As I promised in my writing last week, I'm back with our video series. Monaceel schools are filled with opportunities, athletics, activities, and smaller class sizes and programs that help every student discover their path. But here's the cold hard fact. If the November 4th
operating levy does not pass, those opportunities will shrink. Our budget is made up of people serving kids, and reductions mean fewer teachers, fewer programs, and higher costs for families. This series will outline exactly what's at stake, starting with activity fees,
then class sizes, and finally, the programs and opportunities we may lose. Athletics and activities in Monaceel are only affordable because our general fund contributes $1 million each year to support them. If the November 4th levy
fails, that support goes away. Fees that are now $275 per season could rise to 1,000 per student per activity. Families would no longer have a cap. What costs $33 a year in local levy support could
otherwise cost families hundreds more per season. This is the reality for activities if the levy does not pass. These are the cold hard facts. On November 4th, our community will decide the future of Monaceel Schools.
[Music] Monaceel is a great school district. I want to take a moment to tell you what makes it so special. We offer amazing classes, but I want to take you beyond the classroom and show you what Monaceel
Schools offers from prek to graduation. Let's speedrun Monaceel. [Music] Eastville is home to Monteello's youngest learners offering nurturing programs like magic preschool and early childhood family education for the whole district. It also hosts a connect 5
program supporting young adults with significant cognitive needs. Beyond that, Eastfield is the heart and hub of the community education providing opportunities for learning at every age while creating a welcoming environment built on trust, strong family partnerships, and a cultural growth.
[Music] Monaceel's nature-based program re-imagines education by taking students outdoors where daily lessons unfold at Bertrram Chain of Lakes Park. Serving preK, kindergarten, and grades four
through 5. The program uses the natural environment as a living classroom to foster hands-on discovery, creativity, and meaningful learning rooted in realworld exploration. [Music] At Pinewood Elementary, kindness and
collaboration are at the core. Students experience character building through events like the kindness retreat and the color one. Guided by high school mentors, the school's positive learning atmosphere and strong family engagement make it a place where academic achievement and emotional growth
flourish side by side. [Music] Little Mountain welcomes families with warmth and celebration. From the back to school bash to its innovative pause seeto- read program featuring therapy dogs and creative stations, the school
prioritizes connection, offering resources and support to keep parents actively involved in their children's success. Monte Solo Middle School is a vibrant epicenter of nearly 1,000 students exploring academics, athletics, and the arts. With onetoone Chromebook access
and dynamic programs like a state-of-the-art STEM program, band, orchestra, and choir, the school empowers learners through technology, problem solving, and creativity. Its respectful team-based culture provides a supportive bridge between elementary school and high school.
Monaceel High School is a place where students not only learn but lead. With a wide array of academic pathways, clubs, and sports, students are encouraged to chase their passions. Staff foster an inclusive high expectation environment.
partnering with families and the community to ensure students graduate ready to thrive, especially through the use of their college and school classes and on the job training placement services which allow students to start taking the next steps in their career
while still in high school. Monaceel isn't just a building. It's opportunity, connection, and growth. Let's keep moving forward together so we can offer even more to the next generation of students because it's every kid every day.
[Music] When you cast your ballot early, you're doing more than checking a box. You're investing in kids, in classrooms, and opportunities for every kid every day.
>> Early voting means you don't have to wait. You can skip the lines, take your time, and make sure your vote counts for what really matters, keeping money so strong. >> If you got your ballot by mail, just fill it out and send it in. It only takes a few minutes. Or drop it off at your local election office or designated
ballot box. >> Need help? Just visit your county's election website. It'll show you how to register. Vote early in person or track your mail and ballot. >> This vote isn't about buildings. It's about students, about growing leaders,
supporting families, and keeping those incredible Monaceel moments alive. >> Road trips, art, music, sports. These don't just happen by accident. They're here because we see them as vital to a well-rounded education, and we choose to keep investing. >> So don't wait. Send in your ballot or
vote early in prison. Let's protect what makes Monaceel special. >> Early voting is open. Let's make sure every kid gets every opportunity because they deserve it. [Music]
Here's the cold hard fact. Monaceel's programs, including career pathways, athletics, activities, STEM programming, apprenticeships, collegebound credits, and even our unique nature-based education program are built on people.
And if the levy fails, reductions mean cutting the very staff who make these opportunities possible. We are talking about losing programs that define Monaceel and set our students apart. These aren't extras, they are core opportunities. Without levy support,
many of them will be reduced or eliminated. This is the reality for our students if the levy does not pass. These are the cold hard facts. On November 4th, our community will decide the future of Monacea Schools.
