It's six o'clock. We will call this meeting to order and we'll start with roll call, please. Michelle Breen >> here. >> DJ Dondinger. >> Stephanie Edman >> here. [snorts] >> Randy Hidman >> here. >> Sarah Spear >> here. >> John Ward
>> here. [clears throat] Please rise for the pledge of allegiance. I 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. [clears throat] >> All right, we'll look for a motion to approve the [snorts] agenda as presented. We did pull off the budget information. and it wasn't quite ready. So, we'll have to have a special meeting yet this month to approve that because
it does need to be approved before July 1st. >> I'll make a motion. >> All right, I'll second. Got a motion by Director Edman, a second by Director Breen. Any discussion? If not, all those in favor signify by saying I. >> I.
>> Oppose the same. >> Motion carries. We've got a number of recognitions here and I'll just read through them if you guys are okay with that. We've got congratulations to the 510 2026 graduates from Brainer High School, Brainer Learning Center, Lincoln
Education Center, and graduation equivalency program or diploma, the GED. Congratulations to the Warrior Robotics team. They took eighth place at the state tournament. Congratulations to the Super Mileage team for taking second place in the battery electric division
at the state tournament. Congratulations to the boys golf team for earning both the Central Lakes Conference Championship and the Section 8A team championship. The Warriors softball team has been crowned section 8 uh 4A
champions. Congratulations to them. And both the Warrior girls and boys track and field teams won their respective Central Lakes Conference Championships. It's pretty amazing. 27 athletes qualified for the state meet. Highlights from the state meet include
uh Kora Clow was crowned state champion in the class 3A high jump. Oh, I'm [clears throat] sorry. Yeah, that is 3A high jump. Joe Smith took sixth place in the pole vault. Cecilia Dirks took seventh place in the 300 meter hurdles. Boys 4x 100 relay took seventh place and
the girls 4x1 100 relay took ninth place. Congratulations to Carly Sakura and Dr. Dr. Carrie Bozer for their work in the greater Twin Cities United Way building a movement grant. Brainer Public Schools was awarded $10,000 to be used to support students working in the
community to develop life skills. Pretty cool. All right, we'll move on to public input. A member of the public can address the board during this time. Comments will be limited to three minutes. Complaints or allegations against students or employees may not be discussed due to data privacy.
Complaints or allegations must be submitted in writing um to Superintendent Grant. The board of education and superintendent will not converse with guests to address the topics discussed at this time and no visuals or props will be allowed. Up
first we have Michael Ericson, please. >> Thank you. >> Um first off, uh this is your last board meeting. I want to publicly thank you for all the hard work that you've done
and ups and downs and round and bouts and and so forth. Um the other thing I guess I would uh also want to say is I've heard a number of teachers uh so forth say basically the kind of trauma
that uh they've had to endure in their classrooms. As a former school psychologist and uh mental health professional over the years, uh I've been involved in other school districts that have provided mental health support
for for their teachers. Uh I don't know what the current standing of that is in this district, but I know that some districts are doing that now too, that they're providing uh basically traumabased support for their school
teachers on a fairly regular basis. So if that's something the the district is interested or is currently involved in, I would think that that would be something that would be uh very good. Thank you very much. >> Thank you.
Up next we have Sarah Roa. Please welcome. I'm reading this off my phone. Usually I'm a paper and pencil person, but it was so edited that I couldn't I had to write it. Anyway, [snorts] um my name is Sarah Roa and I'm the president of the
EMBA, the union that represents educational assistants and nurses in the Briner Public School District. My job at BHS, for lack of a better way to put it, is the ISS lady. When I tell people this and what I do, the first thing they often say is, "How can you do that?" or
"I could never do that job." The comments often come with a look of horror or a laugh, and I say, "Wow, who wouldn't do this job?" I do, and I love it. One of the first things you learn as a pair professional is to build a relationship and then change can happen. And that is what I do. I build
relationships. The students that I have are considered the students with challenging behaviors. Skipping, truency, vaping, and subordination. These kids are my kids and they are my people. These kids are students first and they are also human beings. I do not
like when people refer to these students as bad kids. As an example, I had a student this year who spent a lot of time hiding out in bathrooms, hanging out with friends instead of going to class, being truent, being tardy,
not doing any academic work. I finally had her in ISS and we were trying to get some academic work done so she could at least get one credit for the semester. Another student asked me if I was retiring. I get this question a lot and I said, "No, I'm coming back in the fall so I can hang out with you guys." And
that student said, "Good, because ev because everyone I love always leaves." My point is that the people with the most student contact get compensated the least. Our jobs working directly with most challenging kids deserve fair
compensation. Please remember that nurses and educational assistants are not just FTEES. We are professionals caring for the students who are most vulnerable with the greatest need and the most challenging behavior. I have heard many times in these board meetings, this is for the kids and I
care about the kids. We'll prove it. Compensate the men and women of EMBA fairly. Thank you. Thank you. Up next, we have Rick Felt, please. The Bible is very clear. You either serve the Lord Jesus Christ or you serve
Satan. Those are not my words, but Jesus Christ's own words. I have watched and Randy Hidman has also stated in the past that there is a disconnect between the board members here. And he's absolutely right because three of these board members are trying to serve the Lord Jesus Christ and the other three are
serving Satan. And I have actually watched Sarah Spear publicly humiliate director Edamund. I have watched Michelle Breen roll her eyes when when DJ Doninger is talking. And I've also watched Director Ward stand up and shout down Randy Heidman in in board meetings
and treat them with total disrespect. >> I thought insulting board members wasn't supposed to be allowed. >> I'm not insulting. I'm using my free speech. I'm not insulting. I'm stating the fact. >> Okay. Order. You may continue. But yes, please. But I but what the Lord has laid
on my heart is that he's going to give this board a period of time to repent from these actions before he brings judgment. I want to make this explicitly clear. This is not a public threat. This is a prophetic warning to you. He is going to give you a period of time to go
ahead and repent and to accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. After that period of time is over and he has not given me a specific number of days. One of the times that you can expect for some of the judgment of being turned over to Satan is severe anxiety,
sleepless nights, spirit of rebellion upon family members, and the ultimate period will be when you're removed from office. Thank you. >> Thank you. Up next, we have Doug Kern, please.
>> So, a few years ago, we had blue ribbon schools. We had all these schools that were hailed the best in the state and blue ribbons were given to all these schools. I saw the options that that were looking at, you know, that were being looked at as far as closing one of those blue ribbon schools. Um, when I
look at those options, you know, consolidating, you know, that probably is going to have to happen with somewhere along the way. But, um, the problem that I see is that the issue still has not been resolved as far as why we're losing students. um it wasn't
that many years ago with the blue ribbon schools and it shouldn't take you know a rocket scientist to know why we're losing students. Um that hasn't been addressed. Pelbs the public education licensing standard board the stuff that they're the curriculum for the health standard that
they're pushing for next year. You're going to see a a a wave of children being brought out of the school taken out of the system if this passes the health curriculum that they're looking at. Um it it uh it means another levy next year. We'll have to do more an
increase next year to fix the problem because it's not being addressed. The DEI, the CRT, the girls, you know, having to compete against boys in in sports using the same facilities. That all has to be addressed or we're going to be hemorrhaging more students and a
levy is not going to fix it. Um at least not one levy. It'll be levy upon levy upon levy. So that that's just what I see coming. So thank you. >> Thank you. Up next, we have Connie Lissio, please.
