Good evening everyone. At this time, I'll call to order the business meeting for the Fable Public School Board here on May 18th, 2026 at the district office. We welcome all of you who are in attendance and those of you who are joining us online. Uh, Director Steves,
is there a quorum present? >> Yes, Mr. Chair, there is. >> Thank you. Would everyone please stand for the pledge of >> allegiance 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. Thank you all. Agenda item number two, just a little housekeeping before we begin. Board members, if you would take your microphone and pull it towards you and actually bend down the top directly
to you. So when you speak, it's directly in there. We're been informed that we can't hear a few of you. So speak directly into the microphone and we'll go from there. So thank you. Uh, agenda item number two, approval of the agenda. Is there a motion for the
approval of the agenda? >> So move. >> Thank you, director Budro. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Director Steves. Any discussion? Discussion. Discussion. All in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. I.
>> Opposed. Motion passes. Agenda item number three, recognition, awards, and presentations. Uh 3A. We have first uh student athletics and activities a recognition. Our presenter is Mr. Shane Gunderson, our activities director. So,
good evening, Mr. Gunderson. Welcome. Thank you. Sitting here with me is Asher Ferris. Um we had three that we're going to honor tonight. Asher Ferris, um Grace Porter, and Ryan Kger. Um Asher had an outstanding season this year,
placed fifth in the state swim and dive meet, earning all state honors for the second consecutive year. He also finished as the conference and section runnerup, competing against the returning section and state champion in both meets. Um, in addition, Asher broke
this school or the school's 11 dive junior record by more than 50 points and came within a single point of the six dive junior record currently held by his brother. Already the second best diver in school history, he enters his season senior season poised for continued
success and is considered a leading contender for both the conference and section titles. So, no pressure. Congratulations. He had a great year. Is that me? Sorry. Um Ryan Kger, a basketball player. Um throughout Ryan's
career as a four-year varsity player, he amassed onc court numbers and achievements that are incredible. He scored 1387 points, hauled down 881 rebounds, a school record, and blocked 406 shots, also a school record. He was
selected Big Nine Allconerence unanimously twice, named the Star Tribune's top 25 players in the state list, and named the state's top big man. Ryan is one of the best basketball players Farbo has ever seen. Um, and as
outstanding as Ryan has been as a basketball player, he is even a better young man. And this is a quote from his um from his coach, Eric Hildebrandt. He is competitive, humble, committed, and genuinely genuinely cares about those around him. He is one of the best
teammates that I have ever had the privilege to work with. I'm so proud of all his accomplishments and this young man um and that he the young man that he has become. I am thrilled to watch him next year at Lyola Chicago where he
plans to play. SO, and the last one was Grace Porter, um, who is a member of our co-op. She's from Shadic. Um, in, uh, gymnastics. She had not competed. Um, she came to Shadic in ninth grade. Um, didn't compete in
gymnastics till this year, but before that in Canada, she had been a club gymnast. Um so this year she decided as part of her senior year she was going to try out um and was doing really well late in the season suffered a pretty bad hip injury. Um
trusted the twoe rest she had to sit out the big nine conference championship. Despite sitting that out the conference felt um that she was an honorable mention was worth the honorable mention because she was participating so well at the section competition. Um,
Grace and her teammates made the decision. Well, um, Grace responded in an incredible fashion. She broke the school vault record with a 975, uh, earning first place. She also earned a personal best 9-3 on the bars and took
third and then 94 on the floor and took six. All those scores qualified her for state in v vault bars and the floor. at state competing against 48 athletes on each event. Grace had some of her best routines placing fourth in vault, third
in bars, and fourth on floor at the state gymnastics meet. Um, and this is a quote by her coach, Lissa Rasmmanson. Beyond the scorers, records, and medals, what made Grace truly special this year was her character. She was a positive role model to her teammates,
consistently hardworking, light-hearted, coachable, and supportive of those around her. It was an absolute joy to coach Grace this season and our team and community are incredibly grateful that she has chose gymnastics one more chance during her senior year. Her resilience,
attitude, and accomplishment made a lasting impact on the Farbo Gymnastics Club. >> Board members, any comments? >> Well, Mr. Chair, could >> Mr. Okay, Mr. Chair, could we have Asher's autograph?
>> He's the only guy that's here or only one of the three here. >> I used to collect autographs when my kids were in sports because it was just so fun. Just so fun to do. But it's good to meet you, Asher. Sorry I didn't
wasn't able to watch your competition. >> Good luck to you, >> Director Moore. I just want to say congratulations to Asher, Brian, and Grace. Um, I have to say that uh our son, my son, our son Shane and and Shane
were uh teammates on in football team and they're both so but I have to say it's it's just should be proud of yourself >> and um you're you're very polite too and so just great congratulations and I
think another round of app applause would be good. all the students. >> So, congratulations to all of the uh the three athletes who student athletes who are recognized and just shows you what quality kids we have and the activities
we provide for them. So, great thing. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Being flexible in our agenda here is supposed to arrive here. So, I'm going to jump to agenda item 3C. We'll hold off on the student board representatives. Hopefully, he'll show
here in a few minutes, but the Farewell Area Learning Center presentation. Our presenter is Mr. Jake Hager, our Farewell Area Learning Center director, and I believe Miss Abby Bloomquist, if I remember there, and a student. So,
welcome. Thank you. Oh, thanks for having us. Um, this is Abby Bloomquist and Jacob Barto, uh, 11th grader at the ALC with us. So, um, I guess what we sort of wanted to talk about today is something that we
this Okay, now it might be. There we go. is something that we sort of talked about last year when I had the opportunity to come and uh speak before AF and what it really evolves around is and we've talked about this over the last
two to three years with the staff at the ALC is how can we get more experiences and opportunities for the students at the ALC because something that we always talk about is and a lot of people in general talk about you know the achievement gap and What we really see
is it's not an achievement gap. It's an opportunity gap. When students at the LC are given the opportunities they achieve at the same rates or just as high as any any student, whether that's at the LC, the high school, wherever. And so that's
what we've really tried to focus on as a staff at the ALC is how can we increase different experiences, different opportunities both socially and academically. and >> and on both aspects of it. Um
we're very lucky and we have some really great donors that have allowed us to um have some well give more social uh experiences to our students. Um, this year we went to the Komo Zoo. We just went to Can Can
Wonderland and got to see how they're incorporating local artists into the things that they're doing there. Um, tomorrow we're actually going to a Saints game. We're hoping for better weather. Looks like it's going to be a little chilly and um just trying to get those different uh social aspects in
there because a lot of times when students come to us th those social aspects have been missing for different reasons. Um on the academic side of things, um we have a smaller staff and because of that we really try and focus
on the cores and those things that our our students really need to graduate. But then looking at well when it comes to English what are the different things that we can do to fulfill those English requirements and math and science, social studies, things like that. And
one of the things that we sort of we went backwards to go forwards. We used to do these things called symposiums. It's sort of like a J term and we brought them back last year and the staff was really able to take what we learned last year with symposiums and
build on it for this year. um our math teacher Brian Ma and special ed teacher uh Tim Mauls, they were able to work with FEP and we got three or four 3D printers and they put on a 3D printing class for our students. Um Abby uh put
out a class called uh judge and jury which was sort of like a criminal what's the word >> like a true crime investigation. >> There we go. Um, we our fian teached at WWE history and brackettology, mental health and
wellness. Nikki, our social worker, got in on that and Heather Castile, our vocational communications teacher, they sort of tag team that a little bit. And um, with these opportunities, they're able to earn elective credit, but we're also able to earn different core credits
as well because Aby's um, hits on different English standards. were able to give English credit. Um we were able to give social studies elective credit with mana, our social studies teacher. Um Cat did our science teacher did Intro to Nursing. So even though we're a
smaller staff, we're still trying to figure out ways how can we offer more opportunities, more credits, and more experiences to our students. So, um, Abby has really taken the lead on this and trying to look at different
ways to meet the needs on the English side of things. >> So, um, one of the things that I got back into, um, this quarter this year was a digital media offering, which is essentially video productions. And, um, for most of the students on my roster,
with the exception of one, this was a brand new class for them. They had never been exposed to any sort of formal video creation or editing and the end product is what you're going to see here in a moment. Um, but they've done an incredible job. They've really come in and knocked it out of the park again,
especially as beginners, so to speak. It's been really cool to see them really take the reigns and take ownership and really pour into our program. >> Okay, let's see if this works. So, this was the final product that Abby was talking about that the digital media
class ended up uh working on and creating. Socially, it helped me a lot to find my inner circle as well as to be able to pass my freshman year. I think that the ALC is a good environment for kids who
need more help. I think a lot of people get misconceptions from the adults in the community as they put a lot of slander on it believing that it's a terrible thing, you know, but it really isn't. I believe it's an opportunity for other people that can't really fit in the high school or adjust
to the things in the high school. It's a really good opportunity for credit and graduating early and honestly a really good experience when it comes to the people. >> They're good at making sure you are there every day and on time and they are very
accessible when you need them when you need help with >> I get support from doing like work and like helping understand all of the assignments. like they're more flexible with how to help you. Like they're just more helpful. Like
>> when I used to go to another high school, my grades weren't good. You know, I didn't have like any good relationships with my teachers and I just felt like I wasn't my best self. But when I came to the AOC, I found that my grades were better. I had more better relationships with the teachers because
I feel like they understand me more. I think that our school allows more opportunity for many students and helps a lot of kids in ways other schools can't. >> It feels more like a community and less of a school. And the teachers are really
lenient and really nice and they work with you very well. >> I think the ALC is a great place for people to learn as well as to sort of like community that they feel like they can
belong to. >> They offer a lot more support than you think a normal school would have. I feel like here, if they tell you they're going to help you, they really will. And they'll try to get in contact with you to give you that help. They
I have taken the opportunity to go out of my comfort zone and talk to more students and just find success in ways that I haven't elsewhere. Yeah, they helped me increase my grades and they helped me catch up and so then I can graduate earlier.
