The regular school board meeting of Independent School District 748 was called to order at 6 p.m. by Chair Tricia Meling. Members present: Meling; Matt Moehrle, vice chair; Emily Larson, clerk; Jen Smith, treasurer; Jason Nies, director; Scott Wenshau, director, and Michael Rivard, superintendent. Members absent: None
The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
A motion was made by Smith and seconded by Nies to APPROVE THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED. All in favor. Motion carried.
There were no speakers signed up for public forum.
A motion was made by Smith and seconded by Larson to APPROVE CONSENT ITEMS A.5.a-A.5.g AS PRESENTED BELOW. All in favor. Motion carried.
A.5.a Minutes of the regular school board meeting held on July 15, 2024
Minutes of the school board work session held on Aug. 1, 2024
A.5.b Checks in the amount of $1,432,352.89 as presented:
General Fund 548,016.74
Food Service Fund 14,901.04
Transportation Fund 73,364.31
Community Service Fund 14,466.99
Capital Expenditure Fund 732,046.27
Building Fund 838.50
Debt Service Fund 2,000.00
Activity Accounts 8,510.89
Internal Service Fund 38,208.15
Check numbers 190088 – 190327
AP ACH History in the amount of $1,607.05 as presented:
General Fund 706.46
Community Service Fund 231.49
Activity Accounts 669.10
Check numbers 242500003 – 242500011
Receipts in the amount of $997,956.83 as presented:
General Fund 708,619.60
Food Service Fund 51,936.60
Transportation Fund 343.75
Community Service Fund 23,142.56
Capital Expenditure Fund 16,770.38
Debt Service Fund 138,601.49
Activity Accounts 51,459.90
Internal Service Fund 7,082.55
Receipts 53355 – 53421
Wire transfers in the amount of $2,977,328.77 as presented:
General Fund 1,506,937.56
Food Service Fund 8,976.91
Transportation Fund 6,489.31
Community Service Fund 47,313.31
Capital Expenditure Fund 21,311.42
Debt Service Fund 531,125.00
Activity Accounts 1,345.00
Internal Service Fund 853,830.26
Wire transfers 202300879 – 202400065
A.5.c Approve resolution accepting the following donations: St. Cloud Metro Lions, Sartell High School, $250, clay target team; Kensington Bank, Sartell High School, $1,000, golf simulator project; DeZurik, Sartell High School, $3,500, Tech Ed – cold saw; David and Jennifer Olson, Sartell High School, $100, golf simulator project; Gate City Bank, Riverview Intermediate, refrigerator: value $220, DCD classroom.
A.5.d Accept Resignations and Release of Employments:
Resignations: Kelly Hansen, ORELC, special education teacher, 7/18/24; Julie Peabody, Transportation, bus monitor, 8/5/24; and Traci Schuneman, RIS, cook, 8/16/24.
Release of employment: Zachary Asplund, SHS, assistant robotics coach, 7/17/24
A.5.e Approve Personnel Staff Changes:
New Employees (Licensed):
Kara Brink, ORELC, nurse, $51,274, BA, Step 3, replacing Malarie DeLong; increase Brink to 1.0 FTE, 8/26/24; Leah Graczyk, ORELC, ECSE (.5 FTE), $51,274, BA, Step 3, replacing .5 Kelly Hansen, increase Graczyk to 1.0 FTE, 8/26/24; and Jeni Kiley, ORELC, SPED, assessment coordinator (.5 FTE), $44,771, MA20, Step 17, replacing .5 Kelly Hansen, 8/26/24.