>> Welcome. >> Thank you. And thank you to the board members that showed up tonight. I understand that um there's a very large vote that's going to be on the agenda here shortly. And sometimes I think the word democracy is used incorrectly and I
could be using it incorrectly as well. So I actually looked up what democracy means and it means we live in a democracy whereby its definition is where power is vested in the people. Citizens have the right to participate in decision making through voting which
is very applicable to your decision and making um hopefully a levy for learning on the November ballot. And um along with that, I know that there's a significant budget shortfall. That's no shock to anyone. But I think during
these financially challenging times, it's important when cuts are made, they are made in areas that don't affect directly affect the students, meaning the paraprofessionals, who by the way are paid $1640
an hour starting wage. Today, just for the fun of it, I stopped at a few establishments in the area. The lowest wage any of those started their employees at was um $1745. The pair of professionals, and I've said over and over again, are worth their
weight in gold. If cuts need to be made, and again, I took this upon myself out of curiosity. Since I retired 7 years ago, there's been a significant change in the number of bodies that are now in this building who don't have direct contact with our students. Just for
example, um we now have seven employees in business services, one in communications, four in HR, and 15 underneath the umbrella office of schools. I would be hardpressed to be convinced
that any of those people go into the buildings on a daily basis and interact with our students. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right, that concludes our public input for tonight. We'll move on to the approval of minutes from our last
regular board meeting. >> I'll make a motion. >> Second. Got a motion from director Edman and a second from director Ward. Any discussion? If not, all those in favor say I. >> I. >> I.
>> Oppose the same. Motion carries. Move on to this consent calendar. [cough] [clears throat] >> Madam chair, I have a question I'd like to ask about uh the parent square and smart sites renewal.
>> Sure. Sure. >> Not sure who's in charge of that or >> um can we get a motion on the table first and then we'll discuss it. Does that work for you? >> I don't know. >> Yeah. Uh I'll make a I'd like to make a motion to
discuss the Parent Square smart sites renewal as part of the cons consent agenda >> or I mean >> are you looking for a motion to approve >> to approve the consent? >> Okay. >> Thank you. [laughter] Is there a second? >> Second.
>> All right, we've got a motion by Director Breen, a second by Director Ward. All right, Director Heidman, to your question. >> All right, I guess I was a little ahead of the game. >> Good. >> Um, I have a couple questions regarding the parent square. Uh, and I don't know
who to direct them to or what not. >> Marie Marie is here. Okay. H. [clears throat] >> Thank you, Emry. >> More for clarification. Amarie, >> y >> uh first of all, it's a three-year contract,
>> correct? >> And I'm looking at the first page, and it only talks about uh pricing term. Start date is July 1 of 2026. And the pricing term end date is June 30th and 2027. I believe that's just one year.
>> Correct. So, um, >> so how does it how does it >> if we uh commit to a three-year contract with them, we will get lower pricing for each of those three years. If we choose to just renew for one year, then that
pricing is not locked in. Um most of these communications companies have experienced a increase in cost due to um unexpected uh charges from phone carriers for texting services.
>> So they are passing some of that cost on to us along with typical increases for a a product like that. Um, so they're offering us a better deal if we do either a three or a five-year contract,
kind of locking in that price. So, um, I don't know. Did that thing that I sh Maybe it didn't get shared. I had shared some information with you guys ahead of time that just kind of would show that it would save us like $1,282
the first year and then the the next years I don't know how much our price would go up if we don't lock in with them. But this is both our website and our communication tool that we use for parents. So I don't see us wanting to make a change. We just adopted the
website uh a little over a year ago. So, >> so we're looking at the one-year contract. >> This is this would be for three years. >> Okay. And that that's where I'm I'm confused. Help me out. Because we're saying the pricing term starts July 1 at
26 and it ends on June 30th of 27th, right? >> It's going to be a three-year contract. >> So, year one total would be that $37,9247. And then year two total is $39,817.64. And then year three, it's going up again. And those are the three years
that we're we're committing to. >> I I No, I see all those. Maybe I'm just being a blackhead here. >> But the the end date is June 30th of 2027. >> Does it at the end of that? I'm not
looking. I've got my notes here. >> Shouldn't it Are are the dates correct? If we're going to go with a three-year contract >> for that first year, the price will be a certain amount. And that first year will end June 30th of 2020.
>> And then the new price will be next year. >> And then the next year will be another one-year price term. >> We could just, you know, sign up for and pay slightly more next year, but then the following years they aren't guaranteeing any prices because
>> what was what is the difference if we did a fiveyear? Would it still be just a slight increase for year four and five? Didn't you get >> it? That's okay. >> Yeah, we could have locked in for five years, but we felt like that was maybe too long of a commitment in case things
change or we want to make a >> change move away from from that product by then. But since we just adopted it in the last couple of years, we're we've already invested significant time in learning it and getting things set up. So, >> so is this
in my my own mind then this is three one-year contracts, >> right? >> Okay. >> Basically, which totals more than the $100,000, which is why we're putting it on. >> No, I wasn't the money part of it. I wasn't worried. I was just worried about the contract and the terms of the
contract. It was confusing to me that it ended >> on June 30th of 2027. Okay, >> I got that in my head. Then the quantity. Okay. 6,17 per student.
We got 6,17 students. Or am I am I interpreting that wrong or what am I looking at there? >> We That's what we were charged last year. So, they're basing that off of our student rates this year. Um, all
contract fees are calculated on a per student basis. So the contract explicitly allows for annual financial adjustments if our numbers change. >> Well, our numbers are changing, >> right? >> Right. >> So we have to
>> Wow. But that goes from preschool to age 21. >> They're looking at our total ADMs when they pull that information. Okay. >> So, >> but if our numbers continue to go down or if they were to increase, we would have to potentially pay more. But
>> I was just confused about the 6,17. >> Yeah. >> Where where they came from. So, >> thank you. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Any other questions from anyone else? >> All right. Thanks. Thank you. >> Thanks, [clears throat] Emry. >> All right. There's no further
discussion. We've got a motion on the table from >> Madam Chair. >> Yes. >> Um again, I just looking at the donations. Um, I see donations from a couple um, churches and thrift places and and they're always on here. Every month they're on here and there's some
significant ones from Dorcas this this time. So, I just want to give a shout out to those folks again. Um, and if anybody has uh consignments that they need get to the uh, churches and the and the thrift stores, they really help us in this district. So, just wanted to
point that out. >> Thank you. Appreciate it. All right. We've got a motion on the table. Uh if there's no further discussion, all those in favor signify by saying I. >> I oppose the same.
>> We've passed the consent calendar. All right. Up next, we've got a presentation on the annual AC comp um presentation and report to welcome. [cough] [clears throat] Thank you. I don't see it up here.