[Music] [Music] Hi, our names are Jill and Brian. We have been actively involved with the Monaceel School District for well over 30 years. >> Referendums and levies are a tricky ask
and we totally understand that. As we're getting closer to retirement all the time, we are mindful of how we spend our money. >> We have also seen many cuts over the years to our school district and know this can limit opportunities for students, including larger class sizes
and limiting extracurricular activities. We believe the best investment we can do is to invest in students in our community. This can be done through investing time and sometimes it requires investing our money. We know that a healthy school district is the foundation for a healthy community and
that is something we should all come together to support and strive for. Here's the cold hard fact. If the levy fails, Monosel students will see larger class sizes across every grade level. With more than 8 million in planned
reductions, our district will be forced to eliminate 39 to 50 staff positions. That means fewer adults in classrooms, less individual attention, and more challenges for students and all employees within the district. The difference between passing and failing
the levy is the difference between manageable class sizes and overcrowded classrooms. This is the reality for our students. If the levy does not pass, these are the cold hard facts. On November 4th, our community will decide
the future of Monaceel Public Schools. [Music] As I promised in my writing last week, I'm back with our video series. Monaceela schools are filled with
opportunities, athletics, activities, and smaller class sizes and programs that help every student discover their path. But here's the cold hard fact. If the November 4th operating levy does not pass, those opportunities will shrink. Our budget is made up of people serving
kids, and reductions mean fewer teachers, fewer programs, and higher costs for families. This series will outline exactly what's at stake, starting with activity fees, then class sizes, and finally the programs and opportunities we may lose.
Athletics and activities in Monaceel are only affordable because our general fund contributes $1 million each year to support them. If the November 4th levy fails, that support goes away. Fees that are now $275 per season could rise to
1,000 per student per activity. Families would no longer have a cap. What cost $33 a year in local levy support could otherwise cost families hundreds more per season. This is the reality for activities if the levy does not pass.
These are the cold hard facts. On November 4th, our community will decide the future of Monaceel Schools. [Music] Monaceel is a great school district. I want to take a moment to tell you what
makes it so special. We offer amazing classes, but I want to take you beyond the classroom and show you what Monaceel Schools offers from prek to graduation. Let's speedrun Monaceel. Eastville is home to Monteello's youngest learners, offering nurturing
programs like magic preschool and early childhood family education for the whole district. It also hosts a connect five program supporting young adults with significant cognitive needs. Beyond that, Eastfield is the heart and hub of the community education, providing opportunities for learning at every age
while creating a welcoming environment built on trust, strong family partnerships, and a cultural growth. [Music] Monaceel's nature-based program reimagines education by taking students outdoors where daily lessons unfold at
Bertrram Chain of Lakes Park. Serving preK, kindergarten, and grades 4 through 5. The program uses the natural environment as a living classroom to foster hands-on discovery, creativity, and meaningful learning rooted in
realworld exploration. At Pinewood Elementary, kindness and collaboration are at the core. Students experience character building through events like the kindness retreat and the color run guided by high school mentors. The school's positive learning atmosphere and strong family engagement
make it a place where academic achievement and emotional growth flourish side by side. [Music] Little Mountain welcomes families with warmth and celebration. From the back to school bash to its innovative pause
seeto read program featuring therapy dogs and creative stations. The school prioritizes connection offering resources and support to keep parents actively involved in their children's success. Monte Solomon Middle School is a vibrant epicenter of nearly 1,000 students
exploring academics, athletics, and the arts. With onetoone Chromebook access and dynamic programs like a state-of-the-art STEM program, band, orchestra, and choir, the school empowers learners through technology, problem solving, and creativity. Its respectful team-based culture provides a
supportive bridge between elementary school and high school. Monaceel High School is a place where students not only learn but lead. With a wide array of academic pathways, clubs, and sports, students are encouraged to chase their passions. Staff foster an
inclusive high expectation environment. partnering with families and the community to ensure students graduate ready to thrive, especially through the use of their college and school classes and on the job training placement services which allow students to start
taking the next steps in their career while still in high school. Monaceel isn't just a building. It's opportunity, connection, and growth. Let's keep moving forward together so we can offer even more to the next generation of students because it's every kid every
day. Good evening everyone. As I call to order the regular school board meeting of Independent School District number 882, it is 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 6. Please stand and join me in the
pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
All right, we are needing approval for tonight's tenative agenda. So moved. >> Second. >> Moved by Melissa Curtis, seconded by Casey Root. All those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Oppos, please say no. Motion passes. 6.
We are on to item number four. We have no citizen comments tonight, so we'll move on to five, fiscal stability. Looking for a motion for our consent agenda. So moved. >> Second. >> Moved by Melissa Curtis, seconded by Casey Root. All those in favor, please say I. I.
>> Opposed, please say no. >> Motion passes. 6. Moving right along to item number six, collaborative connections. Uh I will pass the mic over to Superintendent Eric Olsen to go over our gifts.
>> All right. So, um Kim Liilhog um is on the Rotary and he recently saw a team from the Rally to Read um organization, community task force present to the uh Rotary and show the Magic Book Bus. And
once he saw that, he reached out um to myself and wanted to make sure that we had uh more early learning, especially um more early learning Spanish books on the um on the bus. So, he donated $1,000
to the rally to read um organized task force. And today, I bring forth that uh generous $1,000 donation. Therefore be resolved by the male school board number 882 to gratefully accept the following donations. Kim Lilah hug
for $1,000 to the rally to read early learning program. >> Second moved by Jeff Hegley. Second all those in favor please say I. >> I oppose please say no. >> Motion passes 6. So awesome. Another
week of more giving. Our community is incredible especially when they see a need. So we appreciate that. On to item B. Help me welcome up activities director Gary Revg to go over a new co-op for the boys swim and dive team.