New Employees:
Samuel Austin, SHS, junior varsity 2 girls’ soccer coach (50 percent), $2,041 (8.35 percent), BA, Step 1, replacing 50 percent Connor Hacker, 8/12/24; Katie Frikken, SMS, morning cashier, $18.48/hour, RII, Step 1, new position, 8/26/24; Chloe Hellawell, SHS, junior varsity girls’ soccer coach, $4,758 (9.5 percent), BA, Step 2, replacing Alex King, 8/12/24; Mike Lashinski, SMS, head custodian, $29.01/hour, RVIII, Step 5, wage correction, 5/31/24; Marilee Lefeber, DSC, election clerk 2024, $2,500, new position, 7/1/24; Becky Lutgen, SHS, cashier, $20.79/hour, RII, Step 3, replacing Kim Hartman, 8/26/24; Anders Meier, SMS, cross country coach, $3,407 (6.35 percent), BA, Step 5, new position, 8/12/24;
Ivan Meyer, SHS, food service worker, $17.45/hour, RI, Step 1, replacing Becky Lutgen, 8/12/24; Marriah Michaelis, SMS, food service worker, $17.45/hour, RI, Step 1, replacing Nicole Nieman, 8/12/24; Paul Rolfzen, SHS, custodian, $24.42/hour, RIII, Step 5, replacing Mike Rolfzen, 8/1/24; Jessica Schneider, Transportation, substitute bus driver, $26.09/hour, additional sub, 8/27/24; Grant Silewski, SHS, assistant robotics coach (50 percent), $899 (3.35 percent), BA, Step 5, replacing Zach Asplund, 1/1/25; Kayla Vadnais, SMS, SPED long-term substitute, $267/day, long-term substitute for Trisha Stein, 8/26/24-10/21/24; and Kari Wendroth, PMPS, music long-term substitute, $351.86/day, MA, Step 10, long-term substitute for Holly Lathe, 8/26/24.
Renewals (1-year positions):
Andrea Benninghoff, SHS, head girls’ soccer coach, $6,706 (12.5 percent), BA, Step 5, renewal, 8/1/24;
Hailey Bjork, SMS, girls’ soccer coach, $3,181 (6.35 percent), BA, Step 2, renewal, 8/1/24; Hailey Bjork, SMS, student council (50 percent), $563 (2.25 percent), BA, Step 2, renewal, 8/1/24; Jackie Braun, SMS, girls’ swim coach, $3,256 (6.35 percent), BA, Step 3, renewal, 8/1/24; Vanessa Brenny, SHS, ninth-grade volleyball coach, $5,210 (9.5 percent), BA, Step 6, renewal, 8/1/24; Lindsey Buchholz, SMS, cross country coach, $3,633 (6.35 percent), BA, Step 8, renewal, 8/1/24; Jessica Cantore, SHS, DECA advisor, $1,678 (3.35 percent), BA, Step 2, renewal, 8/1/24;
Michael Carlson, SHS, visual arts advisor, $1,180 (2.25 percent), BA, Step 4, renewal, 8/1/24; Jim Christenson, SHS, fall play tech director (50 percent), $919 (3.35 percent), BA, Step 6, renewal, 8/1/24; Wendi Clark, SMS, student council (50 percent), $563 (2.25 percent), BA, Step 2, renewal, 8/1/24; Sarah Crandall, SHS, head girls’ tennis coach, $5,548 (9.5 percent); BA, Step 9, renewal, 8/1/24; Matt Darling, SHS, assistant football coach, $6,257 (10.5 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/24; Kirby Daubanton, SMS, girls’ volleyball coach, $3,181 (6.35 percent), BA, Step 2, renewal, 8/1/24;
Dave Driste, SHS, assistant cross country coach, $4,976 (8.35 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/24; Robert Dyer, SHS, ninth-grade boys’ soccer coach, $4,281 (8.35 percent); BA, Step 3, renewal, 8/1/24; Sam Engel, SHS, assistant girls’ swim coach $5,210 (9.5 percent), BA, Step 6, renewal, 8/1/24; Dylan Erickson-Thoemke, SMS, seventh-grade football coach, $3,407 (6.35 percent), BA, Step 5, renewal, 8/1/24; Kendra Erickson, SMS, girls’ swim coach, $3,256 (6.35 percent), BA, Step 3, renewal, 8/1/24; Caleb Forberg, SHS, assistant boys’ soccer coach, $4,984 (9.5 percent), BA, Step 4, renewal, 8/1/24;
Karrie Fredrickson, SHS, National Honor Society, $2,681 (4.5 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/24; Karrie Fredrickson, SHS, concessions, $1,341 (2.25 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/24; Matt Hager, SHS, head boys’ soccer coach, $7,918 (12.5 percent), BA, Step 13, renewal, 8/1/24; Jon Hazen, SHS, girls’ diving coach, $6,018 (9.5 percent), BA, Step 13, renewal, 8/1/24; Angie Heckman, SHS, yearbook, $6,257 (10.5 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/24; Angie Heckman, SHS, future educators club, $2,628 (4.5 percent), BA, Step 9, renewal, 8/1/24, Caitlyn Heinen, SMS, girls’ tennis coach, $2,361 (4.5 percent), BA, Step 4, renewal, 8/1/24; Jacob Helmin, SHS, 10th-grade football, $5,758 (10.5 percent), BA, Step 6, renewal, 8/1/24;
