We are the Otana School Board. This is Monday. It's the 22nd of September. 5:30. I'm going to call this meeting to order. Tim is going to give us the update on our attendance. >> We're missing AU today. >> We knew that he would not be here. Let's start with the pledge. >> I pledge 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. First up would be to approve the agenda. Before we do, I'll bring to your attention there was an item that was on
the original draft uh that was going to be a board action item uh that had to do with the calendar and uh we're not ready for that to be something that we would take to the board action but Dr. Champa is going to address that during the administrative report. So it has been
removed and it'll be a part of uh Dr. Champa's report. With that uh and that slight modification, we'll entertain a motion to approve the agenda. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? All in favor with an I.
>> Any opposed? That motion carries. Item four tonight is mission moment. I'm going to turn it over to Dr. Champa. >> All right. One of our very favorite things. So, it's great to see so many of you here tonight. And uh this year we have a theme for our mission moments and it's really about partnerships and
seeing all of you come in um scurrying in is just testament to how busy we know that you are. So at this time we'd like to uh take a moment to recognize the members of our homecoming court. This honor reflects not only your individual leadership but also the meaningful partnerships you have built across our
school community. On behalf of the school community and the board, we congratulate you. We are so proud of your husky spirit and your ability to inspire others and we know that it's not limited to this homecoming event. So with that, we have an Oatana proud uh
sticker for you and we'd also just like you to come up and tell us your favorite your name and then your favorite moments about homecoming this year. So congrats and come on up. Didn't know you would get put on the spot. You can go right up over to that
microphone. All right. My name is Anna Hilgendorf and my favorite moment was probably the parade. It was really fun. I got to throw candy at kids. >> That was my favorite part, too. And I was so glad that it didn't rain. >> I'm Miles Grimmus. My favorite part was
probably the halftime um little thing we did with the golf carts and then the dance. >> I'm Atley Clemenson and my favorite part was probably also the football game and the halftime dance. My name's Bren Ralph and mine was the
end of the football game when we won. >> Uh my name is Paige Thompson and I would say the parade and the football game. Just being with friends and the whole community coming together. >> My name is Alana Del Rosa. My favorite
part was definitely the football game and halftime performance. Um, my name is Amelia Baldwin and my favorite part was seeing all the kids at the parade and throwing the candy at them. >> My name is Georgia Stum and my favorite
part was getting to uh do my halftime performance for cheer and then getting to do it for this. >> Uh, my name is Max Flimkkey. My favorite part was the football game. >> All right, congratulations. Yeah. We also know how busy you are. So, if
this doesn't fit in your schedule, you are free to leave when it's convenient for you. >> But if you stuck around and wrote a report for your social studies class tomorrow, you'll get uh probably extra credit. Maybe >> I'm kidding. You We're very proud of the
fact that you came. Thank you so much. >> You can't catch. >> I do know that we have Mrs. bugler in the back for a photo also. So, thank you. >> Thanks to all of you. >> Thank you. >> Item five tonight is public forum. Do we have any
>> Wait, we have one more mission moment. So, sorry. Um, we have a bonus mission moment tonight. Uh September is school board recognition month and I want to take this moment to express my personal gratitude and appreciation of the entire district to all of you for committing your time, talents and leadership and
ensuring students at Otana public schools receive highquality education. So thank you for all you do. [Applause] >> Uh item five tonight is public forum. Do we have any cards, Sarah? No cards. We're gonna move on. Item six would be
general information. Do any of you any of the board members have questions for Dr. Champa as it relates to the enrollment report which is made a part of your packet? No. Okay. We will continue to move on. Item seven tonight. This would just be discussion items only. First would be
the board forum. Um and as we go around the horn, Ron, I guess I'll start with you if you don't mind. Uh if you wouldn't mind touching on um any of your committee reports as well as anything that you would have for board forum. Yeah, we did have a finance committee meeting report and we'll we'll learn more about that later. We talked about the preliminary tax levy, so we'll get
to that in that part. Andrew and I were in the parade, so that was good. We we made it almost all the way with our candy. We were about half block short. >> And I did also chaperone in the dance, so that was an interesting experience as well. So my daughter is on the student council and she's like, "Dad, we need another shaper." And
>> so it was >> Yeah. >> got got to hang out with about 600 uh 15 17 and 18 year olds uh on Saturday night. >> Ron, you made it this far. That was the first time you had to do >> it. It is. Yes. Actually, I'm surprised that it is the first time. Yes.
