REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
SARTELL-ST. STEPHEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO 748
AUG. 18, 2025
DISTRICT SERVICE CENTER
A.1 The regular school board meeting of Independent School District 748 was called to order at 6 p.m. by Acting Chair Tricia Meling. Members present: Meling; Matt Moehrle, vice chair; Emily Larson, clerk; Chelsea Thielen, treasurer; Jen Smith, director; Scott Wenshau, director; Michael Rivard, duperintendent. Members absent: None
A.2 The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
A.3 A motion was made by Smith and seconded by Larson to APPROVE THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED. All in favor. Motion carried.
A.4 The Board revisited the previous nominations of Tricia Meling and Jen Smith for the position of board chair. Acting Board Chair Meling opened the floor for further nominations. No additional nominations were received. A vote was called.
- Those in favor of Jen Smith for board chair were Wenshau, Larson and Smith.
- Those in favor of Tricia Meling for board chair were Moehrle, Thielen and Meling.
The vote resulted in a tie and the board chair was not elected.
A.5 There were no requests to speak at the Public Forum.
A.6 A motion was made by Smith and seconded by Larson to APPROVE CONSENT ITEMS A.6.a-A.6.g AS PRESENTED BELOW. All in favor. Motion carried.
A.6.a Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting held on July 21, 2025
Minutes of the Work Session held on Aug. 13, 2025
A.6.b Checks in the amount of $1,134,933.14 as presented:
General Fund 470,563.46
Food Service Fund 53,637.34
Transportation Fund 17,829.10
Community Service Fund 20,303.10
Capital Expenditure Fund 465,055.95
Building Fund 72,714.20
Debt Service Fund 2,250.00
Activity Accounts 13,960.77
Internal Service Fund 18,619.22
Check numbers 193101 – 193299
AP ACH History in the amount of $2,636.91 as presented:
General Fund 1,075.74
Food Service Fund 139.50
Community Service Fund 149.30
Activities Accounts 1,272.37
Check numbers 252600004 – 252600013
Receipts in the amount of $879,315.55 as presented:
General Fund 753,926.52
Food Service Fund 3,374.99
Community Service Fund 14,502.00
Capital Expenditure Fund 6,000.00
Debt Service Fund 87,379.98
Activity Accounts 5,691.00
Internal Service Fund 8,441.06
Receipts 54706 – 54766
Wire transfers in the amount of $1,422,976.89 as presented:
General Fund 1,023,403.53
Food Service Fund 4,944.68
Transportation Fund 1,688.94
Community Service Fund 47,944.49
Capital Expenditure Fund 4,316.40
Activity Accounts 829.00
Internal Service Fund 339,849.85
Wire transfers 202400803 – 202500082
A.6.c Accept Resignations: Garret Amo, SMS paraprofessional, 8/12/25; Connie Binsfeld, ORELC paraprofessional, 8/22/25; Pat Boom, Transportation, bus monitor, 9/5/25; Mary Knellwolf ORELC paraprofessional, 8/4/25; Megan Lahr, RIS food service worker, 8/12/25; Jody Miland, RIS a.m. cashier, cashier, 8/13/25; Julie Schnettler, SMS intervener, 7/23/25
Accept Retirements: Harold Disrud, Transportation, bus driver, 7/25/25; Marla Lahr, Marla, ORELC paraprofessional, 8/8/25
A.6.d Accept Personnel Changes:
New Employees: Alexis Alkire, SMS volleyball coach, $3,105 (6.35 percent), BA, Step 1, replacing Marja Sorenson, 8/25/25; Elise Barrows, SHS food service worker, $17.45/hour, RI, Step 1, replacing Lauryn Winkelman, 8/18/25; Kirsten Beehler, RIS paraprofessional, $19.68/hour, RIV, Step 2, new position, 9/2/25; Dan Buchholz, SMS boys’ soccer coach, $3,407 (6.35 percent), BA, Step 5, replacing Jason Omann, 8/25/25; Bryton Carlson, SHS custodian, $19.35/hour, RIII, Step 1, replacing Lauren Carlson, 9/1/25; Lauren Carlson, SMS robotics advisor, $1,638 (3.35 percent), BA, Step 1, replacing Angela McSorely, 12/1/25; Linda Harris, RIS paraprofessional, $19.68/hour, RIV, Step 2, new position, 9/2/25; Sage Heitz, SMS girls’ soccer coach, $3,105 (6.35 percent), BA, Step 1, replacing Hailey Bjork, 8/25/25; Kelli Killmer, SMS musical director, $3,784 (6.35 percent), BA, Step 10, replacing Rick Cicharz, 9/8/25; Janice Kollar, SHS food service worker, $17.45/hour, RI, Step 1, replacing Jenna Muehlbauer, 8/18/25; Justin Lewis, SHS assistant clay target coach, $1,100 (2.25 percent), BA, Step 1, replacing Andrew Berger, 3/9/26; Donovan Lund, SMS football coach, $3,105 (6.35 percent), BA, Step 1, replacing Brian Peterson, 8/25/25; Jody Miland, RIS paraprofessional, $19.68/hour, RIV, Step 2, replacing Alexis Keller, 9/2/25; Kaci Morin, SMS girls’ soccer coach, $3,407 (6.35 percent), BA, Step 5, replacing Roy Snyder, 8/25/25; Nichole Perius, SMS cross country coach, $3,181 (6.35 percent), BA, Step 2, replacing Lindsay Buchholz, 8/11/25; Peter Schriefels, SMS football coach, $3,105 (6.35 percent), BA, Step 1, replacing Tristan Varney, 8/25/25; Traci Schuneman, SMS food service worker, $20.97/hour, RI, Step 5, replacing Melinda Shaw, 8/25/25; Amanda Seng, ORELC food service worker, $17.45/hour, RI, Step 1, replacing Tammy Stangl, 8/18/25; Brenda Skarbonkiewicz, ORELC cashier, $18.48/hour, RII, Step 1, replacing Ashley Herrera, 8/25/25; Jennifer Skinner, PMPS student supervisor, $16.42/hour, RI, Step 2, replacing Connie Felix, 8/25/25; Raelin Stocker, PMPS second-grade teacher, $69,601, MA, Step 8, replacing Jenna Scott, 8/25/25, Ashley Wynne, DSC nutrition services secretary , $23.39/hour, RIV, Step 1, replacing Tyra Schlichting, 8/11/25
Renewals (one-year positions): Samuel Austin, SHS ninth-grade girls’ soccer, $4,083 (8.35 percent), BA, Step, renewal, 8/1/25; Joy Bemboom, SMS girls’ tennis, $2,574 (4.5 percent), BA, Step 8, renewal, 8/1/25; Andrea Benninghoff, SHS head girls’ soccer, $6,706 (12.5 percent), BA, Step 5, renewal, 8/1/25; Hailey Bjork, SMS student council (50 percent), $563 (2.25 percent), BA, Step 2, renewal, 8/1/25; Jackie Braun, SMS girls’ swim, $3,256 (6.35 percent), BA, Step 3, renewal, 8/1/25; Vanessa Brenny, SHS, ninth-grade volleyball, $5,210 (9.5 percent), BA, Step 6, renewal, 8/1/25; Jim Christenson, SHS, fall play tech director (50 percent), $919 (3.35 percent), BA, Step 6, renewal, 8/1/25; Wendi Clark, SMS student council, (50 percent) $563 (2.25 percent), BA, Step 2, renewal, 8/1/25; Sarah Crandall, SHS head girls’ tennis, $5,548 (9.5 percent), BA, Step 9, renewal, 8/1/25; Laura Dahl, SMS, Sabre Strings (50 percent), $550 (2.25 percent), BA, Step 1, renewal, 8/1/25; Matt Darling, SHS assistant football, $6,257 (10.5 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/25; Kirby Daubanton, SMS seventh-grade volleyball, $3,181 (6.35 percent), BA, Step 2, renewal, 8/1/25; Dave Driste, SHS assistant cross country, $4,976 (8.35 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/25; Robert Dyer, SHS ninth-grade boys’ soccer, $4,281 (8.35 percent), BA, Step 3, renewal, 8/1/25; Sam Engel, SHS assistant girls’ swim, $5,210 (9.5 percent), BA, Step 6, renewal, 8/1/25; Kendra Erickson, SMS girls’ swim, $3,256 (6.35 percent), BA, Step 3, renewal, 8/1/25; Dylan Erickson-Thoemke, SMS