MINNEWASKA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT #2149

GLENWOOD, MINNESOTA

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2024

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

The Minnewaska Area Schools Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, November 18, 2024 in the Minnewaska Area School District Office Board room. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairperson Barsness. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Present: Barsness, T. Reichmann, A. Reichmann, Ogdahl, Lagred, Zavadil

Members Absent: Holtberg

Motion by T. Reichmann, seconded by, Ogdahl, to approve the agenda as presented. 

Roll Call Vote:  Aye: Barsness, T. Reichmann, A. Reichmann, Ogdahl, Lagred, Zavadil

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Visitor’s Comments: None

Special Recognitions & Honors: 

The Minnewaska Area School Board would like to take a moment to recognize and celebrate Michael Schumann, the newest member of our custodial team. Working tirelessly on the night shift at MAHS, Michael has quickly built strong and positive relationships with both students and staff, exemplifying remarkable kindness and an incredible sense of Laker pride. Known as the “go-to” person when something needs to be accomplished, his dedication and outstanding work ethic make him an invaluable asset to our custodial staff and the entire school community. Thank you, Michael, for your commitment and outstanding work!

Motion by Lagred, seconded by Zavadil, to approve the minutes of the October 21, 2024, Regular Board Meeting, November 6, 2024 Special Work Session and November 14, 2024, Special Work Session Canvassing the Election results.

Roll Call Vote:  Aye: Barsness, T. Reichmann, A. Reichmann, Ogdahl, Lagred, Zavadil

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Motion by Zavadil, seconded by A. Reichmann, to approve the Claims & Accounts totaling $1,472,926.90.

Roll Call Vote:  Aye: Barsness, T. Reichmann, A. Reichmann, Ogdahl, Lagred, Zavadil

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Superintendent Rankin reviewed the investment schedule, food service report, investment schedule, revenue and expenditures and gave a superintendent’s report.

Motion by Ogdahl, seconded by Lagred, to approve resolution No. 11182024 accepting donations/gifts to the school district.

Roll Call Vote:  Aye: Barsness, T. Reichmann, A. Reichmann, Ogdahl, Lagred, Zavadil

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Motion by T. Reichmann, seconded by Barsness, to approve the consent calendar as listed: New Hires: Metaya Hoelscher, Junior High Girls’ Basketball coach, BS+10 Step 3, effective 10/30/2024 • Christine Ivy, Paraprofessional, Grade 5 Step 5, effective 11/18/2024 • Alicia Janes, Foodservice cook, Grade 4 Step 11, effective 12/10/2024 Resignations: Allecia Salminen, Foodservice cook, effective 10/30/2024 • Candace Swagel, Paraprofessional, effective 11/15/2024 • Alicia Wilson, Paraprofessional, effective 10/20/2024

Roll Call Vote:  Aye: Barsness, T. Reichmann, A. Reichmann, Ogdahl, Lagred, Zavadil

Nay: None

Motion carried.

CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, has completed the district’s 2023-24 financial statement audit. Mary Reedy and Becca Nielsen were in attendance to present key figures from the financial statements, as well as major takeaways from the audit.

Motion by T. Reichmann, seconded by Ogdahl, to approve the Fiscal Year 2024 Audit.

Roll Call Vote:  Aye: Barsness, T. Reichmann, A. Reichmann, Ogdahl, Lagred, Zavadil

Nay: None

Motion carried.

At the November 6, 2024, special work session, two architect firms, JLG Architects of Alexandria, MN, and Wold Architects and Engineers of St. Paul, MN, presented to the school board regarding a potential building project that could go to the voters in FY26. Each firm provided an overview of their services and discussed how they could support the district in the planning, designing, and executing this project. 

Motion by A. Reichmann, seconded by Barsness to approve the Architect Firm WOLD Architects and Engineers of St. Paul, MN for the Bond Project.

Roll Call Vote:  Aye: Barsness, T. Reichmann, A. Reichmann, Ogdahl, Lagred, Zavadil

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Buildings and Grounds Director Jeremy Armstrong gave a presentation and update on the department.

Minnewaska Area Elementary School Principal, Sarah Suchy gave a presentation and update on the elementary school.

To seek board approval for the merger of Minnewaska Area Schools and the Lakes Area Enrichment Center (LAEC) to address the childcare crisis within the Minnewaska community. This item includes a discussion of the projected annual deficit and a community-driven funding approach to ensure the financial sustainability of the program. To maintain this critical service for young families, the district seeks to engage the broader community for annual financial support. To offset operational costs and ensure sustainability, Minnewaska Area Schools aims to secure $100,000 in annual pledges by March 30, 2025, from local businesses, organizations, city and government agencies, and individuals.

The administration recommends that the board approve the merger with LAEC and support the community partnership approach to raise necessary funds, ensuring the continued availability of reliable childcare services in the Minnewaska community.

Motion by T. Reichmann, seconded by Zavadil, to approve the merger of Minnewaska Area Schools and the Lakes Area Enrichment Center (LAEC) and to support the annual fundraising goal of $100,000 in community pledges to sustain the childcare program.

Roll Call Vote:  Aye: Barsness, T. Reichmann, A. Reichmann, Ogdahl, Lagred, Zavadil

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Consideration of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the district and the Minnewaska Teachers Union (MTA) aimed at supporting eligible teachers with a VEBA contribution to offset healthcare costs. The MOU outlines an incentive plan for veteran teachers who meet the following criteria:

• Minimum of 20 years of service in the district

• Ages 58-65 as of January 1, 2025

• Submission of a retirement letter no later than February 28, 2025

This voluntary program is designed to offer a retirement option without affecting the opportunity for rehire, if desired.

Motion by Zavadil, seconded by Ogdahl, to approve the Memorandum of Understanding with the Minnewaska Teachers Association –  for retirement incentive.

Roll Call Vote:  Aye: Barsness, T. Reichmann, A. Reichmann, Ogdahl, Lagred, Zavadil

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Announcements:

• Truth-in-Taxation Public Hearing, Monday, December 16, 2024, at 6:30 pm in the MAS District Office Board Room

• December Regular School Board Meeting, Monday, December 16, 2024, at 7:00 pm in the MAS District Office Board Room

• Organizational School Board Meeting, Monday, January 6, 2025, at 7:30 am in the MAS District Office Board Room

• MSBA Annual Conference, January 16 -17, 2025

Motion by Lagred, seconded by Barsness, to adjourn the meeting at 8:39p.m.

Roll Call Vote:  Aye: Barsness, T. Reichmann, A. Reichmann, Ogdahl, Lagred, Zavadil

Nay: None

Motion carried.

Angie Reichmann, Clerk

Minnewaska Area Schools,

ISD 2149

Glenwood, MN

Dec. 23