>> Congratulations. Thanks for doing it. >> Um I had the chance to go to the Washington um Best Buddies Assembly and that was really fun to be there with them and to watch them get their award. That was exciting. Um, I attended the
ALC OEC levy presentation too and then yeah, just had fun on on the parade route. It was fun to see everybody. >> Nothing. Um, yeah, the only thing um I've had the pleasure of uh watching Dr.
Champa and Marks. So there he is um on a couple of presentations and I think they're going well and the community is engaged and interested in our levy questions. So appreciate that work. >> I would echo those sentiments. I also was at the chamber board uh chamber uh growth breakfast uh where Dr. Champa and
Mark Stouts made the presentation. It was a really it was a good audience and I thought that the questions that were asked were very good. I also uh had uh driven a float in the parade and it is always fun to see the amount of uh turnout community support that we have here in Otana for the public school
system. Not much. I guess I I would say I enjoyed watching everyone in the parade as they went by and they did the kids were just the people that were around me just love that. The kids love the candy. >> Yeah,
>> we went to the football game. It was very fun. We got rained on, but it wasn't cold, so that was very nice. And I'm delighted to maybe tell my son I can chaperone the dance next year. Okay, I got IU wrote me a letter. So, from IU, he says, "Good evening,
members of the board. Fall sports are moving into the middle to final third of the season, >> and I'm excited to share that the football team captured their first win. Um, the Owatana High School girls soccer team recently hosted a youth and donation day at one of their games and
they collected over 500 items for the Husky's pantry at Trinity Lutheran Church. Homecoming was a major success this year. Thanks to the hard work of the junior class and our adviserss, it was one of the most engaging spirit weeks I've ever been a part of, and it
really highlights Owatana's dedication to school pride and student involvement. Looking ahead, Owaton High School will host the Minnesota Supreme Court for oral arguments next month. This event, coordinated by school administration and our mock trial adviser, Miss Ashton,
give students a unique opportunity to learn firsthand about our state's judicial judicial system. Juniors and seniors in first and second period humanities classes are invited to attend. These activities and events truly showcase Oatana's commitment to
academics, community, and student engagement. Thank you again for your time and support. So, that was from my UB. And then I'd say the homecoming. We had a very good homecoming this year, especially our dance. I mean, thanks. Thank you, Ron. That was one of our best
dances. We switched it to the commons and it was a great turnout. >> I also want to thank Mr. Sebring for pulling a hay rack. That was very good. Um, all the hay racks that I coordinated all got there. And then I also want to say that the boys cross country team did
have a cross country meet Saturday morning. And I know what I was not here, but I'm here to boast for him. He got ninth out of 452 kids. >> Wow. Good for him. >> So that's all I have. >> Excellent. Thanks, L. >> Um, thank you so much, L, for mentioning
the Supreme Court thing. And I don't know, Dr. Champ, if you're going to comment, but I just want to make certain that everybody's aware there is also an opportunity for the public to meet and greet the Supreme Court on Tuesday night. >> Correct. The dinner >> for the dinner. Right. And I don't know if there are tickets still available,
but Torres is hosting that >> um to >> and then he's checking on the public the ability to sit through their >> but there will be a panel. So, um I have I have the information if you need to know. It's at Tories. I'll give you the
date quick. It's really a unique and very exciting opportunity. Um, Judge Long, who is also a resident of of this community and has raised her family here, is the chief judge. So, she'll kind of be hosting and um, so just a great great showcase of Oatana, I
believe. Yes, the 7th. It's at Tori's um, 6 PM dinner following and then I think there's some kind of a panel discussion with the Supreme Court. So, that's again open to the public. Um, I could get you the link if you need it, but >> I'll put it in your wrap, too. >> I think it was in I think it was in the
wrap. It's in the weekly wrap. Yeah. >> So, thank you, LOL. Good reminder. >> Uh, anybody have anything else to add as it relates to um your committee reports and the your um your board packet also included the summary of the uh work
session and the topics that we covered in that as well. I'm going to turn things over to Dr. Champa for the administrative report. >> Yes. Just thank you to our principles and members of the cabinet for all of their contributions that I know you have reviewed. I just wanted to touch on a couple of things. As noted, we are um
highlighting our theme this year of partnerships through our mission moments and we are continuing as was noted a couple of times with our levy uh informational sessions and we are getting ready to launch our perception survey this fall and then as uh would be
expected, safety is really the top priority in all that we're doing. And so what um we did move from an action item is we are looking at there are a number of new requirements this year and needing some additional time for our staff. So we will be coming forward with
