REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
SARTELL-ST. STEPHEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO 748
SEPT. 15, 2025
DISTRICT SERVICE CENTER
A.1 The regular school board meeting of Independent School District 748 was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Acting Chair Tricia Meling. Members present: Meling; Matt Moehrle, vice chair; Emily Larson, clerk; Chelsea Thielen, treasurer (attended virtually due to work travel); Jen Smith, director; Scott Wenshau,director; Michael Rivard, superintendent. Members absent: None
A.2 The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
A.3 A motion was made by Smith and seconded by Moehrle to APPROVE THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED. By roll call vote: Wenshau: Yes, Thielen: Yes, Moehrle: Yes, Meling: Yes, Larson: Yes, and Smith: Yes. 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 Tricia Meling for Board Chair. By roll call vote: Wenshau: No, Thielen: Yes, Moehrle: Yes, Meling: Yes, Larson: No, and Smith: No
- Those in favor of Jen Smith for Board Chair. By roll call vote: Wenshau: Yes, Thielen: No, Moehrle: No, Meling: No, Larson: Yes, and Smith: Yes
The vote resulted in a tie and the Board Chair was not elected.
A.5 One community member spoke during the Public Forum.
A.6 A motion was made by Smith and seconded by Larson to APPROVE CONSENT ITEMS A.6.a-A.6.f AS PRESENTED BELOW. By roll call vote: Wenshau: Yes, Thielen: Yes, Moehrle: Yes, Meling: Yes, Larson: Yes, and Smith: Yes. Motion carried.
A.6.a Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting held on Aug. 18, 2025
Minutes of the Work Session held on Sept. 4, 2025
A.6.b Checks in the amount of $1,771,743.46 as presented:
General Fund 518,853.33
Food Service Fund 100,451.43
Transportation Fund 136,141.55
Community Service Fund 29,075.11
Capital Expenditure Fund 241,056.54
Building Fund 683,224.36
Debt Service Fund 2,400.00
Activity Accounts 19,873.09
Internal Service Fund 40,668.05
Check numbers 193300 – 193540
AP ACH History in the amount of $17,033.00 as presented:
General Fund 12,117.74
Food Service Fund 2,374.66
Activities Accounts 2,540.60
Check numbers 252600014 – 252600025
Receipts in the amount of $7,598,793.72 as presented:
General Fund 7,349,162.62
Food Service Fund 16,572.85
Transportation Fund 16,261.45
Community Service Fund 34,849.36
Capital Expenditure Fund 22,698.89
Debt Service Fund 120,216.46
Activity Accounts 30,591.03
Internal Service Fund 8,441.06
Receipts 54767 – 54840
Wire transfers in the amount of $1,739,277.14 as presented:
General Fund 1,111,810.71
Food Service Fund 17,497.33
Transportation Fund 2,489.50
Community Service Fund 31,686.63
Capital Expenditure Fund 2,118.22
Activity Accounts 35.00
Internal Service Fund 573,639.75
Wire transfers 202400807 – 202500133
A.6.c Accept Resignations: Samantha Beck, SMS paraprofessional, 8/21/25; Bryton Carlson, SHS custodian, 8/26/25; Amanda Denman, Transportation bus monitor, 8/21/25; Janice Kollar, SHS food service worker 8/18/25; Stacey Osterholt, SMS cashier, 8/22/25; Joleen Oxley, SMS paraprofessional, 9/4/25; Josie Philippi, RIS student supervisor, 8/25/25
A.6.d Accept Personnel Changes:
New Employees: Nicole Ackerman, SMS intervener, $25/hour, replacing Julie Schnettler, 8/26/25; Jenna Anderson Ross, SMS paraprofessional, $19.68/hour, RIV, Step 2, new position, 8/25/25; Nicole Asmus, RIS AM cashier, $21.67/hour, RII, Step 4, replacing Jody Miland, 9/2/25; Hannah Bous, SMS musical publicity, $1,100 (2.25 percent), BA, Step 1, replacing Kim Hess, 9/3/25; Riley Boyer, SMS paraprofessional, $19.68/hour, RIV, Step 2, new position, 8/26/25; Laura Carlson, SHS choreographer – children’s show, $1,000, new position, 9/8/25; Wanda Chirhart, RIS food service worker, $17.45/hour, RI, Step 1, replacing Savannah Swenson, 8/25/25; Nicole Christianson, ORELC (18-22) paraprofessional , $19.68/hour, RIV, Step 2, new position, 9/2/25; Sophie Dooley Piram, SHS food service worker, $17.45/hour, RI, Step 1, replacing Jessica Davis, 9/8/25; Tanya Fuchs, ORELC paraprofessional, $24.84/hour, RIV, Step 7, replacing Mary Knellwolf, 8/25/25; Joanne Gallant, RIS student supervisor, $16.42/hour, RI, Step 2, replacing Josie Philippi, 9/4/25; Perla Galvan Hidalgo, SMS paraprofessional, $19.68/hour, RIV, Step 2, new position, 8/26/25; Rekha Guragain, PMPS paraprofessional, $21.65/hour, RIV, Step 4, new position, 8/25/25; Diana Hansen, ORELC food service worker, $17.45/hour, RI, Step 1, replacing Karina Viruet, 8/25/25; Amanda Hendricks, PMPS student supervision, $16.42/hour, RI, Step 2, replacing Linnea Bouri, 9/5/25; Neshaw Houg, SMS media aide, $24.84/hour, RIV, Step 7, replacing Char Becker, 8/25/25; Amana Howland, ORELC (18-22) paraprofessional, $20.62/hour, RIV, Step 3, new position, 8/25/25; Kinsey Mattison, ORELC speech-language pathologist long-term substitute, $75/hour, LTS for Lucia Laituri vacancy, 8/25/25; Marissa Odens, ORELC speech-language pathologist (.56 FTE), $34,321, MA, Step 1, Lucia Laituri, 1/5/26; Allison Olmscheid, RIS receptionist, $22.36/hour, RIII, Step 1, replacing Charity Pesta, 9/17/25; Darlene Olorunsogbon, SMS paraprofessional, $19.68/hour, RIV, Step 2, replacing Neshaw Houg, 9/15/25; Jonathan Olson, SHS custodian, $19.35/hour, RIII, replacing Bryton Carlson, 9/2/25; Joleen Oxley, SMS paraprofessional, $19.68/hour, RIV, Step 2, new position, 8/25/25; Charity Pesta, RIS administrative assistant, $29.53/hour, RVIII, Step 3, replacing Ronell Uran, 8/22/25; Elspeth Puffer, SMS paraprofessional, $19.68/hour, RIV, Step 2, replacing Garret Amo, 8/26/25; Jocabed Rodriguez, RIS student supervisor, $16.42/hour, RI, Step 2, replacing Kirsten Beehler, 9/4/25; Karlye Rude, SMS student council advisor (50 percent), $550 (2.25 percent), BA, Step 1, replacing Hailey Bjork, 9/2/25; Steven Sanders, SHS fall musical sound and lights, $1,127 (2.25 percent), BA, Step 2, replacing Mark Christensen, 9/8/25; Nathan Schultz, SMS strength, $3,500, new position, 7/1/25; Neveah Shekleton, SMS paraprofessional, $19.68/hour, RIV, Step 2, replacing Joleen Oxley, 9/15/25; Ashley Skinner, Transportation bus monitor, $18.48/hour, RII, Step 1, replacing Pat Boom, 9/2/25; Savannah Swenson, RIS cashier, $19.90/hour, RII, Step 2, replacing Jody Miland, 8/25/25; Amy Truax, ORELC paraprofessional, $19.68/hour, RIV, Step 2, replacing Marla Lahr, 9/2/25; Karina Viruet, RIS food service worker, $20.11/hour, RI, Step 4, replacing Megan Lahr, 8/25/25; Tracey Watkin, SMS fall musical prop design, $1,100 (2.25 percent), BA, Step 1, replacing Pat Cicharz, 9/8/25; Natalie Westergren, SMS girls’ basketball coach, $3,105 (6.35 percent), BA, Step 1, replacing Claire Thorn, 10/20/25; Adele Wolf, ORELC paraprofessional, $19.68/hour, RIV, Step 2, replacing Nicole Ackerman, 8/25/25.
Leaves of Absence: Ayesha Afzal, RIS food service worker, LOA, 9/13/25-10/12/25; Leah Greer, ORELC paraprofessional, LOA, 8/25/25-11/24/25; Melinda Shaw, DSC cleaner, LOA, intermittent 8/21/25-12/2/25; Natalie Westergren, SMS paraprofessional, LOA, intermittent 8/25/25-2/1/26.
A.6.f Approve Memorandum of Understanding with Sartell Education Association
- REPORTS
B.1 Sabre Star Report:
- Sartell High School Assistant Principal Amanda Holstrom presented Pat Marushin with the September Sabre Star Award.
B.2 School Board Student Representative Report:
- High School Students and School Board Representatives Mariam Al-Areedy and Anna Parker reported on the exciting things happening around the district.
B.3 Continuous Improvement Plan Report – Oak Ridge Early Learning Center
B.4 Continuous Improvement Plan Report – Pine Meadow Primary School
- Building Principals Julia Bjerke and Sara Nelson shared their 2025-2026 school learning goals for reading, math and social emotional learning.