>> I got better at my attendance and like going to school and getting better grades. I started college classes this year. A significant failure was losing a year and a half of school because I couldn't show up and I would instead
skip with my friends. But I had that help from teachers. They ended up setting up a meeting with my parents and talking with my parents and making goals for me and plans for me on how I could get better, which honestly that like
helped a lot because it sent me back in track on to the road to graduation. And now I've been showing up every single day. I haven't skipped and I have straight A so far and I am graduating this upcoming month. So I'd like to say that the ALC helped me a lot and showing
Would you two like to introduce yourselves? >> Um, I'm Bonnie Olivo and I'm a senior at the ALC. Alamin Reyes and I'm a junior at the ALC. Yeah, we just want to say thank you for
having us and any questions >> board members. >> Director Moore, >> I don't have a question. I just have a couple comments here. Um, I visited the ALC quite a bit and thank you Jake. And when I every time I go in there, I just
kind of, you know, lets me wander around. I uh I talk to the students. I, you know, I do see the community there. I see the students engaged. They seem to be happy. I think this is all in all, you know, in general, it's just a great program and I hope it continues. Uh, as
I said, when I go in, I you know, teachers let me talk to the students. I think it's a great it it's just a great experience for me and I think for for all of us. Um, and I also want I told Jake I'd say this, thank you for the
brevity. I'll get only a short few short ones here because I had a stats professor one time that agreed with the assessment that if you want to hide something, you inundate the reader with lots of oodles of charts and statistics and you didn't do that. I think you're just right up in front and appreciate
that. And like I say, every time I've gone in there, I think overall it's it's all in all it's a great program. I hope it continues. So, thank congratulations to you, >> Dr. students. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you for
coming. All of you appreciate seeing you. And Jake, I have a question for you. The the opportunities and the um credits that you're looking to expand on. I I think that's good creativity on your part. I'm wondering if when you get
in your new location, if you'll have greater opportunities to do some other things. Mhm. >> I mean, I don't know if you've thought about that, but maybe share some of your thoughts about the process of moving and >> what you think how you think that may
enhance >> Well, we're super excited to make that move. Um, and it's definitely going to increase the opportunities. Um we've got to collaborate and team up with uh public health and we're working on putting or uh building a greenhouse on
that site. And actually our math teacher and our special ed teacher are have been working on and currently are working on creating a sort of more of a hands-on math. And so taking geometry and looking at or
uh combining taking what they're learning in geometry in the classroom and really putting that into or showing how that fits into uh like construction and the trades and things like that, but then also looking at me and Mr. Venty were talking about this
the other week. um looking at planting some different fruit trees and things like that to be able to give back to the community and looking at that aspect of it. And about a month ago, we were able to sit down with Cassie in the chamber and looking at bringing back more volunteering opportunities. So, we're
always looking at how can we partner and how can we collaborate to give more and more experiences. So, >> it's true. Well, you have a great uh amount of acreage there and you could probably set up a little landscaping business. >> I hope you enjoy it. And you'll also
have the opportunity to have some lunches together or some things to celebrate in a cafeteria as well as a gym. Yes. >> And a stage. So, some programming. I'm an really excited to hear in another year from you,
>> Director Steves. >> Um, yeah. So, as Jake alluded to, I got the privilege of going on to the ALC site a few weeks ago. Um, just I love love love the career connectedness. um and the list of volunteer opportunities like these kids are
already showing up like and and helping out their community whether they think it's fun a fun activity or if it's you know picking up trash on the side of the road. I just saw a post the other day about that. So, um keep up the good work. Um your community needs volunteer
hours. So, thank you for that. >> Director Kudson. Well, I want to thank you guys for coming and I'm very familiar with the ALC as I the students don't know that I used to be a teacher there. So, um, so I think we always considered it the best
kept secret and um, since Jake has taken over the reigns, I think it's gotten even better and I hear just great things going on. So, I look forward to seeing the move and what kind of opportunities will will
exist from from expanding. Thank you. >> I'd like to thank you for coming in. Very good presentation. I would say on behalf of the board, we are excited. I'm really excited come August to you finally have a building in which you have a kitchen, you have your own gy
gym, you'll have a science room and an art room and other academic things. So, you really expanded. I'm just I'm very proud that we're able to do this for a quality program where alternatives learning environment that you have and what you provide for kids. So, I thank
you so much and we'll advocate for you all the time. So, we appreciate it. Thank you very much. Have a great night. >> So, with flexibility, we're going back to agenda item 3B. Uh, I would like to recognize the student board representatives. So, if I could have
Issa and Mayor, if you'd come up front here. I'm going to come around. Yes. I need my picture taken. Coming to the end of the school year tonight, we'd like to recognize and thank our school board representatives
for their service to our school board. First, we offer our sincere appreciation to Isa graduating this spring after nearly two years of service school board representative. Throughout his time on the board, Isa has valuable student
perspective, thoughtful insight, and strong commitment to representing. We are grateful for the time and dedication he has given to our district and school community. Issa, thank you for your service. We wish you the best.
I'd also like to thank Williams for her service and contributions this past year. Has been a positive voice for students and an important part of the conversations and work of the board. We excited that she will continue
during the 26 27 school year and we look forward to continent for the upcoming school years. We look forward to the perspective and ideas Leo will bring to the board as he begins this important role. We want to thank these students for their
dedication and commitment to the congratulations all of you. So entire board. ready. Okay. Thank you. Agenda item number four, items of information. Uh, school board members
have anything. School board members. Sure. That's us. That's us. Director Wolf, go ahead. Uh, thank you. Well, I got to uh attend and participate in the postp prom on
>> Saturday night into Sunday morning. And for this old guy, I'm not used. You need help here? There's >> I I didn't hear what you said. You got to participate. >> I had the opportunity to participate in postp prom on Friday, Saturday night into Sunday morning. And for this old
guy, I'm not used to going to sleep at 4:00 a.m. anymore. But postprom was fantastic and the people that went to postprom I think made it fantastic. Um, some people need to sharpen up on their blackjack skills a little bit. However,
the hypnotist was was really great. And if you don't believe in hypnosis, you should go and watch somebody that you know get hypnotized because uh I know a couple people that got hypnotized and you could not help but smile
watching um the fun they were having on stage. And so anyway, it was it was a great event and thank you to the all the people that helped plan the postp prom and that volunteered for it and thank you to the students that came and and made it great. So wonderful.
Director Steves. >> Um, a few weeks ago I got the um pleasure of going to um on a farm tour with the Lincoln Elementary and then just last week um we took Jefferson to the Bower Farm. Um I brought home no
additional animals. So that was quite the feat. Um yeah, just a huge thank you to our local egg community. Um they donate their time and their efforts. Um yeah, also attended a um field trip to Shadic um also last Friday. Um and then
just today uh Riverbend. So our our community is incredibly generous and with their time, talents, and treasures. So our kids are really really incredibly lucky that they get to experience all of these things locally. >> Dr. Kudson. Well, I attended the awards
ceremony with other people as well and it was a wonderful turnout. A lot of students got some great scholarships and they were welld deserved um and an amazing amount of of scholarships. Um I also um attended the well actually I
volunteered at the community unity event this past Friday and they had a great turnout. A lot of you know a lot of families showed up. There was a lot of good food um activities. There was a movie played and just a great turnout
from our community and um I guess that's it. >> Director Moore. >> Uh yes, I I'm I'd like to say something about sometimes when we're in discussion, we reference the laws. So I'd like like to say something about the
laws. Um, as we know, we have state laws and federal laws and they often conflict. But I think good laws are always always based on intrinsic sense of fairness whose foundations rest on godly morals
and godly ethical precepts. In fact, our constitution, the US Constitution is based on these godly morals and ethical principles. Um, and it's interesting, just this past weekend, our nation was rededicated to God and godly values. And I know I put something on Facebook about
that personally and I see director Bedro did that as well. I thank you Miss Bedro. Uh but I I do want to say that regarding any kind of law if you don't have this moral and ethical basis flowing from the godliness or through
time or circumstance this moral and ethical foundation is eroded. That law is what I refer to and this is my own term. It's ferocitical legalism. And that pheraceitical leader legalism
will produce a decline in individual and societal societal mores which is you know values morally acceptedness that will eventually bring down an entire system or empire and a few years ago a lovely lady Vzma forewarned us
about this. My point is that if any law is no longer based on sound ethics or morals emanating from godly principles or values, it isn't worth the paper it's printed on. And moreover, no one, and I
say absolutely no one, should be espousing it or even basing their decisions on it. After the rededication, I think the the public will be scrutinizing more closely how elected officials vote. And I just want to add one note here and I think uh this goes
along with what VZMA presented a few years ago. Nazis in Germany took over lawfully, legally, incrementally, one law, one policy, one protocol at a time. And I honestly never
could understand how that happened. That is until now. what we base our decision- making on becomes in the long run our our ultimate fate and we really need to return to godly values. So, thank you for listening to
Okay, I just have a couple of items here. On um Monday, May 4th, I attended the orchestra concert at the high school. What an outstanding concert once again by Mr. Sloan and the students and also the seniors were recognized uh at
that concert. Many of those seniors uh started orchestra in fourth grade when we had orchestra beginning fourth grade and obviously down the years here budget cuts those had to be eliminated. So it that was stress there. Uh then on uh
director Kadudson elaborated on Wednesday May 6th uh I think there were four of us board members that were there. Uh we had the Farewell High School awards night. Uh people who don't know, there were $233,000 were issued out in scholarships that
evening to our seniors. $233,000 in scholarships. It was just it was simply amazing. Um the school board here, we offer a school board uh leadership scholarship and um we that
was awarded to Issa Ali, our student board representative and for amount of $1,500. So we uh once again appreciate what what you've done as well. Then on uh Saturday, May 9th, I attended the Federal Middle School band and choir
concert at Central Park. What an event. Uh the I don't know how the directors do it, but they were right on the money every time with times. If they said 245, this
group was going to perform. It was 245 and they performed and people all over whatever. But all I can say is thank you to the music department here at at Fable Middle School. Uh all of them were there, orchestra, band,
choir, they really unite together as a team. What a great thing to see that some of them didn't have to be there. Also, there was ve there was a lot of verbal middle school teaching staff who were there. They didn't have to be. They came because they're part of the community. they were are engaged with
their students and just wanted to make their didn't weren't showing off or anything. They just wanted to make their presence known. But in my opinion, what a beautiful way and what a great way to bring the community together. We just didn't have parents and grandparents and things there. You
had community members saying, "Oh, there's a concert in the park. Let's go." It was it was just a a wonderful great thing. Bless you, Nicole. And um that's all I can say is just and thank you to all our our students and staff for putting all this together and showing what great products we do have
here at Furbo Public Schools. Moving on with the agenda, we'll now move to uh our student school board representatives report. >> Good evening. Uh as the year is coming to a close, so are many activities. all
spring sports are or will be heading into sections in the near future. Um, wishing them the best of luck and congratulations and on on all the hard work each and every player has put in during the past three months. Band, Orchestra, and Choir a few weeks back showcased their skills at the Big Nine
Music Festival in Northfield. Uh, Farbo students represented us well. Uh, many students from band, Orchestra, and choir participated in Big Nine Select. I for one had a blast uh playing with the very best of the big nine and learned lots from incredible directors.
Uh I also want to touch on the very unique opportunity I got to take part in as a student of Farba. Uh with Barbie's help, I was able to uh take part of the food service RFP team. I with others attended a meeting at three of the
cafeterias in the district uh with a handful of su food service management companies. We discussed the needs of the district and past shortcomings as well as show showing companies the equipment has. As a student, this experience opened my eyes to how many
responsibilities FSMC's have and just how important it is to select the right one. I also understood how different Farbo is from other districts. Companies that attended were very intrigued and welcoming to having a student be part of
the decision-making pro process. So huge thanks to you Barbie. Um after those tours I and others took part in the val evaluation process where we were able to read through hundreds of pages of proposals and uh personally grade them on various criteria. I think it's very
important to know that this decision later discussed was was made with not only fair students in mind but with their help. Uh so thank you. Um, so before I start, I would just like to thank the Fairbell School Board. The
amount of your work you guys do is um really impressive and it's really much appreciated. And um like Mirror said, as the spring um sports come to a close, I had a chat with um our activity director, Mr. Gunderson um while I was
waiting for practice one day and we were just talking about how we are seeing some decline in our extracurricular activities for some of our sports and why that is. So then in the past few weeks I had been going around and been speaking to different students that have
participated in sports previously but are no longer participating and getting the different reasons as to why and um some of those reasons is just like because of the student connections. I mean you we all join sports and different activities because we want to hang out with the people that we cherish
most as our friends and having some of those people graduate is like what's kind of disconnecting them from the sports that they play. So just trying to see how can as um each sports organization like as for like basketball for example like how can we get the different students to um build some of
those newer relationships so that they continue to participate as they move forward even with um different classes graduating. And then um I just wanted to say um a thank you going back to um senior awards night to Mary McNellis. I know that
there's a lot of students who definitely valued the work that she does at the high school and being able to have her in her corner as they went through this um process as it can get very confusing and very overwhelming for different seniors. And then um I would also like to give a thanks to Jenny Wala as she
was a major help in planning prom. I was part of the prom committee. I also want to thank them because I know it was so much work but it was also so much fun. So many students were there. They engaged, they had fun, and it was just a really good time for all of us as the
year came to a close. And then um for postprom, I would like to thank all of our community and our parents as it's not something that has to be done, but it something that's offered to us and we it's something that we really appreciate just to like wrap up the night. Thank you so much.
>> Thank you. Thank you, student representatives. Uh, Superintendent Benty. >> Mr. Chair, I'm becoming ever more convinced that my report is being leaked to the board and now the student reps before I get a chance to speak.