seventh-grade football, $3,407 (6.35 percent), BA, Step 5, renewal, 8/1/25; Caleb Forberg, SHS assistant boys’ soccer, $4,984 (9.5 percent), BA, Step 4, renewal, 8/1/25; Karrie Fredrickson, SHS Student Council, $5,289 (8.35 percent), BA, Step 13, renewal, 8/1/25; Karrie Fredrickson, SHS National Honors Society, $2,681 (4.5 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/25; Karrie Fredrickson, SHS high school concessions (fall), $1,341 (2.25 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/25; Hannah Gelhar, SHS The Mill Q1, $1,100 (2.25 percent), BA, Step 1, renewal, 8/1/25; Matt Hager, SHS head boys’ soccer, $7,918 (12.5 percent), BA, Step 13, renewal, 8/1/25; Jon Hazen, SHS girls’ diving, $6,018 (9.5 percent), BA, Step 13, renewal, 8/1/25; Angie Heckman, SHS yearbook, $6,257 (10.5 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/25; Angie Heckman, SHS junior class/prom, $2,681 (4.5 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/25; Angie Heckman, SHS future educator’s club, $2,628 (4.5 percent), BA, Step 9, renewal, 8/1/25; Caitlyn Heinen, SMS girls’ tennis, $2,361 (4.5 percent), BA, Step 4, renewal, 8/1/25; Chloe Hellawell, SHS assistant girls’ soccer, $4,758 (9.5 percent), BA, Step 2, renewal, 8/1/25; Jacob Helmin, SHS 10th-grade football, $5,758 (10.5 percent), BA, Step 6, renewal, 8/1/25; Greg Henning, SHS head cross country, $7,746 (13 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/25; Scott Hentges, SHS head football, $9,185 (14.5 percent), BA, Step 13, renewal, 8/1/25; Kim Hess, SMS performing arts center manager, $4,984 (9.5 percent), BA, Step 4, renewal, 8/1/25; Kim Hess, SMS fall musical publicity, $1,127 (2.25 percent), BA, Step 2, renewal, 8/1/25; Ryan Hiltner, SHS performing arts center manager, $7,779 (14.5 percent), BA, Step 5, renewal, 8/1/25; Ryan Hiltner, SHS content creator, $5,663 (10.5 percent), BA, Step 5, renewal, 8/1/25; Mike Holman, SHS assistant football, $6,257 (10.5 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/25; Brenda Holter, SMS seventh-grade volleyball, $3,784 (6.35 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/25; Shannan Houghton, SHS assistant cross country, $4,480 (8.35 percent), BA, Step 5, renewal, 8/1/25; Shannan Houghton, RIS student council, $1,127 (2.25 percent), BA, Step 2, renewal, 8/1/25; Erin Huot, RIS yearbook, $1,127 (2.25 percent), BA, Step 2, renewal, 8/1/25; Sylvia Kaare, SHS chamber orchestra director, $2,743 (5.35 percent), BA, Step 3, renewal, 8/1/25; Kaitlin King, SHS Big Brothers Big Sisters advisor, $1,837 (3.35 percent), BA, Step 6, renewal, 8/1/25; David Lumley, SHS instrumental and jazz music instructor, $3,188 (5.35 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/25; Lumley, David, SHS pep band director, $2,681 (4.5 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/25; Luke Majerle, SHS, assistant boys’ soccer, $4,984 (9.5 percent), BA, Step 4, renewal, 8/1/25; Riley Marod, SHS head volleyball, $6,974 (13 percent), BA, Step 5, renewal, 8/1/25; Lisa McMullen, SMS yearbook, $1,127 (2.25 percent), BA, Step 2, renewal, 8/1/25; Ellie Meader, SMS volleyball, $3,181 (6.35 percent), BA, Step 2, renewal, 8/1/25; Anders Meier, SMS cross country, $3,407 (6.35 percent), BA, Step 5, renewal, 8/1/25; Noel Meyer, SHS assistant football, $6,257 (10.5 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/25; Leah Mockenhaupt, SMS Sabre Singers, $1,234 (2.25 percent), BA, Step 6, renewal, 8/1/25; Leah Mockenhaupt, SMS fall musical vocal