>> All right. Good evening. Thanks for having me here tonight. Um I'm here asking uh approval from the school board for a new co-op for our boys swimming and diving program. We've always competed in the class A level at the state tournament. with uh our enrollment
numbers, we were pushed up to double A for the next two years here. And I was recently in a meeting with Becker and Big Lake. Um Big Lake has not had boys swimming due to a lack of interest. And Becker had three swimmers last year and they co-oped with St. Cloud. Um so I
asked them if they'd be interested in co-oping with us because we are now in double A for the two-year cycle and they're both very excited. Uh Big Lake right now thinks they have two swimmers. Uh both middle school students and Becker believes that they will have
three. Maybe uh being in Monaceel, a little bit closer than than St. Cloud, maybe we get a few more athletes from those two schools. We think our participation numbers will be down a little bit after graduating a nice group last year. So, we could use the extra
swimmers. It wouldn't cost our school district anything. Um, those students would be responsible to get over here on their own, just like we do with our hockey co-op. And then we would bill those schools by a percentage of however many swimmers they have. We take our
total expenses, divide it out by number of participants, and they would pay their part. So, it would actually benefit our school district to add a few swimmers. Any questions? >> A question. Because we just moved into the double A and it's for two years.
What would happen if because now they're going to evaluate all three populations, right? Or school populations. Would we ever have the ability to go back single A what would happen to the co-op then? >> Yeah, that's a great question. Uh we talked to Becker and Big Lake about this already. We're hoping to build their
numbers up so maybe those two could co-op on their own. If we go back to class A, if we stay in double A, we'd want to keep them because we could use all the participants that uh would be interested in being on our team. So, um, it'll just depend. If Monaceel goes back
after this two-year cycle to class A, then we told them we would dissolve the co-op then and then they'd go back to St. Cloud. So, they're aware of that if they can't have their own team. >> Yeah. Even with the goal of building their own, that's huge. >> They've got a beautiful pool in Becker even to
>> Right. So, both schools reached out to the families that have swimmers in the boys program right now and they're very excited about coming to Monaceel instead of St. Cloud. a lot closer and we'd probably do one swim meet over at Becker this year.
>> Other questions? >> What's the biggest negative of a cooperative sponsorship? >> Um, I can't think of one. That's why I'm bringing it forward because financially I think it would benefit our school district. We'd be uh providing opportunities for a few students over
there to come over here. They're looking for a home to swim and they know it's for two years right now and then we'll re-evaluate after two years. So, um I can't think of any negatives right now. Our coach is in favor of it and uh I think it would benefit our program. If
we had high participation numbers and they might be taking someone's spot, I'd be worried about it, but we're not in that position right now. Our girls program, for example, is extremely strong right now. Our our boys will be rebuilding this year, so we could use
extra bodies in the pool. >> Do they bring any coaching with them? >> Um, no. But they would, like I said, they would offset some of our expenses. >> I like helping out the neighboring schools since some of the neighboring schools also help us. >> So,
it'll be way better for the Becker swimmers that have been going to St. Cloud. this will be a better option for them too. So good. Any other questions? >> It could happen. >> This is an action item. >> So moved.