So, as Director Kenson mentioned, our community event was held last Friday evening, was a tremendous success. Uh, brought together families, students, staff, and community partners for an evening of connection and support. Uh families receive free summer learning workbooks, uh sports balls, hygiene
products, informationational materials, and more along with a free dinner for attendees. Uh thank you to everyone who helped make this event possible and for supporting our Farbo families. As Chair Bellingham repres uh said, our middle school eighth grade students recently participated in a junior
achievement uh finance park popup experience where they applied budgeting, decision-making, and financial literacy through the through a hands-on simulation. Students explored real life financial scenarios and practiced making uh smart financial cho financial choices
for the future. Thank you to the many volunteers and community members who helped bring this learning experience to life. Roosevelt Early Learning Center. Uh, kindergarten students recently enjoyed a beautiful day at Riverbend, exploring and learning about living and non-living things. Students walked
through the woods discovered discovering turtles, birds, insects, and other animals along the trail as they experienced nature up close. It was a wonderful hands-on learning experience filled with curiosity and exploration. As Dr. Steve's mention or director
Steve's mentioned Jefferson and Lincoln elementary school students had a great time participating in this year's farm tours. Uh students learned firsthand about agriculture, animals, and the important work that helps feed our communities. Thank you to the Chamber of Commerce, local farms, and volunteers who made this valuable learning
experience possible for our students. Um, our students in our FHS uh, exploring business class recently participated in Hometown Hustle, a budgeting simulation organized by Melissa Cool and Kurt Halverson from Hometown Credit Union. Uh, during the
simulation, students experienced real world real world financial decision ma making by managing housing, transportation, groceries, insurance, and other expenses while balancing a budget based on a designated career and family situation. Thank you to the many
community volunteers who make this experience meaningful and engaging for our students. Amamira, you jumped in on Stealing My Thunder this week, too. Um, I attended the Big Nine Music Festival where I saw you play. You did wonderful. That was on May 1st. Uh, students had the
opportunity to share their musical talents, connect with students from other schools, and represent Farbo Public Schools with pride. Uh, thank you to our music teachers for their continued dedication and support of our students throughout the year. Uh our letters science of reading training has officially completed the
live session of portion of two full years of professional learning. When complete prek through fifth grade teachers will engaged in 144 hours of training through live sessions, online modules, textbook study, and classroom
application. uh more than 100 teachers have now completed either early childhood letters or letters training over the past four years while more than 100 paraprofessionals completed the MDE structured literacy training for support professionals. Thank you to our letters
facilitators and staff members for their commitment to strengthening literacy instruction across our district. And then we have a plethora of upcoming events. Tis the tis the season, Mr. Chair. Um, our district retirement party for staff is tomorrow in this room from
3:45 to 5:30. Our adult basic education graduation will take place this Thursday at 11:30 a.m. in the atrium at South Central College. There will be a middle school orchestra concert on Thursday at 7 p.m.
Next Wednesday, Jefferson Elementary will hold its all school celebration at noon. Our area learning center graduation will take place at 1 o'clock pm on Friday, May 29th. Lincoln Elementary's fifth grade
farewell will also take place on uh Friday, May 29th at 1:15. So, you have to make a choice. Uh Friday uh Farbo High School graduation will be held May 31st, that's Sunday, at 2 pm. Uh and that the plan for that is at Bruce Smith
Field with a rain location at Farbo High School. gym. Um, kindergarten graduation celebrations will take place on June 3rd at various times throughout the day at Roosevelt Early Childhood Center. Uh, June 4th marks the last day of school. 8th grade
graduation will begin at 11:00 a.m. Uh, Jeff Jefferson Elementary's fifth grade graduation will take place at 1:00 p.m. and the safe summer kickoff will be held from 5 to 8:00 p.m. at North Alexander Park on June 4th. Mr. Chair, that
concludes my report. Thank you, Mr. Venty. Agenda item number five, public comment. There's no public comment. Thank you. Agenda item number six, the consent agenda. The consent agenda consists of
the minutes from the April 20th, 2026 and May 4th, 2026 uh business meeting and work session, employment, additional assignments, other uh authorization of payments, transfers, and investment accounts and
retirements. Is there a motion for approval of the consent agenda? >> So moved. >> Thank you, Director Wolf. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Director Kenudson. There's no discussion. All in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I.
>> Opposed. Motion passes. >> Um at this time, I'm going to ask for a point of personal privilege. Uh based on something we just dealt with, an agenda item within the um consent agenda. We had retirements.
And there were five retirements listed in uh board book there. And I have to say I I'm I'm kind of saddened but honored. I taught with all five of those. I worked with all five of those retirees. And there's 150 years of
educational experience within between those five people going out the door. Quality people, quality instructors, quality delivery of instruction, and they cared about kids. I want to thank them for their longevity in the
district, for what they've done for not only the district but for our students and our community. So, thank you retirees. Agenda item number seven is the district advisory committee. Uh presenters, Director Steves and Director Budro.
>> Director Budro, I think I'll turn it over to you first. >> Okay. Sure. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, so the district advisory committee met May 4th at 4 o'clock p.m. here in the district office. So the the dis the advisory committee will meet quarterly
and it will be in person and virtually so people can can also jump on virtually and join the committee. Um, one of the things that was discussed was the curriculum selection
um for Ksix English language arts curriculum adoption and after looking uh and surveying teachers the they ended our district ended up selecting benchmark advance uh and the
prices were are part of the committee's minutes but I'm not going to get into a lot of details on that I wanted to also highlight um the purpose of the district advisory committee. So the district advisory committee
ensures active participation of teachers, parents, support staff, students and community members in planning and improving curriculum and instruction. The committee's work supports the vision and mission of Fable
Public Schools and World's Best Workforce legislation. Um together these stakeholders advise and make board recommendations regarding curriculum instruction as well as changes, additions and deletions of
courses, programs, instructional strategies that ensure all federal public school students are successful in school and the community. So the world's best workforce is now called comprehensive
according to our committee. It's now called comprehensive achievement and civic readiness. So it's the acronym is CACR. So under that um
charge there were goals that were adopted and the goals were adopted by working with district staff over a course of time. I'm not going to get everything perfectly stated, but I do want to state
the goals because I think they're very important and they are um measurable goals. So, the goals include there's five of them and I'll just go through them. School readiness, which means all children are ready for kindergarten.
And the goal is to increase the percentage of students who have completed early childhood screening by the 30th day of school, increasing it from 70% to 80%. So they all have percentage increases, but I'm just going
to go back and state the goals. The second one is closing gaps. So all racial and economic achievement gaps between students are closed and that is measured by reading and math.
Uh the third one is career and college readiness. All students are prepared for post-secary success and we are increasing the percentage of that by having students complete these skills quiz
by the one is by the end of ninth grade and the skills lab and the and then a personality style quiz. So there are actual activities that will determine um readiness. And then um in ninth grade as well,
these are I guess these are all in ninth grade or by the end of ninth grade, students will meet their high school counselor to discuss goals after high school. So that is all part of the third goal, career and college readiness. The fourth goal is high school graduation.
And the goal is that all students graduate from high school. And so we're increasing the percentage of students who will graduate in four years. And do you want the numbers or is it too much detail? And we're also increasing
the percentage of students who graduate in six years. So the last goal is lifelong learning. This is a new goal which states all students are prepared to be independent lifelong learners and engaged citizens
and we measure that by the completion of all the previous goals. So I thought it was quite a comprehensive meeting. I um Julie and Katie led it. Julie actually led it. Katie was there. Uh, I know I'm missing
some things and Julie will be here to present something else if you want further information. She has the scoop. So, Cassie, did you have anything else that you wanted to mention? >> No, you hit everything perfectly. Um,
>> yeah, I think for me the most exciting thing is the again the the college and career readiness, the lifelong learning and connectedness. Um, and these are smart goals. um they're really high smart goals. Um they're, you know, just
right at the edge of unobtainable, but we're going to get there. And there's um a step-by-step increment and and how we're going to choose success for our students. So, the next meeting will be in August, I'm assuming.
We'll see. Quarterly. >> Thank you. Directors, >> may I ask a question? >> Certainly. >> Uh thank you. Uh, is this you said the community is this open to the community members then too? They can attend online they don't have to or can they just
listen online or because I I'll have questions. I will let Julie explain how other members can be part of this. >> So what we're going to do is we are process for people that request
a minimum also open. >> Thank you. >> Once again, thank you directors. Uh agenda item number eight, policy committee, there is no report. 8A second reading of policies. How we're going to deal with this? I've been requested to
deal with three policies individually. That would be policy 515, 530, and um 618, I believe. No, am I correct on that, director Moore? 515, 530, and >> correct? >> 618.
>> Okay. So, we will deal with uh policy 427, policy 4 615, and policy 625. Is there a motion for approval of revisions to policy 427, workload limits for
certain special education teachers, and uh revisions to policy 615, testing accommodations, modifications, and exemptions for IEPs, section 504 plans, and LEP students, and for the new MSBA
policy 625, responsible use of artificial intelligence. Is there a motion for approval of those three policies? >> So moved. Thank you, Director Wolf. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Director Kenudson. Uh, any discussion on those three?
Any discussion? Discussion hearing? None. All in favor of the motion signify by saying I. I. Opposed. Motion passes. 6. Uh, now next we'll deal with uh agenda 8
A2, revisions to policy 515. And is there a motion to approve revisions to policy 515, protection and privacy of pupil records? >> So moved. >> Thank you, Director Steves. I will second that and discussion.
Uh Director Moore, I'll refer this to you. Th >> Thank you. Uh Chairman, um we I wanted to make some comments about 515. um you know in discussion uh this is about protection
and privacy of people records. I think some of the changes that were made I uh I like the changes the they're more appropriate. I think the wording um however uh I think policy 515 I would like to comment a little bit it I think
it sets a very dangerous precedent and that information can be withheld from parents as to the health and well-being of their child. Um, in fact, in some cases where parents were kept in the dark by school officials, uh, some children died as a result. And yes, uh,
school districts are being sued. Uh, I do have documentation of that. I don't have it with me tonight, but I can produce produce it. I I think parental knowledge is really powerful. Uh, in fact, and somebody sent me this uh,
constituent just this past week. In fact, the 14th amendment protects parental rights by recognizing that these rights as a fundamental liberty interest. Uh this means that parents have the constitutional right to make decisions regarding the care,
custody, and upbringing of their children. And I think the educational health care systems, we really need to take note because I think we're treading on some sacred ground here. Uh and then I'd like this segus into the actually the moral and religious obligations. And
this was somebody sent me this this week too. Uh John Adams who was the founding father and second president. He happened to state we have no government armed with uh power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and
religion. And really what he's saying was without morals that are based on godly principles we have a problem as a nation state and community. And I I do think how we vote on the amendment that I'm about to propose and the subsequent
uh uh subsequent following vote highlights not only our individual values but are we as individuals willing to stand up for these values and our actions or votes? Will we vote with our values or AUA to give in? So, having
said that, I'd like to propose the following amendment to policy 515. And uh chairman, you said uh uh she could pass them out, right, Jamie? >> Yes. Pass it out. And then >> uh yes, because I I did that so it would
be easier. This amendment has been coming forth for a few years now, so I think everybody will recognize it. >> Well, Jamie's passing now. Then I'd like you to do the proper motion. I move to amend. >> Okay. I move to amend uh policy 515
um with the following uh in 8B private records not accessible to parent after 1. EL language insert and I I would just like to say I don't want to plagiarize this amendment was previously submitted by director Bedro on August 18th 2023. I
think she did a very good job on that. I'm going to read the amendment. Two, the responsibil responsible authority must not conceal or deliberately withhold information to a parent regarding a child's request to go by a different name or be recognized as a
different gender. Or if a child requests or agrees to receive gender affirming care that involves medical interventions, including but not limited to puberty blocking medication, hormonal treatments, or sexual altering surgeries that may result in irreparable harm to
the child. And that is the amendment. >> We have a motion to amend policy 515 as read by director Moore. Is there a second to that amendment? >> I second it. >> Thank you. We have a motion and a
second. And now discussion. Director Moore. >> I actually in my comments I did uh I did you know I this this was my discussion. Um, I think it's important uh because of the fact that uh I I think
it's such a dangerous precedent and we the 14th amendment does pro parental rights. I understand that some in some instances especially if there's physical or emotional sexual abuse with a parent. I think that's a different story. But I think we're getting into territories
that we shouldn't. And um I what I had stated before I I'm not going to read it again because it'll just take time. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. Uh second request for discussion. >> Um yeah Dr.