Greg Henning, SHS, head cross country coach, $7,746 (13 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/24; Scott Hentge, SHS, head football coach, $9,185 (14.5 percent), BA, Step 13, renewal, 8/1/24; Kim Hess, SMS, performing arts center manager, $4,984 (9.5 percent), BA, Step 4, renewal, 8/1/24; Ryan Hiltner, SHS, performing arts center manager, $7,779 (14.5 percent), BA, Step 5, renewal, 8/1/24; Ryan Hiltner, SHS, content creator, $5,633 (10.5 percent), BA, Step 5, renewal, 8/1/24; Mike Holman, SHS, assistant football coach, $6,257 (10.5 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/24; Shannan Houghton, SHS, assistant cross country coach, $4,480 (8.35 percent), BA, Step 5, renewal, 8/1/24;
Shannan Houghton, RIS, student council, $1,127 (2.25 percent), BA, Step 2, renewal, 8/1/24; Sylvia Kaare, SHS, chamber orchestra director, $2,743 (5.35 percent), BA, Step 3, renewal, 8/1/24; Kaitlin King, SMS, seventh-grade volleyball, $3,256 (6.35 percent), BA, Step 3, renewal, 8/1/24; Kaitlin King, SHS, Big Brothers Big Sisters , $1,837 (3.35 percent), BA, Step 6, renewal, 8/1/24; David Lumley, SHS, instrumental and jazz music instructor, $3,188 (5.35 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/24; David Lumley, SHS, pep band director, $2,681 (4.5 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/24;
David Lumley, SHS, jazz music instructor II (50 percent), $1,594 (5.35 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/24; Luke Majerle, SHS, assistant boys’ soccer coach, $4,984 (9.5 percent), BA, Step 4, renewal, 8/1/24; Riley Marod, SHS, head volleyball coach, $6,974 (13 percent), BA, Step 5, renewal, 8/1/24; Noel Meyer, SHS, assistant football coach, $6,257 (10.5 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/24; Hannah Nelson, SHS, head girls’ swim coach, $6,974 (13 percent), BA, Step 5, renewal, 8/1/24; Brandon Nordhues, SHS, vocal music coordinator, $3,188 (5.35 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/24;
Joey Olson, SMS, seventh-grade football coach, $3,784 (6.35 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/24; Brian Petersen, SMS seventh-grade football, $3,784 (6.35 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/24; Paul Plombon, SHS, ninth-grade football coach, $5,758 (10.5 percent), BA, Step 6, renewal, 8/1/24; Joanna Richards, SHS, vocal music coordinator, $2,934 (5.35 percent), BA, Step 6, renewal, 8/1/24; Ellie Riihiluoma, SMS, volleyball coach, $3,181 (6.35 percent), BA, Step 2, renewal, 8/1/24; John Ronyak, SHS, fall play director, $4,976 (8.35 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/24;
Luke Rude, SHS, 10th-grade football coach, $6,257 (10.5 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/24; Jacob Sailor, SHS, strength and conditioning coordinator, $9,925 (18.5 percent), BA, Step 5, renewal, 8/1/24; Jared Saue, SHS, assistant girls’ tennis, $3,943 (7.35 percent), BA, Step 5, renewal, 8/1/24; Brad Scherer, SHS, assistant football coach, $5,758 (10.5 percent), BA, Step 6, renewal, 8/1/24; Nathan Schultz, SHS, ninth-grade volleyball coach, $5,210 (9.5 percent), BA, Step 6, renewal, 8/1/24; Chris Schumer, SMS, eighth-grade football coach, $3,482 (6.35 percent), BA, Step 6, renewal, 8/1/24;
Paige Serbus, SHS, assistant volleyball coach, $4,984 (9.5 percent), BA, Step 4, renewal, 8/1/24; Christopher Slivnik, SHS, assistant volleyball coach, $4,871 (9.5 percent), BA, Step 3, renewal, 8/1/24; Ashley Studanski, SHS, assistant girls’ soccer coach, $5,661 (9.5 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/24; Jeff Swenson, SMS, eighth-grade football coach, $3,784 (6.35 percent), BA, Step 10, renewal, 8/1/24; Hailey Winter, SHS, assistant volleyball coach, $4,984 (9.5 percent), BA, Step 4, renewal, 8/1/24; Raleigh Woodruff, SMS, boys’ soccer, $3,256 (6.35 percent), BA, Step 3, renewal, 8/1/24; and Saihue Yu, SHS, math league advisor, $1,154 (2.25 percent), BA, Step 3, renewal, 8/1/24.