>> Second >> by Melissa Curtis, seconded by Casey Root. All those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Oppos, please say no. Motion passes 6. Thank you for joining us and letting us know about this awesome new co-op. >> All right. Thank you. >> Exciting for the swim and dive team for
the boys. >> On to item number seven, teaching and learning. Uh Superintendent Eric Olsen is going to be going over some staff recognition. >> All right. First, um I have three people
to recognize. In the last calendar year, um we've had three people doing some state level work um with the Minnesota Department of Education. Um the first person is Jen Vogel who was uh working um on the science committee. Uh we have
Jackie Hoker um who was working in special education and we also had former uh board member uh Kathy Zebarth working on health standards. So all three um being recognized here recently um for their state level participation and
making sure that um the um policies and assessments um have uh quality educators um looking out for Monaceel and likeiz school districts. So, I just want to acknowledge um those three for their individual work, but their
representation um of Monaceel has been very very sharp and um we're passing on some special appreciation and recognition for them here tonight. our our staff never cease to amaze me on how much they do outside of even our
current district and helping um even at the MSBA uh yearly conference. I don't know how many times we presented even since I've been on the board just sharing successes here at our district level and then with the rest of the state. So that's
awesome. All right, moving on to item number eight, safe and healthy culture. Going back to Superintendent Olsen to go over National Custodian Day and Coaches Day. >> Awesome. So, I have some highlights and
spotlights here that I want to bring forward. Um, first I'll give our coaches um a shout out on National Coaches Day, but it's a a great day to um honor um all of our coaches who sponsor our um
athletes at the end of the school day. Um we have a very very strong um activities and athletic program and coaches are the ones that make that um such a um vibrant part of our school district. um the coaches led by
activities director Gary Revnik um have had a lot of success on the off the field on the field, but they also translate to um great amount of success um in the classroom. And so we're really proud of the work they do um not only to make their um athletes and participants
better at their sport or activity, but also just better human beings. And we're very very fortunate to have a very strong um activities program. Thank you. um coaches on National Coaches Day and then custodial and grounds department recognition. Um I just want to take a
moment to recognize the incredible work for our custodians across the Monol district. Um they are an essential part of every day. Um our team ensures that our schools are clean, safe, well-maintained. Um their dedication supports the success um direct success
of our students and their work often happens behind the scenes. They're here all summer. They're here on holidays. They're here on when other staff members are um off for extended period of times. And so the effort that they put in across the whole calendar year is um
very very felt. Um their impact is seen every day and like to take this moment to give them a huge shout out on National Custodian Day which was last week. Um then I have two individual spotlights that I think it's a good time. Uh the first one is recognition to
Greg Oker. Um in in one week um I had two people uh bring his name forward. Um Greg's leadership and attention to detail and commitment to excellence are evident in the appearance and safety of our outdoor spaces. Um from maintaining
our athletic fields to managing seasonal challenges, Greg consistently goes above and beyond to keep our campuses in top condition for our students and community. And so that was brought forth by Billings and Grounds director um
Terry and but also um I I I want to give a shout out to a educational support staff who never misses an opportunity to share about um staff or students who are making a huge impact and that's Joanie McCless. So Joanie doesn't like to talk
about herself, she always likes to u make others um feel uh valued, important and seen. and she recently u made sure that she tugged on my arm and said that um Greg Hokker does an amazing job across the district and we are so fortunate to have um him in in the the
buildings and grounds position and I just I want to take the time then to al also give Joanie Michaelis a shout out because I've just never met a person who's more positive and and never misses a opportunity to um make others feel
valued. So Joanie, you're you're also seen and heard across the district. And so those are um two individual spotlights that I bring forward here to you schoolboard tonight. >> Any additional comments from the board on our amazing staff again?
All right. Well, thank you for all of your guys' hard work. I know I can just speak to firsthand from the custodians how much the custodians help us out at the swim pool. um because I just see that and so um they are incredible and they bend over backwards for us whenever
we need anything. So um huge thank you to them and all the work they do behind the scenes. A lot of people don't understand. All right, next we are moving on to item B. Please help me welcome to the podium Matt Hammer from Ellers Incorporated to go over the
bond refunding presentation and resolution. Welcome Matt. So Matt's been here before, but just wanted to introduce him officially as a representative from Ellers to help us with a refunding and bond discussion.
>> Thanks, Tina. Good evening. Um, Matt Hammer, District's financial adviser. And really what we're here to talk about today is um managing future taxes and trying to lower taxes for property owners. Um and one of the things that we do on a routine basis is the district
has outstanding bonds um that were issued for projects. In this case, it's the middle school bonds um that were issued. And when municipal bonds are issued, they have what we call call provisions um in them that restrict the
time that districts can go back or municipalities can go back and issue tax exempt refinancings. And right now um this issue, the call date is 21 of uh February of 26, February 1st of 26. And what that in
essence means at a high level is that the district can look to refinance with another taxexempt financing. So, prior to that time, um, the district would had to look at a taxable issue. Um, and, um, as we're getting to that February call
date, um, it looks like we're going to be able to produce some debt service levy tax relief for property owners by issuing new bonds to repay the old bonds at lower interest rates. Um, I do just have some highle information of kind of
how this functions. So, if you think of it similar to a home refinancing, um the goal is to lower overall interest cost um for the school district on the financings that you have um entered into this. In this case, it was a 2016 issue.