>> Steve. So I'd just like to refer to page eight uh statement of rights. Um so the rights of parents and eligible students. Um, if board members could take a look through 1
through 7. Um, >> director Steve, can I clarify? Are you in the policy now? Are you in >> I'm in within the policy 515 that's on board book with >> Thank you. Correct. >> Um, number one, the right to inspect and
review the students educational records. the right to request the amendment of the students educational records to ensure they are not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of student privacy or other rights. Um item three, the right to consent to
disclosures of personal personally identifiable information contained in the students educational records except to the extent of such consent is not required for disclosure pursuant to this policy, state or federal law. the regulations
promugated there under um so on and so forth. Um so for for me um as a parent this is my statement of rights to
view and access my child's educational data. Um my amendment refers to though 8B private records not accessible to a parent. So there are some records and so that's what my amendment refers to. It's
uh because some parents yes they can they have access but there's there's a part here in 8B that says private record records not accessible to a parent and that's what my main problem is.
Thank you. >> Last call. >> I'd like a roll call, too, please. >> Last call for discussion. M >> M Mr. Chair, um I apologize. I've been in another board meeting since noon today uh in the Twin Cities and then I drove home. Did Did I miss this
amendment being proposed to us earlier than just this evening? >> No, but just just now. >> So, I I guess I'm in I'm confused about our process. I thought we have discussed time and time again and maybe I'm wrong that if we're
going to have an amendment, it would be shared with us prior so that we could have some time to um think about it and understand. So whether I agree or not, I I'm still going to continue my practice of not
approving amendments uh brought if you will in the 11th hour here at the meeting. That's just my stance. Director Wolf, you are you are correct. That was kind of the understanding. But as per Robert's rules, a a director may submit a amendment at any time during the
meeting, but I that was even when we have our we had our uh notebook or a new board handbook, it is stated like Friday by noon or something like you are correct. So >> and Mr. Chair, I fully respect uh Director Moore's
>> right to do this and things of that nature and I and I realize >> my stance and only my personal stance is primarily related to policies. Um, I get it. Sometimes there's an amendment stated, but my concern with amendments in the 11th hour is oftentimes a lot of
this is um, you know, backed by uh, court cases and statutes and all that type of stuff and legal references and and I'm clearly not smart enough. I mean, this has a page and a half of legal references and statutes and cross
references and so um, anyway, that's just where I stand. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> And this uh policy was approved by the policy committee. It went to first reading and now this of course the second reading. >> So director Moore >> uh yes this what I was referring to
because that's when I had uh I had emailed you a couple of days ago and asked if we I was okay with the changes that were made that were that were being you know that the changes that were uh what was it with revisions. I was okay with that. But then I asked if we if we
were approving the whole policy and I know um this amendment has been brought forth numerous times. So I think we've discussed that and discussed it. So, I'm just bringing it forth again and uh because if it was just the revisions, I
was fine with the revisions. In fact, some of the changes I thought were the wording was more appropriate, but since we're since we're approving the whole policy, I had to had to um add this amendment again. Thank you, >> Director Budro.
>> Mr. Chairman, thank you. I did not know this amendment was coming. It was my amendment. I offered it I don't know >> uh 2023 >> a couple years ago and um I know that the issue has been litigated. I don't know how Minnesota is impacted. I don't
know if it was um designated for a certain group of states. But there has been a court ruling on this for, you know, schools hiding the fact, you know, that their children
wanted to change their genders and not telling the parents. And so I feel like I need a little more information. I did not know it was going to be offered. I did not ask it to be offered. Um, and it's certainly, you know, Director
Moore's right to offer whatever amendment, and I only knew of it now. So, I'm feeling like we maybe need some information, legal maybe legal information um
about voting on this. >> Well, we do have a motion to amend. So, we're going to amend and we're going to deal with with the approval of the policy. So we do uh further discussion. Uh so once again as a reminder a a yes vote
would be a yes for the amendment as proposed by director Moore. A no vote would be not in favor of the amendment. So Director Steves, if you would do a roll call, please. >> Linda Budro >> I. >> Candace Kudson
can't >> I'm sorry. Would you say it again? I is. >> If I'm in >> I vote a yes vote is for in favor of the amendment. >> Okay. >> A no vote is not in >> Thank you. No. >> Linda Moore.
>> Hi. >> Cassie Steves. No. Chad Wolf. >> No. >> John Bellingham. >> No. >> Amendment fails. >> Four. So now we still we still have a motion to approve the revisions to policy 515.
So, any further last discussion on the policy? Policy 515. >> Um, yes. I'd like a roll call here too, please. Thank you. >> Any discussion? Okay. Director Steves, if you do a roll call on this one.
>> Linda Budro. >> Hi. >> Candace Kudson. >> No. >> Linda Moore. >> I I mean, uh, wait a minute. Now I'm Now I'm confused. No, I will not. Uh I will not uh with without this amendment I
will not vote for this uh policy. So snow >> Cassie Steves I Chad Wolf >> I'm an I for this >> John Bellingham >> I >> and um Cassie you want to put me down for an I >> change the vote. So motion passes 51.
Next, we'll move on to uh 8A3, revisions to policy 530, immunization requirements. Is there a motion for approval to the revisions of policy 530, immunization requirements? >> So moved.
>> Thank you, Director Wolf. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Director Steves. Uh discussion. >> Director Moore. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh this is 6B. Uh the change was they have a change here
and I'm just going to discuss this. I'm not adding an amendment. Student immunization records maintained by the school district are generally considered education records subject to the family educ family education records and privacy act. That's furpa. The school
district may not disclose personal personally identifiable information which is PII, including immunization records without parent or eligible student consent unless a permissible exception applies. Um
I guess I just have a problem with this. It's so broad and it's uh unless a permissible exception applies. It's so broad. It's interpreted in many ways. Uh and I think we really need as a school to be define our terms. I know in
research you need to define your terms precisely. Uh and I guess the public needs to know what are the exceptions, who decides the exceptions. Uh I personally I think I think this is another attempt to dismantle parental
responsibilities and rights and I will not be voting for this. Thank you. >> Further discussion. >> Mr. Mr. Benty, do you have some follow-up clarification in relation to Miss Moore's comments?
>> Yes. So, when it speaks of um permissible exception applies, what this would be was be some type of outbreak in which the uh the CDC or the Minnesota Department of Health would step in and say, "We need your immunization record
so that we know who is at risk or who is a potential carrier." So that would be one of those uh pieces where um an exception would apply if we were required by a government agency to turn over records.
>> And just to follow that up, it it's not personally identified information. So the CDC isn't calling and saying what's Cassie Steve's vaccination. They would call and ask for all of the records which it would include names and it
would include vaccination records but it wouldn't it wouldn't be tell us about this one individual person. It would be send everything to us >> if and when there's an outbreak of a communicable >> that is correct and much of that is already sent. So
>> is is that excuse me is that all inclusive then on the permissible ex I mean this is so broad is that the only one or is there more possible instances? Well >> the only way I would turn over information is it by a court order from
a judge or if there was a uh a government agency in a time of crisis that would usually have a court order. So it would to me that's what that stands for. >> So the only exception would be if there
were an outbreak. Correct. >> No, an exception would be if I had a court order. >> Well, court order. I mean court order or outbreak >> or outbreak that would come with a court order usually from the government agency. >> All right. Thank you for the clarification.
>> Any further discussion? Hearing none, we have a motion for approval to the revisions of policy 530. Uh, all in favor of the motion signify by saying I.
>> I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion passes. 6. Lastly, is there a motion for approval of revisions to policy 618, assessment of student achievement? also move this uh approval to revisions
to policy 618, assessment of student achievement. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Second. >> Thank you, Director Wolf. Uh discussion. >> Director Moore. >> Thank you. Um
I actually had a constituent ask me, she says, uh we're adding health to the mix now. She said, and actually, she said, 'What does this have to do with achievement? you know, we're talking reading, writing, and math. Uh, and adding health. This is again such a
broad category. Um, and the question is where, you know, what are these standards? Whose standards are we talking about here? Is this going to be forced vaccinations? Uh, does this have to do with gender pronouns? Uh, transitioning in different gender roles.
Um I guess the question that I I received was that like again what does this have to do with achievement with reading, writing and math? We are working on improving our reading, writing and math and we have a long way to go. Then we throw health into the
mix. I guess um some people are a little cautious about that. What does that mean? So uh I am having a problem with that. >> Further discussion >> Mr. Chairman Budro
>> on page two there D there's a definition of cultural competence and I have no worries about the definition. I just the sentence doesn't make sense.
um the words and will and the third line they just don't fit in there. So I don't know if we you know just something to mention as we move forward. Could you >> What was that again
where on page two? >> Page two item B. >> Thank you. >> Line three. >> Okay. It just doesn't work well as a sentence. Maybe the committee can just
check with MSBA if they're the ones coordinating it. I believe there's a comma that is supposed to be after will. So it should say and will to interact
with to this to I believe but >> the will to interact is that what you think it would be >> and will to interact effectively with community of different cultures native languages and socioeconomic groups
I'm not an English major think that two should be in there Jamie and will interact effectively >> we we check on that if you >> It just doesn't It doesn't It's not smooth. About right. It's It's a minor detail. I'm not going
to object to the policy. >> I I interpret that as you have the ability to interact and you have the will, the dedication, the effort to interact effectively with people of different cultures. That's why I believe
there's not a comma there. That's how that's how I interpret it. So, >> okay, >> further discussion. Let's call for discussion. We have a motion for approval of revisions to policy uh 618, assessment of student
achievement. Uh hearing no further discussion. All in favor of the motion signify by saying I >> opposed. >> No. >> Motion passes. 51. >> Move on to agenda item number nine. Uh committee reports uh finance committee
uh director Budro. >> Yes, Mr. Chairman. The finance committee meeting was held virtually on May 18th, today at 7:30 a.m. The committee actions include approval of the minutes from the April
13th meeting, approval of a 2027 Federal High School field trip request presented by Ben Bopra, approval of a continuing contract for third-party billing services for special ed staff presented by Rob Dainard. Approval of
multi-function printer services based on RFP process presented by Mike Birding. Approval of voice over internet protocol services based on RFP process presented by Mike Birding. Approval of a food
service management services recommendation based on RFP process and pending MDE approval presented by Barbie Wrestler. approval of a revised 202526
budget which will be presented to board members tonight by Barbie. Financial performance data presented the April student count showed two students less than March and 31 below our initial projection. April investment report
shows 26.8,000 in earned interest and a balance of 19.48 million. April comparative financial report notes the 103,000 energy credit reflects an appearance of
overspending in the year-to-ate HVAC totals which is not the case. Analytical report of general fund expenditures shows the district at 72% in expenditures which is on par for this time of year. The meeting was adjourned.
Next meeting is scheduled for June 8th at 7:30 a.m. >> Well done, Director Budro. >> Uh 9B, Community Education Advisory Council, Director Steves. >> Um I'm just pulling up my notes here. So
the vast majority of that meeting uh meeting was held um at the Roosevelt Early Learning Center um in what will be the uh new indoor playground. um space. Um
Cassie Riael's over in the back. Um I think um that's a great community group comprised of um a lot of public private uh parents and community members. Um yeah, we're really excited um for that
Roosevelt space to be complete. >> Thank you, Director Stevens. Uh, we'll move on to agenda item number 10. I'm looking at the time here. Um, 6:49. I believe the board could use a
recess here because we have quite a lengthy uh remainder of it here. So, I'm going to issue a recess until uh 7 o'clock. We will resume at 7 o'clock. Thank you. Oh, >> and it only blooms in the spring.
>> I'll call the meeting back to order from our recess. We're now on agenda item number 10. 10A gifts donations resolution 26-26 uh accepting gifts donations are as
follows. Uh, donations to support DECA ICDC include K&NG Manufacturing, $250. LCAN's Marine Incorporated, $200. Northstar Recreation LLC, $200.