a recommendation to adjust the school calendar um with plenty of time for our families to make that adjustment. But that's what it will be coming for. Any questions? >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh we will move on. Item
eight tonight would be the consent agenda. The first item or the three items rather that we will be approving would be the minutes from our August 25th meeting dispersement as well as the personnel report. Anybody have any reason to pull any of these out? Hearing none. We'll entertain a motion
to approve. >> I move that the board approve the consent agenda. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? I will turn this over to Tim for a roll call vote. >> Ron >> I. Andrea >> I >> Jolene >> I >> Lori >> I >> Mark
>> I >> Elizabeth >> I >> and I am I 70 motion carries. Thank you very much. Item nine tonight we do have a couple of items that require board action. The first item A would be the preliminary tax levy certification. I will turn this over to Dr. Chapel for a quick explanation.
>> Actually Mr. Sts is here and he will review that. >> Mr. Sts, welcome. It's great to see you. Nice to be here. Um, so tonight what we are requesting is the board approve the preliminary property
tax levy for taxes payable in 26. Now this is for the 2627 school year or fiscal year. Um, ironically right now we are working in three different fiscal years. We're preparing for the audit which begins
next week for the 2425 year. We're currently living in the middle of the 2526 budget year and this is the first step in the process for the 2627 uh school year. So um things are kind of
hectic right now. But with that said, this is an annual event kind of a timeline of what happens here in the summer. I provided the Department of Education with various information that they need to calculate our levies. I
like to tell boards that um I don't mean this in a negative way, but you have very little control over the levies because all the formulas to determine the levies are set by the state legislature. really the two areas that you can
control the most is to ask for a bond referendum or an operating referendum which takes a vote um which we well know is going to happen this November. Um and there are some other discretionary
levies that are within the levies but again the board is somewhat limited because all our levies are limited by the state formulas. Um we don't have discretionary levy authority like cities and counties do. So um with that said,
we're bringing bringing forward tonight a proposal that you certify the maximum and what that allows us to do. So between now and December when you certify the final levy, um obviously the operating levy will occur in November.
Uh the proposed property tax statements will go out to every property owner probably sometime mid November and then in December we'll have our truth and taxation hearing and you'll certify the final levy. Um the maximum levy being
presented tonight is an increase at 2.24% over last year's or 25's levy. Um the majority of the increase are really two things. There's an inflationary factor on our referendum per pupil referendum
amount we receive and then also the board elected to underlevy the LTFM or long-term facilities maintenance levy last year. So this year if we go up to the maximum allowed that would be an
increase. So those two factors are the biggest factors in the 2.24 24% increase. Um, I'm really pleased with how the formula's worked out this year and I think, you know, given the rising
costs and what's happening with other things in the economy and so forth, I think a 2.24% increase is reasonable. If you certify the preliminary levy at the maximum tonight, you cannot raise
the levy, the final levy above that unless the operating levy passes. So if the operating levy is successful in November, that'll be reflected in the final levy um that you'll be asked to approve in December. If it's not, it
would stay at this rate or we could choose to under levy in certain areas um to lower it. So with that, I'd entertain any questions you might have and I'd recommend approval of the maximum amount
for the preliminary levy. >> Can you just explain what the under levy means? So, a lot of our categorical levies, the board could choose to underlevy. Now, the danger you run in some of those
is that some levies are tied to to state aid. It's all based on formulas. And so, if you underlevy, you run the risk of losing state aid. Also, um some categories are 100% levy. you could
choose to underlev in those particular categories. We're not necessarily recommending that tonight. Um but it is an option that the board would have it should they choose. We'll have another finance committee meeting before the
final levy because obviously if the operating levy is successful that's going to have an impact on this Any other questions? >> You know, I think I would just say, you know, Ron and I I think were able to be
a part of that finance committee meeting and we had a healthy conversation and I think we feel comfortable with this recommendation. And just for those of you who are maybe newer, I would I would say that historically and Mark you can Jolene and others in my experience we have typically always at this juncture
sought the max and approved that and then kind of when the dust settles so to speak will finalize in December. So it is a preliminary step and so I would certainly support this. >> Anything else? All right. Okay. Having heard all of
that, uh perhaps somebody from the finance committee could u introduce this motion for us. >> I move that the board certify a preliminary levity in the maximum amount provided by law. >> Second. >> Have a motion and a second. Is there any further discussion? >> All in favor with an I.
