayed the same as it was last month. So, if you look at our little chart, hopefully hopefully we can ride that out or maybe come up a little bit. I'll take riding it out. Um so, really no change at all in enrollment for this month. We're still at 3,167, which is below budget, unfortunately. So, I will change that when I do the revised budget for next month. So, you'll see that change in there. On the Oh, yeah. The uh financial report update for the month, everything seems to be really right on track right now. Like I said, there we will have a revised budget next month, and so we'll see some changes there. You can see the trends for the general fund are pretty much the same as they have been in the past.
010Um, and what's food service? You can see we're we're kind of evening it out that in, you know, revenue and expenses now because revenue's catching up, and expenses we spent a lot at the beginning of the year. So, those are kind of evening it out as well. And then community service, we still got our revenues over expenses there as well. Um, and like I said, we'll see some changes next month. And debt service, I know it's not There isn't a graph for debt service, but we have paid our mortgage, we'll say, for the for the year, our bonds, and the revenue's already recognized. So, that's 100% on both revenue and expenses on that. And switch to the treasurer's report. I don't have a whole lot of exciting things this month, people. Sorry. Um, at least
011with the financial part of it. Um, our cash balance at the end of March is $18.4 million. We do have three CDs that are coming due. Well, they've already come due because they came due in April. Um, and so we're keeping an eye on those, just, you know, watching the market to see how we want to reinvest those going forwards. Um, There's anything else Anything else really on here? Are there any questions on anything I have? Like I said, nothing nothing riveting on this part this month. We don't always need to be riveting. I know. I'm just giving the information, huh? That's right. Yeah, I mean, I can Sometimes boring is good, right? It's just plain old stuff. So, that's all I have on enrollment and finances. Any questions for Robin? Thank you, Robin. You're
012welcome. All right. Let's keep moving then. We don't have our student representatives here. Did they give you an update? They're They're at the cell buggy, but their update is just they're enjoying this student body as a whole enjoying the warm weather. Having a good time at prom. I'll be honest, but that is a big thing. All right. Are there any board committee updates for the rest of the board? Advancement. So, there's three things. Improved their budget for They're going to do some expanding to the technology. Servers. And then it's all going to increase, so that's going to be good for everybody. Um Second thing, I the There's some conversation there um talking about AI and what they're going to do in that helps schools out, try to figure out how to navigate policy changes that
013are probably going to come to everybody. Um so, they're working on that, talking about it. Um so, we're seeing some really good work. And then third thing was they're getting more participation, so that's good for everybody. And so, they're continuing to grow as an organization. Great. Good news. Any other board committees that have met? It's great that Tuesday night I met Not a ton of notable things though. Uh I recommend you all follow We Are Able on Facebook because it's the our services to adults with disabilities in the area and it is just a burst of joy to follow that little group and see what they're up to. And that's a lot of our students that have graduated and then are in the area. They get together and do good different community building lovely activities
014for adults with disabilities. Um so, so got to learn about that a little bit. And then the other thing is that we just got a staffing update for the first time in a lot of years. Staffing pool is much bigger than it has been. We had 20-plus applicants that were all amazing for different roles. And when asked how they found out about SCR 8, it was very much like SCR 8 is building this reputation and seeing it at all of these different events, lobbying for our schools and our needs, and people are hearing them there and wanting to go work there. That's kind of a an uplifting managerial moment. This had a self-fulfilling prophecy. Yeah. Thank you, Sarah. Any other committees? Okay. Then we will move on to superintendent updates to see if he has