Jason Rare LLC, $600. Farewell Dairy Queen, $200. Comprehensive Wealth Solutions LLC, $100. Chad and Courtney Wolf, $550.
Donations to the farewell community school nests include farewell supporting families, toiletries, and household supplies valued at $400 and Healthinders dental Lincoln dental kits for students valued at $200.
Fable Booster Club donated $5,400 for the annual scorevision contract to operate the scoreboards in Nolan Gym. Michael Palmquist donated a variety of brand new tennis shoes in various sizes, approximate value $1,150
to support students in need, especially those involved in sports. The Farewell High School Distinguished Alumni Program/Farewell Foundation donated $1,000 to support the community school initiative district
districtwide. And lastly, the Thurbo Area Chamber of Commerce donated $1,6605 to Lincoln Elementary School for busing to the second grade field trip to Shadic, the third grade farm tour to
Kubal Farm, and the third grade farm tour to Bower Farm. Is there a motion for approval of resolution 26-26 accepting gifts and donations? >> So move. >> Thank you, Director Budro. Is there a second? >> Second. Thank you, Director Canudson.
Any discussion? Director Moore. >> Uh, yes. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, I I would just want to thank all the donors. I think this is this is great. Um, and I I noticed that the $1,000 donation by
the Fable Foundation. Wow. That's that's really generous. Um, I I think for the public though, it'd be proper appropriate to know how these dollars are being used at the comm at at the community level. Uh, and before I vote on anything, I really want to know the details and fully understand what I'm
voting for. So, I I did ask the question a couple of days ago and I never received an answer. I'd like to know more of the details. And as Mr. Wolf, I agree with you. Sometimes as stated, I don't like getting things the last minute and my the procedure is not to
vote on something I I haven't really looked at and so I'd like to know a little more about that, please. >> Well, in so the the Fairbell High School Distinguished Alumni Program, it's headed by Joe Fragelan, which is part of the Fairbell Foundation. It's it's it's
a fund under the foundation. >> Fund under the foundation. Thank you. That they asked to take $1,000 out of their account >> and donated to the community school initiative districtwide. They donated to the community school. So when we had our
work session on I believe May 4th, >> they came and we had the big check from the foundation and board members and me I think there were three people from the um distinguished alumni program here took
the picture and then that money goes to the community school initiative which is districtwide. So that's the explanation. Okay. So, we do have a motion and a second for resolution 26-26.
Any further discussion? >> Further discussion? Director Steves. This is a roll call. >> Linda Budro. >> I. >> Candace Kudson. >> I. >> Linda Moore. >> No. >> Cassie Steves. I. Chad Wolf. >> I. >> John Bellingham.
>> I. >> Resolution passes 5 to one. >> Thank you. 10B. Consider resolution, I'm sorry, consider approval of resolution 26-27, the 2026 2022 resolution for membership
in the Minnesota State High School League. Is there a motion for approval of resolution 26-27, a resolution for membership in the Minnesota State High School League for years 26-27? >> So moved. >> Thank you, Director Wolf. Is there a second? >> Second.
>> Thank you, Director Steves. and discussion. Mr. Gunderson is present here, but I just told him it's the same thing. We we are member of the uh by doing this, we are a member of the Minnesota Minnesota State High School League and um offering
extracurricular activities both in not just athletic but the fine arts as well. So, >> Mr. Chair, can I ask a question? >> Certainly. Director Wool. >> Uh Mr. Gunderson, I'm putting you on the spot. I need to have you prep for this, but do you know how many I'll say unique students so
that my point of that is if I was in three sports, I would only count once, right? So unique, belly buttons as people would. >> Sorry. Thank you. Um, do you know how many students we have? I guess that would be between us and our co-ops. Could be Bethlehem
Academy, could be Shadic. You have a roundabout number. How many students participate? I believe it would be 7th through 12th grade in our Minnesota State High School League activities and that's anything from a sport to theater
to deca to whatever you do you have a rough >> Are you asking for unduplicated numbers? So >> yeah. So um >> you know or or I you tell me whatever number you want to use just are they duplicated or unduplicated? Um just on
the athletic side because I have to turn that in here in a couple weeks. You're talking about um about 350 to 400 kids and that's just at the high school and just with athletics. >> Yeah. >> Um >> that doesn't count all the kids that are in band choir orchestra. It doesn't
count all the kids that um put on the fall play, the spring musical, the one act play, children's theater. Um doesn't count if um speech. it doesn't count. Um, you know, we talked about the Big Nine Music Festival, all the kids that
were involved in that. I mean, it's it's a number of things. >> Yeah. Okay. Thank you. I appreciate it. >> Yep. >> Mr. Gunderson, are are uh robotics and uh trap shooting part of the high school? >> They're not part of the high school. >> Neither one of those two. >> Discussion. Director Moore.
>> Thank you. I'd just like to make a few comments. I think people know where I stand on this, but yesterday as a nation, we rededicated the United States of America back to God and by inference to godly principles. It's interesting on this form, the Minnesota State High School League notes boy sports and girls
sports. They actually denote a difference there, but yet according to their rules and regulations, biological boys can be allowed in girls locker rooms. Uh it seemingly contradicts itself. Um, by the way, I do believe it's a moot point that when we claim
that it won't happen here, that we have an extensive process by which boys are allowed in girls locker rooms. I I think we're kidding ourselves. Uh, my point is if we claim to uphold godly principles, but yet vote for this resolution, we are violating our godly values, and that's
hypocrisy. I don't think we should be sitting on the fence. You're either for God or against God. This will vote will show where each of us stands. Lastly, choose this day and God will not be mine. Thank you. >> Further discussion, director Budril.
>> Thank you. I'd like to provide a little information and also my viewpoint. I believe that vulnerabilities exist currently for girls participating in Minnesota State High School League sports.
And I realize that this is a conflict that's being there's a lawsuit still ongoing between the Department of Justice and the Minnesota Department of Education as well as the high school league. It is unsettled
and it uh is in regarding to uh what they consider an unfair uh discriminatory practice against female students. So, Minnesota policies and practices
create an unfair competition, deny girls equal athletic opportunities, and expose girls to a hostile educational environment with heightened risk of physical injury and psychological harm.
This is the Justice Department's statement. I realize the importance of having opportunities for all of our students and I would never deny those
opportunities for people who want to take part in athletics, band, orchestra, speech, plays, drama, and fine arts such as those. But I have to I have to just
verify with um Mr. Gunderson that any girl that may feel themselves in risk in a in a sports competitive sports situation, I am I guess assured that they have the
right to say I am not going to participate. I am not going to take part in this. I refuse. um um maybe at risk for harm, maybe at risk for
for just fear, fearful. And I just want to clarify that every athletic female should have that right. Do they have that right, Mr. Gunderson, that you are aware of, do they have the
right to say, I am not going to compete against this person? Yeah, I think any >> anybody who's uncomfortable playing and feels like there's potential for harm. >> Absolutely. >> And that is what I want to
let parents know, that their girls have the right to withdraw from competition if they're feeling threatened physically and maybe someone that is outsizes them. And this is my personal view that
parents need to protect their girls in that respect. But I will not deny the opportunities for other students to take part in the high school league. So I will be voting yes. >> Further discussion. >> Mr. Chair, would you like for me to give
the rundown on how this how this would potentially change or do you just want to move forward with a vote? I'd like your input on. >> Okay. So, um, as stated before, and I believe this is the third year in a row I've I've I've said this, obviously, we
have the the Department of Justice justice at the federal level that is in conflict with uh the state statutes at the Minnesota state level. Um, it there is a lawsuit that is in pro process right now. So, that is a new event since
a year ago. We do this every year. Um, every school district does this every year. So, that new event in the past year is that there is a lawsuit against the state of Minnesota and against the state high school league um because of the the the differences in views on
that. If there is to be a change, the judgment would have to be on the side of the federal government or there would have to be an an agreement between the two out of court. Um, if that were to happen, then what would happen then is
it would go through the courts. It would go from the state level to the legislature. I'm guessing it would probably have to go through the governor's office. It would then be passed on to the Minnesota State High School League. All pieces of information and literature would be redrawn and then
it would be passed once down to us to then vote. So, that is the process it would take. I would be surprised if we would have that in place by next year. I can see us sitting here a year from now and me having the exact same conversation with this board. So, thank
you for the input, Director Benty. Superintendent Benty, not Directorend Benty. Else have anything? Uh, this decision is u once again, as we've done in years past, is not just for Fairville Public Schools. This is for our community, right? as we
co-op with Bethlehem Academy who's accepted to be in the Minnesota State High School League as well with with their activities with Shadic with Medford with Randolph uh Wasika too Mr. Gunderson >> Wasika uh all these so without us
joining the state high school league this community this school district our students would be devastated. So further discussion with this director Steves. This is a roll call. >> Linda Budro >> I.
>> Candace Kudson >> I. >> Linda Moore. >> No. >> Cassie Steves. I. Chad Wolf. >> I. >> John Bellingham. >> I. >> Passes 5 to one. >> Thank you. >> 10 C. Thank you Mr. Gunderson very much. >> Thank you.
>> 10 C. Consider approval of extended trip request to New York City. This is an a uh action item as well. Is there a motion for approval of an extended trip request to New York City? >> So moved. >> Thank you, Director Wolf. Is there a second? >> Second.
>> Thank you, Director Budro. Uh discussion laid out. This was approved by the finance committee this morning. >> Mr. Chair, I can just speak to this briefly. Um so this is uh every other year band choir and orchestra go on a trip somewhere. Um, and this year
they've chosen or for, excuse me, for next school year, uh, New York City has been chosen. So, this is not their first time going to New York City. They've been there before. Um, but this is an every other year event, uh, for those students. And there's an incredibly
detailed itinerary uh, in in the in the board packet for everyone to see exactly where they're where they're going to be and what they're going to be doing. So, >> with I believe Mr. Mr. Benty, there was a couple options as well based on fuel cost and location etc. It was very very
well done. >> Further discussion >> Mr. Chairman >> I just wanted to mention that the students raised their money their own money funds to go on these trips and so get very creative. So if you're asked to
buy a candy bar or a mattress, it is not cost the school anything. And it was very detailed and comprehensive plan >> and there are scholarship opportunities for students. >> Yes. >> As well. Yes.
>> Any further discussion? Discussion. Okay. We have a motion for approval of the extended trip request to New York City. Uh all in favor of that motion signify by saying I. I >> opposed. Motion passes. 6
10 D. Consider approval of revisions for the 2026 2027 school calendar. Is there a motion for approval of the revisions to the 2026 2027 school calendar? >> So move. >> Thank you, Director Budro. I will second
it. And discussion. First, I will uh just turn it over to director of teaching and learning uh Miss Julie Hall for a little explanation. So there are two adjustments on this calendar for your consideration. The first one is the shift in the last day um almost the
second to last day there on the bottom. The graduation date it was previously scheduled to be on a Friday due to some recent events. Um the proposal is to switch it back to a Sunday. Um earlier on the calendar you can see some highlighting there and that is to shift
the starting date for RELK students. RELK is working really hard to become one unified building. And so they would like to do entrance conferences in a similar way between preK and K and have them come on the same um day of school, but they're looking at doing more family
engagement and one-on-one conferences with families and some entrance conferences in a different way than they've done in the past. So they are proposing um that be brought forward to you. So this did come from staff. >> Thank you, Miss Hull. Discussion. Discussion.
>> Mr. Sure. Relk is a new acronym. >> Yes. So that's Roosevelt Early Learning Center. >> Thank you. >> We refer to that as RELK for short. Kind of like ALC. >> Thank you for asking that, Director Wolf. Trying to think of acronym. Further discussion,
Director Moore. >> Uh yeah, I see from I tried to look from the new to the old one. I see I think we've added a day for secondary. Uh yeah, 167 this year. 166. So I'd like the day I
like the fact that we added one day and I know some maybe one or two constituents would like that too. So thank you. >> Any further discussion? Discussion. There is a motion for approval of revisions to the 2026 2027
school calendar. All in favor of that motion signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion passes 6. 10E. Consider approval of the 2027-2028 school calendar. Is there a motion for
approval of the 2027 2022 school calendar? >> So moved. >> I'll take Thank you, Director Moore, for the motion and a second, Director Budro. >> Uh discussion again, I'll turn it over to Miss Hall.