>> I. >> Any opposed? >> That motion carries. Thank you. >> Item B tonight would be the assurance of compliance report. Once again, I'm going to turn things over to Dr. Champa. Yes, this is an annual um requirement. So for any of our funding, there's a requirement that we have signed the
asurances of compliance. So it's standard um that we reflect on this annually. >> Anybody have any questions? >> Again, if somebody from finance would uh be willing to introduce this motion, that would be great. Uh, I move that the board approve the assurance of
compliance report and that the superintendent or her designate sign and submit it on behalf of the district. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Again, any further discussion? >> All in favor with an I. >> I. Any opposed? That motion carries.
Item C tonight would be the former district office building purchase agreement. Dr. Champa worked um extensively on this. I'll ask her to give us the bird's eye view on this. >> All right. This is for our Bridge Street um property. And so in an agreement with the city, the city will be purchasing that based on your approval for that. Um
we believe that it is uh we move forward with some synergy and uh have a best outcome for both the city and the school district. So with that, I would recommend that you approve the um purchase of the property >> and the the purchase price is
>> 260,000. Okay. We have any questions? >> Actually, one quick thought came to mind. I noticed in the agreement something about roof repair. Is that something that we know needs to be done or is there an estimated cost to that? And so, I'm glad that you brought that
up. So, yes. So, there was a roof repair and then there was a skylight issue. And so, what we did is it is the roof repair is included because it's warranty work and it's transferable. So the intent is at the um soonest possible time.
However, it may be under their ownership, but we have verified that it's transferable. And the skylight though is not. That is um will be up to the city on how they address that. >> Thanks. Any other questions? Jolene, Andrea, would one of you be able
to introduce this motion for us? I move that the board approve the purchase agreement with the city of Oatana for the sale of the former district office property located at 515 West Bird Street. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? >> All in favor with an I.
>> I. Any opposed? That motion carries. Item D tonight is the ISD 761 Foundation board. Um, quick reminder is the 761 Foundation is a completely separate entity from Oh, before I start that, you just caught my eye. Thank you.
Before we move on to item D, I do want to invite Kevin Rainey and Jenna Tuma to come up to the dis there's um uh this this was a the sale of the property was was a bit of work on behalf of the city as well as Dr. Champa and um and Kevin
had asked uh for an opportunity just to say a few words. Welcome. Glad you're here. >> Good evening, Dr. Champ, esteemed schoolboard members. Uh, a couple of personal things. First, if I may, uh, congratulations on the homecoming. What
a great week. Parade was great. Uh it's it's not only a school event, it's a community event and and very proud how how from kindergarten through 12th grade, uh great student representation.
Uh second thing on a personal note, your operating levy, I believe the last time that it was increased was 2013. Uh speaking for myself and my wife Monica, we absolutely support that. Uh we
understand that costs have gone up significantly since 2013 and I would encourage people to uh to come out in November and and vote yes. It's uh it's to support uh uh Owatana continuing to
improve the education for our young adults in Owatana. uh before us tonight, the the property. On behalf of the mayor and the city council, we really appreciate the support that Dr. Champa and the school
board has given um with this purchase. It allows the city to remodel that facility uh to use that for a year, two years for our law enforcement center while our new one is is being built. uh without
this purchase, we didn't have a plan B. So, this means a lot to to us and we we are so thankful and appreciative for the school board's action. >> It's kind of fun to sit on this side of the diet.
