May 2026 School Board Meeting

001I pledge algiance 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. >> First up is attendance. Steve, do you have any questions on attendance? Nope. >> Okay. If you haven't signed in, will you please sign in on the attendant sheet by the door? Okay. All >> right. Up next is agenda approval. Does anyone have any additions or corrections to the board agenda? >> I have a little bit of everything. Um I forgotten to include Dennis from the city of Finnson for open forum. We had um a hire that was made over the weekend. A couple resignations came in. There were there's a correction in Mr. Latimore's report which he'll go over. There was a correction in

002the counseling report which Miss Schoberg will go over. Uh Janelle attended a scred meeting and I think that is all of them. >> All right. So, we have an agenda. Is there a motion to approve the agenda? >> Can I make a motion? >> All right. We have a motion. Is there a second? >> I'll second. >> Motion and a second. Any discussion? All in favor say I. [clears throat] I. Opposed. Motion passes. Up next is open forum. Rules for open forum. Three minutes per speaker. Open forum shall not take more than a total of 15 minutes. No complaints about individual staff members, about students, or about other persons are permitted. All presenters will conduct their business in a manner that meets community standards for decorum. The board will not take action on items presented

003in an open forum. Brian, did anyone sign up besides Dennis >> and the transportation department? >> All right. So, whoever wants to start can start. Please say your name before you speak. And >> I'll start for transportation. >> Okay. >> Since I one asked for it. >> Okay. >> Um I'm a bus driver. I'm Bob and um I sent out many letters to other board members. I'm not a real good speaker, so I'm going to shake you. But anyways, um I got responses back from the board members that I emailed to and um on one I was voicing my concerns and worries about their department after visiting [clears throat] with 4.0 and them giving us their information and us giving us their input. Well, sort of our input. Um I got back some responses that

004were really great. But there was one question that I had from a response that wanted to know what would be different about going to uh 4.0. And um uh the difference would be interpersonal relationship [cough and clears throat] they have formed from the students first experiences with their local bus driver is one and then uh two a guid guidance that students receive from their current bus driver. Um three communications between all [clears throat] school disciplines. uh consistency with individual program disciplines that like the IEP um familiar uh neighbor driver, you know, it's typically in their area of where they live that they have their drivers. Um and many of the parents rode with some of these bus drivers. So, it's in a communication and relationship throughout their their school time. So in summary, I came

005up with the students and parents have built relationships with the bus drivers with daily transportation routes. Often the relationships would not change if the drivers would continue in the route. However, when there is a privatized bus service, the route would not be guaranteed to stay the same or developed in the interests of the families. If the busing service is not ran by the school district, the problems or issues would not be addressed by [clears throat] people familiar with the students. Currently, I think the school has invested interest in the children and considers more than for profit business. >> Thank you, Bob. >> Yep. >> Does anybody else wish to speak? >> Oh my god. >> Um well, Nate Panovich. Um I'm here tonight to talk a little bit about the uh girls hockey co-op with

006Moose Lake. Um, I've got had three kids that have participated in the co-op the last 11 years, I think it's been going now. Um, and it's been a really great experience for for all three of them. Um, from a coaching standpoint, I have been coaching up there also about 10 of those years. And I can tell you that the co-op up there, the Moose Lake, the Willow River School, um, really organized. Uh communication is always really good when [cough] um there's lots of things that come up throughout the year. Um but it's really been a first class co-op um over the years. Um some of the coaching philosophies that go along with the co-op. Uh hard work, dedication, uh fundamental skill development um is placed above wins and losses. Wins and losses are kind of

007secondary. Um, and at the end of the day, they're just they want the kids to learn the game of hockey with their friends, have a safe, positive experience, and have memories to last [clears throat] a lifetime. Um, as far as transportation goes, um, I have been driving the kids up, uh, since 2015, back when we started the co-op. And, um, what a typical day would look like is, uh, after work, I'd come to school, pick up a couple kids, run up to East Central. [clears throat] Um, uh, they don't provide transportation up there to Moose Lake, so I typically pick up two or three kids there. I have a pretty full truck and, uh, get up there, have practice, [cough] whatever. Have 30 minutes to get dressed, practice, come back, um, after practice, and drop

008the kids off at their cars or their, um, uh, residents. Um, [snorts] so yeah, in general, it's just been a really positive experience over there. um coaching over there. Every year I have to give a uh end of the year report um to the liaison committee uh with co-op with New Lake Willow River Schools. Um obviously don't have time to do that tonight, but I did bring handouts um of basically summary of the season, some of the things that um we look to improve on for next season. And um you know, we've got lots of things going on this summer. We've got summer ice available for the kids. We've got some dryland strength conditioning stuff going on for the kids. Um although obviously it's not mandatory. I want the kids to have their summers. If

009they do choose to, you know, try to work at something in the in the summer months on the ice or off the ice, that's available for them. So, um that's about all I have. Um well, currently we have two kids from Hinckley in the co-op. One will be a senior next year and one will be an eighth grader. Um so um and if you have any questions tonight I'll be here and if you have any questions after my number is in um the end of the season report here. So thank you. >> Thank you Nate. >> Y >> Dennis, would you Oh Joel, go ahead. >> Um my name is Joel Jerry. Um, the reason I'm here tonight is cuz I heard of the requests to to dissolve a co-op with Mooseite for a girls

010h for a girls hockey and to go with Pine City. So, I just came here to give you a little bit of my opinion. Um, let me see. Like Nate had said, the co-op has been going on since 2015. Um, [clears throat] that's what 11 years I guess that is already. Um, it is u It's a great opportunity for the girls. Um, that's one thing about hockey. If you go to bigger schools, go to bigger towns, your opportunity to even play JV or varsity really goes down. And in this in this program, [clears throat] I can personally speak about three three girls that got to play in this program because of the opportunities they give. Um, two are my nieces that went to Willow River. Neither one of them played any sort of organized hockey,

011but were able to start, I don't remember what grade, but in their senior high years and were able to to play and actually get the opportunity to play, not not just practice, but they actually got to play during games. So, the opportunity is there. And also my my daughter Willow uh started this year as a seventh grader and was able to you know the first of all the opportunity they have with practice is they practice usually 5 days a week if they don't have games and then she was able to uh get plenty of ice time you know even more than I expected as a seventh grader with JD. So, my hope is that you would uh consider keeping a co-op with Moose Lake just for that fact that because the kids get great opportunities

012and that's what that's what we're here for is to give them opportunities. So, thank you. >> Thanks, Joel. >> I'm going to speak to the same topic. Surprise, surprise. [laughter] Um Vicky Pain of it. [clears throat] Um I just had a little something that I wrote up that just said Moose Lake has welcomed these Higgley Finison girls hockey players with open arms since the inception um of the co-op in 2015. Lifelong friendships have been made with numerous Muslake, Willow River, Bartum and East Central girls and their families throughout the years. Beginning with my oldest daughter, I don't know how many years ago that was, Abby, continuing with my second oldest daughter, Rachel, and now continuing with our youngest daughter, Autumn, who is currently a junior, will be a senior next year. Um, we're just very

013grateful that Moose Lake accepted us into Pinkleaf and Listen, into the co-op 11 years ago, so that girls um who love to play hockey can continue at the high school level. Thanks. >> Thank you, Vicki. Okay, Tiffany, may I speak on behalf of my daughter, Rolo Jerry, who is in the concert. >> You may. >> She will have a few thoughts out on her bus ride to her softball game today. Uh, my name is Rolo Jerry. My experience with Moose Lake hockey has been amazing. The whole hockey community in Moose Lake is very welcoming and kind. When I first started in Moose Lake, all of the girls were so welcoming and made me feel like I had always played with them. It was awesome getting to play JP as a seventh grader, and I learned

014so much. All in all, I love most loose lake hockey. I started skating and learning hockey when I was three. I got to do most of my youth hockey included with my brothers, though being coached by my dad. He was a great coach, just like all the coaches at Moose Lake. The coaching staff at Moose Lake is very encouraging and supportive. My coach has always pushed me and my team to be [cough and clears throat] I'm so grateful for my coaching staff and for getting to be part of the loose lake river talking. >> Thank you. >> All right, Dennis, I think you're out. >> Uh I'm Dennis, city of Fiddleson for the planning and zoning. Each of you have a map ahead of you. What we're looking at is um when the city went

015over their things, they found out that there was a strip of land between Schaefer Park onto the school thing. And since I did some uh questioning, that land has been transferred back to the school. It was a overapping uh description. But I guess what we're looking at is Schaffefer Memorial Park in Finnson is actually all on school's land. And uh we found out lately when the roof was damaged that we cannot repair the roof on property that does not belong to the city. Uh so we were looking if they would the city or the school would be willing to transfer the parcel of land or shap memorials on to the city for a nominal fee. We would cover any measuring up of the land and uh any transferring of paperwork. Uh the benefit I guess

016is the city has been maintaining it. The building they built the building they re-roofed it. It needs another new roof since this hail storm. Uh the city covered the cost of abandoning the well and all that there. And now they can't repair. We won't be able to repair the roof once we [clears throat] found out that it ain't actually our land. Uh the advantage I guess for the school is is if it was transferred back to the city any liability for that area would be gone. So I guess what we're looking for is to transfer that and it's approximately 150 by 200 150 ft wide by 250 ft deep is what it is just the mode area there. So, >> so if you got any concerns or questions, you get a hold of the city

017or whatever you have. That's all. >> Thank you, Dennis. [clears throat and cough] >> Would anybody else like to speak, George? >> Yeah. >> Okay, we have three more minutes just so you're aware. >> Um, all I want to do is about PSD. I know you guys don't have to pay nothing or anything, but there's a lot of the bus drivers that have more than 100 days, and just by giving them half of it doesn't seem real fair, but it's better than nothing, I guess. So, that's all I got to say. So, >> thank you, George. Anybody else? >> Oh, Kathy. >> Hi, I'm Kathy Hart. I just want to say a few things about the pool. I'm glad to see that they are moving forward on the boiler which is really important and the

018pool is a really important part of our community. Not always used as much but it's it's working its way and user people really need to have access to it. I'll go quickly here. What I'm um I'm back from the 1980s I guess here almost been here 45 years in this community and I'd like to see the swimming lessons offered in the summertime in three sessions. Uh, we've gone down to one. I'd want to see staff that's hired so that they have work can work enough hours that they can go back to college and have some monies with them. Um, I'd like to see swimming lessons in the school, both elementary and high school. Um, things to think about. Um, it's a great place. These kids live in Minnesota. They need to learn to swim. I'm