B.5 Superintendent Report:
- Superintendent Rivard shared he has visited classrooms during the past two weeks and expressed his appreciation to the entire ISD 748 team for a successful start to the new school year.
B.6 District Finance Report:
- Director of Business Joe Prom presented the district’s finance report
B.7 School Board Committee Reports
- Benton-Stearns Education District: Moehrle reported that BSED is exploring smaller facilities to house a couple of its programs.
- Finance & Personnel: Smith reported three positions remain open before the district is fully staffed.
- Minnesota State High School League: Smith reported on a workshop she attended earlier this month.
- Negotiations: Moehrle reported negotiations are ongoing with the SEA and Multi-Unit groups.
- Facilities: Meling reported on the numerous projects completed at district sites during the summer months.
- Sartell Senior Connection: Moehrle reported a Veteran’s Brunch will be held at the Sartell Community Center on Oct. 18 at 10 a.m. The event is free for veterans and one guest.
- ACTION ITEMS
C.1 A motion was made by Smith and seconded by Larson to APPROVE THE RESOLUTION ACCEPTING DONATIONS AS PRESENTED BELOW. The donations were read aloud by Smith. By roll-call vote: Wenshau: Yes, Thielen: Yes, Moehrle: Yes, Meling: Yes, Larson: Yes, and Smith: Yes. Motion carried.
Donations:
Sartell Pediatrics, Sartell High School, $50, unified club track and field event; Angushire Golf Club, Community Education, $1,800, yoga for cancer classes; Julie Blum, ISD 748, flute and clarinet total value $375, band program; Matt Moehrle, ISD 748 clarinet (value $100), band program; anonymous, ISD 748, alto sax, band program; Grace Ahrens, ISD 748 flute (value $200), vand program; Plumski Engineering and Repair, ISD 748, $50, cross country team; Sartell All-Sports Booster Club, Sartell High School, $5,384, football coach fee; Sartell All-Sports Booster Club, Sartell Middle School, $1,085.48, middle school gym banners; Sartell-St. Stephen Education Foundation, ISD 748, $22,921.86, grant reimbursements; Sartell Youth Football Association, Sartell High School, $1,000, free passes for youth football players; Profields, Sartell High School, renovation of lacrosse/football practice fields (value $4,500), activities department
C.2 A motion was made by Moehrle and seconded by Smith to APPROVE 2025 PAYABLE 2026 PROPOSED LEVY. Discussion was held. By roll-call vote: Wenshau: Yes, Thielen: Yes, Moehrle: Yes, Meling: Yes, Larson: Yes, and Smith: Yes. Motion carried.
C.3 A motion was made by Larson and seconded by Smith to APPROVE CALL FOR BIDS – RIVERVIEW HVAC. Discussion was held. By roll-call vote: Wenshau: Yes, Thielen: Yes, Moehrle: Yes, Meling: Yes, Larson: Yes, and Smith: Yes. Motion carried.
- DISCUSSION
D.1 The board engaged in a discussion about Advertising Policy 905.
D.2 Second reading of Policies 535 and 602
D.3 Second reading to rescind Policies 511.1, 511.2, 523 and 535.1
D.4 First reading and discussion of Policy 215
D.5 First reading to rescind Policy 215.1
D.6 The 3 Takeaways will include:
- Continuous Improvement Plans for Oak Ridge Early Learning Center and Pine Meadow Primary School
- Discussion on Advertising
- Approval of the Call for Bids for the Riverview HVAC
- UPCOMING DATES
- Policy Committee – 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2
- Board Work Session – 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1
- Communications & Technology Committee – 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9
- Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness – 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14
- Regular School Board Meeting – 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20 at St. Stephen City Hall
- CLOSED SESSION
At 7:59 p.m. Moehrle motioned to ENTER INTO A CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO MINNESOTA STATUTE SECTION 13D.03 TO DISCUSS NEGOTIATION STRATEGY WITH OUR TEACHER AND MULTI-UNIT BARGAINING GROUPS. Seconded by Smith. By roll-call vote: Wenshau: Yes, Thielen: Yes, Moehrle: Yes, Meling: Yes, Larson: Yes, and Smith: Yes. Motion carried.
Moehrle motioned to REOPEN THE MEETING at 8:38 p.m. Seconded by Smith. By roll-call vote: Wenshau: Yes, Thielen: Yes, Moehrle: Yes, Meling: Yes, Larson: Yes, and Smith: Yes. Motion carried.
- ADJOURNMENT
A motion to ADJOURN THE MEETING at 8:39 p.m. was made by Larson and seconded by Wenshau. By roll-call vote: Wenshau: Yes, Thielen: Yes, Moehrle: Yes, Meling: Yes, Larson: Yes, and Smith: Yes. Motion carried.
/s/ Emily Larson, clerk
Publish: Nov. 7 2025