Is it up here? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Thank you. [clears throat] >> Um so this is the teacher development evaluation and AC comp um annual presentation that we do. Um this first slide is the statute that
is a requirement from the state on the teacher development and evaluation process. Um, and I know you each have access to that. Just states that every three years a teacher must have a formal observation from their administrators. Um, and then annually they actually have a peer coach that works with them and
helps them with they observe them, but then they also teachers also go in and observe someone else and do what we call as a reverse observation. Um, we also have what we call PLC's which is collaborative teams um throughout the district. Um there's around 60 teams of
teachers with likeminded subjects or areas that they are collaborating towards a common goal. Um on the evaluation years this is what that every three years those teachers are what we call on a high cycle but also all probationary teachers they are
observed three times a year. Um whether they're probationary or high cycle they get three observations from their admin. um they have a premeating, they do the observation, they have a post meeting, um they go through a rubrics and kind of assess where they're at on that rubric
and go through any other questions and concerns that they have. They do meet at the beginning of the year and then at the end they set a goal at the beginning and then they come together after all their observations to see what they accomplished and what kind of assistance they would need from their administrator in the future to keep moving their
practice forward. Andy, what does high cycle mean? It >> just means that that's the term that we use that every three years I have an observation done three times a year on me >> because you're tenur. >> Yeah, because I'm a tenur staff. I don't have to have it done annually. They just
do it every three years. So we call it high cycle. The this group of teachers are your high cycle. So then that administrator knows who they have to observe three times besides our probationary teachers. Um, AC comp is the funding portion of this. The state calls it Q comp. Um,
Brainer School District chose chooses to call it AC comp. This is the funding portion of the TD&E. Um, a similar program. So, they have been tied together as one. And the teachers, same things. They have those peer coaches, the PLC's,
all the same expectations. They do have some career ladder positions in the AC comp where they have curriculum leads or the P people that run the PLC meetings also. So there's a few other extra duties within the AC comp program.
This is the breakdown of the career ladder positions. We have about 80 peer coaches and mentors. Um there's 52 curriculum leaders and 68 PLC leaders that are working every week towards improving curriculums or their teams
meetings, planning their meetings and looking at data and moving their dis their groups in a forward direction as much as they can. [clears throat] We do do a training every fall for these people, curriculum leaders, PLC leaders
and peer coaches. They do a refresher training, initial training, and then a refresher too every fall just to remind them of the things. >> Are these all separate roles? >> Yes. >> So, nobody is in more than >> There might be some people that are in
>> dual roles. Um, they choose to be in those. They might be the PLC leader, but they also want to be very involved in the as a curriculum leader. So, we have a few people that >> overlap. >> Overlap. Yep. um how AC comp is funded, it's um the approved amount is $260 p per student,
169 is state aid and then 91 is per student on board board approved levy. Okay. Um what that supports is this the participant stipens, the teacher stipens for those leader positions, any trainings that we do, um the salaries for the AC comp coordinator and the
secretary. This is our breakdown of where we were at this year. Um we had estimated funding of 1.5 is what we're estimating for next year. We have a preliminary carryover of about 300,000. Um, so you can see the salaries that
were paid out, the career ladder, the program uh coordination or professional development, all of that. We did um agree to the speech signing bonus for the next two years. So any speech teachers that we're hiring,
AC comp is paying for a stipen for them and they'll receive it at the end of their first year and then the other half at the end of their second year. So that is something that we added to the AC comp budget. >> Sandy, that's u my understanding is they're hard to find. >> Very hard to find. So that's why they
came to us and we agreed to >> help with that process to >> pathologists, not not necessarily speech teachers. >> Correct. Yes. Thank you. >> You have one of them, don't you? [laughter] >> Couple actually.
So what I'm requesting from the board is to approve our participation to continue in the AC comp program. Um this is a approval between EM and the board in the state. >> I make a motion we approve the AC comp
um continuing participation. >> Is there a second? >> I'll second. We've got a motion by Director Breen and a second by [clears throat] Director Edman. Any discussion? >> If not, all those in favor? Actually, we do a roll call. This is a resolution.
>> Billen, >> yes. >> Stephanie Edman, >> yes. >> Randy Hidman, >> yes. >> Sarah Spear, >> yes. >> Don War, >> yes. >> Thank you. Thank you, Sandy. >> You're welcome. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Up next, we have the annual
comprehensive literacy plan update from Dr. Cornia. Welcome. Hi all. [clears throat] Thank you as always for the opportunity to serve our warriors alongside you. Um, I'm here to speak, excuse
[clears throat] me, here to speak to the local literacy plan. How we look at the local literacy plan is we reflect on the past year as we look forward to the coming year. So early childhood through 12th grade. This is how it is stated in
the read act Minnesota state statute. Um a key shift from in the past is that it is every child at every grade level. um previous years I think we're well yeah 2023 um it was read well by third grade
and so now that focus on every grade level students being proficient and specifically making sure that we are paying attention to our multilingual learners and our students receiving special education services. So this past year we had three goals. Goal number one
was, if you remember back to OLA and all of that professional learning with structured literacy. This year we were moving into implementation. Our second goal was utilizing assessment data for that ultimate goal of students who are fluent so that they can comprehend and
we close achievement gaps. So goal number one that implementation of structured literacy structured literacy and if you pursue that link there you can see what that consists of. But ultimately um and you saw it with our K4
literacy resource recommendation is making sure that our instruction upholds what we know about the science of literacy, the science of reading, the science of writing. It's explicit, sequential, cumulative, systematic. um and it aligns to our Minnesota state
standards, those grade level benchmarks that assure success by the end of college. So last summer we started a summer literacy group. They pretty much did that work of they took the 45 plus hours of OLA. um all of that learning that our
teachers did, they held that up next to the Minnesota grade level benchmarks and they made recommendations last summer of how do we actually put this into action this school year. Um so that idea of we didn't have a resource yet. That's the journey that we took all of you on this
year. But without having a resource, how do we start doing best by kids every day based on our new learning for Ola? Um so that was the summer literacy group. They continued to serve grade level literacy leadership teams throughout the school year and how that looked is they really
informed our implementation um and the professional learning that we needed to do. So for example in September kindergarten teams were focused on letters um whereas our fourth grade team might have been focusing on multi-selavic words. So, how do we take
what we learned in OLA, uh, that 45 plus hours, hold it up to the Minnesota standards, and actually put it into action? So, that was goal one. Um, that consisted of, I believe, about six professional development days over this past school year to move into that
implementation of structured literacy. Goal number two, utilizing assessment data. One key change is the CAPY assessment. Um, I'm going to show you quick everything we continued from previously. So, we had our prek through
12th grade assessment system. We had our K3 testing team, that high percentage of participation participation, um, and then moving into that database decision making across our tiers, continuing that family communication,
especially at the K3 level with letters home. So, I'll go back up to the CAPD assessment that was required per state statute that we're not just screening our young students, but we're continuing to screen up into those upper grades. Um, so CAPY assessment, this was our
first year roll out uh looking at students who did not make growth fall to winter and then administered the CAPY assessment to them. The other thing I'll point out uh that would be yes a continuation from last year but kind of
a step up is tier 2 at Forest View. Their tier 2 truly was informed by FastBridge data um and determining what our students needs especially related to literacy and those foundational skills. um our 512
uh that's the next slide. Uh tier 2 at BLC and MLAP, they also used FastBridge data to inform their tier 2 time. Um and then K4 literacy continuing to use that MTSS
uh systematic approach with how do we use data to inform what our students need. And lastly, our third goal of how are we impacting students. So the data is linked there. I know that Christina will
speak to this data more. Um but what I want to highlight from the data is you might not have the comparison from last year when I was here. Um but I did a quick check of how does our data look now compared to last year. Last year's
kinders 30% of our students were proficient last spring. We now have 41% of our kinders proficient this spring. That's not comparing apples to apples. That's two different cohorts, but 30% of
kindergarteners being proficient to 41% of kindergarteners being proficient. If we do follow that cohort from kindergarten to first grade, that cohort went from 30% proficient as kinders and 40% proficient this year as first
graders. Um if we look then at high school uh Randy it stuck with us that when we came to you about came to all of you about um high school literacy really appreciated that you complemented the work that the teams have done and we
want to see results. Um so I want to share those results that 8th grade last year was at 62% proficient. This year, those same that same cohort of students, 72% of our students are
proficient. >> Melissa, do we have access to that? >> Yes, >> it's not opening. >> Oh, I am I don't know. I don't think so. >> Okay. If not, we'll get you access. Um, >> is that under data link? >> Yes.