019in charge of the swimathon every year and I end up teaching a lot of those fifth graders that can't put their head underwater yet as part of their swimathon. We It's a teaching three hours I guess. But I just um let's see what else. Um and then just I'm curious about when if the boiler um we'll start to fix it, if there's a time that you'll know that it will be ready. Will it'll be ready for summer lessons or things like that. And then I'm glad to see that there's funds to take care of the pool. So, and I'm willing and I'm a volunteer to help in any way that I can in the school swim lesson programs in either elementary or high school. So, all right. >> I just thought I'd >> share my

020concern. >> Thank you, Kathy. >> All right. Anybody else? I think the time's up anyway. All right. So, we will move on to the consent agenda. Does anyone need anything quote from the consent consent agenda in place later in the agenda? Brian, did you add anything? One under employment and two under resignations. All right. So, I'm looking for a motion to approve the consent agenda. >> Have a motion. Is there a second? I'll second. >> All right. There's a motion and a second. Any discussion? All in favor say I. I. Opposed. Motion passes. [clears throat] 70. Then we're to the bills. If you have any questions on the bills, please state the page number and bill number. Does anybody have any questions? If not, I'm looking for a motion to pay the bills. >> I'll

021make a motion. >> There's a motion. Is there a second? motion and a second. Any further discussion? All in favor say I. >> I. Opposed. Motion passes. 70. And we will move on to reports. Brian is up first with his superintendence report. >> Um you can see the schedule for meetings [clears throat] for myself and for board members. Reminder for all board members. This Wednesday is the senior recognition banquet. Um you're all invited. If you have not RSVPd and would still like to go, let me know. And then um the other thing that we're planning that you can RSVP for and we hope you can attend is the end of year breakfast and um short program that we give honoring some of our staff and things like that which is June 4th. [clears throat] Breakfast

022will start at 7:15, catered by DGOTS, and then like I said, after breakfast, [cough and clears throat] we have a short uh awards program, recognition program, usually done by 9:00. So, if [cough] you're able to come to either of those, uh let me know and make sure that uh you are on the list. That's what I ask. >> Does anybody have any questions for Brian? >> If not, we will move on to the high school principal's report. Mr. Latimore. Good evening board. Thank you. Uh so the report here um hiring update as we go through this um when I wrote this last week, we're in the process of hiring a band instructor, but as you just uh approved a band instructor, so we got that taken care of. So very excited about uh getting that

023position taken care of. Sad to see our band instructor leaving, but getting [cough and clears throat] what appears to be very quality [laughter] individual in. So we're looking forward to that. Uh behavior data from last month, uh still trending in the right direction. 88.8 89% again we want that uh 85 10 5 type range for 0 to 1 2 to 5 6 plus um referrals uh so the month of April our major and minors you can see we're clearly within the MTSS framework uh which indicates a healthy system uh a bunch of dates coming up here um as we go through um graduation is two weeks from this uh Friday coming up. So, we'll be going through all of that. Um practice, as we talking about before, more for me than for the students cuz

024I have to make sure I don't butcher names that night. Um and then that'll be the last day of school for the seniors on May 29th, June 3rd for our um the rest of our students. Balor is Wednesday and the FAC at 7:00. Um tomorrow, uh we started this last year. Uh we bring our sixth graders over for a tour. So we bring them over about 11:30 tomorrow. They'll eat lunch in between uh the the two lunch periods that we have. Um so they'll get a lunch. They'll get a taste of what it's like to be over here uh for during the day. And then we go to um the U auditorium where we uh just talk about what it's going to be like over here. And then we also have uh [clears throat] Minnesota

025[cough] Honor Society. We'll be giving tours to the group. So uh three different groups. They'll be walking around the school checking things out uh with a uh well be one of them. Um taking them around. They show them the uh the school and then we bring them back for to get them interested in banded choir. [clears throat] So, we have a little uh pep fest type where they'll listen to the band and choir perform before they go back about 1:00. So, it's good opportunity for the sixth graders come over here early just to get a a feel for it while they're still in their comfort zone. Uh we do have summer band going on this um summer. Miss Shudy will be still handling that. Um you can see the dates there. Um, then my other

026dates I put on there as well for the, uh, rest of the school year. Uh, going back to number six, I just want to give a big thank you to our senior board members, Haley and Grady. They've been absolutely phenomenal [clears throat] this year, uh, with their attention to detail and what they've done. So, I just really appreciate everything that they've done for us. Uh, [cough] as the school board [laughter] representatives, I know they'll do great things moving forward. I wish them nothing but the best as they get ready to well you as she goes to North Dakota Bismar um to to go on and move on. So we're just really happy that we got two quality individuals to represent our school this year and I will hand it over to Haley to give her

027a report. >> Okay. Um Gray's at a concert tonight actually just down the hall. This is just me. And when I asked him what he wanted me to say for baseball was only baseball won tonight. [laughter] Must have been a very good win. They played Rush City. I think it was four to one. I didn't get that much out of softball [clears throat] played Mora. They did lose. I know junior high was at East Central. We're in the busy part of the spring sports season, I think. >> Oh, they won. I >> think we won. >> Okay. So, junior high, but there's like five games this week. Varsity track. We compete for our GRC tomorrow. Um, junior high is at Obly V for their GRC on Friday. We had little kid track camp today, too.

028So, just lots going on. Golf this week as well. Um, this Friday is actually the home baseball game and it's our yearbook signing day. And so, for student council, we're going to bring some cornhole banks down there and we requested that the National Guard bring their rock wall. And then we also purchased a henna tattoo artist, something [cough and clears throat] fun for the students to do while they're down there. Um, and then a couple weeks ago we had our Jake Paul tournament here. We It was kind of a big deal, I guess you could say. There was a lot of teams that signed up. It was taken very seriously by the officials and the advertising committee. Um, and then back in April for Earth Day, we had kind of I was just trying to

029think of things that have been happening in the school and I think they called it like a day of service where they went out and picked up trash along the bike trail and around the school and then there was also like a field day at the um football field and [clears throat] it was just it was super nice weather and just lots of kids I don't know coming back with their trash bags and smiles on their faces. So yeah, a lot's happening right now, but it's been good. >> Does anybody have any questions for Joe or Haley? >> I'd just like to make a comment. You guys were great in forming the board this year and thank you guys for doing that. >> Yes, I will reiterate that Haley, you and Grady did amazing and

030we were thankful to have you. So, good luck next year and thank you. >> Thank you guys. >> All right. So, then moving on will be our elementary principal report. Mrs. Scholard, [clears throat] >> good evening. Joel stole half of my thunder. So, um we'll continue on. We are still looking for an SLP. Um we had a part-time SLP this year. Uh we are looking for a full-time one. Uh that search continues. It's a it's a difficult position to fill. >> [clears throat] >> Um, we were finalizing our PIT position. You've seen that on your board report tonight that [clears throat] we settled on Miss Visser. Um, and we are still have one special ed opening. Uh, and hope to concrete that here very soon. Uh, the only other openings we have at this time

031um are our reading core positions. We have one two that are approved for Hankley Elementary in our early childhood and then we're looking for one up in Fisonson. Our two that we have at Hinckley Elementary this year are returning and they're doing great things with our kids. So that's exciting. Um you can kind of see our sections that we're going to look at for the following year um at both buildings. Very consistent. We are adding one kindergarten uh section at Hinckley this year. We're decreasing in another grade level. So, it will just even out. Um, as surprising as it is, we had three new students come in this week. So, it you think it's over, but it's really not. I mean, so we'll have three new kids that come in and we'll try and get

032them onboarded and have them join our crew the best they can. And, um, I think another four at least slated to come in for next year. So, it's exciting. Um, lots of switches going on. We are moving sixth grade down by fifth grade cuz they do a lot of cohort work and fourth grade will be down the fifth grade wing. Uh we do have a lot of movement throughout the building. Still trying to find a meeting room. Uh we share one with social skills right now with fifth and sixth grade and that there's a ton of overlap. So still looking at what that might look like. Um 7th grade orientation Joe talked about a little bit. The one thing that we are going to add at 10:45, they are going to meet Devin Peterson who

033is a probation officer who runs the Yeti program. Uh that is the truency program for uh once they get to high school. Um so they they don't experience that at the elementary school. So they are going to sit down for about a half hour or so with Pine County and really talk about what truency looks like at the high school level. Um so excited to have them at least aware of that and what that looks [clears throat] like. kindergarten graduation uh at both buildings. Finison will be Friday. Uh there our spring concert will be there with kindergarten graduation following. And we're hoping hoping to do something with our sixth graders as well um for their graduation. Um in Hinckley, kindergarten graduation will be at the Fine Arts Center on June 2nd. um sixth grade graduation

034at Hinckley Elementary. We're going to have it back at our elementary school and we're going to have it on June 3rd. Uh it worked out really well last year having it right after our specials time, but we're just going to bring it back there so there's not so much movement for our families. Um Joe talked about end of the year. It is busy. It's just a busy busy time. Uh you can see a number of things that are going on. Uh Haley talked about track camp. Um Mr. sold his track camp very very well and they have 1234 >> they just keep growing. So uh what a great way to sell that program to our kids. Um and it was all promoting but on his on his part. So that's awesome. Um the other thing

035that's been added since then I had a couple high school kids come over and pitch the idea of a petting zoo. um the best they can do. We do not have an FFA, so they are kind of going out on their own and they're going to bring some animals in on our fourth through sixth grade field day and um have a little petting zoo for our kids. So, I think that's pretty awesome that they took the initiative to do that. So, uh a huge shout out to to those boys. Um just an another experience for our kids. So, exciting three weeks here. It's going to be busy, but we're going to buckle up and get her done. Thank you, Bonnie. >> Yeah. >> Does anybody have any questions for Bonnie? >> Thanks. Thank you. [clears