director, $2,414 (4.5 percent), BA, Step 5, renewal, 8/1/25; Joe Nelson, SHS assistant football, $5,384 (10.5 percent), BA, Step 3, renewal, 8/1/25; Hannah Nelson, SHS head girls’ swim, $6,974 (13 percent), BA Step 5, renewal, 8/1/25; Brandon Nordhues, SHS show choir director, $3,188 (5.35 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/25; Joey Olson, SMS seventh-grade football, $3,784 (6.35 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/25; Ryan Olson, SHS fall play tech director (50 percent), $819 (3.35 percent), BA, Step 1, renewal, 8/1/25; Paul Plombon, SHS ninth-grade football, $5,758 (10.5 percent), BA, Step 6, renewal, 8/1/25; Kyle Reason, SHS assistant football, $5,384 (10.5 percent), BA, Step 3, renewal, 8/1/25; Joanna Richards, SHS chamber choir director, $2,934 (5.35 percent), BA, Step 6, renewal, 8/1/25; John Ronyak, SHS fall play director, $4,976 (8.35 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/25; Luke Rude, SHS 10th-grade football, $6,257 (10.5 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/25; Jake Sailor, SHS strength and conditioning coordinator, $9,925 (18.5 percent), BA, Step 5, renewal, 8/1/25; Jake Sailor, SHS unified club advisor (50 percent), $1,650 (6.75 percent), BA, Step 1, renewal, 8/1/25; Jared Saue, SHS assistant girls’ tennis, $3,943 (7.35 percent), BA, Step 5, renewal, 8/1/25; Lindsey Sauerer-Trimbo, ORELC yearbook, $1,127 (2.25 percent), BA, Step 2, renewal, 8/1/25; Brad Scherer, SHS assistant football, $5,758 (10.5 percent), BA, Step 6, renewal, 8/1/25; Corey Schueller, SHS assistant football, $5,134 (10.5 percent), BA, Step 1, renewal, 8/1/25; Nathan Schultz, SHS ninth-grade volleyball, $5,210 (9.5 percent), BA, Step 6, renewal, 8/1/25; Chris Schumer, SMS eighth-grade football, $3,482 (6.35 percent), BA, Step 6, renewal, 8/1/25; James Schyma, SMS football, $3,105 (6.35%), BA, Step 1, renewal, 8/1/25; Megan Seamans, SMS fall musical choreographer, $1,314 (2.25 percent), BA, Step 9, renewal, 8/1/25; Paige Serbus, SHS assistant volleyball, $4,984 (9.5 percent), BA, Step 4, renewal, 8/1/25; Christopher Slivnik, SHS assistant volleyball, $4,871 (9.5 percent), BA, Step 3, renewal, 8/1/25; Rachel Smith, SHS junior class/prom, $2,254 (4.5 percent), BA, Step 2, renewal, 8/1/25; Emily Stoebe, SHS unified club advisor (50 percent), $1,650 (6.75 percent), BA, Step 1, renewal, 8/1/25; Ashley Studanski, SHS assistant girls’ soccer, $5,661 (9.5 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/25; Jeff Swenson, SMS eighth-grade football, $3,784 (6.35 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/25; Sarah Theisen, SMS fall musical set painter, $1,154 (2.25 percent), BA, Step 3, renewal, 8/1/25; Elizabeth Trudell, PMPS yearbook, $1,127 (2.25 percent), BA, Step 2, renewal, 8/1/25; Tracey Watkin, SMS fall musical set designer, $1,341 (2.25 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/25; Hailey Winter, SHS assistant volleyball, $4,984 (9.5 percent), BA, Step 4, renewal, 8/1/25; Raleigh Woodruff, SMS boys’ soccer, $3,256 (6.35 percent), BA, Step 3, renewal, 8/1/25; Saihue Yu, SHS math league, $1,154 (2.25 percent), BA, Step 3, renewal, 8/1/25
A.6.e Approved Identified Official with Authority to Authorize User Access within MDE Secure
Systems
A.6.f Approved Inclement Weather eLearning Plan
A.6.g Approved Rate of Pay for Student Worker Positions
B. REPORTS
B.1 Sabre Star Report:
Director of Human Resources Krista Durrwachter presented Kaitlin King with the August Sabre Star Award.