And really, that funding cannot go back to anything by law other than reducing taxes. Um so, the district can't take that money into their budget. Um it has to go back to lower future debt service levies. And that's uh it doesn't necessarily have it have to happen in a
specific year. Um and in fact, just with the your structure, we likely would go to look at reducing levies out in a future year. Um there is some federal requirements around that and we're within the 90-day requirement. So that's what where we're at right now and it looks like we'll be
able to move forward. Um the 2016A issue, the original amount was a little bit north of 38 million. Um it was authorized in the election back in November 3rd of 2015. Uh it financed uh
projects at your uh high school, middle school, and elementary school additions at the time. Um districtwide safety and security improvements, technology improvements, and various uh site improvements, as well as improvements to activity spaces at the time. So that
bond had a 10-year call. Typically, um depending on market conditions, you're going to be seeing an 8 to 10year call um when bonds are issued. Uh right now, there's $26.4 million worth of callable principal. Um the interest rates that
are on each one of those maturities range between 3 and 4%. Um and we're within that 90-day window, so we have to close um February or November 3rd or later. Um so anytime now um the district
would be able to look at a taxexempt current refinancing of those that issue. This gives you a big uh just a this don't think of this as an exact timeline right now. Really what we're looking at tonight. This gives you a hypothetical
look of how fast we could get to market if we were to move forward. Um the authorization tonight establishes a minimum savings parameter. Um and we've established that at at least a h 100,000. It's likely we're going to save
more than 100,000. But what that's going to allow us to do is two things. Um you guys have meetings on Monday nights. Um lots of municipalities have meetings on Monday nights, right? So if we um what we'll likely do is look to move the sale
to a different day of the week. Um, and this will allow us to do that because we're establishing the superintendent and Tina to be able to sign off on the issue as long as in along with one board member assuming we meet the minimum savings parameter and then the school
board would ratify that sale at a future meeting. So in this scenario, um we would look to solicit and go to market um um with the bond sometime in October and then we would look to have the board
ratify at their meeting on November 17th, but we likely would look at selling sometime the week before. Um what we're seeing in the market when we we initially put the results together, um rates had lowered about two weeks ago. they've come up a little bit. So,
it's not out of the question that we'll push this back a little bit from the standpoint of trying to maximize savings depending what we see. We have a couple sales in the market this week. Um and then we'll work with um Tina and uh Superintendent Olsen to kind of refine
the timeline as we move forward. Um that issue has a call date of 26 or February of 26. Um, so right now based on the interest rates that we're seeing, um, we're not looking to actually refinance the whole issue, just a
portion of the issue. That makes sense based on what, um, what we're seeing for interest rates. Um, but, um, based on the couponing that we see in the issue, there isn't a lot of incentive for us to wait because we're going to pay at higher rates, right? Um,
um, going forward after we pass that call date. Um so at least for a portion of the issue it makes sense for us to be moving forward at this point in time um based on what we're seeing in the market. So that's high level what we're looking at. Again um really the goal
here is and required by law is we have to reduce future debt service levies and because of um we're at that call date um and we can enter into a new tax exempt refinancing um based on our preliminary numbers. We've looked at savings estimates
between $3 to $400,000 possibly um in being able to produce that savings. Um it makes sense for us to be looking at this at this time, but we'll refine that schedule um with district administration and then give folks a more refined
timeline as we move forward. I can answer any questions folks have. >> Yeah, I think we're going to have a few. Thanks for being here, Matt. Uh, can you just um make sure that we're clear that this has nothing to do with the operating levy that is on the ballot
next month? >> No, it has nothing to do with the what with the operating levy that's on the ballot. It has everything to do with managing taxes for property owners and trying to minimize the tax burden for property owners in the district. >> Okay. Thank you.
to save these hundreds of thousands of dollars. Is that simply around a reduced interest rate or is there more to it than that? >> It it comes down to a reduced interest rate, right? So the interest rates that you're paying on the existing bonds, we can go out in the market right now and
get a lower interest rate. Um so just like a home mortgage, if you go to refinance, right? That's that's high level what the goal is is you're trying to lower the interest rate you're paying on your existing commitments. when we compare it to a home mortgage, a lot of times people think about a
15-year mortgage, a 20-year mortgage, third, is that does the pay up payback period change or is that something that we can look at? >> Yeah, right now we're not looking at necessarily changing the payback period. Um, it is something that can be looked
at when you have a current refunding, but we're assuming the same time frame for the payback. Um what we will look at doing is continue pay possibly paying at the same tax rates or t same tax impact that the property owners are seeing
which would allow us to pay principal off faster and then maybe push the savings back in the schedule. Um but there isn't any anticipated change in the repay repayment period right now. >> And then when we talk about the savings, does that savings all go back to the
property owners? Does that benefit the the district somehow? >> It's all going it's required by statute to go back to reduce future taxes for property owners through the debt service levy. So you're paying those you're required by law to levy 105% of your debt service payments. Um what we're
looking to do is reduce the interest costs that property owners are paying and then that um savings with lower interest rate is required to lower future debt service levy. So, it's reducing property taxes for property owners and the district can't take it in
their budget. So, it's not allowed to be brought into your budget. It has to go to do that that for that purpose. >> Are these interest rates always fixed or could they be variable? >> Um, when we would go to market the um bonds, they would have a fixed interest
rate at the time that we competitively sell them. So, we would take competitive bids on a new bond issue. um we would go out to market and get the lowest competitive rate in the market that day and then those rates would be fixed um from that period of time. So there would
be no variable rate debt that the district would have and you currently don't have any variable rate debt. It's all fixed rate debt. >> Is there any cost to the district for you to look into this in the event that it doesn't end up happening where we do the the refunding? Is that the right