>> So similar process to what we've done since I've been here, probably before my time. Um, but we send out a survey every year for our staff to uh fill out to give us their feedback on what they would like to see in a calendar. And then we also have the contractual things that we have to consider in our teaching calendar or I'm sorry, our teaching um
negotiations. Their their bargaining unit has specific number of days that they have for different things in our district that we have to consider. Um so these this draft was made with um our staff in mind and with a committee of staff to develop what was our fourth draft is what you see in front of you
right now which was voted on um and one of our teachers commented that this is probably their favorite calendar they've ever seen. >> Wow discussion further discussion call for discussion hearing none. All in favor of the motion for the approval of
the 2027 2028 school calendar signify by saying I. I >> oppose. >> Motion passes 6. 10F. Consider approval of the K5 English language arts ELA curriculum. Is there a motion for approval of the K5 English
language arts ELA curriculum? >> So moved. >> Thank you, Director Wolf. And a second, Director Budro. uh discussion. I think first I will just simply turn it over to you once again, Miss Hall. >> So, I'm just going to give you a brief timeline and how our teachers ranked um
what the proposal is for you today. Well, maybe Oh, there you go. Mr. Birding has it in the back for me. You can go to the next one, Mike. So, you can see that this process has been taking place for several years in our district. um to the
22 23 school year, MDE put together a cohort of people to talk about the science of reading and Farbo had some people that participated and what came out of that was actually um the rubric that was created for them to um judge
different resources against. So that's what that was in the 223 school year. Then the 23 school year is where the read act was the first year that we had to implement um things. And what we ended up looking at is Bridge to Read is
our resource and we did some site visits, did some piloting to implement it in the 2425 school year, which is also when we started letters and early childhood letters. Um, we really felt strongly about that being a good training opportunity because it was so
in-depth with our teachers. Um, and then with that came the MDE list of tier one resources. So that's what that rubric helped to create is that that list of resources. Um they had promised a certain number of resources and that
resource list changed from time to time. So when we were looking at last school year, we had initially talked about bringing this proposal for you um to be implemented this school year, but with the changes that were already happening with the reorganization and finishing of letters, we decided to survey the staff
to see where they felt like they needed time. and they asked for it to be one more year out to allow them to adjust to the new structure of the district and to finish letters training so that they could really understand what it was that they were needing to look for in a resource besides just pretty colors and all of the things. Um so where we're at
this year um the resource list expanded. So what they initially had was a resource um that was called EL OpenUp Education and then they had another one called Wit and Wisdom. So, initially we thought that was going to be our pilot, but we know that our teacher teachers
really were hoping to see benchmark advance on that list. Um, and the redact did expand it to include benchmark advance. So, we shifted our pilot last minute to include the EL open up and benchmark advance. So, that's what our teachers piloted this school year.
So after they got done piloting um we asked them to fill out um specific questions really gauged at the science of reading um with that resource. We also showcased um both resources for any teacher to come view and give their
feedback on. So you will see the questions here um are right there for you. So I won't read them for you individually, but when you take a look at EL openup education, everything is rated on a scale of 1 to six, one being low, six being high. Um so um EL
education is that middle column, benchmark advance is that furthest away column and you can see on this slide and the following slide, benchmark advance outranks the EL open up resource pretty significantly. So out of out of a six
possible score, we have anywhere from 5.3 to 5.8. Um, and you'll see at the next slide very similar rankings. We also asked them in the next slide to think about um things like prep time, the amount of time it takes to to look
at the resource and really be planful of it. Um so Mike, if you go to the next slide, you'll see that's where we saw a huge discrepancy between EL open up and benchmark advance. Um EL open up is really that understanding by design backwards design approach and takes
several several hours of prepping um each night. Um my own children actually had um a similar experience. they another district was piloting EL open up as one of their resources and the teacher's like I love it but it takes me 10 hours each night to get ready for the next day just for ELA and that's that's
a heavy heavy lift. Um so the proposal bringing forward to you today is to purchase benchmark advance per teacher recommendation. Um, and you can see the bottom here on this slide is a quote. EL education, we did a seven-year quote and their total is there. And then benchmark
advance is a six-year quote. And you can see that it is pretty significantly lesser in cost. Teachers did not know the cost. We did not get quotes when we did the pilot. So, that had nothing to do with their decision. That's just a bonus to the decision that they're hoping that we make tonight.
>> Thank you, Miss Hall. Uh, discussion, questions, Mr. Mr. Chair, >> director Wolf, >> Miss Hull, question for you. The N >> in E education in parentheses there, N equals 7 and under benchmark advance N
equals 4. Can you explain what those >> that's the number of teachers that piloted for an extended period of time? >> Any reason why one was almost twice the amount as the other? >> Um because benchmark advance was a last minute shift. So people had already done some work in the summer to prep
themselves for what the resource was going to be with EL open up and witten wisdom and then we had a last minute shift. >> Okay. Thank you. >> And Whiten Wisdom and EL are very very similar resources. >> Thank you. Further discussion. Director Moore. >> Uh I just have a question here. It's a
curriculum, correct? >> Um I I know according to Minnesota law public this public school board needs we should evaluate all curriculum. I haven't even seen this. I know some people have, but I haven't. And the fact
that maybe it's good, maybe it's bad. I do like the fact that you talked about letters, but in the fact that I haven't seen the curriculum and I I think that all school board members should have had a chance to see the curriculum well in advance. Uh I'm just um you know, how
can I vote on something I don't really know anything about? Um you know, you don't talk about the curriculum there. you talk about the So, I I guess I'm just uh why didn't all board members receive this curriculum a little bit ahead of time if we have to vote on it?
>> I would say that's very I've never heard of that in a school district being the case. >> Okay. Well, according to Minnesota law, school the public school board should evaluate all curriculum. So, I'm assuming uh if we do evaluation and and
I can give you the the uh statute here eventually. But, uh, I haven't I haven't even looked at ju just just even if it isn't a statute, the fact that I haven't looked at it, I don't know if it's good or bad
or anything. So, I really don't feel I can vote on it right now. So, thank you. >> Discussion. Um, for my chair, this is a recommendation coming from our teaching and learning department. the recommendation. I trust and believe in
their professionalism and thoroughess in in vetting this and what they did. So I am fully um confident in this curriculum and how it was vetted and and how it was presented. Uh any further discussion? Discussion. We have a motion for
approval of the K5 English language arts curriculum. All in favor of the motion signify by saying I. I. >> Opposed? >> No. >> Motion passes. 51 10g. Thank you, Miss Hall, very much. 10G.
Consider approval of resolution 26-28, probationary teachers to be non-renewed for the 26 2026 2027 school year. Is there a motion for approval of resolution 26-28, probationary teachers to be non-renewed for the 2627 school year?
>> So move. >> Thank you, Director Budro. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Director Steves. Uh discussion. So, this is the uh recommendation for approval uh of that resolution placing the the probationary
teacher on a non-renewal status for the 2627 school year. Any further discussion? Discussion. Discussion. Director Steves. This is a roll call item. Linda Budro. >> Hi,
>> Candace Kenudson. >> Hi, >> Linda Moore. >> Hi, >> Cassie Steves. I Chad Wolf. >> Hi, >> John Bellingham. >> Hi. >> Passes 6. >> Thank you, Director Steves. Uh 10H, consider approval of the recommendation
for multi-function printer managed print services. Is there a motion for approval of the recommendation for multi-function printer managed print services? >> So moved. Thank you, Director Steves. Is there a second? >> Second.
>> Thank you, Director Kudson. And discussion. I think we'll have Mr. Raceler and Mr. Burning, if you'd like would like to come up your part of this as well, too. So, >> sure. So, I just have you go through the uh
recommendation here and then we'll go from there. Make sure that my mouse is working here. Um, this one. Okay. Uh so at this time uh for the multi-function printer and managed services um after doing our RFP
process we are recommending that we move our manage print services uh from our current provider of Eio Johnson to Marco. And this RFP was based on um primarily cost uh but some other other factors as
well such as uh features availability um understanding of the needs and um it's on there. I couldn't tell you off the top of my head what they all are. So I'm also trying to stream and handle the computer at the same time. So forgive
me. >> Mike is doing double duty. So um yeah. So, we were looking at software integration, um, functionality, all of those different pieces. And so, um, just weighing what each, uh, vendor brought to the table for us.
>> This presentation was presented to the finance committee this morning and approved unanimously as well. Uh, discussion, >> further discussion. >> Um, just a comment. I appreciate the bid
tabulations on the RFPs that have been coming out lately. Um, helps us um, get a better understanding of the decision- making process. >> Good. Thank you. Further discussion, Director Moore.
>> Yeah, I uh reiterate what uh what Steve said. Um, yeah, thank you for that. Appreciate it. Further discussion. We have a motion for approval of the for the recommendation for the
multi-function printer manage print services. All in favor of that motion signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion passes. 6 10 I consider approval of recommendation for phone system. Is there a motion for
approval of the recommendation for the phone system as as stated in board book? So move. >> Thank you, Director Budro. I will second that. And once again, uh Mr. Bing and Miss Raceler.
>> Yes. So after our RFP process, um I can be a little more uh diligent about what this looked like because I had a lot more people involved. Um we had our level two technician, Tim Beetle, who does a lot of the work on our phones, um help us build the process of the things
that we're looking for, uh in terms of a VoIP system. Um, and so we use that as criteria. So if you're looking at the number of criteria that we uh put points on in the bid tabulation, there is more on the VOIPE system than there is on the
MFPs. Um, however uh at this time we would like to make the recommendation that we move our VOIPE service uh from our current provider of Metronet to uh Bevcom. >> Discussion or questions? Board members, >> Director Moore.
>> Uh, yes. Um, yes, Mr. Bing, I really appreciate I had some questions and I I had questions over the weekend and you answered them in a timely manner and and you were very concise and very detailed. I appreciate that. Thank you.
>> Wolf, >> Mr. Bing, would you just explain to our full board in the audience like you did this morning what with survivability and without survivability what that means?
>> Yes, absolutely. So, um our network um our internet network uh exists in what we call kind of a hub and spoke. So our main internet comes into one building and then it is on dark fiber that we light ourselves on both ends going to
each of the sites. So what that means is if we have a situation where we lose internet service at our main building, we will lose internet service at all the individual sites. Um however sometimes you can lose internet service without losing power. So survivability was an
option that was provided by uh Bevcom to um put an appliance in each of the individual sites that would store some of that SIP information for the VoIP phones. So that way if we lose internet um we don't have to worry about us not
being able to um make calls internally in that building. So, hypothetically, if we lose internet at our our core, um, but I still have power at Jefferson, I can still extension dial Jefferson the or I can still extension dial the
Jefferson's principal's office, but I I wouldn't be able to call externally. Um, and I'd still be able to access overhead paging and sort of and some of those things. So, um, having that survivability allows those individual sites to to maintain extension callings
within those sites. Mr. Chair, if I can add, so when uh Mr. Birding and I spoke about this, you know, we brought to the board a while ago, some concerns that we had around, you know, backup generators and and
stuff like that. Uh we two times we've had the same telephone pole hit by a vehicle right outside the high school. The high school is our hub. Um, and what happens is power has been taken out to half of the building. And each time it it was half of the building that housed
the basically the brain of our of our district and the time the the clock starts ticking. And my first call to Mike is Mike, power went out. How much time do we have left? And because we we are about an hour of battery backup before we are out. And the issue is that
our phones go down and our um uh PA systems go down. So we then have no way to contact even the own the people in our own buildings. So it was very important that we had some type of back of of backup to help
prevent that whether it be diesel generators that we put on the roof of the building or whether it be uh some type of survivability piece. So, so this was a critical ad for us that's going to help us weather uh even storms as well, let alone, you know, power outages. So,
>> thank you, Mr. Venty. Director Moore. >> Uh yes, from what you were saying, Mr. Vanty, uh I'm assuming and I should ask and I I apologize you have a doctor. I said Mr. I should say doctor, but >> Oh, I don't have a doctor. No, >> EDS. I >> just a specialist.