015an update for us. I have two items to talk about tonight. I'll start with AI's since Josh brought that up with Hack Shack. We also have been working on our internal policy on that. We had a committee meeting this week. And some of the goals we're really trying to focus on is um, learning and identifying from staff and students where we're having the gaps are right now. And I think some things we've learned over in that process is consistency and communication. Um, making sure that we have consistent things we're doing in every room, so students have predictability. They know when it's something in this subject area, it's the same across the board and things of that nature. And for staff, just to keep working on those pieces of again, how can we support that area
016because it's so immense and it's a lot to take in. So, we talked about it again. We're just taking those small steps to do it. Our base sort of work that we're going to do in the next month is we're going to meet in teams, the middle school, high school specifically. And start working on communication plan to reinforce what we did last year with a little more hustle, SCR 8 to really talk about specifically this is what you can expect. Here's some norms we want people to know about. Here's how it's going to be used. And then a little bit of the drip method maybe at the high school level or just some new initiatives stuff that were drawn by some of the teachers saying, "Hey, I've learned some pieces that I'm not going to
017do." And that's happening already. But we're just being more comprehensive and intentional on what we're trying to do, as well as making sure that we have both parents, students, and staff members aligned to understand how we're going to use it, um and what we really want the expectation to be for our learners moving forward. So, a good meeting. There's a lot of work to do, and just appreciate the ability to have staff come together uh to share their opinions and thoughts on this piece. I think we're all working towards the same area, which is good. And it's it's a lot. It's a little scary for people, and we're just trying to maneuver through it the best we can. So, we'll take it a step next year. Um videos. We've been on this journey to do
018our videos here, uh to start doing a little bit of marketing in our district. Uh it's cool because right now, in a couple weeks, at the end of Sorry, at the beginning of May, we'll have people coming out to do those videos, which will be part of sort of our marketing plan moving forward to really give an imprint about all the parts and aspects that make our district great. Excited about that piece. It takes about a half of a 2 days, and then when they're done and process the materials, we'll have sort of a launch period throughout um probably end of summer or late fall, and just start rolling stuff out at that point. So, we're excited about that opportunity to tell our story in a way that's more 21st century as well. So, we're
019going to be a little bit more kinetic energy to it some of this. Can you remind me how are we sharing all the videos that get made? Uh they'll actually be posted on our website, and we can also use them in social media as well. The way they're put together, they're sort of perfect for that piece, and they're very phone friendly, which is going to be great, too. So, we'll do a number of numerous ways to get that information out. To just our district, then? Or are we Uh our district will be able to be in a place on our website they can come, you know, people that come to us will get a chance to get a quick glance of what we're doing and have that chance to learn a little more about this,
020as well. So, they'll auto-populate the bottom right-hand corner of our website, and you'll be able to scroll through them like a TikTok. And then there's seven different um They call them branches. Correct. Channels, whatever you want to call them. So, all five sites will have their own, community network will have their own, and then the district. So, we'll be able to highlight all our buildings and what's going on. And then all our programming as well. So, then they'll just live there, and then we'll house them on YouTube and then use them on social media as well. Thanks for So. When they come to do the filming, are they going to involve the students, their staff, or Both. Both. Both of us. I mean, they they have community members, too. Yeah, community members and parents, too.