036throat] Then we will move on to our community education report. >> It's me again. Um [clears throat] you can see the numbers that we had for our community activities. Um also, uh the board had talked about through the superintendent transition part who was going to be the community director, Mr. McNelte has agreed to do that. He has experience doing that before in his previous education career. So July 1, he'll continue in the role I'm in. Um Pam summer wreck went out uh 18 different opportunities for students this summer. Um she has lifeguard and water safety instructor classes in June. Um the yoga grant helped cover some of that cost. yoga grants couple uh paid for by Pine County to help kids with those some of those after school activities. Um we'll talk a little bit

037more about the pool boiler. Um but yep, that needs to be replaced. We have that on the agenda later. Um we are thinking if the board approves that it should be replaced in the next couple weeks, so we should be up and running in time for summer programming. Um it's depending how fast the company can get out here, but once they get here, it shouldn't take terribly long. Um, and then thank you to the the Finison Gasy Lions for the donation to the senior dinner this week. Walmart uh donated money to help with uh some youth balls for the equipment for summer program. And then Jag Nation helped uh purchase some soccer nets for some of our programming this year. So, questions on community other than the boiler, which we'll get to. >> How many

038swim lesson sections will we have this summer? [clears throat] >> I'll ask for that. I don't know that for sure off the top of my head. Um I was wondering that when Kathy said that. So I will ask Pam and get back to you guys. >> Thank you. [clears throat] >> Any other questions for Brian? >> If not we Thank you, Brian. >> Y >> we will move on to the counseling and special services. Kareem, [clears throat] >> hello and thank you for having me here tonight. Um just looking at our agenda, the SEAL is our social emotional learning, which is be good people. So Rachel Clandy and myself um split that class split between fifth and sixth graders. Um our safety patrol program, we have 53 participants this year with [clears throat] $8,000 in

039our account. And those little kiddos work really hard in raising um the money to fund that program. So fourth grade we have 14 students and they will be taking their field trip next Monday which is just held here within Hankley. Um fifth grade crossing guards we have 28. Um and sixth grade captains are 11 and they will be taking their field trip Thursday May 28th and we will be heading up to Duth um going to Adventure Zone. Um looking at mental health services portage is in our school. It's the only outside agency coming into our school. They are seeing six or 18 students with six on the waiting list. Um, Canvas Health, I believe we use their crisis mobile services two times this year. Um, de treatment, I believe we have our second student that

040will be attending the day treatment program here. Um, the next one is a school-based community services that um, we're hoping that HS will be offering mental health services. And when I was looking into this program, Rob Prader had sent an email out about 5 years ago about the program. At that time when I looked into it, clinical trainees could not um provide the services, but when looking into it this year, they are now allowing clinical trainees to provide mental health services, which that is what I'm working towards for marriage and family therapy. So, we applied for a grant and were given it um or awarded it. it was $23,763 to help implement this program. So, right now I'm seeing approximately um having 24 sessions weekly and we are working closely with Squid and being able

041to hopefully bill for these services for our IEP students in the fall. Um we will be looking to build for our nonIP services. So, all students in our school district should be able to receive mental health services and hoping to be able to hire additional staff to provide those services. Um, if this program seems to be successful, I think that's what I have for HS. Guess the only thing I would add to that is we do have a school mental health grant through TSA and we have been without a therapist through TSA for two and a half maybe three years. Um so it's it it is a challenge to fill the positions. They they do tell us they're continue to try and we just have been without that service for that long. So >> I

042have one question on here too with the Portage Health Counseling. There's the six on the waiting list. Are those six getting any services or support through the schoolbased services or anything like that or what what happens with those six that are on the waiting list? >> Um that is a good question. I am not sure what the answer is to that. Um I have asked portes to reach out to those families to make them aware that they are placed on a waiting list. So, are they at capacity with 18 or is it just more paperwork process? >> What was that? >> Is it are they at capacity with 18 clients for this? >> My understanding is that there is two therapists. So, between the two of them, I don't do they work full time. >>

043Krie works full time. She's a coach, so she's not necessarily a therapist. Um, we have one therapist. Uh, she is full time. >> I think she shares some time with the high school be honest. >> And then there's another one that does tella health and sees [clears throat] difficult too. I mean the mental health need is very very high. We all know that. um and what I see is just such a high turnover with the clinicians that are coming in um and not staying for a long time and that makes it difficult to keep changing their paths frequently. So we've had um love the journey in in the past and associates uh and unfortunately this year it's just cordages that have been our school. [laughter] they had two therapists in the building at [snorts] the

044beginning of the school year and one moved on and they haven't been able to fill that position. >> Can you talk just briefly like how how that process works of proposing services to families? Like how does that conversation start? Like do they do they come to you and say you know that we need services or is it like a need that you address? like how does that >> the ones that I'm currently seeing are yes families that have stated a interest in um obtaining services for their kids. Okay. >> So then what I did because I knew this program was in the works is I had them sign a release of information so that we had some sort of documentation that they parents or guardians were aware that the services were going to be provided

045and that the kids would be pulled out. So then I work with the teachers in trying to schedule them at a time where it's nonacademic as best as we can and then the sessions that I provide to them are 30 minutes and then they return to class. So hopefully this will be a way that we can generate some money coming into the budget. Those are the kids you're seeing. What what typically happens with any family that would come in and say would like some mental health supports for my kid. How's that conversation go as far as >> um as far as offering the services? I explained to them that we do have portages in our school and um like what that would look like along with the services that I would be [laughter] [cough] [clears

046throat] so that the families can then choose which um mental health service that they would like to go to. And then also it's just a new program that's being introduced to the state. My understanding is Wadina um is one school in the state that is currently billing for IEP students and nonIP. Um and so this program MB and DHS is working really closely with elder health um care providers or the healthcare insurance and um being able to be able to build for the nonie students. So they're hoping that that will be in place in September. Bonnie and I went over to Wagina School and talked with the therapist that was there at the time. She unfortunately has left and is providing consultation services. A number that I had asked her. I said, "How much money

047are we looking at in bringing in possibly?" And she said that Wadina school brings in about 1,500 a week for the mental health services that they provide. So, not only would help our families and our students out too, but it could help our >> [clears throat] >> Well, >> then you can see. >> Do you want me to talk? What? >> You want to talk about Finson in the high school? >> Oh, the high school. Yeah, >> sure. >> I don't know about that. [clears throat] >> Um, so as Kar was saying, our needs are increasing. So, a lot of 504 and special education services over the last few years have increased. Um, and how those need to be structured. Um I see the running theme here from Mallalerie is the need for more space.

048Um so uh finding areas especially with 504s if you go down to D need more space a counseling social work office are frequently full with students that need the breaks or need to take a quiet test um areas for them to go. Um so um there are challenges about how to meet those needs. Um as we go through that uh change the outcome uh B they came in to talk with our 10th grade health classes. Uh they watched a documentary um and then educated on substance use the disease of addiction and the important aspects of opioid use. Uh it was a great group of young adults who were able to share their stories and how substance use has affected their lives. Uh Katie and Mallerie went to a restorative practices in the schools um meeting

049last year. Uh and working with our uh Pine County um partners, we're able to bring uh advisory circles to the um high school here this year. We started it uh the beginning of April. We've had some really good conversations and some good things going on with that. Um basically weekly check-ins. Uh we do these on Tuesday mornings during our advisory time. Uh and uh it's fun to hear the the teachers talk about it's Tuesday, you know what we're doing today and all the kids go in and start working about uh working in their circles. Uh the idea of it is to uh share updates, build empathy, and discuss schoolwide uh themes. Um like I said, this is considered a tier one circle in restorative practices. And um as we get this done, we hope to

050continue to move that forward. [clears throat] >> I'd say [laughter] Fenison carry we have portages that goes up there as well. So they're not only servicing our students here, they do see a few kids up at Fendison as well. >> Anybody have any questions on this report? Um I had one so under the high school under this uh D is uh Joe do you have like a proposed space or thoughts on solutions for this? >> They want to take over the second floor. [laughter] >> Um well we we'll as we look to see what's going on we we can try and find I mean it's either that or they like there's some other rooms that interest them. It's just finding where we're going to put uh either general education classrooms or special education classrooms. Yeah,

051they I think that was day one when I got here. They were proposing a space. So, fair enough. >> They have people to put in those spaces >> like that room. >> I mean, do they have therapists that are >> Oh, they we have therapists down there. This is like a counseling [cough] center. So [clears throat] it would be like you come in get some counseling needs or there would be a room maybe where you could do or a back area that's closed off where a student could take a test quietly or the social worker would be in that room as well. So it just be kind of a an area onto itself because where they are located right now in the office there's a lot of things that go on throughout the day that

052sometimes it's tough to get to everybody and see everybody. So that's >> we we did have it separate probably almost 10 years ago now where we had the uh social worker and high school counselor out of the high school office when the high school office was up here. We had to take that space back because of some other things that came in with new direction and transition program stuff like that. So we have done it before. Um but it's something that they've continued to advocate for since since we brought them back into the high school office. Could the second floor house both special ed and >> currently right now? No. >> No. Okay. >> Just with the space that's needed. And and our second floor is our 18 to 22 year old transitions program. [clears

053throat] That's our setting three uh DCD. Uh so it's it's uh students uh with severe profound disabilities that are um up in that area as well. What's nice about that is they do a lot of interactions together. The kitchen's right there, so it's really tough to take take that space away. >> Yeah. Not ideal. Okay. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions? All right. Then we will move on to board committees. Would any me board members like to present from their committees this month? So I attended the spread one in April and during that meeting they there's the preliminary spread budget was brought up. Um there was reports from we are able and low incident disabilities. Um we are able seems to be very active and doing a lot. So they just recommended for people

054to follow their Facebook page for activities that are going on and that they are continuing to uh explore future programs. I [clears throat] had a scholarship committee um and that was meeting with the group um to decide which scholarships would go to our high school seniors that applied. So, it's always a a good meeting um just to see the generosity of our community. So, >> can I can I say that too? Let put it on record like >> like the the response that our communities give for our seniors is just >> overwhelming. Like I was signing my name to them today and it's seeing those dollar amounts go out to our seniors. That's that's great. Our communities really step up for our seniors. I really appreciate that. So, I just want to put that on