Leaves of Absence:
Gina Prose, RIS, third-grade teacher, LOA, 8/26/24-1/21/25; Randy Thompson, DSC, custodian, LOA 7/8/24-9/8/24; Kayla Vadnais, RIS, para, LOA, 8/26/24-10/21/24; Jessica Wenker, DSC, payroll specialist, LOA, 9/11/24-9/17/24, Intermittent 9/18/24-9/26/24; and Lauren Wollum, ORELC, early childhood teacher, LOA, 12/2/24-3/7/25.
A.5.f Approve Nutrition Services Meal Prices 2024-25:
A.5.g Approve School Handbooks
Sabre Star Report:
- Director of Nutrition Services Shelby Tanner presented the July Sabre Staff Star Award.
- Principal of Oak Ridge Early Learning Center Julia Bjerke presented the August Sabre Staff Star Award.
School Board Student Representative Report:
- School Board Student Representative Bennett Prose reported on the District gearing up for Sabre Splash and Sabre Soar for sixth-graders, ninth-graders and new families. He reported fall sports have started and student council is beginning plans for a western-themed homecoming this fall.
Superintendent Report:
- Superintendent Michael Rivard reported community education enrollment has increased in all areas. He discussed attending phase one of MSBA school governance and attending BILT professional development days. Excitement at the high school as our secondary students begin preparation for the fall season. Of note, summer training occurred throughout the summer with 375 high school students and 100 middle school students participating in strength training. The back-to-school breakfast for staff will be held at 7:30 a.m. Aug. 27.
District Finance Report:
- Director of Business Services Joe Prom reported one month into this fiscal year, there were no surprises. He discussed the Apple lease payment, finalizing 24-25 school year staffing and upcoming committee meetings.
School Board Committee Report:
- Benton Stearns Education District: Matt Moerhle reported moving forward with paperwork to approve changes to by-laws. The red-lined by-laws will be ready by the next meeting. No update on facilities yet.
- Career & Technical Education: No update
- Communication & Technology: Emily Larson reported the return to a hybrid Sabre Spotlight that would combine the Sabre Spotlight with Community Education offerings. The committee is getting bids for print/direct mail. Tricia Meling reported this publication would move from three times per year to six times per year and that the technology contract with the city was discussed. Jen Smith reported the new website was going to be soft launched in October.
- Community Education Advisory: Emily Larson reported on the increase in registrations, more camps and more collaborations. Tricia Meling reported on the use of the app HomeBase, donations, boys’ volleyball and gave a shout out to Nelson Sanitation for their work.
- Finance & Personnel: No update
- Legislative Network and Schools for Equity in Education: No update
- Negotiations: No update, upcoming meeting Aug. 22
- Operations & Facilities: No update, upcoming meeting Aug. 20
- Policy: Tricia Meling will begin using new language for public forum as outlined in policy 206.
- Sartell Senior Connection: Matt Moerhle reported on their weekly events and programming for the community, and training on technology use and safety.
- World’s Best Workforce: Tricia Meling reported on attending a professional development training with Director Rogholt.
A motion was made by Nies and seconded by Smith to APPROVE BOARD POLICIES 213, 301, 302, 303, 305, 306, 416, 416.1, and 534. All in favor. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Smith and seconded by Moehrle to APPROVE INCLEMENT WEATHER E-LEARNING PLAN. Discussion was held. All in favor. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Smith and seconded by Nies to APPROVE DISTRICT OPERATIONAL PLAN. Discussion was held. All in favor. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Nies and seconded by Wenshau to APPROVE SUBSTITUTE TEACHER RATE INCREASE. Meling abstained from voting. All in favor. Motion carried.
Discussion:
- Review of Policy: Policies 401, 402, 404, 405, and 407
- First Reading; Revision of Policy: Policies 206 and 504
Upcoming Dates:
- Board Work Session – 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5 in District Service Center
- Regular Board Meeting – 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16 in District Service Center
- Finance and Personnel Committee Meeting – 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 12 in District Service Center
- Policy Committee Meeting – 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3 in District Service Center
- MSBA Transition Workshop – 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3 in District Service Center
A motion to ADJOURN THE MEETING at 6:40 p.m. was made by Nies and seconded by Wenshau. All in favor. Motion carried.
/s/ Emily Larson, clerk
Publish: Sept. 20, 2024