>> So, I'm getting um Yeah. Okay. I Yep, I do have it. Yep. Okay, I see it now. Thank you. >> So, um what I'm excited about is that we are we're making gains. Um and year one making gains, that's usually, uh where
you have your implementation dip. Um and so being able to make gains and knowing that we're continuing to grow in our capacity with structured literacy. Every school has a literacy goal as part of their SIP plan. Um we've spoken about
the K4 literacy at the tier one level of both implementation this year but also moving into that curricular resource next year full implementation. We talked about that uh middle school time to thrive that targeted intervention.
uh high school English shared some of the impact that we saw with high school English tier one and their resource adoption and then 512 special education ELA language live they're in year two of implementation with lang or just
finishing up year two of implementation with language live so going forward goal for 2627 is full implementation at tier 1 for K4 literacy Uh the exciting part is last year was
like our uh let's step into this without a resource that can fully support us. Um with your approval of emerge, we're going to be able to fully step into structured literacy aligned to that Minnesota grade level benchmark. So met with the summer team uh today and have
started the work of what does full implementation look like going forward this fall. Uh then goal number two is really refining that tier 2 and tier three support system. So being able to now that we have tier one established,
how do we look at tier 2 and tier three, how do we make that systematic to do best by every child? And then next year, next year 26 27, your 7th through 12th grade English teachers, they will be engaging in OLA. So there
was Ola that was um geared at the elementary years and now there's Ola that is geared at your secondary, your middle school and high school um so that they too are implementing structured literacy and what we know best about
reading and writing development. So what questions can I answer? >> Madam Chair, >> um first of all, nice gains. That's good. That's really um um impressive.
If there's any media here, I hope they share that um [laughter and gasps] the growth that we've seen in one in the first year. Um 92% participation, right? 92% participation.
>> Yes. In the >> So, why isn't there why isn't there 100% participation >> in the assessment? Um, and maybe Christina, I know you're sharing this data, too. >> It's mostly at our high school. So, the I don't know the exact percentage for the K8, but it was
>> So, is it because of absences or refusal? >> Yeah, I would say grades 11 and 12 in particular. So, we've got PSO students who are okay. >> Absent from the building, not absent, but they don't take the test. And um online students that are not in the
building. So, that there was a dip. 10. >> Another reason we want more CIS. >> We did add something. >> Thank you. Good question. >> What else can I answer? >> Madam Chair. >> Mhm.
>> Melissa, the gains we're talking about here, these are fast-paced results, right? Or are they This is not MCA stuff. >> Nope. Fast. >> Fast bridge. Yep. >> Good question. >> And these are managerial goals uh as far as staff is concerned. what they're doing to
>> Yep. When I think of the goals, um like the kinder goal, uh the kinder kindergarten goal truly, how do we improve kindergarten literacy skills? Um those are the goals they take up as a building, a goal that they take up as a PLC. Um these are the goals that they
believe and are working toward. >> Correct. And I would assume that we will sit down and have actual goals, proficiency goals. Uh, I know superintendent, incoming superintendent Ranken, uh, I know I've talked to him
about it, and I think maybe other board members have too, but, uh, having a 5-year plan for growth, uh, and I'm assuming I'm assuming that's going to come later, uh, etc. So, this is this is good stuff. Uh, and finally, I just want to take the
opportunity to say thank you. >> Thank you. >> You're leaving and, uh, you'll be missed. And uh I've had the pleasure of working with you in DACK and uh uh this is good
stuff and uh hopefully uh hopefully we'll continue uh following your uh expertise and what you've laid out for us and uh best wishes on your new endeavor.
>> Thank you. It's been an honor to serve alongside warriors and serve our warriors. Um, and I have no doubt that the warriors, the the educators are going to be able to continue the amazing work that they've invested in. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you, >> Madam Chair. One other point. >> Yes. >> I really appreciate the fact that the sped kids are now recognized. >> Yeah. >> With um criteria and data um because >> well, just because. >> Yeah. We do best by every kid.
>> It's great to include. Thank you. Thank you. Um I believe it's an item for approval. Is that >> for a motion? >> So move. >> I'll second. >> Got a motion by Director Ward, a second
by Director Breen to approve the comprehensive literacy plan as presented. Any further discussion? If not, all those in favor say I. I. >> Oppose the same. >> Motion carries. Thank you, Dr. Cornne. >> Thank you.
Up next, we have the fiscal year 27 liability work compensation insurance renewal. Director Lord, welcome, Marcy. Sorry. No, no problem. >> In my own little world. Um, so this came in last minute, so if you haven't had a
chance to review, I apologize. Um, but the district general liability is going to be a 4.2% increase. The cyber or crime and cyber is a zero and a 1.8. Overall, the whole package is only going up 1%. Which is awesome when you talk
the world of insurance. >> Um, a big contributing factor in that is our our work comp mod is going down. So, we went from a 1.39 to a 1.04. So, that means our claims are starting to fall off. some of our higher claims. Um we're hoping that continues to go
down. Uh but this is a good good trend to keep going down. >> But you attribute that to >> So during construction, we did have some >> Okay. >> claims related to that. >> Yeah. >> Got it. Okay.
>> And those are falling off. >> Yeah. >> Yep. >> We'll look for a motion to approve. >> I'll make a motion. >> I'll second. We've got a motion by Director Edman, a second by Director Breen. Any discussion?
>> More good news. I hope the media picks up on that, too. Just [laughter] >> Just saying. >> All right. All those in favor, [clears throat] John. >> Yeah, no kidding. [laughter] All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Oppose. The same.
>> Motion carries. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Mercy. And we're gonna skip number four and come back to that. Erin Casper is joining us remotely and he's not available yet. So we will come back. >> Madam Chair,
>> um I don't know we need to go back. Uh but when we approved the literacy plan >> should have been a roll call. Did we? I think we just did a voice. >> Wasn't a resolution. >> It was a presentation and I'm looking at the agenda and it says roll call.
I'm just questioning if we're okay. >> Oh, on AC compon >> on um number one under presentation >> under two. I might unless [snorts] you unless the agenda got changed. >> Yeah, the original draft had a roll call. >> Okay, good catch.
>> But yeah, I think we're good. >> All right, [laughter] [sighs and gasps] >> all right. So we will move on to number five, the approval of renew renewal for the membership to the Minnesota State High School League. >> This is a annual um resolution for
school boards in the state of Minnesota to approve to be memberships of the state high school league. Um, should you cho choose not to do that, um, our athletic programs, our music programs, anything in a contest will not be able
to participate. >> Will I make a motion we approve the resolution for membership in the Minnesota [laughter] State High School League? >> We want that. >> Yes. >> You got a motion? Is there a second? >> Second. >> And I would just like to go and say I
still do not agree with girls in the boys and girls sports yet and it's still happening in our state but I do realize that yes we have to approve it >> all right um any further discussion
>> uh one question to Peter um this is based on enrollment right >> correct >> would that be the same enrollment that we just talked about with the parent square or is it is that just grades 8 or 9 through 12? >> Okay. 9 through 12. >> That's how they determine
classification. >> That's right. Okay. Okay. So 9 and through 12 is how they right >> base our pricing. Gotcha. Thank you. >> Good question. All right. If there's no further discussion, we'll do a roll call vote, please. >> Stephanie Edman, >> yes.