>> Oh, okay. It's a specialist. Sorry. Okay. Um, but from what I can see, this could be a really safety issue if we don't do this. If we had an emergency where time is of the essence, I think I think if we didn't put this in place, we
could have a scenario where it would be, you know, if we had emergency, time is of the essence. This could really be critical. So, I think we need to do something like that. >> Yeah, absolutely. I appreciate that. Um, a lot of what we do with technology is balancing the cost versus the risk. Um,
like um, we can prepare for an earthquake. Um, but how likely is an earthquake going to happen, right? Where internet outage uh, over the past couple years is probably going to happen. Um, so whatever we can do to maintain some security in there is
a top priority. >> Any further discussion? discussion. We have a motion for approval of the re recommendation uh for the phone system to Bevcom. All in favor of that motion signify by saying I. >> I.
>> Opposed? Motion passes. 6. Thank you, Mr. Bing. Uh item 10J, consider approval of the recommendation for food service management company. Uh, is there a motion for the approval of the recommendation for the food service
management company as written in board book? >> So move. >> Thank you, Director Budro. I will second that and I will turn it over to Miss Raceler here. >> Thank you so much. Uh, so as you uh have in front of you, the recommendation um
that we've uh provided uh comes from a committee of four. Uh so we uh we collectively uh looked at uh four different uh vendors who chose to provide us with a proposal. Um we did have a mandatory
meeting uh which is part of what MDE requires of us. And as a side note, MDE has a heavy hand in how this particular RFP works in that they decide what the criteria is. we get to put the value to
that criteria um for all but one category and then they do have to also approve what we are recommending. So this is a little bit different process than the last three RFPs that that you've seen. Um the uh committee that
worked on this RFP includes uh Dr. Stacy Fox uh to represent the middle school. Um Amir Amamira Williams as she um indicated. So it was great to have student voice uh from the high school. Kim Hagen who is our accounting
specialist. She works very closely with all of our food service uh pieces and myself. Um we were hopeful to have Ashley Benhart, but she was unable to um to assist with this process because we also wanted elementary voice. Um going
through the process then as I said we had uh five vendors that attended the mandatory meeting that was held on April 28th. Um those vendors were uh Sedexo who's our current vendor, Taher, Southwest Food Service Excellent also
known as SF Chartwells and then the fifth vendor was lunchtime. of those five that attended the mandatory meeting or did provide us a proposal. Um what we are asking and re uh what
we're recommending and asking for approval for tonight is that we um go with the company Taher Incorporated if it is approved by MDE. So we do need to have that caveat in there. Um MDE
currently has the data. um they are looking at it and will let let me know that they have more than likely they will approve it. So um if you look at the uh bid tabulation
uh the MDE bid point calculator um that particular document just kind of indicates how the point system works. Um, it is not up to us as far as points for price. That has to be the highest
value and so we set that value at 40%. You can see the rest of what is called the nonprice points and they are listed there for your review. Um, what I tried to do here was to indicate what the what
the uh criteria was and then maybe some questions for us to ask as we're looking through the documents. And you may have caught air saying hundreds of pages. The the average is 350 pages for these proposals per proposal. So it is a lot
to go through, a lot to read, and a lot to um decipher. So that that's what I tried to do for our group was to put some questions to, you know, give some substance about this is what you might want to think about when when trying to
score those. So, uh, what you're seeing then is each company that provided us a proposal listed on the very top row under company name, how much the, um, price proposed was, and then the rest of
the nonprice point scoring. You'll notice at the bottom the total points show 18, but the non-pric points due to rounding um Taher came in with
seven uh 10.4 points where SF who would be our runner up came in in with 9.78 points. So again our recommendation is to go with Her. >> Thank you. discussion questions.
>> Director Wolf, Mr. Chair, um all the food, uh the food equipment, the appliances, the district owns, >> correct? >> All of that. Correct. >> Correct. The district owns all of the equipment. We purchase that. Yes. >> So, the biggest change is really
>> who oversees the personnel. >> Correct. >> And all that. I appreciate >> and supplies the product. >> And so, yeah. Okay. Yeah. And and I think this morning you stated, is it am I pronouncing it right? Taher.
>> Taher. >> Taher um services how many different school districts? Approximately. >> Yeah, they serve approximately 50 school districts in Minnesota. And as a point of reference, Sedexo supports one at this time. >> Thank you,
>> Director Moore. >> Uh yes, I noticed this just came out today. Why so late? >> Uh thank you for asking that question. Yes, I yeah it is late and I and I understand that um part of the process
is going through MDE and having to rework some of the um mandatory um paperwork, backup data, those kinds of things that they require. And then we also have to give time for um uh having
bids in the paper allowing enough time so that uh these vendors can reply those different pieces. So, it did come uh we actually got the bid proposals on May 8th, but because of the um amount of
work that it is to read through all those proposals, uh it was not uh I did not set a deadline for the group until Thursday at the end of the day. >> Um I guess my problem is I know some constituents do go through the agenda
and they they do look through things. Um, and the fact that, you know, most people work and so the fact that they got it today, they aren't going to be able to see it or look through it. And, um, I don't think that's acceptable.
>> Mr. Chairman, I guess I have a question. Um, do we typically include the public in our RFPs and reviewing them? I mean, it was mentioned in previous finance meetings, previous
meetings here, that we were going to be doing RFPs on all of those areas. And I don't know that we invite the public to do those RFPs. We
have our we have the outcomes of those tabulations and the rubrics, why those decisions were made. I believe the public should be pleased with the fact that we are looking for suitable
providers that maybe we can save some dollars on and I know we have in previous RFPs. So I just want to thank you for that. I think that takes a lot of work to put RFPs out in all these
areas and then review them. And I think our public will be very pleased with that. And I know we appreciate it. Um, if I may, you're missing the point, Miss Fedro. I think that people do, this is
their tax dollars, and they deserve to look at that if they wish. This came out today, and I don't think that's acceptable. I'm sorry, but I don't. Director Moore, I don't believe it's your your purview to
criticize a district employee based on we did our best for she did her best on getting us as soon as the information was there provided in a timely manner. It's a recommendation to us here. We you can analyze the information as director
Budro said we were elected by that. I don't think the the public should be very grateful that we had this checklist and as thorough as this process was. So, uh to criticize an employee of the district for not having it in a timely manner or whatever and doing our best
come from a different recommendation I believe is very unprofessional. So, >> yes, Mr. chairman, a little different angle, but um I also wanted to state that when Miss Hull was up here, that
district advisory committee approved that curriculum and we have to as our role I look through our through our um handbook, I didn't see
anywhere in there that our role was to decide on what curriculum we use. >> I looked it up. Maybe I'm missing it, but if you can find it, let me know. >> So, I should approve a curriculum that I do not know. >> Let's keep our comments to the motion at
hand, which is approval of the recommendation for food service management. >> May I say one thing? >> What is it? >> Okay. I do not work for any of you. I work for the public. >> Let's move on. >> I have a question. >> Hold on. We have a motion. >> I have a comment or I have a question.
>> Kudson. So um so does the quality of the food change with this? >> It will it will be a different company that will provide what they feel. Um they had to provide us like sample u menus. We did not sample their food but
they did provide us sample menus and then I also did do reference checks um with other school districts to ensure that they felt uh quality and service and those kinds of things were there. So yes, um this particular company does a
bit more scratch made versus just commodities and frozen foods and those kinds of things. >> Okay. And then for the employees that worked for Sedexo, will there be a turnover then? >> Uh right. So usually what happens in
these instances is that the people that are currently working for Sedexo would then turn to work for Taher because they are our you know they're they're community members for the most part. Our kids are familiar with these folks. So I can't say that every employee will turn
to Taher, but that is normally how that process works. >> Thank you. Mhm. >> Last comments. We are going to vote. We have a motion for approval of the recommendation for food service management to Taher when if approved by
the Minnesota Department of Education. Uh we have a motion and a second. All in favor of that motion signify by saying I >> I opposed. >> No. >> Motion passes 51 10K. Uh consider approval of the fiscal
year 2026 final budget. Is there a motion for approval of the fiscal year 2026 final budget? So move. >> Thank you, Director Wolf. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Director Steves. Uh, Miss Raceler, I will turn it over to you.
>> Okay. So, in your packet, you do have the um FY26 final budget. Um, and I just want to hit a few highlights as as you've received the adopted. We already went through a revised in November. So this is just tying up some loose ends
and talking about some recalculations that we had to do. Uh so the first few pages are just our uh introducing our um school board and district administration as well as our school administration. And then on page four we get to the
budget revision highlights. So on this particular page um you will see that in revenues we're seeing a decrease. And what I want to point out with this is that the decrease is taken from the last approved budget which is
the revised budget where we had initially anticipated gaining students but we have now uh found that that is uh has not come to fruition. So, we're seeing on page four that that general education formula, we have uh decreased
that from the revised budget to this final budget, $780,924. Um the the adopted budget, um if we would compare to this final to the adopted, it would be about $330,000 difference.
We did do some updates to our title funding and so we saw an increase in revenues of $342,76. And then in working with um uh special ed uh director, special services director Rob Denhart, we did talk about
recognizing in the budget the amount of um funding that uh he goes through when working on tuition billing. And so we are choosing to recognize that in the budget in the amount of $2 million. How it's been recognized in the past is
simply put into the fund balance. But because we know that figure ahead of time, we've decided that that's the practice that we'll uh continue to move forward with. In the expenditures, we did have an increase to our salaries and benefits
due to uh contract settlements. And so we did see an increase of about $146,000. capital and LTFM again uh seeing an increase there as we continue to work on our uh different projects, our HVAC
areas and also then uh some of those remodels um that we have been doing some roof work etc. And then our other purchase services, um, anything that we, you know, contractors, um, our transportation,
um, and then also our supplies, maintenance supplies, whatever that might be. We did see an increase of 579,000. So what we are seeing here then is an unassigned fund balance reprojection
to be 8 or uh reprojection to be 8.679 million or 12.5% uh for our undesated unreserved fund balance which again that minimum fund balance we need to hit is 9.5. We're
exceeding that and that's coming from uh the revised budget that you approved in November where we had about 7.4 million or 10.84% in that um in in the fund balance.