>> You guys look good up there. >> We could go on the road here. I just want to uh Dr. Chambber, you brought up the theme this year is partnerships and does this speak to that or or not? Is this is great. And so, uh, we put together a really deal relatively quick and it just highlights the willingness
and openness to to have conversation and discuss it to see how we can work together. So, I just appreciate, uh, working together, the theme of partnerships because we're here to support the community and how better to do that than through collaboration and working together. So, thank you all. Appreciate it. >> Very good. Thank you,
>> Gavin. You look good out there. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you both. Uh item D, the 761 Foundation. The 761 Foundation is an entity that is completely separate from the school district itself. And as such,
um the bylaws, and this is a foundation that dates back to the late 1980s or early 1990s when it became in came into an ex existence. And the bylaws stipulate that the foundation uh board of directors um regularly would be
approved by this school board. And there was a recent addition. Sandy Boss is a new member to the 761 Foundation board and as such uh it's necessary for us as a school board to ratify um the makeup of the 761 Foundation. So with that um
your board packet included all of the members of the foundation board. Be happy to answer any questions that you might have. >> I have a question. What's the process of getting on the board other than just being voted? >> It's a good question. The board, I believe that the board can be made up of
up to 15 and um there is an attempt to try and get um representation that would um be a good cross-section of Oatana. It's not necessarily uh incumbent upon a person to have been an OS graduate to be a part
of that board. Um but by and large the the nature of the 761 Foundation is to um raise funds that would be made available primarily through what are called miniigrants to um enterprising teachers that would submit applications
to uh uh uh secure these mini grants and and employ them the resources um in their teaching. >> Sure. Any other questions? Given that I I'll make the motion then that um you approve the slate of 761 Foundation board of directors as
presented in your packet. >> Okay. Can you do that since you are one of the board of directors of the foundation? >> Um okay. >> I don't care. I don't care. >> It doesn't matter to me. But >> we don't run a foul
introduces a motion for us. I move that the board ratify the appointment of the board of directors of the ISD761 Foundation as listed. >> I will second that motion. >> We have a motion and a second. Is there any further discussion? >> All in favor with an I. >> I. Any opposed?
>> Uh that motion carries. Items E and F are very similar. They have to do with designating depositories uh for school district revenue. I'm going to turn this over to Dr. Champa for a quick explanation. >> All right. Typically, you would see this at the organizational meeting in January. However, the sale of Bremer
Bank to Old National Bank is requiring you to address both of these as the depository and then also um for district investments. And this change will take place on Friday, October 17th. >> Elizabeth, do you happen to have it queued up? Elizabeth, would you make the
motion for us? I move that the board approve Old National Bank as a depository for monies necessary to meet payrolls activity account monies and for school district revenues necessary to meet its general accounts, savings, and federal income tax withholding obligations. >> Second.
>> We have a motion and a second. Is there any further discussion? All in favor with an I. I. Any opposed? That motion carries. As long as you have it there, would you do item F for us, too? I move that the board approve designating Old National Bank to be
authorized to invest district assets as requested and within all state and federal guidelines. >> Second. >> Again, a motion and a second. Any discussion? >> Just maybe a clarification. Um, they're not our only financial institution that
has that authority. I mean, it's just one of several. >> And you're only seeing this one because of the change, correct? >> Thank you. Got clarification. All in favor with an I. I. Any opposed? That motion carries. Item G tonight would be gifts to the
district. Dr. Champa. >> Yes. So, you can see we have a long uh list of gifts gifts and again just uh gratitude to the community and their generosity and many of these were for homecoming. Any questions about any of them?
>> Thank you. We'll entertain a motion to approve. I move that the board approve the resolution of for acceptance of gifts as presented. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. I'll ask Tim to do the roll call vote. Ron >> I. >> Andrea >> I. >> Jolene >> I. >> Lori >> I. >> Mark
>> I. >> Elizabeth >> I. >> I for me. 70. >> Carries. Thank you very much. Item 10 tonight would be to adjurnn. I will introduce the motion that we adjourn. >> Second. >> Motion in a second. All in favor with an I. >> I. >> I. Any opposed? Motion carries. Thanks
folks. Good meeting. Board members, do you have a town of proud >> voice? I do not have one for the first time. >> All right. And that's