055public forums. >> Yeah. I'll also do a shameless plug then for the um scholarship senior banquet on Wednesday. If you have not gone, if you can go, [clears throat] go. It is my favorite night of the year. Um just recognizing our seniors and our communities because there's no greater um generous communities than Hankley or Sun. So if you can go, I would highly recommend for all of all of you to go. It is fantastic. So, anyone else like to share? Okay. Then we will move on to [clears throat] communications. >> There was none. >> Okay. Then budget discussions and unfinished business. Any information you want to highlight? >> Yep. Just a little bit in this first part. We're really waiting hopefully this week for the legislation to wrap up. uh the revenue projections the exact

056same as you have seen. Um we are hopeful that there might be a little bit of money coming in compensatory but not near the whole harm not near the whole harmless we got the current school year. So the revenue projection hasn't changed um that they're supposed to wrap up I think this weekend. Um so then at least uh we'll know some finalities as far as revenue. Um, we've been working with MDE and with AERS to help, and by we, I mean Bridget and I, uh, to make sure our revenue is as accurate as possible as we get to our budget approval next month. Um, things that are coming up, the bid committee is going to meet, uh, later this month to talk about bakery, fuel, dairy, garbage bids. Um, I'll send those dates out this

057week. our enrollment um as at least as of May 1st was at 803 and um then you can see our daycare enrollment which has not changed much either from the last month. Um Mrs. Sculler did note on enrollment that we did just this week bring in I think you said three at the elementary. Um so we're still seeing enrollment moving even with you know three or four weeks left of the school year. So, um, a lot of changes and hopefully those three, like Mrs. Conard said, who came in this week, will stay going forward. But any questions on that part before we get to the policies? >> I do have a question regarding the just kind of an overall general question. Um, everybody knows about our budget, some challenges with our budget. Have we solicited

058Have we solicited our staff uh board members regarding ideas on things that we could like cut to maybe reduce expenses? And if so, can we make a list of items that we can maybe look at as a board whether or not we want to cut those items? >> We did that as a board at our April work session. So, the admin team brought some ideas forward to the board. Uh, early in April, I know both principles had staff meetings and talked through budget things with their staff. Um, we've had as an admin team, we've probably been talking about ideas since February. Um, but the board did weigh in on some ideas and things back in in early April. Um, so yes, we have uh sought that input. I do recall discussing previously, you know, I

059I brought up previously at a previous board meeting the the lobbyist group that we're membership of safe. Yep. >> That's about 2,000 a year. You know, maybe shifting our voting to an even year um less expense we're splitting with counties. Is that I mean are those expenses that the board would consider looking [clears throat] at? We don't have any election costs next year. Uh I do plan to have SAFF in the budget as I feel that's a valuable resource not only for myself but um to get legislative updates. The board can certainly say yay or nay to that next month. Um but there will not be election costs next year unless something totally unplanned happens. >> But we would have to like plan ahead to get even years right. We can't just do it last

060minute. >> Mhm. And the board voted on that probably January or February to leave it as is. >> Yeah. >> All right. >> That's already been discussed, Toby. So, if we could stick to what's on this agenda. >> Um, we'll move on to policy reapproval. >> Uh, nothing's changed in these three policies since last month. Um, so looking for approval of these three policies. >> Are [clears throat] there any questions about the three policies that have been presented? All right. If not, I'm looking for a motion to accept. No. >> All right. There's a motion. Is there a second? >> All right. Motion and a second. Any further discussion? >> All in favor say I. >> I. Opposed. >> Motion passes 70. All right. Then we will move on to expenditures. Uh still overall our

061our budget's doing very well where we're at 83% of the school year as of the end of April and have uh spent at that point about 76% of the approved budget. Um it it's it's great that we are doing well with that cuz then when things come up like the boiler, things like that, there's there's Bridget and I don't have a worry. Um, so yes, you can see that community ed again that that's because that's where the daycare expenses [clears throat] are being put. There's also revenue coming in to help offset that. But uh you can see community eds going up and transportation [clears throat] also went up a little bit and that's also in direct relation to uh some of the gas prices we've seen things like that. So, not any unexpected costs, but

062any [clears throat] questions on any of these because Bridget is here and can certainly help. >> Any questions on expenditures? All right, then we will move on to girls hockey conversation. >> Two more in old uh conversation. So, uh, last board meeting after we started talking about girls hockey, uh, the board asked me to reach back out to Pine City. I did have a conversation with their superintendent. Uh, two, as a matter of fact, the one I had last week, it just said, "Does Pine City want Hinckley Finson? Are they interested at all?" Her answer now was possibly. She couldn't say yes or no. as Pine City has also fielded uh some other schools asking to join and Pine City is hesitant to say yes to any because if you say yes to one, you

063might be saying yes to all. And their their biggest worry was they don't necessarily want to move up uh to the next class in hockey. I believe they're a single A school. They don't want to move up to double A and have to um possibly face larger competition. So, she didn't give me an answer when she would have an answer. Um, that was the best she could give me right now was possibly would be open to it, but would not say yes and would not say no when we had the conversation last week. Um, so that's the update and and really if if Pine City does not want to the conversations over, Pine City and Mora would have to agree as that is the co-op as it is now. Um, so really as far as

064our board, that's really not a decision until we know what Pine City's answer is. Um, we had stated probably a couple months ago for next hockey season there would be no changes as it takes a year to do this any, you know, you have to let Moose Lake know if that's the choice you want to make and Pine City would have to agree a year in advance. So, you would have to make a decision if if you want to change something probably by September. Girls hockey starts usually in October. Um, but that's the update I have from Pine City. So, I don't know if there's I can keep bugging her. I can put it back on next month. Um, her being the superintendent at Pine City can leave it kind of what would you how

065would you all direct me to continue this conversation? We know at this point, [clears throat] right, that Moose Lake Willow River wants to continue in the co-op. >> Correct. >> They do. So, >> it's not a matter of we we need to find something and we have a co-op that seems to be working and families are happy. >> I feel like we we're not really getting a clear weight either way from Pine City. So, >> I agree with you. I think the people in this hockey program need to make plans. They don't want last minute things um everything disrupted. Um sounds like the Moose Lake thing is working out great. A lot of good relationships there. um might be hitting our head against the wall with with um Pine City Qu [clears throat] >> if

066we have one that's working that is willing to continue that relationship is my >> So I know it was also brought up that um by community member that we already co-op city with other sports. So with that rationale, it's is it not just that simple that we all be co-op with them? >> What is different with hockey? >> Yeah, it's not that simple. Part part of it um like Mr. Panovich said is Pine City didn't have a girls program to my understanding back 10 years ago. Um and and Moose Lake was very happy to take us. Um our girls got to play hockey. So we've entered a formal agreement with Moose Lake. So it's not like yes most of our rest of our other things go south >> but we can't just say as Hinckley

067Finlesson well everything else south so is girls hockey we have this agreement with Moose Lake and it's through the Minnesota State High School League as well it's not even just between the schools um yes you guys sign off on that every year but it's also through the Minnesota State High School League so it's not as just simple as a vote Pine City and Mora would have to be willing to then we'd have to notify Moose like then the board would have to take a vote and it's quite a process to change cos >> can I just clarify quick >> um as of right now it's Autumn and Willow were both enrolled in the program and have been going correct? >> Yep. >> Oh >> y >> I just want to make sure I have that

068correct. Thank you. Yeah. And we uh back 12 15 years ago, we didn't we recognized we didn't have a place for the girls to skate. And we reached out to uh at that time MOA and they said no. Um we reached out to uh North Branch Cambridge. They said no. [cough] [clears throat] Really the only other option was Moose Lake and they said yes right away and welcomed us with open arms and been there for the last 10 12 years. [clears throat] I think that, you know, it's working out well. Um, we get free transportation on our part, not on your part, but I think it's just a great, we should leave it the way it is. Pine City has never opened their arms to us on women's hockey. So >> what? So the um

069fees for Lucilla River, it's there's not an expense like >> Yeah. So back um when we got the co-op started in 2015, I think they wanted like $1,500 per kid, but um at that time um the board um the boys used to play in Mora. And at that time the board $700 and then um parents or the school will be on the hook for the other $700. Moose Lake said we want you um will come down to whatever the school's willing to pay. So I think still the practice it's $700 that the school pays. No it >> the booster club is always taking care of girls. That's right. Um the board did up it to about 1,500 but the booster club is always taking care of the fitness and girls. The booster club. >> The

070booster club in Muslim. >> Oh, okay. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Going to say that booster are booster clubs. >> Yeah. Not ours. [laughter] >> Um, also for reference, um, [clears throat] cuz I know Jerry's have boys in hockey for Pine City. Is there a piece with that too? Mhm. >> Like I'm just looking for comparative prices wise cover. >> Same same >> same kind of thing. >> The school pays the same >> for girls and boys hockey. We changed that probably two or three years ago but the difference Moose Lake has covered all the costs. Pine City booster may I'm speaking I may be out of term but we pay the costs and if Pine City kicks in there might be a little bit of savings but Moose Lake I do know covers all the

071costs. Yeah. Brian Ker boys hockey. That's what we came to a couple years ago and my son was going to be a senior because we were paying like $1,500 out. >> Correct. [clears throat] Yeah. >> Boy boys hockey. >> The district decided then [cough] to raise what the Hley Finkelson would contribute to our co-op sports. Um but Moose Lake has stuck with their booster club covering our girls. Thank you. Did that answer your question? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> All right. Any other discussion or questions or comments about girls hockey? >> Then we will move on to the Kback lease. >> I'm proposing the same lease agreement as I did last month. >> [clears throat] >> um board did ask me to go back and and do a little research or ask us and Bridget

072contacted the county. Um what we learned is I was asked um why do we have to pay taxes? I was asked what if we just let someone use it without a lease agreement? Would we have to pay taxes? Um, and Bridget, you can certainly help me, but basically because the property's classified, whether it was vacant or whether we leased it or whether we just let someone use it, we would have to pay the full taxes as the school district. So, in my mind, uh, with with Danny Kak overseeing the property, taking care of the property, he and I just discussed today, he's helped trim some of the the trees and the bushes. He's um spraying the fields for pesticides, things like that. He's also putting money into our property. Uh to me, um charging him

073$700 feels fair. Um as we would have to pay the full $21.84 regardless, and he's taking care of the property and putting in some personal money and time into taking care of that. So, recommending renewing that lease uh and keeping the terms at $700. Um, I'm going to suggest at least that he pays at least half. I don't think that the school should be shouldering as much of that burden. I know that costs have gone up for everybody and he's had it at 700 for a long time. Um, granted, even if he was renting the land, he would most likely still be um doing what he is taking care of that land with some of those expenses cuz that usually does happen. The other thing is is that cattle prices are pretty high and that