B.2 School Board Student Representative Report:
Anna Parker, the new High School student representative to the school board, introduced herself and shared highlights of the exciting activities and preparations underway for the upcoming school year.
B.3 Minnesota State High School League Update and Activities Report:
Activities Director Bruce Thompson provided an overview of the Minnesota State High School League. His presentation included updates on section classification, recent developments within the Central Lakes Conference and a summary of Sartell High School activities.
B.4 Superintendent Report:
- The local Chamber of Commerce is in full support of the initiatives and direction of the Sartell-St. Stephen School District.
- Superintendent Rivard expressed his gratitude to the summer staff for their hard work in preparing buildings and facilities for the new school year. He also extended appreciation to instructional leaders and administrators for their ongoing efforts in planning for the 2025-26 school year.
B.5 District Finance Report:
Director of Business Joe Prom presented the district’s finance report.
B.6 District-Wide Radon Testing Report:
Director of Business Joe Prom presented the results from the recent district-wide radon testing.
B.7 School Board Committee Reports
- Community Education Advisory: Larson gave a report from the Community Education Advisory meeting, highlighting a successful summer with increased registration, largely due to the strength and conditioning program being offered through Community Ed. The program expanded swimming options to include swimmers with disabilities, adult lap swim and preschoolers to swim with a parent. A recent community education survey received positive feedback, with respondents expressing satisfaction with the classes they attended.
- Negotiations: The Negotiations Committee has met twice with both the multi-unit and teacher unions. The district’s insurance broker attended the teacher union negotiations meeting and presented an overview of potential cost-saving strategies.
- Policy: Director Smith provided an update to the board on the policies reviewed during their meeting earlier in August.
C. ACTION ITEMS
C.1 A motion was made by Larson and seconded by Thielen to APPROVE THE RESOLUTION ACCEPTING DONATIONS AS PRESENTED BELOW. The donations were read aloud by Larson. All in favor. Motion carried.
Donations:
Sartell Youth Football Association, Sartell High School, $5,384, football coach’s fees; Sartell Baseball Association, Sartell High School, $3,502.31, coach buses for baseball; Sartell All-Sports Booster Club, Sartell High School, $2,066.95, softball; Sartell All-Sports Booster Club, Sartell High School, $2,680.32, coach buses for lacrosse; Sartell All-Sports Booster Club, Sartell High School, $299.65, girls’ swim and dive; CMBA Fund and Initiative, Sartell High School, $2,500, tools for schools; Jesse and Rachel Westrup, Sartell High School, $100, cross country; John and Yvette Dockendorf, Sartell High School, $100, cross country
C.2 A motion was made by Smith and seconded by Moehrle to APPROVE THE SCHOOL BOARD HANDBOOK. Discussion was held. All in favor. Motion carried.
C.3 A motion was made by Thielen and seconded by Smith to APPROVE POLICIES 498, 503, 506 and 512. All in favor. Motion carried.
C.4 A motion was made by Larson and seconded by Thielen to APPROVE POLICIES 519 and 521. All in favor. Motion carried.
D. DISCUSSION
D.1 First Reading and Discussion of Policies 535 and 602
D.2 First Reading and Discussion to Rescind Policies 511.1, 511.2, 523, and 535.1
D.3 The three takeaways will include:
- Minnesota State High School League Report
- Community Education Report
- School Board Handbook Approval
E. UPCOMING DATES
- Facilities Committee – 4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19
- Future Board Work Session – 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4
- Finance & Personnel Committee – 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11
- Future Board Meeting – 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15
F. ADJOURNMENT
A motion to ADJOURN THE MEETING at 7:20 p.m. was made by Moehrle and seconded by Thielen. All in favor. Motion carried.
/s/ Emily Larson, clerk
Publish: Sept. 19, 2025