>> Randy Heisman, >> yes. >> Sarah Spear, >> yes. >> Don Ward, >> yes. Yes. >> Thank you. We'll move on to the approval of the PSO contract for the following school year. >> So, the contract with CLC uh is the same
as this present year. Um in discussions with the consortium who works with CLC, um there's difficulty in trying to determine what's an appropriate cost to share.
um whether we like it or not, some of our money goes to them and we get some money back. Um it's just the nature of the beast in Minnesota, but we have a a good standing agreement with CLC for next year. Um might change after that,
but right now um they recognize the constraints that public schools are in. We recognize the constraints that they're in because we're both getting funded through the state of Minnesota. So, it's a um I think it's a good secondyear program for us to agree to.
So, is there any uh do those kids that go to uh CLC through this program? Are they counted as students for us? >> Unless they're full-time over there, >> if they're shared, then we get residuals
from that. But if they're full PSO, no, >> we get nothing. >> Right. So, and we don't count them in our ADMs or whatever. >> And that's where the >> Okay. Okay. >> argument is kind of about, you know, >> it's mine, but it's yours.
>> You know, it's like when you put up a fence on your property, if you put it six inches over on the other neighbor's property, you got a problem. [laughter] But if we have director Don if we have Don Leer [laughter] I'm sorry
>> it's okay John >> but um >> CIS doesn't do that >> I was just going to ask about that college college and school >> right college and school does not do that >> right >> um is is the new um chancellor
uh has has the New chancellor been involved in the process at all or >> No. So >> this is all set in motion before All right. >> Har left. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> All right. We'll look for a motion.
>> I'll make a motion. >> Second. >> Go ahead. >> You can. >> Got a motion by arm wrestle. Yeah. >> Ederman and a second by Director Ward. No arm wrestling needed. [laughter] >> Right hand only.
Okay, >> if there's no >> you guys will have to save that for later, but [laughter] there's no further discussion. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I >> oppose the same. [clears throat] >> Motion carries. We will move on to the
approval of the resolution for the Iowa the identified official with authority for the district. >> Right. Every school district needs to identify one person who has access to all data coming through MDE and then that person is able to disseminate once
they're given approval. And uh we are asking that um Carrie Ross be that Iowa person for 2627. Is there a motion? [laughter] >> So Peter, what can you give us a little more detail of what the responsibility
would be then? >> Well, in in the document provided for you, it identifies that >> y >> you know who is going to be given access. Um, usually in smaller school districts, it might be the superintendent and larger school
districts, it's probably someone who is in responsible for this instructional learning and goals and so forth like Carrie is for the district. Um, if there's ever a change in personnel, then you just reapply to the state and rename somebody else. Um, so last year it would
have been me. You can't do it this year because I'm out the door. So, um, it's kind of a it's just a name identified so that the state know who is to contact. >> Why wouldn't be >> because he hasn't he's not employed by the district.
>> Got it. [laughter] So, he got Okay. >> Okay. >> And this has to be done by when? >> June 30th. >> Okay. Okay. >> That happens. >> It's kind of a prefuncter deal. >> Yeah. >> Yep. >> Another state. I'll move. What else?
>> I'll move this and the same thing. >> So, this is something [laughter] that changes or can't change. Correct. Gotcha. >> Okay. All right. We've got a motion by Director Ward. Is there a second? >> I'll second. >> Any further discussion?
>> If not, we'll do a roll call vote, please. >> Randy Hidman, >> yes. >> Sarah Spear, >> yes. >> John Ward, >> yes. >> Michelle Breen, >> yes. >> Stephanie Edman, >> yes. Thank you, Kelly. We'll move on to the approval for the resolution of
establishing dates for filing affidavits for candidacy. And you'll see in your documents um under state statute and state laws for election processes, um opening date is July 14th to file. Closing date is July 28th. Um, and you
pay your significant $2 fee. [cough] >> To show that [clears throat] you're serious, >> right? [laughter] >> They're committed. [gasps] >> It's earlier than Well, >> it doesn't feel like I did it in.
>> Yeah. Okay. >> Right. We'll look for a motion. Well, I'll make a motion we make a resol or we approve the resolution for establishing dates for filing affidavits of candidates. >> A second.
>> Got a motion by Director Breen, a second by Director Hegman. Any additional discussion? If not, this is also a resolution. So, we'll do a roll call vote, please. >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> Yes. Stephanie Edman, >> yes. >> Heman, >> yes. >> Thank you. We will move on to the approval to support a conditional districtwide hiring freeze as presented by Director Olsen.
Welcome. >> Thank you. >> Uh yes. So before you tonight is a request to codify kind of our practice of reviewing vacancies when they uh become vacant to determine whether it's
truly appropriate to continue on with those positions. Like I said, we have been doing that. I would say last year there were probably four or five positions that we that we pulled back when they became vacant. um you know we would we would assess you
know really focus on positions that would not have that direct impact on students obviously. So that's really our our primary focus but it's one of that board's support of that in a motion. >> Thank you. We'll look for a motion.
>> I will make a motion to approve uh and support a conditional districtwide freeze. I'll second it. >> We've got a motion and a second. Is there any additional discussion?
>> I'm just curious what the reasoning is for having this be a resolution. >> I think it's something that um incoming superintendent um had asked for. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Is there a timeline?
>> It would be an ongoing process. >> Ongoing for years or or Yeah. I mean, I I don't know. I suppose the board could uh put some deadline or timeline on it if they'd wish to. >> I think, John, it's for mostly the summer. >> Okay.
>> As people make decisions of I'm not coming back, they notify the district, >> I'm leaving, retiring, whatever it's going to be, and then it'll be determined. Is that position critical that has to be filled or can we live without it? >> Okay. Thank you. >> And we didn't do that already.
>> Well, this makes it more formal. >> Okay. I get it. >> All right. There's a motion on the table. Any further discussion? >> All of those in favor signify by saying I I >> oppose the same.
>> Motion carries. >> Thank you. >> We will move on to item number 10. The approval for a resolution of oper authorizing an operating referendum to go on the November 3rd ballot. So, from the work session that occurred
June 4th, um as you know, incoming Superintendent Ranken talked to you about whether or [snorts] not tonight you would approve um an operating levy for November. And on this particular ballot, it identifies
uh what is requested of the taxpayers of the Briner Public School District. Um it is a 10-year um referendum levy request. School districts can choose a different
number of years. 10 is the maximum. And what's important to understand is that uh I think it was four or five years ago, maybe even longer, the district or the state of Minnesota approved a bill that said >> um inflation can be included year after
year once a levy operating levy has been approved and that is part of the u language in the ballot. This is what it will look like to the public on the uh November election. Um, I think what's really really important is that
um, as the board makes this decision, and I'm assuming it's going to be yes, that there's an immediate action plan of how to um, begin um, a vote yes committee to help uh, provide
information to the public. And for the public standing here or watching or sitting here and watching tonight, the school district cannot spend any money on a vote yes campaign. We can provide factual information on taxes impact and
so forth, but we as a district and as a governmental entity, we cannot um encourage you to vote yes. We can only provide information to make your decision of yes or no. So, I want that to be clear. The district will not be spending any money on the uh vote yes or
vote no because that would be illegal. Our goal is to provide the public with factual information on the tax capacity, the tax impact to individual owners and then it's the responsibility of the owners of the or the taxpayers of the community of the district to do their
research and understand what this could cost to them. Obviously, uh once a campaign gets started, there'll be a plethora of information available on the district website to you can plug in your own particular property value and find out what this could cost. Um it it has
to be perfectly clear. So, um this is what the ballot will look like and it's really comes down to a really simple question. Are the taxpayers of the District of Brainard willing to increase their taxes to fund the district with more operating dollars?