074it is to his benefit to at the same time to be using the land. So, you know, really and truly, if we are looking at um the land, I think it it would be reasonable for him to shoulder at least half of the taxes. >> Are there any other comments? >> I'm okay with the 700. I know it's it's about a third of it, but he's done a wonderful job maintaining that for us. I appreciate him cutting that brush on tower road that was getting bad. So, um, and we got both properties up for sale. So, I'm happy with the 700 present. >> I'd be willing to make that as a motion. Okay. So, Leo has a motion um to keep the lease at the current amount, which is $700. Um is there a second

075for that motion? >> I'll second. >> Okay, there's a motion and a second. Any further discussion on Leo's motion? All in favor of half say I. >> I opposed. Did you say all? >> I take that back. >> All in favor of Leo's motion of 700. Thank you, Toby. [clears throat] Um, say I >> opposed. Opposed. >> We'll do roll call. Um, you ready, Dave? >> Okay. Angela, >> yes. >> Toby, >> no. >> Leo, >> yes. >> Janelle, >> no. >> Jamie, >> yes. Dave Heather. Yes. [cough] >> Excuse me. >> Motion passes five to two to keep the lease at 700. >> So then we will move on to new business which is Jaguar Pride. Um thank you to Jaguar Nation for the donation of two soccer goals to community education. Thank you

076to Walmart for the donation to purchase equipment for the summer youth program. Thank you to the Finison Geese Lions Club for the donation to help support the senior dinner. Thank you to Pine County for the donation towards the fitness center. Congratulations to Noah Hickl and Isabelle Richtor for their appearance in this state speech meet on April 25th. Thank you to Katie Kger, Elsa Cole, Ashley Johnson, Sarah Ranger, and Alyssa Richtor for putting together another successful prom, which was also held on April 25th. Jag pride for elementary students successful [clears throat] in the state tournament in Grand Rapids this year. Kaizen Hendris first place. Chase Lad third place. Gage Lad second place. Ambrose Kingbird third place. Hunter Mson second place. Major Mson fourth place. Carson Peterson third place. And Croy Fry third place. And that brings

077us to our contract with 4.0 on transportation service. I am recommending uh the district move into these proposed contracts with 4.0 bus service. Our district attorneys as well as 4.0's attorneys help draft these together. Um there there's been [clears throat] some back and forth uh between 4.0 and the district. the um proposed pupil transport the first length the contract our attorneys wrote and the way they wrote that is they took the bid specifications and just turned it into contract language. Uh 4.0 helped us with some of the purchase agreement contracts and and things like that. Um you can certainly go through each link if you'd like more. 4.0 is here also to help answer questions. Um there's a schedule for as far as payment with the fleet. um 4.0 did come in and meet with

078the drivers probably two three weeks ago and by drivers I should say transportation staff. Um they presented what the relationship would look like. Um the the drivers if they all chose to stay and certainly you guys can help correct me if I'm wrong would be able to stay on their route. Um they would still work with the families. They'd still work with our principles. Bruce would still be there part of that process. If things got larger, certainly 4.0 and the district would come together to problem solve those things. Um the drivers were all given a comparison by what they make through Hinckley Finkelson. Uh comparing to what that would look like with 4.0. Um and then that the drivers and not every driver or transportation staff took up this option, but they did have the

079option to meet with 4.0 staff that day. Uh from my perspective, I thought it was a positive meeting. A lot of transportation staff did stay and ask questions. Um [clears throat] but but as I said, I'm recommending uh moving into the contract agreement with 4.0 uh for our busing service, which would take effect July 1st, 2026. >> Are there any questions? Nope. I was just going to ask the question, sir. >> Okay. I was just wondering um did we um solicit any input from the community regarding the sale of our in-house transportation to 4.0 and if so what kind of feedback did we get if any did not uh seek input from the community? >> I just my concern is that with a nearly a $34 million transaction price tag and these buses are funded

080by taxpayer dollars. I think with such a huge transaction of major importance, I just feel like maybe we [clears throat] need to slow down and maybe solicit some input from community slash taxpayers, maybe have a special meeting cuz once we once we vote on this, it's a huge deal and there's a risk that it could get sold off and there's no going back. And I think if we get solicit input, then we're doing our due diligence and I feel that would be the proper way to proceed with such a large transaction. This is not just a small potatoes vote. >> Have you received any feedback from the community? >> Um, yes I have. And the feedback I've received is concerns about selling it off, concerns about um what do the future contracts look like after

081the initial one expires? How do you negotiate? How do you have any um how are you in a position to negotiate when you don't have any buses? You need a third party vendor. And if only one is bidding, there's really no one negotiating capital. And that's those are the main concerns. There's others too, like loss of control, [cough] but that's the feedback I've received. I haven't received any feedback that, yeah, let's move ahead and sell it. We're saving some money. That sounds like a good deal. >> Conversations about contracts and negotiations have happened in board meetings. We have had meetings with 4.0 and bus drivers where those those questions have been addressed. Um, board members were there. So, we did get answers as to what a negotiation contract or what negotiations would look like going

082forward. Um, I feel like we have been talking about this again since November. So, that's 6 months. If there was serious concerns from the community, I feel like it's been out there like we've been talking about it and that those concerns would have been addressed. We are our meetings are open. Anybody can come to open forum at any time and speak. So, I feel like you may have heard I have not heard any feedback. So, if there's six of the seven of us that have not heard any feedback, negative or positive, from community, I feel like we're at a good place to move forward. >> My concern. Go ahead. >> I would say, you know, the feedback that I did receive from community were more so connecting with the transportation department. As far as uh

083families, so parents and students, I haven't received a lot of so I guess I should >> same agreed. I same feedback as as Janelle. >> I would say lack of feedback, you know, is not necessarily a good thing to me. That tells me that maybe the community doesn't even know we're considering selling off our bus fleet. And maybe if there would be some kind of a special meeting, maybe that, you know, I'll put it in the Hley News or the local newspaper and solicit input. Our meetings and our minutes are put in the Hley News. And we have had special meetings, Toby, since November. And if they're not concerned enough to like step up and say, then that they have an issue, then I feel like we're safe to move forward. So you you've had

084an advertisement in the local newspaper stated selling our bus buses off. >> Our minutes are posted in the paper and that is in the minutes and our agendas are public. So it's all public. So if people are wanting to know what's happening at board meetings and they're live streamed so they can be watched at any time. >> When we initially went out for bid that was also in the newspaper as well. >> Right. Now, was it one or two years ago that this that we >> two or three? >> Okay. So, then it's at least then it's two cuz I know I was here. >> Okay. >> Um I think that it did go up to the community. Didn't we send out like a survey or something like that? >> I can't remember 100%. >>

085Because even when it was just just back then, I don't remember there much like feedback from parents and students. Yeah, >> I think it would be great to see some kind of a survey. >> One other concern I have is was this even put out for bid? We have other vendors besides 4.0 that wanted a reply. >> Yes, we had two bids come in >> which is brought forward at a board meeting, Toby, and we all discussed it and the negotiations committee met brought forward the recommendation to move forward with 4.0. No, I believe that was talked about in February. >> And we also check out leasing which turned out to be the third highest >> and then Palmer was second. >> Yes. >> Um our school [clears throat] cost was second and then 40.

086And how much savings is it? Like over 300,000. >> Over $300,000. I never thought I would sit here and be able to vote for something like this, but I can't see how I can't with the savings and what 40 has promised our drivers. Um, I think they've been more than fair in negotiations. >> I also want to say I don't think it's just finance either. like climate is a big part of it, >> but being on the board, we have a responsibility to the students as well. And from a safety standpoint, um the safety side that 4.0 was able to offer for these buses and keeping them um safe and efficient with the students was a big component um with speaking with them. and that was really important to me because the safety of our

087students needs to be a top priority and they were able to speak really well to that in the meetings that we had with them. Um so yes, finance it is a big financial impact but I also want to take the time to acknowledge the safety of the students um and the bus drivers who are driving those buses because that is really important as well. I I believe also um the transportation staff is going to get more support. 4.0 this is this is what they do. Um there's a pool of may maybe not the biggest pool in the world cuz drivers are hard to find but there's more support. I I believe Bruce Beckman's going to feel more support. I believe the drivers are going to feel more support because this is what 4.0 does. They're

088in the business of transporting, not just in the business of school, which also transports. Um, this is their expertise and and I I believe based on what I've heard that our transportation staff are going to have more support. Um, a as a parent, I I would certainly, you know, living in the community and I would always just worry who is my kid's bus driver. And what I've heard from 4.0 know is if the drivers want to stay with they're going to be able to stay on that road. So those relationships that parents have with [clears throat] drivers um the relationship students have with drivers is still going to be theirs. Certainly could a driver or a staff member decide not to? Sure. But if if they choose to stay or go with 4.0, we're [clears

089throat] going to have that consistency for our students and our families. It's going to look the same um as it does right now. Go ahead. >> Say that, you know, I was in a meeting with five other uh school districts. Um they're board members and three of those other districts actually work with 4 and those districts did praise 4.0 and the services that they provided. They said that the transition did go very well. So >> how did the second contract go after their initial contract? what kind of rate increases did they get after the initial >> I did inquire about that and there was negotiations with that that there wasn't >> a huge concern at all about any changes >> I reached out to everyone that 4.0 has said they um have contracts with and

090it v you know you don't know every situation in that district things like that but it was pretty comparable to how our contracts go that 2 3 to 5% most every school was saying that you know which is kind of what inflation is um I I can't I didn't have to go back and look at my emails but of all the schools that responded I I don't remember outliers way out there past that 2 to 5% window. Certainly things come up and [clears throat] could it be different? Sure. But most schools are reporting that 2 to 5% threshold, which is kind of what we see with inflation. And also like with that savings of estimated $370,000 a year of savings that it would be to the district, even at that high end of 5% increase

091in negotiation, like it would take a long time of like contract increases to eat up that that savings that we're getting. And I will say too with all of the conversations with 4.0, what they say at the beginning is what you get. Like everything that they've said, they've held true to it. It's now in contract. It's in writing. nothing has changed. They didn't say one thing and then tried to try to do another. So, I think we need to think about that, too. >> Isn't this transaction a lot like selling your house and then renting it back from the person you sold it to? And how many of us would actually do that? I wouldn't sell my vehicle and then rent it back. >> Well, part of the issue right now is things are not