The next page we're talking about uh other changes. Then there were few uh minor changes in our other funds. Um food service uh we there was just minimal changes. I uh didn't feel they were even worthy to to um put on the in
this particular area. Community ed, we had some modifications. So, we had expenditures and revenues coming to a net increase in expenditures of 165,000. Our building construction, we uh we are
at the end of our um building construction funds and so there is an intentional zero out of those dollars. So we decreased expenditures by 196,911 meaning then that they have to go into fund one into our general fund uh to
finish whatever projects we may have left. Um our debt service fund did not change. Our internal service fund um is a good thing. Our collection of insurance premiums are greater than um our expenditures. And so we are seeing
an increase in that fund balance by about 277,000 of um more revenue than what we had anticipated. The next slide shows enroll enrollment trends and projections. And what I'd
like to point out on this page is um where you see FY26 adopted the amount of students that I had anticipated for the beginning of the school year was 357. When we went through our um revised when
we were hopeful that we were gaining more kids uh from the closed charter school, we used an amount of 3,86 kids. But what we're seeing today is that we're down to 3,027. And so that's the number that I've used
to do the final budget is that 3,27. That's why we saw a decrease in some of the general ed funding. The next page then shows what was approved as a revised budget back in November. So this shows where we started
the year, our revenues and expenditures for not only the unassigned fund balance but all of the restricted fund balance areas. Um and then what we are projecting for our um endofear fund balances and both the unassigned as well as the restricted and what that net
effect was. So in November we were expecting our general fund to go down 1.45 45 million. Uh the next page then simply um shows the data for the revised budget that was
approved in November for funds 2 4 6720 and 45. So in total if you look at that total all funds on page 8 you're seeing a decrease of 4.8 8 million uh decrease of expenditures over revenues for all funds
inclusive. The final budget then the one that I'm uh requesting for approval tonight shows a a a different look and so uh of course the beginning balance data is the same and then we apply the revenue and
expenditure updates that we have. And so for our un unassigned fund balance, we are seeing that I'm projecting our year to end at almost 8.7 million or 12.5% of fund balance. And again, that's an
increase from what we had anticipated uh for the revised budget. The restricted areas also then have been updated. And if you look at the bottom total general fund line, you're seeing that rather than a 1.4% decrease, it's a
1.2% decrease. The next page, page 10, shows um funds two um which again has a minimal amount, but please note we are we are trying to spend money here as best we can. Um we
still have an excess fund balance that uh the state is um asking us to spend. We are supposed to be uh having only a fund balance of about six months worth of um reserve and we are in excess of
that. However, when the um remodeling is done at McKinley, we're hoping to spend quite a bit of dollars there to deplete that. Eventually, I feel that the state is going to ask us to go back down to three months of fund balance where we were prior to CO. CO is where we were
able to increase to six months, but we're we're struggling to um get down there. So, um we we have a lot of nice new equipment, so that's a good thing. um community ed. Um you can see the restricted fund balance as well as our
community education, early childhood, school readiness, and adult basic education. Um I I again I just marvel at how well our community education fund balances look. Uh kudos to Cassie Riapel and her
team um for you know doing some great planning and um having those reserves. It's not not every district has positive fund balances in their community ed. So, um like I said, kudos kudos to Cassie
and her team. You'll note that the uh construction fund then we do not have a fund balance and that's on purpose. We intentionally zeroed that out as we are completing our projects. Um we will continue to have a debt service fund uh
balance um as we're continuing to pay off our bonds that we have. Our internal service fund again that's our self- insurance fund and we are growing that um fund balance. So uh we're we're going in the right direction and then our oped
irrevocable trust which is for our retirees continues to be about the same. The next slide on or the next uh page 11 simply shows revenues and expenditures in a bit different manner. So on top we
have revenues and those are totaled by our revenue sources such as taxes um other sources, state sources and federal sources. So each column then represents which fund they belong to. So
the first column is a total of all the funds combined. The second column shows where we are with general funds. So as an example, our local property taxes in the general fund is about 10 million that we collect from local taxpayers.
Um and then of course the the lion share of our income for the general fund comes from state sources. Food service, you'll note that that is not a taxable fund. Um but we do have other sources. We have vended uh food
contracts and um we do receive state funding but it the highest value that we get or the most money that we receive in is coming from federal community ed. There is a a property tax component as well as other local and county and a lot
of the um other is coming from participations and grants and those different areas. We have our state sources and our federal sources. The building fund is strictly other and that's interest only. Debt service is a a taxable
um taxable item. And uh then our internal is is coming from all uh local sources as well as the irrevocable trust is coming from interest as well. So that's what the revenues look like and how they're laid
out. The next section then describes the expenditures and this is by program. So the program area of the expenditures. So our administration you're seeing is at 2.5 million. Uh the vast majority of our
um of our expenditures are coming from regular instruction and our special ed. And so we will see a a chart in just a moment that describes what those um particular percentages are. Um all of our food service then is considered
pupil support services. Um community ed, we're uh generally in the community ed area or pupil support. The building fund of course is going to be sites and buildings for our um construction. And then we have debt service, our internal service fund and
irrevocable trust. Um the next page then gives the uh if if you're interested in in the in the bottom line um what we're doing is we're just showing what our um what we started with what we're ending with as
far as um expenditures over revenues. The pie chart here again explains our sources of revenue. So our state sources as stated earlier is our largest share and that's 77%.
Local property tax 14% federal is 6% and then other is 3%. In the expenditure areas then uh again our regular instruction is at 25.9
million or 36%. Uh vocational is 1% and special ed is 25%. Those three combined then is 63% of where our expenditures go as it should be. Um going to our greatest asset which
is our um teachers and our students. uh instructional support services. Uh that is 8% and those would be things like our um tech department, our media, staff development, our teaching and learning curriculum, those kinds of
things. Pupil support services is 11% that would be our transportation, social workers, um safe schools, uh areas, nurses. Our site and buildings that would be our maintenance and facilities is at 11%.
Uh fiscal and other programs is uh 459,000 and that's like our property insurance, our casual and property. Um administration you'll see is at 4% which is lower than the state average. Our district support services is uh 2.1
million or 3%. Again, um what I am asking for tonight then is approval of this um final budget revision for FY26. >> Thank you, Miss Raceler. Excellent report on the fiscal year 2026 final
budget. uh for discussion. I do have a a question. Could you explain to me and and the public here on page 11? Uh describe for us what is the debt service fund and what is the internal service fund? I know the irrevocable is the
teacher retirement there. What about those two? >> Yep. The debt service fund is um us paying off our bonds. So when we did construction or anytime that we take out a bond or refund a bond, we have a debt service and so part of that is coming
out in local levies. The internal service fund is our self-insured health. >> Thank you. >> Just want clarification. >> Discussion points of discussion. >> Mr. Chair, Director Wil. Uh, Superintendent Benty,
I believe at some point you said that this revised budget is earlier in the calendar year by maybe a month or so. >> That is correct. >> Previous years. How come >> that is? So, Miss Reler asked me if we could go a month early this year with
the revised budget. Um, I I'll let her answer, but I believe it's to to get a jump on next year's. Yes, the the reason that I asked to do the um final in May is to um yes to get a jump on next year and to avoid confusion. I think it's
really hard when we try to approve two budgets in the same meeting, remembering that we're talking about fiscal year 26 or fiscal year 27. And we do have different funding mechanisms that um go along with um how we have to calculate
some of our revenues um uh because the legislation uh ends their session in May. So, it usually takes us a little time then to figure out how that works. And so it's nice to be able to put one to to rest hopefully and then tackle the other one.
>> Thank you. I appreciate that. And then just last comment like at the 10,000 foot view. Uh Miss Raceler and uh Superintendent Benty on page four. I mean, if you were to sum this up, this is a positive report
>> based on our unassigned fund balance reproed to be at 12 and a half% versus 10.84%. Correct. Correct. >> Correct. >> Further discussion, Director Moore. >> Okay. On page 13, I I guess I just have
a comment. I guess regular instruction, I guess I'm surprised that it's only 36%. Um, but on page 11 now, okay, I'm not a I'm a sociologist. I'm not I'm not an accountant. on page 11. Now,
when we look at all of these, it looks like five out of the seven uh funds, >> director, director, we pull a microphone to you. They cannot hear you. >> I'm sorry. Um five out of the seven funds, it looks like we're in the red.
>> That's correct. We are expecting our expenditures to exceed our revenues. >> So, we're not living within our means. um we are in the fact that we have reserve and so we're able to use our fund balance fund balances to um to make
up for any excess of expenditures over revenues. That is not sustainable and that is not a sustainable um projection that we want to be on. We know that we have to continue to make adjustments to our budget to um rightsize where our
student count is with where our uh revenue source and expenditures are. >> Um okay. Uh and I just have another comment. Uh why was this why did this come out today?
>> Uh it came out late because I I was behind. I was behind on getting my work done with many other irons in the fire as you will. >> I know this was late last year and I had asked last year specifically if we could
get it sooner. Um and I am going to say this that's unacceptable and I think what is unprofessional is getting this the last minute. Dr. >> Moore, will you please stop? >> We do. Mr. Chair, may I ask for a point of clarification? Yes, you may.
>> I wish to respectfully remind the board that you have one employee and that is the superintendent. I also wish to respectfully direct the board to policy 209 section E10 which states that
present any personal criticisms of employees to the superintendent. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any further discussion? We have a motion for >> Oh, wait a minute. Excuse me, >> director. Sorry.
>> Okay. Um, on slide 13. So, district support services, that's 3%. So, what would that entail or what's included in that? >> Uh, district support services is uh the business office. a lot of of the
business office, HR, our communications, >> anyone that supports the district as a whole as far as running the business of a school district. >> Okay. And then um when we get grant money, where does that come in?
>> So, usually grants are uh shown as an expenditure and in the same amount as a revenue. So they wash, but they are included um depending on what the grant is or what it's for. So if it's um you
know to fund a particular uh program as far as curriculum, we'll see that then in the in the 600 area of an expenditure, but in the revenue of that same site or in in that um particular
program. So, so a grant is going to always have an offset expenditure and revenue and it again it's just dependent on what the grant is for. So like if it's for services, if it's for curriculum, if it's for supplies,
it's going to show up in a different area based on the purpose of that grant. So, when we're looking at revenues, >> where does it land in one of these spots or >> Yep. Uh, normally where it's going to
land is dependent on if it's a state grant or if it's a federal grant. >> Okay. >> Or if it's a local grant. >> Got it. Thank you. >> Yep. >> Last comments. We have a motion for approval of the
fiscal year 2026 final budget. All in favor of that motion signify by saying I. >> Opposed? >> No. >> Motion passes 51. Uh 10 L consider approval of fiscal year 2027 agreements with Nurse Grand
Elementary Charter School. There are actually three agreements. The technology agreement, nursing agreement, and custodial service agreement. I would uh ask that we approve all those in one unless there's someone that has an
objection to that. I don't believe we have to do them individually there. I don't believe >> no. Okay. So these are the these are simply in the past the board has um and please Barbie correct me where I you know if I'm wrong here in the past the
board has uh has uh heard these along with a rental agreement and the rental agreement has far out uh outpaced you know any of these. We no longer have a rental agreement because we no longer own that facil that facility. So these
are simply uh service pieces that are on an as needed or asused basis. So they are minor agreements for nurse strand uh to supply them with services from the district. >> Thank you Mr. Benty. Is there a motion for approval of the fiscal year 2027 agreements with Nurstrand Elementary
Charter School for the technology agreement, the nursing agreement, and the custodial service agreement? >> So moved. >> Thank you, Director Moore. Is there a second? >> Second. Thank you, Director Kenudson. Any discussion? As Mr. Benty said, this
is they're purchasing these uh agreements from us. So, >> further discussion discussion. All in favor of the motion signify by saying I >> I >> opposed. Motion passes 6.
>> Moving on to dates to remember and I've added a few here. We've gone through here as there's a lot of them come. Thank you, Mr. Raceler, very much. Uh things coming up in the end of the year here. Uh this Thursday, May 21st, the adult education is graduation uh at the
FEC. And I think that's 11 o'clock in the morning. I think I'd have to double check that. >> 11:30 at South Central. >> 11:30 at South Central. Thank you. Okay. Um also May 28th, uh 2026 at 7:45 is the
facilities committee. Uh May 29th is the ALC graduation at the ALC and I believe that's at 1:00. >> Correct. >> 1 o'clock. They said two o'clock. I think it's one o'clock uh this year there. Um May 31st at 2 p.m. is the
Verbal High School graduation ceremony. Hopefully at Bruce Smith weather dependent at Noland Gym. You're making that call on Friday the 29th, I see. Is that correct? Uh the high school principal will make that call and I believe the call is on Friday, correct? >> Yes. Okay. Thank you. Uh June 1st, 2026,
uh 5:30 p.m. is the board work session. June 2nd, uh 2026, uh 3:45 p.m. the policy committee. I'm going to add one in here. June 4th, uh it's a Thursday, Fairville Middle School 8th grade graduation. They run that in two
segments, I believe. The first one is at 11 o'clock, 10:30 or 11 o'clock, and the second one is like 12:30. there. Uh June 8th, uh 7:30 a.m. is the finance committee. Uh June 11th, uh 2026
to 7:45 is the facilities committee. And then June 15th, 2026 is uh our regular business meeting here at 5:30. With that is seeing no other further uh agenda items. Is there a motion to adjurnn? So move. >> Thank you, Director Wolf. Is there a
second? >> Second. Thank you, Director Cleen. Everyone's adjourned. Thank you. Uh discussion, discussion, discussion. All in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion passes. We are journey. Thank you all.