And the important part of that is operating dollars are specifically operational. They can be spent on anything. Now, in 2018 when you did a bond referendum, that was purely for brick and mortar. It was not for operations.
So this is a totally different levy, but we are the only governmental entity in the state of Minnesota that has to request the taxpayers to vote yes or no. City, county, and state. >> It's cart blanch for them. But we as a district have to ask the voters of the
community to vote yes or no. So that's what this is all about. >> Thank you. >> Will I make a motion we approve the resolution for authorizing and operating referendum? Second.
>> All right. We've got a motion by Director Breen and a second by Director Ward. Any discussion? >> Madam Chair? >> Yes. >> About a year ago, I was not in favor of a levy because we had no plan.
We had really not much of anything. Uh, and I'm not saying anything negative with Peter because he's he was an interim and he was he was trying to keep us afloat. Uh, Chips come in with a very
our incoming superintendent with a very good plan. Um, I have stated to some of my board member here that I am going to be voting yes for this levy
to let the taxpayers decide if they want their property taxes increased. I live in Baxter and as Peter said, we don't get to vote on stuff there. They just send us a bill and we got to
pay. You know, I've paid for street projects. I paid for water and sewer here just recently. And here the taxpayers get to choose what they want. And I am
not going to stand in the way of that because of the fact that we have a good plan. Um is it a perfect plan? No. But it's a good plan. is a good start. And um
I had made the comment that uh we were kind of in quicksand and we were uh and we need to we need to do something uh and was not in favor of spending more money
on a house that was built on sand. And obviously that has changed with our with our incoming superintendent. So, I just want to state for the record why I am changing my mind because of a plan. We
never had one before. Now, it's my understanding tonight all we're doing is voting on the fact that we're going to do a levy. >> This is the resolution for the levy. >> Yep. We're going to talk more about dollar amounts and whatnot.
probably at another meeting. Correct. >> Well, you can make different choices, but right now, as it stands, the referendum author authorization reads, "The school board of independent school district 181 has proposed to increase its general education revenue by $865
per pupil. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would be applicable applicable for 10 years beginning with taxes payable in 2027 and increase each year by the rate of inflation beginning with taxes payable in 2028 unless otherwise revoked or
reduced by pro uh provided by law. So that would be the 865 um Marcy I'm assuming is 5 million correct? >> Yes. Yep. >> Yeah. And madam chair,
>> um at our work last work session >> um as director um heman indicated uh I almost did it again. [laughter] Um, director Heidman indicated um chip
superintendent rank superintendent coming in uh ranking indicated um the plan of um you know basic moderate most and preferred. >> I believe this is this was the preferred
plan. >> Am I correct on that Mars? >> Okay. And I just want to make make that statement as well. It's not it's a preferred plan. It and it and as Randy said, it's it's a plan that consists of
not just an operating levy. There's other parts to the plan, >> right? >> That is solid. >> Yeah. There's going to be more strategic cuts. >> Yep. >> Uh etc. And so I I guess I just want to make sure
what I am. So we have until August 11th >> I mean >> to make changes >> to make changes. >> Correct. >> That is when you have to notify the secretary of state of Minnesota. >> Okay. >> In MDE. >> Okay.
>> So I'd like to have a little bit more discussion about the dollar amount uh with the incoming superintendent. And uh I'm in favor of a levy. Yeah, just it's just how much
how much [clears throat] and I've got questions too that I need to get cleared in my head. We keep talking about this 1.5 million that we're going to take from long-term uh maintenance funds. >> Right now, those dollars are, you know, are we borrowing those dollars to
increase the levy? I mean, what I don't want to what I what I don't want to have happen is >> is these dollars we're getting from the state now, we do not pay any interest on. >> Correct. we are going to be paying interest
uh potentially if we if we take those dollars and and maybe I'm thinking all wrongly because no one's really explained what that 1.5 mil does >> that's all L LFTM then that's reduces
the levy here so you can have the levy over here maybe you want to have Marcy clarify >> so you would only pay interest if we need to issue bonds for projects which at this point we wouldn't >> right >> and Matthew actually shared too with the
amount of money or excuse me the amount that the market values going up that 1.5 million may not need to be reduced no more when the values come in >> well what's what bothers me is that right now it's interest it's interest
free money and I don't want to have it turn around and then all of a sudden we're borrowing money from it and now we're paying interest on money that was originally tax there was no interest being assessed to it. I just you know that cuz that
happened I think sometimes a little bit when uh the blueprint 181 stuff uh happened and and uh I don't want this to uh uh potentially uh come into play. [clears throat] That's all I'm >> speak about what role LR's would play in
this. >> Yeah. So they are the behind the scenes calcs like the numbers that resolution came from our bond attorney but they're the ones actually providing the per pupil amount um and then they can run any scenario. They can tell you how the impact on the value of the home. They
gave the median at that information um session but like if we had any questions they can run whatever we need. And really important for agriculture is that the tax impact is only on the one acre
home site, not on 3,000 acres or 300 acres or whatever. >> Well, the other thing too is that finally the legislature passed the seasonal. >> Yeah, >> that's going to help. Uh that's going to help a little bit too and that'll be part of the explanation as well. >> Yes.
>> But um >> that's big. >> Yeah. Yeah. I just want to know exactly what I am committing myself to tonight. I mean, besides I mean, I know I'm voting for a levy like to be able to
discuss some of the finer details potentially. So, I'm I I need some clarification then. If tonight we're voting uh for this resolution [clears throat] as it's as it's [snorts] stated right now with
the 5 million give or take or whatever, that's what we're voting on and approving tonight. What if you change your mind? Then do we need to go back and do another resolution before August 11?
So, how do you amend the resolution? Yeah, you have to amend. >> I mean, really, you're what you're overall you're approving. We're going to go for a levy. This is what the ballot can say today. You can change it. Let's >> maybe we have a benevolent benefactor that gives the district I don't know >> 5 million
>> few million. >> No, that would be nice. >> Then you go, well, let's let's change this. But this is where you're starting from. But August 11th is that's when you notify the Secretary of State and the Department of Education. What I guess what I'm wanting to know is does it take
board approval to amend >> oh yeah >> that so this as it stands right now is what we're agreeing to but if through our discussions we change have changes of heart or whatever then we'd have to go back correct >> and amend it.
>> So so we're potentially voting on what's going to be on the ballot. >> Yeah. Well, you overall you're you're voting to say yes, we will have a a special election for I 181. >> The details in it can be >> fluid until August 11th.
>> Okay. >> I'm voting on that tonight. >> That's where I'm kind of >> That's where you're voting tonight. >> That's what I'm voting. >> Yeah. >> Any further discussion? Thank you, Marcy. >> All right. If not, we will do a roll
call vote, please. >> John Warden, >> yes. >> Phil, >> yes. >> Stephanie Edman, >> no. >> Randy Hidman, >> yes. >> Spear. >> Yes.