021Right. Yeah. And then, last but not least, I want to end on Wildcat Academy. So, I mentioned the last time we met that that just continues continues to grow and have a lot of interest. So, our first initial deadline for sign-up was uh yesterday, tax day, April 15th. And at that point, we exceeded our expectation over by about 15 kids, which doesn't seem like a lot, but with how we're starting this program, that's significant. Um as of today, we're already growing a uh waiting list at this point, and we'll start assessing to see where we're going to end up by the end of the school year, and probably by the end of June and July to see where we're at if we need to add more staffing. Right now, I'll tell you based on where
022our numbers are at right now, we will have to add staffing again. Good problem to have. Split right now at this point, I haven't checked the new numbers of people that came in, but we're about 25% 75% of kids from our district. So, that's good, too, because we're drawing people in. And obviously, that's new money that's coming to our district as well. So, excited about this piece, excited about the opportunity where we can go with the program. And as I mentioned before, there's going to be a lot of work happening, especially in the late summer, early fall with staff to talk about is our next step going to be supplemental? If that is, what's that look like, and how do we start working towards that piece in the next year or so. So, good conversations
023to come, but just pleased about what's happening and more importantly, I'll go back to the stories within the program. We're giving kids what they need. And they're being highly successful by doing that. A special thanks to all of our staff, uh specifically Julie for all the work she's doing in that program, Sarah for the back end stuff. And we're just excited that again, we're going to be able to provide something for our students that's going to help them see their best version of themselves in So, it's going to be a miss. So, Brian, so we know we have to hire this one second. We're going to re-evaluate. So, when will that person be hired? So, we've already hired one. That was part of what we talked about come January. We're at a point now because
024of the thresholds, we're going to have to move another one. We've been wanting to wait till the first window closed. So, we're going to keep the matriculator up and then hire a person uh knowing that a couple of things. We believe we're going to probably get a hundred pretty quickly. Uh second, we also know that we learned from this year that we need to have some seats available for our own kids to matriculate during the year. There were some times that we made stuff work, which was great. But we know that sometimes that kids might need to transition during the year to have a landing space here as opposed to saying, "Uh you're going to wait unless you have to go somewhere else." We want to be more intentional about making sure we leave that
025space available. So, we do sort of have a plan of trying to uh hopefully get to about a hundred ten overall with the potential also to add spaces with that a hundred ten. But but I've been really surprised at how well this has gone. The interest that's happened but you could be talking in July and we might have more than what we think at that point and talking about adding more staff. So, it's going to be a good process for us. But again, I'm just like I said, proud that we took the step forward this past year. And more importantly, I said, it's really hitting the chords for our students that need this experience. And also, I I think we're seeing that again a lot of districts enrollments down there. Our teachers down. Declining enrollments
026happening. People are reducing a lot in all districts around the state. There's a number that came out this week for the metro area, about 200 and some million dollars in cuts again. So, they're in the metro area around. Um we're trying to find creative ways to take kids here and bring people in to get the experience, and we're excited about where this is going. Perfect. Do we know if there's like a net gain? I hate to even ask this question cuz I know there's probably not the data. Like I know you said what came from outside and what came from in. The people that came in, were they at another place, or were they with us? The ones that The ones that were >> Yeah. that we gained from our school, were they They were
027just at our school. Yeah, so that 25% would be completely outside of our district coming in like they wanted to basically join us at this point in the program. And that number Um yeah, and some of the internal kids, yes, I'd say it's a combination. I think there's some also that just stuck with us and some that had the opportunity to probably pivot and maybe go to another program, whether it's here locally or somewhere around the region, and they chose to stay here because I think the one thing we learned through this process, too, is that there is a lot of pride in remaining a wildcat and having that opportunity to be here. So, I think we captured that piece and kept more people staying in house than going out. I think that seventh and
028eighth grade model next year is going to be important for us, too. Last check, I think we're at We're at all this again this weekend. We're at about 14 middle school kids. And um we know that's a a niche because it's not really offered around this area. So, again, we fill a really good need for kids. Get the program put together. So, I had brought this up before like a number of kids would like to go halftime with us and then halftime Wolf Creek. When might that come about? You know, what I'm saying? >> So, yeah, no, great question. >> go halftime, is it real based? I haven't half virtual. So, the process we're going to start up in the fall, like sorry, late summer, early fall is going to be that self-paced conversation. We're
029going to put together a group and task force with our staff at the high school, administration, some of players as well to go through have meaningful conversations about if we do this what does it look like? How we gain interest inside and hope for some support to say yep, I buy it and want to do this piece. We'll take some field trips to some programs that have already done this work to go this way but then you have to see it live as well to understand the complexities, the impact on staff and students. We're trying to do some of that and the goal would be sometime in late fall to come to some type of decision from that group and bring forward the recommendation they would have and also probably recommendation from us about here's
030how we think we should move forward at that point. So the possibility of having that sort of half and half could be as early as 2027 or 2028 if the group says yep, this seems to make a lot of sense let's move in that direction. And if we're not quite there if we feel like there's some things we have to learn there could be another year after that. And there's a possibility that maybe there's not enough support to do it. I I will tell you that I believe from the energy we were receiving we are getting pushed hard able to do this. But we want to be respectful and bring our staff with us in the journey to make sure that again cuz if we don't have buy-in, if there's not an understanding of why
031we want to do this piece, it's not going to work. So we really want to work with our staff to get them on board too with let's talk it through and see if this makes sense. So the funding is it when someone goes half and half, does we get half of the funding and Well. You want to answer one of those? >> When they go to one of the three cap times? Yeah, they get the other half. Yes. It's only when they're here we get Yep. It Well, yeah, it depends on what their FTE is but per ADM. But the people who split it where they take half their classes in our high school and half online, I mean that would be all So that would be Yep, they would split it all with us.