092sustainable. >> Bottom line, things are not sustainable. We don't have a mechanic. We know we've been struggling with that. Um the transportation department, the drivers, they're great. They're phenomenal and they're very dedicated, but there are issues. And even since I've started with the board, there have been issues with inspections. And right now where we're at, I don't see us things being sustainable. You know, we had people that had to step up that were not that being a driver is not in their position, that their job duties had to be totally pushed aside for a day or whatever, and then they need to make that up. So, is it good, not a bad thing for them to see what it is to be a driver? Not at all. But they have their own responsibilities. And so

093that is another concern is who are the backup drivers? And I think it was last week or the week before that we had to have two staff come and drive buses. [cough] [clears throat] >> Is it you bring up a valid concern with regard to the maintenance issues? Could we have some kind of a happy median where maybe we could farm out the maintenance and maybe some substitute bus drivers from 4.0, but we retain the ownership of the asset. >> We've leaned on 4.0 a lot. >> Why not continue? Why sell the asset? Why would that be an issue or a hangover? >> So, what is the benefit of maintaining it if it's not sustainable? It would be sustainable if we have 4.0 providing maintenance care so when inspections come everything passes hopefully we wouldn't

094worry about substitute bus drivers because they would provide the staff. I don't understand where the sustainability question would be coming in if we did it that way and we retain the asset and we replenish get a new bus whenever we need a new bus. But once you sell your asset off your all your buses now you're you can never buy it back. But Toby, then you'd be looking at a greater cost because we would have our in-house cost, but then we would then we would have the cost of farming out our mechanics. How does that make sense? >> How about do it in house? Do it the way Mora does it. They have their own mechanics. >> We're not MOA. Does anybody else have I have a question about discussion? >> Can I ask a

095question on the lease part? >> Yes. >> Um the >> Oh, on this document >> the shop lease. Um on the second page um it says the police shall be responsible for paying forwarding the following repairs. >> Yep. >> When do we have to have those done by? >> Those aren't current issues. Those are just if something with those areas were to break that we'd be responsible to to fix it. So if the heating system went down in the bus garage, if the ventilation air, then we would fix it. We don't have to do anything now. Okay. >> It's if those things break >> there are responsibility. Okay. >> I had that same question. So >> yeah, >> if something were to happen with those, it would be on us, not on 4.0. >> It's

096nothing that we have to >> nothing that we have to Yeah. >> Correct. >> There's no timeline on it. >> No. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> How does the conversation go with 4.0 when you negotiate for the new contract? I mean they they will give you a proposal and >> how do you negotiate with that? >> Can we ask them? >> Sure. >> Okay. Would one of you like to speak on that? >> Sure. >> I know we've talked about it before, but >> Well, you know, we you know, we always work within the school district's budgets and I've been doing this I started with bus mechanic in 1985, so I've been doing this a long time. and we service a lot of districts in Minnesota and we become ingrained as part of the

097community within every district we serve and it and it's really um I think you're looking at maybe as as an adversarial point and we're not adversaries. We partner with the school districts we serve and we're very conscious of the budgets and that type of stuff. We also know that um yes, our our our um price increases do come in along along the lines of the um inflationary stuff and that type of stuff. [clears throat] Um and so really that's it's that partnership we work with because our our core belief if the district isn't healthy, we're not healthy. And so we work together with that and it doesn't do any good to hold your customer hostage cuz that's a short that's very shortsighted in that and very it doesn't work that way. We just don't operate

098that way. And I think um you can talk to our other school districts with that and they they would go >> I'm glad you said that because I I talked to our neighbors who both work with 4.0 0 and one of them you know they had a question on costing for some of the routes and simply she said I just call up 4.0 we sit and have a conversation and we figure it out. Um now I don't know the details how that conversation ends but she is very uh complimentary of of working with 4.0 you know, when those kind of discrepancies, that's a bad word, questions come up with why is it this, why is it that, >> she calls their person, they sit down, have a conversation, and it gets figured out. >> Um,

099I I don't I don't know if that's how 4.0 feels, but that's how one of our neighbors feels. >> Yep. >> My other thought is too, we have a brand new superintendent coming in effective July 1. Is that correct? >> Correct. Wouldn't it be Wouldn't it be better to just hold off on this boat until the superintendent [clears throat] get his input? Maybe he's all for like having an in-house bus service [clears throat] and maybe getting a mechanic that exclusively does maintenance without substitute driving and we get a mechanic and maybe that's the way he would like to do it. And I think as an incoming superintendent, why not get his input? >> I know Mr. McNeltey's district that he works in currently does work with 4.0. He and I have talked briefly about it.

100He has said positive things from his experience of working with 4.0. Um 4.0 has told me, sorry to just call you 4.0, but Mike [laughter] Mike has said that relationship with Mr. McNelte has been positive. Um so I'm not worried about a new superintendent coming in. My thought is the board shouldn't wait until July or August to do that as if a decision then is made. Now you're down to days before the school year starts and that transition would be really hard. >> And we've had a long-term relationship with Mike McNelte, too, cuz he was also superintendent Lester Prairie Schools years ago, too. So, we've had him at several different districts where he's been a superintendent and then a business manager and that type of stuff. So, our relationship has been good and strong with

101him. >> So, does does this we got into this position just because of a mechanic? We're having a hard time getting a mechanic. Is that kind of how this whole thing came about to inquire about farming it out? >> That was part of it. Um, if you also look at kind of what Janelle said is, um, you know, we don't have and bus drivers, bless their heart, do not call in often, do not take time off. But when that happens, uh, we are often scrambling. We get it covered. we get it figured out, which is a testament to Bruce and his staff and and the others who are able to do that. But I see it as more than just mechanical things is is also if if people aren't here, sicknesses happen or family emergencies

102or or vacation time. We have a hard time in those cases or when spring decides to rain and now we have events going all across the state. I mean, I know that's hard on Bruce and his staff and then we're getting to that point. How are we going to get people to their events and and we don't want to lose those after school events for our kids either. >> And we have posted multiple times that mechanic position and we even increased the salary and and nothing. So, it's not for lack of trying to find a mechanic either. So, I don't I don't know. I mean, you can't make somebody >> and and our staff since October have done amazing. >> Yes. >> I think it goes back to what Janelle said. It's not sustainable. I

103know Bruce is here way too much. He's supposed to be an 8 hour a day employee. He's here a lot. I We have a lot of other drivers picking in. They didn't sign up to do that. Bless them for being willing to help us out and get us through this. Um they also want to have their summers. Um it's working. It's better than it was in October, but I think Janelle said it well. It's not sustainable. >> Yeah. >> You know, and the other part is is if drivers and the transportation department can have some more support, >> I would think it's also going to be helpful for them, >> you know. So, we're not just concerned. We all have concerns about the families, about the communities, about the students. But there is the concern

104too also about the transportation department, the drivers, the supervisors, you know. So in my mind, I'm weighing all of that is how are we going to help them? It's it's all around services. >> Did we survey the bus drivers and get feedback on that? Because I would be curious to know how they feel about this whole transaction. We've got bus driver. We've met with them >> with bus driver. >> And what was the overall survey result >> about all of this to we've been going over this for months. >> Would you have been invited to show up at meetings and you haven't? >> Today is the discussion. >> So, we're going to move on. This is the discussion before the vote. >> I'm looking for a motion to approve the contract with 4.0. >> All

105right. There is a motion. Is there a second? >> A second. >> All right. There's a motion and a second. We do not need any further discussion. >> All in favor say I. I want to bring up one other thing. >> I'm not >> I feel you should not be voting because you have um a husband that's working for 4.0 and I would like to request the board consider >> I would actually like to respond to that Toby. You brought this up last time. We have talked to our lawyer. My husband works for 4.0. He loves it and that is why I can sit here 100% they are who they say they are. Toby, I contacted our district attorney knowing this question might come back in March. District attorney had zero problems with Heather voting

106on this part of the agenda. Okay. And that's good to know because I feel when there's discussion before a vote, the discussion should be had until all the discussion is complete. And I don't think it should be rushed through with a vote. And I feel like >> we've been discussing this Toby now for over a half hour on the same exact topic. You're not You don't show up to meetings when we have these discussions. >> We've been discussing this. We've been discussing this. Or you don't bring your opinions forward. Then we How long have we been discussing? >> Since November. >> Okay. What meeting was I absent that I didn't bring my discussion forward? >> Go back. Go back and look in your in [clears throat] your meetings. Go back and look in the newspaper.

107All of the minutes are public. We have a motion. We have a second. All in favor say I. I. Opposed. >> Opposed. >> All right. Roll call. Leo. >> Yes. Janelle, >> yes. >> Jamie, >> yes. >> Dave, >> yes. >> Heather, yes. Angela, >> yes. >> Toby, >> no. >> Motion passes six to one. Thank you. >> Can I make a comment? >> Yes, please. Please. >> I need to throw you under the bus, Toby. But I think you are questioning the ethics of our chairperson. >> Not at all. >> Okay. It appeared to me that you did, and I didn't like that. >> Neil, I appreciate it. Minnesota statutes, Leo, that I think we need to be uh complying with and cognizant of and careful with >> and I don't think there's any

108problem or harm in asking the question. And our superintendent did did give some feedback. He talked to the attorney. He clarified before the vote and I don't think there's anything wrong with having proper discussion before a vote when there's any doubt or question about whether someone should or should not be voting on a topic. >> You have already been told prior to this meeting, we're moving on. Uh, no I haven't. >> The book's done. >> We do have the contracts ready, right, to sign. If you guys want to hang out and sign, we have the contracts. If you want to sign them tonight, if not, if you would rather get on your way, that'd be mine, too. >> Okay. Thank you. [laughter] Next up is transportation staff, ESST, and vacation time. >> So, with moving

109to 4.0, I know we have our our drivers, transportation staff who have a lot of accumulated um ESST, which is safe and sick time and and vacation time um that we've been asked to consider paying out. ESST law um says we do not have to do this. There there isn't a cash out option. It is considered a use it or lose it benefit. Um however, this was the district's decision. So should we take care of the drivers um for the things that they have earned the vacation and ESSCT time? Um because as I was saying earlier a lot of times the drivers are sick they do have plans that they continue to come to work even when those things happen. Um there are some options that the board can consider as far as paying out.