>> Thank you. All right. So, okay. We will move on to >> that. Okay. >> Not yet. Okay. [clears throat] We will move on to committee updates and and we will start with the curriculum
and instruction and staff support committee that met on May 21st. >> I guess that's me, right? >> That is you, director. Take it away. Well, we've already talked about the ACOM presentation, so I'm not going to spend time talking about that
because Sandy did a very good job on that. Uh, and uh, Dr. Cornier also did an excellent job of talking about the merge literacy uh, curriculum uh, implementation as far as next steps as well. Uh, so I'm not going to go over
that again. uh professional learning plan for 2627. Uh we've talked a little bit about uh the ELA English learning uh arts and reading teachers are going to participate in training [gasps] for the
read act and uh 2627 curriculum work uh for ELA. We're going to be working with the middle school English teachers on their instructional framework. um math teachers, grades 5 through 12,
uh they're going to begin an understanding phase of the curriculum process and [snorts] potentially examining some shifts in the 2022 math standards. Uh and that a lot of that has to do with some of the state benchmarks and things
like that. and then K through four math uh foundational learning around the 2022 standards will begin uh gently. Now, I'm not sure what gently [laughter] gently means, but that's what are in the
uh the notes. And uh our next meeting is uh [snorts] October 29th, and that'll be here before we know it. Uh end of report. >> Thank you. Report. All right. Up next, we have the spring
screening data from Director Lungren. Good evening. So, [snorts] in your information uh is the link to the uh spring fast bridge screening data. [clears throat] The spring window was April 20th through
May 22nd. And I'm just going to call out a few of the celebrations um that we saw this spring. So districtwide, our reading proficiency increased by 3% from the winter screening window. >> Uh districtwide, our math proficiency
increased by 1% from the screening window. Nine out of 11 grade cohorts uh saw a percent proficient increase from the spring 2025 screening data and reading. So a year ago from spring
uh eight out of 11 cohorts uh increased their proficiency uh in math from our spring screening window in 2025. And then looking at uh this year's winter to spring data uh we had a few
cohorts that uh shown show showed that they had a 5% or more increase in their proficiency um in reading. That was grades kindergarten, 1, 2, and 7th. And then in math, kindergarten, fifth, 7th, and eighth grade saw a 5% increase or
more. Our uh fall screening window is uh September 21st through October 16th in the fall. And then as indicated um as part of the uh literacy presentation um our focus on literacy next year for professional learning uh we have the
implementation of our emerge curriculum for uh K4 literacy. Uh we're going to be continuing with our second year of time to thrive uh at Forestview. Um our high school ELA will be in year two implementation of their curriculum
resource. Uh so making adjustments and responding to data um in that year 2 work and then we're going to be focusing on K12 math and 58 ELA curriculum work next year. >> Did you guys need any of that repeated?
[laughter] >> Just asking. >> Thank you. >> Nice report. >> Yes. That is really good to hear. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> All right. [clears throat] Next up, we have the Briner Public Schools Foundation. So, today was the last day at their
annual board retreat, but I am here, so I didn't make it, but um I w did go to the um scholarship night. I was there for a little bit. Everything went really good at scholarship night and >> they will not have another meeting until
September. >> All right. Thank you. Uh, next up we've got Apac. >> Um, yes, I was at that meeting and they were quite upset because they had heard they weren't
going to be allowed to um have play the drums at the graduation on Friday night, but they had been allowed to play it Thursday afternoon at the GZ Center, but then it all got worked out so they were able to um play on Friday night at the
before the graduation. Thank you. [clears throat] >> All right. Safe and welcoming schools committee. So, we are not meeting um since our last board meeting and will resume again in the fall. Okay.
>> Um and then the wellness task force, we um will be meeting with um Superintendent Ranken to talk about what he would like to see from that committee going forward. >> Great. Next up then we've got the business
services report. Welcome back, Mercy. Um, pretty short. There's nothing really to note on the report, but I did want to share that there MSBA did do a webinar on Friday that I believe was recorded. So, it's on the permanent school trust.
I would encourage you to watch it. um they shared ballot language and that I learned no voting not voting is a no vote. So just spreading the word so that people get educated on that before we
have to vote in November. That's all I have. >> Thank you. >> And last but not least, the superintendent report. Since U Marcy brought up about uh the ballot and the
voting and so forth um and there'll be a special election for the school district, I would really want voters to know that since this is a general election, the school ballot elections will be at the very end of the ballot.
And I don't want people to go through the House, the Senate, and so forth and whatever else, the judges, and all the other things. and then all a sudden they say, "I'm tired. I'm not voting anymore." Flip the last page, please, because that will be the district's
ballot. And um sometimes, especially when it's a whether it's a midterm or a regular fullterm election, any school ballot is always at the end and it usually gets lost in the shuffle. So,
that'll be one of the things the campaign will have to do is make sure vote to the very end of the ballot. That would be important. Um, number two, I was able to attend three graduations in one week. [clears throat] It started [laughter]
it started with here in in Brainer, then I went to one in uh St. Paul, and then I went to one in Wilmer. And the only thing I'm going to say is what we did in Brainard was topshelf.
It was uh very well done, clockwork, organized. um hour and 15 minutes. The other two were um less than organized. That's all
I can say. And I had grandkids involved. So, I'm being polite the polite the best I can. But it was a very, very well done graduation. I want to thank Carrie Boza and her staff for um really being organized. Um, I don't know if you ever know, but when you're a high school
principal, you have so many things on your plate and then when it becomes graduation time, nothing matters except having a really good graduation. So, um, kudos to the high school. Um, I don't know if the public knows about it yet, but we do now have a tenative agreement
with the teachers union as of uh, Monday of this today. Um they will not be able to vote on it though until August because in their bylaws um there is no voting during the
summer and it's because people are not available or they're gone and so forth. So but we do have a tenative agreement uh with EMV which is a very good sign. Um [clears throat] we ended the year on June 2nd with
students. Um as I went to the different schools, it was kind of interesting how um each whether it's elementary, junior high, or high school, [clears throat] they were doing something different everywhere. [cough] And um it was fun to watch the kids doing some things they
probably hadn't done all year long. But [clears throat] I'll give the each school uh credit for keeping the kids engaged. It was a very quiet, calm day, you know, and that's one of the things everybody worries about as the last day of school. It's going to be either chaos or it's going to be a really good end of
the school year. And it was a very good end of the school year. And then my last thing is I want to thank the uh school board um and Kevin uh for giving me the opportunity to serve you. Um it's been interesting. I
will tell you that. I've learned a lot though. um when you when you've been [clears throat] an administrator as long as I have been prior to co number one, but more importantly in a time when I think um our schools were better served
by our politicians than they are today. Um, it was kind of an awakening for me to understand that we are in a different we're not in Kansas anymore, you know, from Wizard of Oz. [clears throat] But it's it's really been um I've been
appreciative of all the thank yous and the kindness and the respect. Um, that makes a person feel pretty good. So Sarah and Randy and Stephanie and John, Michelle, DJ,
thank you very much for two years of um giving me the opportunity to work with you and I will always have blue. [laughter] So thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Peter. Um,
[clears throat] you know, it's been a wonderful two years. Thank you for saying yes to the the opportunity even after you knew what you were getting into. Um, this is probably an interesting time to [laughter] be in the district and we
appreciated your [clears throat] leadership and your passion for education and for the students and it's it was I think I can speak for all of us, but I but I won't. um it was wonderful to see
>> um when you shared that with us at times. So, thank you. >> And I want to make sure I don't forget um those people in the back row and that are not even here tonight, you guys do have a great leadership team. Um you got
to let them do their work and I've appreciated that. And I want you to know every successful superintendent has a very very good assistant. and Kelly. Um, I remember our first couple weeks it was kind of like, does
he know what he's doing? [laughter] And then I would look at her and I go, does she know what she's doing? Cuz we were both fairly new. >> Yeah. >> But, um, for the board, you have a star who manages you very well. I think tries
to the best of her ability to keep you in online in track. So, I want to thank Kelly for keeping me above water, so to speak, because it takes a team to make it work with a twoerson team in that office. And Kelly, uh, she'll be great
for Chip. So, I want to make sure I don't forget to mention that and the people that are back there, the administrators. So, >> it's a great crew. Thank you. >> You're welcome, >> Madam Chair. >> Yeah. [clears throat] I just want to thank you for [snorts] the two years you've been here and for
your leadership and for your respect and being outfront with us and everything and you and I haven't always agreed. We know that I mean we both [clears throat] know that >> but we have always I always felt respected by you and I hope you feel respected by me and trusted by me and
you trusted me. I trust [clears throat] you. But um so much appreciate, you know, um it's like a head football coach uh taking on a team um that he's not sure um what he's going to do and how long it's going to last and where
it's going to go and everything else. um or any coach, not any not just any, but you you took on a, as Sarah said, you took on a a I would say what started as an impossible journey and made it pretty good. Real good.