032Yep. Correct. Okay. Anything else you need? that was it. Any questions for Superintendent Deeds? Okay. Thank you. Um, we're going to move on to the consent agenda, which includes the personnel items. Other contracts. And last board meeting minutes. So, we'll need a motion and a second to approve the consent agenda. I'll make a motion to approve. We have a motion and a second. I'll make a second. All in favor of accepting the consent agenda, say aye. Aye. Against, same sign. The consent agenda passes. All right, we're moving on to new business, and we have the 2028-2029 school year calendar. As presented here. Any comments on that, Michelle? No, it's just our typical thing that we do this time of year to have 3 years um, posted to our website. So, as we close out this
033school year, this one will go up. Um, Labor Day is later on in the month in September, so we'll start after Labor Day, um, as opposed to our next 2 years, we start beforehand. So, we kind of shift backwards again. That's the only thing that's different. I did want to check that because we're starting before Labor Day, that affects the kids in 4-H, and that's the day at the fair. So, I'd like a second. Yeah, I'm good. Can I I'm going to answer that one too, cuz we have some questions about that. So, two-fold, remember in 2029 is the first year where the legislation is not in place for us to start early cuz it sort of reverts back to earlier time. Second piece is if we've had some people reach out and talk about
034potential conflicts that might come up with our mobile people. But, the good part is the first week of school, we have a lot of just routines, expectations, working through things overall, and we've had one call so far on week, and we talked to our administrator and said, "Our goal is to work with people so they can have their experience, whether it's State Fair or whatever it may be." And we feel comfortable that again um, we can get them caught up with the information within the So just know that we do have a plan we put in place for that as well. I can hear that. Okay, if there's no other questions, we do need a motion and a second to approve the 2028-2029 school year. I'll make a motion to approve the school calendar. I
035have a motion, we have a second. All in favor say aye. Aye. Again, same sign. The calendar is accepted. Thanks, Michelle. Um now we're moving on to our lawn care agreement. And it is attached. And are there any highlights, any things you'd like to present? >> Um Well, I think it Jeremy really struggled with this one cuz it is a pretty significant increase this year, but he he had told me he goes, "I really wanted to hold off until I knew you guys if you could have passed a bond or a levy or something." He goes, "But I had to think of my own business." He wasn't even covering his expenses. Yeah, so it's it's a it's an increase, but we can still we're fitting it within our budget. He I think he really wrestled
036with it. Yeah, he's a huge supporter of our district. He is. Yes. And he does a great job, so. Okay, any questions about the lawn mowing agreement? If not, we need a motion and a second to accept the lawn care agreement. I'll make a motion to accept the lawn care agreement. I'll second it. We have a motion and a second, any questions? No, I just want to say he's a great supporter of what he does on the two lots out here. And really says a lot of truthful things I do think and also on social media. I do think he does a great job. We know where bids come in, we know where he is, and I think we're getting a pretty good deal. You know, sometimes we have to adjust agreements. I think he's
037very deserving of the work he does. History. Thank you. All in favor of approving the lawn care agreement, say I. I. Against, same sign. The agreement is accepted. Okay. We are moving on to the open enrollment. Small tweak. Brian, did you want to explain this a little bit? Uh absolutely. Um this was again we we discussed with Brian once today's session is that this is going to give myself, Robin, and Sarah the opportunity just to assess enrollment open enrollment as it comes in. So that there's a need to potentially make a pivot and close something we could do that on a a moment's notice. The two examples I'm going to give you the number one we just talked about K-8 Academy to be able to do that if we connect hands there say, "Okay, we're