110We could pay out everyone's ESST time and vacation time. You can see what that dollar amount is. And I there could be other options. These are just the ones that I put on the agenda. We [clears throat] could pay out 75% of everyone's earned ESST time and vacation time. Pay half. You could choose to pay everyone the same dollar amount. That one may not be as easy cuz some have been here many, many years. Some have not been here as many years. You could choose to pay none of that. As I said at the beginning, it is a use it or lose it benefit. Um, not everyone gets ESST time when they leave. Um, because it's a a benefit. Um, the other option is you could pay only those who are eligible for severance, which

111we have in our support staff handbook. Um, I'm recommending option three. Um, you can see what that dollar amount, which is paying everyone half of what they've earned. Um, as and the reason I picked that one is just because the law doesn't say we have to, but I feel like we need to take care of the people who have been here and they've put in time and they've earned those things. Well, I like to see option one. I know it's more money. It's a onetime expense. We're saving over well over $300,000. And this is every year. This is a one time thing. I think it's uh I think the the incredible job they've done this year um taking care of things, any extra work they've done uh for years, I think it'd be a first

112class thing to do. Um I think it's good for morale. I that's if I was a bus driver, this is what I'd want and I would think highly of the school for doing it. So my speech clarify it's ESST time and vacation is separate because you said EST ESST time and vacation. >> This would cover all ESST time and those who either have personal days or vacation days that they've accumul >> but no matter what [cough and clears throat] paid out, right? >> Our support staff agreement depends how much they have. they can only carry so much at a time. And I don't know if anyone's above that. I don't know if they are or not, but >> the vacation time and and the personal days is a benefit they get. >> Um these dollar

113amounts just factor that we're paying all that out cuz they some of some of them have many vacation days. They wouldn't even have the option to use them all even if they used them every day for the rest of the school year. >> Yeah. And I know EST ESST can essentially would go away. Um so I think it is beneficial to do the right thing by the drivers. However, my concern is is what is the precedence that's being set? >> Have we talked with the lawyers about ESST time? What about um some sort of policy around that for future because this is a very unique situation but for future reference >> I have talked to lawyers you can do any of these options um and and the part being is that it was the district's

114choice I think you may be opening a door maybe the way you I would think you would say it going forward is well this was the district's decision to move forward with an outside vendor that doesn't happen within these other cases. You know, other things we've talked about is making sure going forward when staff sign their pay verifications that they realize that ESST is not something that they get if they leave. Okay. >> Um so we could help clarify that, but >> that would be helpful. >> Yep. >> So you're saying no precedent wouldn't be set probably if we put it in writing or do it right way. I think we would want to put some We've already had people ask, but we have people ask all the time if they leave, do I get

115my sick time? And >> now it will have happened. So that question could come up more often. Absolutely. >> But again, it's looking at different because this was not the driver's decision. This was our decision. >> Um so setting it at that standard and that in my opinion is all the more reason as to what data is speaking to. um they did not opt for this. This was not their decision. This was the decision that we made for them. And um and so I understand like that, you know, you have the options of literally choosing nothing. [cough] Um I would agree in the favor with that this is opting to take something from them. That was our decision to do and they did not have that option. Um and I think so can >> Yeah,

116I just want to say um that I agree that they have definitely like stepped up. They are why we have held on for so long. I appreciate each one of them. They deserve everything that they've earned. With that, I will abstain from this vote because I do have family that will [clears throat] will benefit potentially from this vote. So, I will not be voting on this part. So, now if somebody would like to make a motion. >> I make motion for option one. >> Motion one. >> We have a [clears throat] option for motion. We have a motion for option one. Is there a second? A second. There's a second. >> Any further discussion? All in favor of option one say I. Understand? Opposed? I motion passes. 620. [clears throat] >> Isn't it 70? >>

117I abstained, Toby. >> Oh, that's right. 6. >> Moving on to graduation data. uh the state in the last month or so released graduation data from the class of 2025. Um so you can see I compared that to not only our class of 2024 in this top part um also to our neighbors to the state of Minnesota. Um overall in the state of Minnesota graduation rate did go up. Last year it was 84.2. Um this year it's 84.9. and and you can see how our numbers uh compare to our neighbors and to the state. Um I'll get to the bottom part. Um our Native American graduation rate is high um again to the against the state average. Our program is working for these students. I am a little worried about our special education numbers. We

118did go up last year. We were at 40, but we're still at 55. But the biggest reason for that, especially in a small school where you're only graduating up to 60 kids, is a lot of our um 18-year-old special ed kids have the option to go onto the transition program. Um if they choose that, which a lot of our kids do, they don't count in the 4-year graduation rate cuz they don't actually graduate. Um they get their diploma when they complete the transition program. So, our special ed numbers will always be a little less. Um, but it's still something I'd want to look at. Um, I could pull our five and sixyear data if the board would like to see. I only pulled four-year data. Um, but that would explain why it's specialized being our

119lowest one. Similarly, at the bottom chart, I pulled uh our data to demographically similar school districts. And um, similarly, I'd still be worried about our special ed rates. Um, again, I would say the same thing. A lot of our kids are continuing their education in the transition program. Um, but I I wonder if a next step that the board would want to see is to look at that five and sixyear graduation rate, which we really haven't studied as in depth. Um, but certainly willing to see what you'd like to see or answer any questions you have. >> I think Brian with that another component that needs to be looked at too with special education is sometimes you can graduate by your IEP. So if you graduate by your IEP, meaning that you've graduated your goals,

120your goals have been met, you can graduate with that. If you graduate with that, that means [clears throat] no post-secary education options are on the table. So if you graduate with your with an IEP goal, [cough] you don't get to go to a two-year college, a trade school, whatever the case may be. uh we we really work hard to uh we just went through one uh this spring about that looking at what is going to be best for the kid. Now our numbers might be down but we want to do what's best for the kid. So the student will be staying behind and working towards getting all his credits or their credits um instead of just saying we're just going to graduate with the IP goal. So some of these again when you look at

121sped that might be a contributing factor some of these higher numbers too. Some districts just might be saying we're just going to graduate on the IP goal. I don't know that for a fact, but there are some different, you know, things that work with that, some dynamics with that. >> So, would those you say it takes four years in the special ed transition, do they then show up four years later on the graduate program? >> They would, some stay [cough] >> until they're 22. That's law. Um, that would show up in the [clears throat] fouryear. >> [cough] >> Yes, those we should be seeing how our special ed numbers are and I just have never pulled that. I don't >> So then how many of [clears throat] that 82% are the transition students? Do you

122know what I'm saying? >> I can find out. Do you remember how many from last year's class went to the transition program? >> I mean, are they are they considered in the senior totals for this year? >> Yes. Yes. >> Okay. Okay. So, those that don't that will go to the transition program will basically not graduate cuz you don't get your diploma until you you don't take your diploma until you either the day before your 22nd birthday or you said I've met the requirements of this program. I'm going to take my diploma. >> Are you asking if they when they're like turning 21 or 22 and graduating that that counts to this graduation? >> Close to the 5year. Is that right? >> It would not be in no the next four year. It'd be in

123you look at the 24 sixyear graduation, >> but the ones four years ago that should have graduated are now in this number, >> right? >> And they look like a senior on the numbers >> on the numbers. Correct. >> Okay. Thank [clears throat] you. >> Are there any other questions or discussion about the graduation data that has been presented? Then we will move on to our committee list. >> Just typically the board looks at committees. I just thought I'd bring it up a couple months out in case anyone wants to do anything different in July. This is uh historically the board chair ultimately assigns roles. But um just wanted to put it on your radar as July is going to be here much quicker and if anyone wants to learn more or make some changes

124to let Heather and I or ultimately Heather and Mr. McNelte. No. >> Any questions or discussion about committees? All right. We will move on to our spread program lease. >> This lease is because the transition program uh uses the Hley Fendleson High School. Um same terms. the SCRED superintendent operating committee agreed to keep the terms for all SCRred leases the same um as it was the current school year. So this is looking for approval to continue this lease agreement with SCRED for our transition program uh which is in the second floor of the high school. [clears throat] >> Any questions about the spread lease program program? Okay. I'm looking for a motion to accept the spread program. A motion [clears throat] to accept. [laughter] >> There's a motion. Is there a second? Second. There's a

125motion and a second. Any other discussion? All in favor say I. I. Opposed. Motion passes 70. We will move to our policy review. First reading, policy number 71, videotaping on school buses, and policy number 712, bus stop policy. Yep. On the first one, uh the video recording on school bus is just updated language that MSBA had, which was very minimal. Uh the second one is our own bus stop policy. Um as of now, there are no recommended changes on that one. Just hadn't been approved in 3 years. So certainly if there are any questions could go back to Bruce and I with that. But >> I I can't open the the videotaping on school buses on mine for some reason. But in the wording and I can't read that. Um it said um placement hang

126on. Um, number two, a video camera will not necessarily be installed in each and every school bus owned, leased or contracted. Can we make that say will be like that? It is necessary >> on buses only or type 3es as well. We can change it, but we don't have >> that says each and every school bus. >> Correct. Correct. I'm just clarifying. Do you want it? >> I think it's important in every in each and every school bus for safety of students and drivers. And >> so I what I'm hearing is take the not necessarily >> Yeah. >> off. >> If anybody thinks differently that that's just I'm pretty sure all of our buses do have cameras anyways, but >> the only time the only time they don't is like when we get the bus

127and we'll waiting for the cameras to get here. >> Yeah. But yeah, as soon as we get those buses, Bruce has been good about getting the cameras ordered and installed. >> Okay. >> Well, any any all of these policies need to be looked at since we're going with 4.0. I mean, the the wording on them and all of that, did any kind of transportation, should they be all brought forward and looked at? >> I was wondering that too. What have Can I ask 4.0? What have other districts changed their >> driving pol riding bus policies at all after going with 4.0? >> Well, no. No. We just we really again it's a partnership. So, we just work together. If there's anything that you guys would wish to change or see done differently, we'll work together