>> Thank you. >> So, thank you. >> Appreciate it. >> And I would echo many of those same statements. I'm sure I gave you some sleepless nights, but uh you uh you kept
us on course and uh you uh came out of retirement to do this and uh >> yeah, >> that [snorts] uh took a lot of courage. Uh you could have just sat back and and uh used your pontoon boat and what you're
going to do now a lot which you deserve. So, and you taught me a few things >> and you taught me a few things, >> you know, explained a few things to me and uh whatnot. And I uh appreciate the relationship that we had now and
>> in the future. So, thank you, Peter. >> Thank you, Randy. >> And I would like to just say thank you. I know it hasn't been easy. And thank you for coming out of retirement. And I'll see you around since we only live a block apart.
>> That's right. appreciate that stuff. >> And I'll add to Peter, I've just really appreciated your um your leadership and your um uh positivity and and you've been really um what's the word I'm
looking for? Really focused on what we need to do, what's best for students. And I and I I believe I mean we're a very new board. We've had a lot of ups and downs, but you I believe you brought
us closer together by um by the work that you did to to keep us on track and to >> um to remind us what what what we're doing, what this is all about. So, thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you.
>> And there are um cookies over here to be shared. Kelly took good care of us. So, please stay after the meeting uh for that. But we do have one more thing we need to get back to. Um Erin is now able to join us. Thank you, Erin, for joining
us. Appreciate it. Um for >> y >> item number four under new business. It is the approval of the health insurance [clears throat] renewal re recommendation with director Wilson as well. Thank you for joining us. Erin, [clears throat]
do you want to talk? You want me to tee it up? >> I think you can kick us off. Yeah, >> sure. What we have before you tonight is a recommendation from the insurance committee to increase our health insurance premiums by 2.5%. The initial renewal came in at 7 a.5%.
Uh we had conversations with our union groups and the the members of that committee about uh making some changes to our healthcare drug formulary uh particular the GLP1 drugs for an obesity diagnosis
that has gone through rampant growth and um we spent about $500,000 on that last year. The the growth trend is in middle double digits. So, it was just something we felt like um by doing that we would
we would put the district and their employees in a tougher spot down the road. Plus, the way the the pricing structure works out, self-pay seems to be cheaper nowadays than running that stuff through insurance. So, uh just really at odds there. Then, we're also
recommending that the uh that we lower the the renewal by kind of dipping into our our reserves. we have a very healthy fund balance within our insurance fund and and we're looking to draw that down by a couple points as well. So that's where we're ending up at that 2 and a.5%
renewal uh recommendation. Uh that is contingent upon getting uh memorandums of understanding in place with all unionized groups because we're all insured together. We're all underwritten together. Um and we've got a number of them in already. But if we in the motion
there, if we don't receive that by uh those by July 1st, then we would install recommend that the board install a 5% premium increase. Jason, I just need some clarification with this GLP1 coverage. Um that does
not include like a primary diagnosis of diabetes or something like that, right? >> That is correct. Yeah. type two um diabetes diagnosis, sleep apnea, um cardiovascular issues. Yeah, those are still different and distinct um
diagnoses for the GO1 drugs that are permissible and continue under our plan. >> Okay. >> And this the change will be effective September 1st with our new with our open enrollment period. So it'll give people some time to kind of plan ahead and work with their physician in terms of step downs or alternatives and that sort of
thing. Okay. >> [clears throat] >> Madam Chair, >> so um Telmed or I don't know what what but I can't remember the program's name. >> Healthiest you >> healthiest you that made a I mean that made a hu huge impact and um where are
we with it? Where where's our >> where are we sitting with it? >> Yeah, Erin, I don't know if you have any specific date on that. >> Yeah. Yeah, I I'll take it. Um, so Chair Spear and members of the board, appreciate you having me here uh tonight to answer some questions and and um
provide some information uh uh directly to your question on the uh utilization of healthiest. We we happen to be one of our our our best performers um in our book of business. Um we have a a very good uh registration rate and actual um
utilization rate and that continues to tick up year overyear. Um, and our claims redirection is is in the $300,000 range. So, um, we're still, uh, kicking that out of the park. Um, our our staff have really embraced that. Um, and this is, if you recall, board, this is a
program where we have a tap capitated cost and any claim um, that our members, including our employees and andor their dependents, if they use the program, it's 100% redirection off of our self-insured medical plan. Um, and we're we're definitely in a two plus uh uh
return on investment on this program. So, it's it's uh been been extremely well received by our by our members. >> So, our marketing is is is working, but we're going to continue to push that as well. >> You were going to continue that for sure. We're doing great with our
employee group. We need to keep marketing, you know, to spouses and dependent children over 18. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> Got a check. Mhm. >> Aaron, correct me if I'm wrong, but uh if I remember from uh being in attendance uh at the uh insurance
committee meetings, um even without the two buy downs that that were doing, we were in pretty good shape as far as our premium increase based upon uh statewide uh districts as far as what they were going to be paying for insurance premium increases. Is that a true statement?
>> Yes, abs. Absolutely. you know, we we calculated out to a recommended need of 7.5%. Uh we're we're well below that. Um in our in our book of business, we've only had a handful of groups that are in that range out of, you know, probably over a
hundred school districts um that we work with on the medical side. So, yeah, we're doing real well. Uh the the medical trend has actually ticked up. So we would we would peg medical trend right around that high single digits 8 n% and depending on where you're at
greater Minnesota uh probably low double digits into the teens. So from from an overall perspective we we literally are are are one of our our better performers um just a handful of groups that are kind of below that that 10% mark.
>> That's great. That is good. We'll look for a motion. >> So moved. >> A second. >> More good news. >> Yes. More good news. >> Just saying. Just >> just keep it coming. We've got a motion by Director Heman, a second by Director
Edman. Any further discussion or questions? If not, all those in favor signify by saying I. I. >> Oppose. The same. >> Motion carries and approved. >> Thank you. >> Thank you both. Appreciate it. Thanks, Aaron. >> Thank you, sir. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you very much. Have a good night. >> Thanks. All right, that brings us to the end of our meeting. We'll look for a motion to adjurnn. >> I'll make a motion. >> I'll second. Assuming no discussion, all of those in favor say I. I