038good for right now or we're full or we want to work on the waiting list." It's good to have that ability to do that piece we could just do it in the moment. And the other would be is if we do have anomalies where we have a grade bubble where we have a lot of students um and if we have one more open enrollment it might tip it over where we have to hire another teacher we could strategically try to move new for people around close that and we're going to a different site maybe put them in. So it's going to be much more of an elementary strategy we need to use in this process. Right now there's nothing that's on the radar that we have to be concerned about but just gives us the
039opportunity to pivot in the moment to do it. Obviously if we got to a point we did ban that stuff I would communicate that to you. And the reason I have Sarah and Robin helping out with that piece is I think from Robin's fiscal perspective because that could have staffing implications and Sarah from the academic end to talk about that piece so I think that balance will help us out to make sure that we're talking about it and making the best decision for our district and our students. Any questions or comments about that? Okay, if not we need a motion and a second to accept the authorization. Um for Superintendent Gates, Director of Teaching and Learning Services and our Director of Business Services, Robin Thoreson, to have the ability to pivot in between board meetings
040and then inform us. changes I'll make a motion to give open and running authorization to Mr. Thoreson Mr. Gates And and and Ms. Schmidt Is that correct? Two of you? And and Ms. Schmidt Oh, yes, Ms. Schmidt Ms. Thoreson I'll add that to the motion. I'll second it. We have a motion and a second. Any questions about that? Well, it will be a three-headed decision making. I mean It's only a statement that's partially in jest, but you three are going to just work together, kind of like you do already. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Against, same sign. That motion passes. Um Okay. We are moving on to our notice relating to general obligation facilities maintenance bonds. Is anyone going to speak on this? I can speak to it. Um I mentioned earlier this week
041that now we are actually at the point where we're going to sell the bonds for the roofing. So, this is the resolution to do all that. We also, along with this, will be revising our our long-term facility maintenance plan, which just means we add that bond amount to it. So, the $4.8 million gets added into that plan, and then and we'll spend it all within this summer as well as well. So, they'll start July 1st. So, we've seen this resolution to be able to go through the whole process now to sell the bonds. It's an exciting process, too. Are Are any questions about this? How many roofs? Where are they? The high school, the middle school, and primary. We eventually pay it off by what means? Through our LTFM funds. So, you borrow kind of
042against like a mortgage a little bit and Well, it does it I mean tax it'll go through taxes. So, taxpayer money will pay it off that way. So. This was the new authority the boards were given to be able to do that, to take care of old roofs. Okay, any other questions? If not, we'll need a motion and a second and we'll need a roll call vote. I'll I'll make a motion to accept that. General obligation facility maintenance bond request. Second it. Uh Sarah. Josh, I. Jennifer. I. Jeff, I. And Lori, I. Okay. I don't know where I'm going, you guys. I think that's all we've got for tonight. Um so, we just need a motion and a second to adjourn. I'll make a motion. I'll second it. All in favor, say I. I. Against
043same sign. The meeting is adjourned. Thanks, everybody. Who said that? Sorry. It's all right. Jennifer, I think you're one of the people that Obi I need to have pizza in Chicago. So, I think we're picking up tonight. Any recommendations for this time? I've been waiting that way in a wheel.