term? Refunding. >> Yep. There is no cost for us. um unless that the deal moves forward, right? And there's um an actual bond issue. So um like any service provider, we're compensated for going through with that process, but if we don't get to market,
there's no cost no cost for our services in this. And we also the district would look at a rating, right, and go through those those pieces. um those costs. What we would do likely is we're going to look at market conditions and if there's any
reason we don't think this is going to be a su a successful refinancing, we would pull the issue. It's also part of the reason why we have the parameter. We would establish a parameter so there's no exposure for the district as part of the overall issue so that you would end
up having a higher cost. Um, so bids would get rejected if that would be the case, which is we would look to try to pull the issue before that would happen anyway. >> Does that higher cost does that higher cost include the cost for your um
expenses? >> Yep. So, anything that we're talking about from the standpoint of interest rate savings is is included. It's a net savings cost. So, that includes anything cost of issuance related. um the overall issue. So um this would only be brought
forward if it was going to actually reduce um taxes for property owners net of any costs. >> Okay. >> If if this was approved and it goes through and there's a savings by us taking action, does it uh reduce the
ability or limit the ability of us to do this again a year from now, two years, three years, 5 years? So these these bonds likely would be issued with new call provision, right? That would either be non-allable or have a extended uh
called date that would be out seven or eight years. >> But what we're looking at right now is there's a portion of the issue um fiscal years 35 through 40 right now that we wouldn't call and that would still have its call date on it. So, as we get out to that point in time or sometime
between now and then, you're after you pass your February 1st call date, you could call those bonds at any time. And that's something that we work with the district on a routine basis if there's any point in time where it makes sense to look at lowering interest rates and
we can um we we're exploring those avenues. >> And then the aggregate amount is 27.8, but these are for 26.4. So why the delta between those? Why is there a delta? >> Yeah. So that's the callable principle. Um that's a good thing that I forgot to
touch on. Right now your authorized amount in essence allows for the full amount to be issued and refinanced. Um that overall amount covers any if we ended up with a discount situation where we got a discount bid instead of a
premium that we'd have enough amount to cover those costs. It's not likely we would be doing that. And right now, we're in fact not even looking at refinancing the whole issue, but what we're looking for the authorization to do if rates for some reason came way down, right? We would want to be able to
take advantage of that change in the market and be able to refinance everything if it made sense. Um, right now we're only looking at your maturities that are between fiscal 27 and fiscal 34 as making sense, which is about half of the overall issue.
>> Okay. Okay. Yeah. So really what the the purpose of the resolution as stated is to provide the district is as much flexibility, right, depending on what we're seeing in the market and then we'll be in contact with district administration and kind of
have a more refined plan that we would come back with. But um the the goal is to to set the kind of it in motion that we could get to market um on a fairly quick basis if we if we thought it made sense
for us to do over the next few months. So, as I understand it, it's the most fiscally responsible thing we can do for our taxpayers in our community right now because it'd actually be giving back to them at some point or another. >> Right. Correct.
>> Other questions do board members have? [Music] This is an action item that also has a resolution. And on the resolution, what all needs to be read? >> Just a bold statement. >> Resolution stating the intention of the
school board to issue general obligation school building refunding bond series 20258 and the aggregate principal amount not to exceed approximately 26,700,000. and taking other actions with respect
there too. >> Second. >> Moved by Jeff Hegley, seconded by Casey Root. All those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Opposed, please say no. >> Motion passes 6. Thank you for coming and
>> explaining to us um that's it's a great thing. This is exciting. So, >> yep. This is this is good stuff, right? This is not asking to increase taxes. We're trying to trying to um manage taxes for property owners in the best way we can and um for the district to be
fiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars as well, right, when these opportunities arise. So, we'll be back in touch and I'm sure we'll be talking to you guys soon. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Now, we'll move to item C, first reading and policy. Help me welcome up to the podium, Director of
Human Resources, Rob Daner. Right. Chair Seven, members of the board, Superintendent Olsen. Um, as promised last month, we only have five policies for review this evening. And so again, um, just a reminder to everybody, the
policy committee meets the prior to the first board meeting every month, um, and spends time reviewing policies that are, um, either due to statutory update, our review procedure, or other. Um, and so, uh, we are now in the third year of a
review cycle, uh, procedure. And, um, so again, we're going to start seeing the fruits of that labor in terms of, um, um, less policies per meeting, which is a good thing for all of us, I think. Um all right so tonight uh the first policy for uh first read
is uh 203.2. This is order of the regular schoolboard meeting. The purpose of this policy is to ensure consistency in the order of business at regular school board meetings. Um this one is uh coming forward as I mentioned regarding um a
possible procedural update um with a new section 4 regarding moments of silence and proclamations. Um, basically the new language outlines that the school board may consider during the course course of a school board meeting either a proclamation or moment of silence to recognize an individual um under one of
three circumstances. Either the student is or was formerly a student of the district is or was formerly an employee of the district or is or was formerly a local community member whose work had a significant impact on the district. Pausing for questions on 203.2. too.
>> Yeah. What was the conversation around where we landed with um keeping this at a local level? >> I'll Yeah, >> I can speak to the policy committee meeting. Um so it's started with the
lawyer and our lawyer is who helped us generate language for what the district has done in past practice and typically what school districts do because it's a local community. So um
legally on who we really can give those moments of silence to. So it sounds like we would keep the moments of silence for individuals impacted by whatever within the boundary of the district.