128and figure out what what's best for you guys. I think in this scenario, I agree in a in a contract that we now currently have now that states that we must have >> uh cameras in each school bus. Now, type three is different. Um it's definitely something that has become a lot more of a hot topic for us and a lot of different districts just because it is student [clears throat and cough] safety, driver safety, and so on and all that. So, um but yeah, typically immediately no unless there's something that is known that you'd like to change. Um, otherwise we just kind of see, you know, Bruce is the best advocate for that too, which it sounds like you guys are, >> which when when we do bus policies, you know, I share it

129with Bruce or we get it from MSBA. And >> is there any MSBA policies on any of these? Normally they say MSB. >> This is an MSB. This one is the the bus stop policy is our own. Okay. >> This one, especially those ones where you see the legal and cross references, you know, those are coming. I don't. >> That's coming from MSBA. [laughter] >> You didn't go find all this? >> No. And I don't pay our district attorney to do that every time. MSBA attorneys help create these. >> There is a discussion and I don't remember if it was I don't think it was a meeting. It might have been a transportation meeting when we talked about those super cold ice and providing transportation and picking up at the >> the seventh and eighth

130graders. Yes. I don't see that. >> We can add that in because we do currently pick up seventh and eighth graders on in Hinckley. So, yes, we should have that. >> Why is it seventh and eighth? >> Um, >> yeah. Why can't it be all >> because I thought it was elementary and then the other student. >> Did we do seven? We did seven. No, >> it's all we do. It is all I misspoke. >> Okay. >> Thank you, Bruce. There was a discussion about it and I don't remember. >> I will I'll make sure that's added before next month. >> Retention. >> Anyone that wanted it was at the retention. >> Oh, okay. Well, it was one of them. >> I'll make sure that's added before we get to next month. [clears throat] >>

131Yeah. Especially when we're talking about the cold days. >> Yep. >> Not being able to walk on a side of walks. >> Yeah. All right. Any other questions, concerns, changes for those policies? >> Those will come back next month for >> Yep. >> for review. All right. [clears throat] And then we were are moving on to our 26 27 and 2728 support staff handbook. >> So last month the board had approved the financials. Uh now I have the draft of the handbook with with all the changes in there. Um, I do have the bus drivers in here still. Um, we we can work on how that looks now with 4.0, but I wanted the board to approve all that in there. So then when we hand over to 4.0, it's it's clear. Um, which 4.0

132had has been made aware of all the financials prior to this meeting. But looking for approval on the entirety of the support staff agreement. [clears throat] Are there any questions about the support staff handbook as presented? >> And I'm looking for a motion to accept the support staff handbook. >> All right, there's a motion. Is there a second? >> A second. >> There's a motion and a second. Any further discussion? All in favor say I. I. Opposed. Motion passes 70. And now we are to the pool boiler. >> Recommending we received two quotes uh to fix our pool boiler. Uh one from Craft, one from Johnson. Craft's uh bid was a little higher, 31,900 than Johnson Controls, which was No, I can't find it. Of course, >> 30,722. However, uh the Craft one did have

133disposal in there. So, Keith, our head of maintenance, liked that we didn't have to figure out how to get rid of the broken boiler. Um and and he felt that Craft came in and did a better assessment of what exactly we need. Um so, recommending going forward with Craft. Like I said earlier, we believe once they get out here, it won't take long to fix. Um this will be paid for with our general ed dollars. It's good that we're under budget currently, but um recommending approval of the craft bid to fix our pool boiler. >> I'll make a motion to take craft bid. >> There's a motion. Is there a second? I'll second it. There's a motion and a second. Any further discussion? All in favor say I. I. Opposed. >> Motion passes 7 to

134zero. >> And then we are at our auditor [clears throat] proposals. Uh every 3 years we have bid on these at least for the last I guess 6 years or so. Um we received three from Clifton Larson Allen Burgundy KDV which is our current auditing firm and Um you can see the different prices. Our current uh firm is Bergen KDV. They were the cheapest. I don't want to speak for Bridget, but Bridget told me she would prefer working with the same auditor again. Uh, plus they came in with the cheapest quote. So, recommending moving forward the next three years with our current audit firm, Bergen KDB. [clears throat] >> All right. Any questions about the audit bids that have been presented? All right. And I'm looking for a motion to accept Bergen KDB bid. >>

135Second. >> There's a motion and a second. [laughter] Any discussion? All in. [cough and clears throat] >> I opposed. Motion passes seven to zero. >> DNR lease. >> A lot has changed um with the DNR. So, the state does not want to contribute money into our DNR side of the bus garage. Uh the DNR, at least the local people don't want to move. Um the state is looking, and they were honest, is looking at other options. So, what the DNR would like to do is go back in do another one-year lease. Um there would be no no the district has to fix this that or the other thing. It is a very similar agreement to what the district has agreed to many years prior to last year. They would like to keep the rent at

136$2,000 a month. There would not make, like I said, be a requirement to make improvements to the building. They were honest and said they're going to continue to look around. Um, in the initial lease that they signed years ago, they do have a 30-day opto. They said if they found something, they would follow the lease, but that there could be a 30-day opto, but for now, they'd like to sign a one-year lease, not requiring us to make improvements. They also said um that they would not hold us to finishing the requirements that was put into place a year ago. Um, so that would be the second part the board should talk about. Uh, there were two projects that you approved, I believe, in March, uh, to finish to fix the loft in that part of

137the DNR building that there's a bay that has lofting in there. Um, I think that cost 480. One was 4,800, the other was about 8,400. Um, the other part was putting new trim around the outside doors. They wouldn't hold the district required to finish those. You certainly have already approved that. We could figure that out if the board wants to, but at least I'd like to start with uh recommending re-enter a one-year lease agreement with the DNR for next year at 2001. >> Then we could get to that next one. >> If you want to do it separate or you can do it all together. >> Let's do it separate. >> Okay. All right. Any questions about the DNR one-year lease that has been presented? When was the last time we increased? >> Last year.

138This current school year was the first year we increased it. >> What was it before? >> Do you remember what it was before? >> I think it was like 1,800 or 1750 or something like that. >> 1750. >> Yeah. Did Did we ever get any bids on the DNR wanted air conditioning, [clears throat] ventilation? >> Good question. >> Did we ever get any bids on what it would cost to do that? >> We didn't. What Keith and Leo was there, what we had asked the DNR to do was they had an architect person there who knew exactly what ADA compliance they wanted, things like that. They had told us they were going to give Keith the specifications they wanted for improvements. They never did. And now what they said is that the state doesn't want

139to put any money to that. So they've never had an architect follow through on that. >> And how much money have we put into it since >> uh this year? The 24,000 that we get we have spent plus the board had agreed to do those two other projects of the 8400 and 4,800 that we were going to use extra capital dollars from. I just think since they only want one year and they can leave at any time, I think we should increase that. >> But a contractor, they know all the state rules and regulations and stuff like that. Would it be kind of fun to know what have cost to put that air conditioning and stuff in or mini splits or whatever they do? Just so uh if it comes back that they're, you know,

140we don't want to lose them as a tenant. probably wouldn't cost you anything to get a bid. What's your thoughts on that? We could certainly get heating and cooling. I My thought would still be if if we were going to do that half the building, we should look at the bus garage side too, >> right? >> My only >> Yeah. My only fear is that is an older building is, you know, how much money at some point do we want to put it into it or do we want to put our money into this just to uh have a number just in case uh you're playing with the DNR again. You know how that >> stuff gets drugged out with the state. >> Yeah. >> What the state had said two months ago was they

141had up to a h 100,000 they were willing to contribute and now >> pulled it away. Pulled it. be nice to know just how much that 100,000 would have paid or if they come back with because if they don't find anything maybe that whole conversation is going to change but be nice to have a number if the board I could certainly have Keith do his own digging into a heating and cooling without their specifications but um it was also ADA compliance for the bathroom door handles handicap parking I mean I could at least have teeth get some heating cooling >> costs those companies don't get ADA compliances is >> even the trim. I mean, that would even just save the district on being a cool energy cost with that. >> I don't think hurts. >>

142There's somebody just north of that building. >> You're probably right. >> All right. Did we have a motion? Sorry. >> No. >> Okay. So, I'm looking for a motion to accept the DNR lease that has been presented that which would be the one-year lease at $2,000 a month. >> I'll move that. I'll >> second. >> Motion and a second. Any further discussion? >> All in [cough and clears throat] favor say I. I. Opposed. >> Motion passes seven to zero. >> So, the other part, sorry Heather, if you were about to talk, >> I wasn't. is [laughter] does the board want to continue doing what you've already said you were going to do? Uh the DNR is not holding us to that. Um like I said, the improvements were putting updating the trim around the outside

143doors and taking the loft out of that other bay. Um which total was about 12,800 between the two projects. >> If you were to leave, what would we do with that space? Like >> if would we completely redo it? So that >> if Brian was staying, what I would recommend was that if they were to leave that it would at least be storage for our transportation. Um maybe that other bay if the loft came out would be big enough. I guess I don't know if it's big enough to get a bus in there, but at least get our type 3es in there out of the weather. So that that would be and granted that's just my opinion. if they were to leave, that's what I would utilize it for, unless the board wanted to go

144out and try to find another tenant. But at least get some of our type 3es out of the weather. >> Yeah, that would be a bonus. And then uh it needs trim just to maintain the building. >> Yeah, >> it's rotten away. >> And it's already budgeted for that, right? >> Yep. >> I would say >> Bridget has already figured out how we'll pay for it. [laughter] >> Continue on with that. the loft too or leave the loft the way it is. There's no advantage to us. [cough and clears throat] I don't think right now by removing it. >> It wouldn't be an immediate advantage to remove that the the trim obviously leave the loft. >> Leave the loft and see what happens. And if we needed to discuss it down the road, we could.

145Okay. So, I'm looking for someone to make a motion and what you'd like that motion to be. [laughter] >> I'll make a motion that we fix the trim. Probably throw some paint on it. >> You're getting wild, Dave. [laughter] >> All right. So, there is a motion to fix the trim button leave the loft as is. Was that correct, >> David? >> All right. Is there a second? >> I'll second that. >> All right. There's a motion and a second. Any further discussion? All in favor say I. >> I. Opposed. >> Motion passes. Second zero. And we [clears throat] have reached the end of our agenda. I'm looking for a motion to adjurnn. >> Motion to a motion and a second. All in favor say I. >> I.