>> Okay. >> Specific to the school district. So either had either a student, an employee or had significant impact, say like a coach within the district or or someone that volunteered or impacted the school district directly. Was there
conversation about what we would do in the event that a particular figure outside of the district something happens and we feel that that individual has positive
influence on either the area or public education. What would we do in the I I guess let me throw a a major political figure, say a president of the United States gets assassinated or something like that someday.
Did we talk about how we would handle that in making a policy for it? >> We we didn't go through every single scenario on there. So in the policy committee, we just talked about all the local aspects. um if there was, you know, forbid some major event, you know,
I think then it would be a discussion at the board level with all of us on what we'd want to do. I don't think we're we're essentially limiting on the board's side 100%. >> I we did have conversation in regards to where do you limit it and how many
moments of silence then would you have per meeting and would it be every single meeting, you know? So that we did have conversation in regards to that um and that we needed to have some sort of policy that was legally sound that we
worked with our lawyer on how we move forward. So to ask a question the other direction then um I think one concern with having a policy like this would be the event that we fail to provide a moment of
silence for an individual that anyone thinks should have been offered a moment of silence and maybe we didn't feel like they fell into the categories that we're offering. who will keep an eye on this so that we're not letting people miss
out on the the uh moments of silence we should be offering for them. I think any board member can always bring up if they think there should be it's appropriate time to have a moment of silence and then it should be the board chair to work with the lawyer to figure
out if it falls within our legal parameters of what we can and can't do at a board level and an open meeting versus what they practice on their own. So one number one and number two
um doesn't state anything about impact to the community or the district. So who would who would fall into one and two and who wouldn't I guess because I look at this >> inter employee of the district >> but then would we say any student that
passes away is going to get a moment of silence. We're not going to we're not going to know about them all in time unfortunately those that have graduated and moved on years before. Uh we probably know about the employees. I think we do a pretty good job of that. Superintendent Olsen always has. I I'd
just feel really bad if somebody felt like, you know, Joe got one and Robbie didn't. And why is that? I like the idea of where number three talks about significant impact. And we would just
have to make sure we have a good understanding of what the definition of significant is for who qualifies. I'm I'm not sure if this is a point of order, but could we open up the policy just so that everyone can see the three points that are being
discussed? >> Thanks. >> Maybe expand a moment. >> We can definitely take that back and review at policy. Mark, if I just wrote down a note saying for you're suggesting items one and two to say significant
impact for a student as well as significant impact >> for an employee. >> Is that what I hear you saying? >> I think that's probably going to define this better for the future is if we note that there was
significant impact. that I think the tough one is going to be the the student of the district and what you know what does it mean to say they had significant impact. I think we can all recognize that
all of our employees could could justifiably be considered significant impact and would maybe merit a moment of silence. But at what point does a student then qualify?
>> I would just like make sure that we uphold the model that we've been, you know, using every kid every day. Um I I I just would want you guys to, you know, pause and have that discussion. um you know uh judging um a student who's maybe
only been here 5 years on on the face of the earth in comparison to um a staff member who's maybe worked for the district 30 years um is a is a big challenge. Um and so I feel like the more broad on the student one um gives
the the district more chance to uphold um the district model potentially. Um and and it sounds like like the employee one is might be easier. Um and I would I would agree. I think I agree with what you say, but I also want to just like
throw out the words of caution when it comes to student um because I think that one gets into a slippery um judgment slope that I think would be hard. >> That's what I'm saying too. I think it could be very tricky with the students. >> We can bring it. This has all been
reviewed by our lawyer already. So we can bring up your suggestion, see what he states as well. But this is reviewed by our lawyer to make sure that we were legally sound. >> Yeah. I I just want to make sure I understand Mark's position. Is your
position that this is too constrictive or too open? >> Too open. >> Okay. Okay. this past what we've been doing. >> It just hasn't been written down I believe on there. So >> been put in policies,
>> right? >> I don't actually I mean maybe some people that are a little bit older like me Jeff sorry call you up. I mean you I don't >> I think Jeff's mic is muted. Is your mic
muted? I I'm just trying to think back of when we have had a moment of silence and how we had determined that in the past and what we had. >> We probably had four in the last 18 months. >> Yep.
>> I what I could count >> students and staff. >> What was the determination at that for those? >> They were all staff students. >> Students. Yeah. recently graduated
student, two current students, two staff member that had been um a seasonal staff member for years, coach. And
>> is this the SBA policy right here? >> Oh, there isn't one. Good discussion. >> See, this says it may. So, it's not an obligation. >> The school may consider. It's not that we would have to for everyone, but
that's yeah, it would just be a discussion. But to Jeff's point, I on the, you know, decision to say yes or no, like I haven't been in any of those those mean conversations. I don't know
how's already doing that exactly, but is that is this something that someone from the public could request like when the school would recognize my significant other who passed away and
was I don't know >> a coach or a employee or a Yeah, I just wrote in my notes for us to take it back to policy and look at who how is the decision does the all the board members have to agree then
prior to the board meeting >> we've just looked at it I'd say you know it started um I think we always tried to do this you know for years those of you that have but I think Kath the former know
chair Zbarth um being in tune with with the community um really recognized that it was important to make sure that staff felt very honored um staff family um and then we just unfortunately had um a couple students that uh you know that
families who lost students. So um we were trying to uphold consistency um throughout these occurrences. Um but I think it it is coming forward for um not only consistency but making sure that everybody understands um how we're
moving forward. So I think it's really good discussion to have since we had so many in a short period of time. How were we applying the consistent consistency consistency test? I think now we'll get to somewhere someplace where we can all
rest knowing that we have it now. So Mark, what we'll do is we'll bring this back to policy. So it won't go to second read. We'll bring it back to policy at the next policy meeting, partner again with our lawyer on a couple of these items that you brought up, and then we'll bring it back again for first
read. I think if as long as we're confident that within the district we have awareness on when former employees pass.
This could be they were an employee last year or 35 years ago. Um to me they probably all deserve to be recognized. be hard to say any of them don't deserve that. But from a student standpoint, I
could see absolutely present students. I can absolutely see the recent student like we had um a couple of very recently graduated students. Um I just don't know how far you go back. I I
>> there could be, you know, the ability to subjectively grab a a former student from years and years and years ago that qualifies under number three. >> I get what you're saying. So that's something that we can definitely remove
or review on where's the cut off because we've had a lot of staff that have passed that we've sent emails out, but we didn't do a moment of silence for um just because of how long it had been since the staff member was within the
district. Um so those are things that I think we should review then. >> Good. Nice work. Thank you very much. All right, thank you. Um, the next policy for first read this evening is policy 303, superintendent selection.
Um, the purpose of this policy is to convey this to the school community that the authority to select and employ a superintendent is vested in the school board. Um, this is brought forward due to our review cycle. It is the only policy within the 300 series. Uh, there is no updates recommended. So, it would
be for review only. Any questions on 303? Moving forward to 607, organization of grade levels. The purpose of this policy is to address the grade level organization of schools within the school district. Currently, the district does not have a policy 607. However, um
the organization of grade levels within the school district is referenced in or directly or indirectly in uh three Minnesota statutes. And so MSBA does recommend having a policy like this on uh file. Any questions on 607?
Okay, moving forward. The next one is 621 literacy and the read act. The purpose of this policy um the policy aligns with the Minnesota law established in the read act and on other topics related to reading. Um the read act is still relatively in its infancy.
Um it was established by law a couple of years back and as the um the training is currently ongoing uh MDE has uh I'm sorry I shouldn't say MD the legislature with recommendations from entities such as MDE has continued
to modify the expectations of the read act and so this is coming forward largely because of legislative updates. Uh specifically addressed in this one is some timeline clarification um some um reccharacterization of language pieces uh immerse immersion
programs and so um really just a function of the um growth and development of what readact is and how it impacts schools. Any questions on 621? Okay, moving forward to our last one. This is 704. development and maintenance
of an inventory of fixed assets and a fixed asset accounting system. The purpose of this policy is to provide for the development and maintenance of an inventory of the fixed assets of the school district and the establishment and maintenance of a fixed asset accounting system. Uh and this is uh we're bringing this
forward as a procedural update this evening. Uh also recommended by our auditors who are uh in the process of completing their work for the district. Um the dollar amounts um that are associated with um different aspects of this policy uh are recommended for
amendment such as the capitalization level um the group purchases uh thresholds. Um there's a section that was redundant recommended for deletion. Uh the capitalization and depreciation um
threshold would move from 2,500 to 5,000. Um, and then just some organizational pieces at the end of the policy recommended as well. But any questions on 704? >> Yeah, you mentioned the 5,000 is new from 2500. Is the $25,000
number new to for the group purchases? I'm going to look towards the director of building uh business services and she's going to make her way up to the podium and I'm going to step aside for a moment.
So for the grouping of fixed assets that was a new accounting rule that schools had to follow in I think starting last year. So that is a new provision. So, we pick 25,000 as a grouping for like TVs
or desks, chairs, whatever, because sometimes things will fall under that 2500 or now 5,000. But as if we buy something in a group, we have to tag that together. So, it'll be a little harder to u monitor and keep track, you know, as
things move around in in rooms and buildings and such, but hope do the best we can. >> So, is $25,000 the right number? what we're starting with. >> Yeah. >> Auditors felt comfortable with our recommendation. >> Any other questions for Tina?
>> You're excused. Any other questions on 704? >> Okay. And so with that, uh, that's the first reading. Um, no action necessary tonight. We'll bring five of the six back for second reading at our next meeting and we'll take 203.2 two back
for some more committee work in November. >> Thank you, Director Daner. >> You >> all right? And this brings us to adjournment at 5:49 p.m. We will be following this meeting. We will start
back up at 5:55 for our work session. And our next school board meeting will be Monday, October 20th at 6 PM. Have a great evening.