Okay, good evening everyone and welcome. We are the Otana School Board. It is Tuesday. It's the 26th of May. 5:30 p.m. I'm call it's 5:31. Calling this meeting to order. Um let's start with the pledge of >> allegiance. Pledge 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. start off. Andrea will give us a quick update on our attendance. >> Looks like we're all here.
>> Excellent. And um before we approve the agenda, there's one amendment that I need to make. And if you would please, we will add under action items, we'll add an item L after gifts to the district. We'll add item L. And this would be a letter of understanding
regarding the Read Act. >> So with that amendment, I'll make the motion that we approve the agenda. as presented with the amendment. >> Second. >> Motion in the second. Any further discussion? >> All in favor with an I. Any opposed?
That motion carries. Turn things over to Dr. Champa for our mission moment. >> All right. So, our mission moment. This entire year, our theme has been to really celebrate and recognize our partnerships throughout the district that truly benefit our students on so many levels. Um, but tonight we get to
recognize those that are truly the heartbeat of our school district and are behind all of those partnerships happening. So, wanted to take time to recognize our cabinet tonight. And so, we are going to recognize each of you, talk about what your role is a little bit, and then ask you to come up and
maybe share highlight of the year or something. Um, so I know your favorite moment. Here we go. Uh so if we look up at our screen there, we have Chris Pika who serves as our director of human services and has worked tirelessly in this environment uh lately when it's
more difficult than ever to recruit, support, and retain outstanding educators and support staff. So we thank Chris for all of her work. Next, we have Director Sullivan. Our director of teaching and learning has championed highquality instruction and meaningful learning opportunities that help every
student each and every student reach their fullest potential. And as all of you know this last year, last two years has been a bit of a challenge with the demands of the read act and now looking at what do those interventions look like but always looking at how do we best
support our students. And next we have uh Director Olsen, who this may be close to being one of his last uh meetings, but certainly has been instrumental in the work with all of our facilities across the district. Um and infrastructure and security has been a
um maybe a little bit more of a lift this past year, but we thank you for your efforts and all of your work behind that as well. Uh, Director Stz, you'll hear u from tonight as well, is our director of finance and operations and has just demonstrated amazing
stewardship of our district finances and is always not only looking at our finances but also what is in the best interest of our students. So, we thank him for his work. And we also have director McDermott Johnson, our director of community ed, who just now received a
survey and really looking at how do we best support our uh community and really how do we stretch beyond what we typically think of was prek12 and meet the needs of our entire community at large. So we thank um director Mcderman Johnson for her work. And finally, we
have Director Mensync, who is our director of special services and is rounding out almost her first year and has just been a passionate advocate for our students, ensuring that every learner receives the support, care, and opportunities that they need to succeed. So together, they model integrity,
professionalism, and what we stand for here in Otana Public Schools. So, thank you for your service. One highlight for us. >> And if your um hashot public schools is
wearing off on your laptop like mine is, you have a brand new one. All right. >> So, I will say um one of my goals was assisting the superintendent in
disseminating information related to the operating levy back in November. I'm happy to announce that that goal is 100% complete, but it was not successful. And the reason I bring that up is um
you know despite the fact that yeah we wished it would have passed and and life could have went on um it really gave me an opportunity to build a relationship with through that process and through the subsequent budget reductions.
It also gave us the opportunity to look at the budget and really dig into the budget where sometimes when you come into a new district, it takes time to learn the nuances um of of this particular district, how
they do things and so forth. We were forced to jump in with both feet. And so from that standpoint, it was a real beneficial process even though the outcome isn't what we desired. So
>> thank you for the past year. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. all runn and this is probably a repeat that the highlight um would have to be working in.
And this year, you know, we had six that started in cohort one and all six graduated. So that was really nice. for the long graduation. Um, and all six of them have positions,
not necessarily in our district, but now we have two inhort, elementary and A lot of times what Jed us >> Thanks Chris. Um, a highlight of my year
to join this team. the program special. So, those are two of the highlights that I have. How about the radio show? That was a highlight, too. It's fun talking on the radio. I found out that was a little bit
stressful the first time that >> Okay. I have a lot to talk about. >> Yeah, I can imagine. So, one of our one of my goals this year and actually But anyway, we work very well together.
I love you guys on board. of people. We're also working on the safety around quite a bit. back next year. I feel very happy. ations. part of our day. We work so hard.
It has more successful. I actually didn't think it was on. There we go. Um I feel like I told Mark before the the meeting started, I said, "You're not going to call me up front tonight." And he said, "Nope, nope, not tonight." And here we are. And uh so I know you
heard from me a couple of weeks ago when we were here for the meeting, but I will just say I think I'm the longest standing um member of the the cabinet here as far as being in Owatana. This is my 35th year in education, my 34th year in Owatana. And I've been everywhere
from started teaching at the junior high and then went to the high school and then became an assistant principal and then over to Wilson Elementary and then principal at the middle school. And stepping into this role was probably my biggest challenge. uh just because it was so different not
with kids every day, not leading, you know, a big staff and it and it took me a little bit to grow into this and I don't know in hindsight with everything that was coming on our plate if I would have said yes, sign me up for that, but it's actually been really a really good process. The readact was great and we
we're heading into phase two next year and I have just a fantastic team. I have great colleagues that I can go to for a variety of questions and um and just my team with Wendy and Matt and Kelly and Kenneth, you know, who's just brilliant with everything and if I need any data,
I can just go there and and get it. So, um I've really enjoyed it. I I think I bleed blue because Owatana is, you know, like and in a couple years, uh we're going to retire and not live in this community. And it and that already um at moments kind of strikes me. this is
where we've spent and so much time and raised our kids and all three of them had such a great experience in the school system. So, I love what I do. Um I I like going to work every day and um I look forward to what's coming the next couple of years before I'm officially
done and join Bob in retirement. So, thank you. >> All right. Thank you so much. We appreciate all that you do. >> Board members, any last comments? Anything to share? It is somewhat awe inspiring to see the
amount of experience, the wealth of experience that was represented by the six people standing up here and I think in a large part um a very strong reason why Oatana becomes a destination district because of leadership like the six of you and what you provide. So, thank you very much on behalf of the
board. Thank you. Uh we will move on to item five. Is there anything for public forum tonight? No cards for public forum. Okay. Item six. Um, uh, Director Stz is here and he will make his way up. I'll turn things back over to Dr. Champ for a quick
overview on what we'll talk about with this regard to the amended budget. >> Yes. So, we have both Sarah and Mark presenting tonight on our amended budget. And if you just remember a little bit, this is coming to us a little bit late because of the timing of the operating referendum and then the um
work to get all of the contracts negotiated and in place so that this was not a constant on your agenda and just always changing as all of those contracts were settled individually. So with that, >> all right. So my role here is I'm going
to introduce Sarah and many of you remember Sarah back when uh she was here previously. Um her she goes now by Sarah Brandt. She was married last year. So um Sarah is back. Had a really good meeting
with the finance committee on Friday and I'm going to let her present um the amended budget for this year. So you'll be seeing the amended budget for the current year 2526 tonight and then next month we'll have the budget for the
2627 school year um that we'll present to the board and we've got another finance committee meeting on the books and we should be set. But I'm going to turn it over to Sarah. She's done a ton of work on this and um I'm really pleased to
have her back in the district. >> Yeah. and I'm happy to be back. >> Um, so as Mark mentioned, we did meet with the finance committee last Friday and we went through the full budget book in detail. So tonight I'm just going to have you focus on page five, which is the summary of all of the funds that
we're presenting. Um, and we'll focus mainly on the general fund because that's the primary source of the district's funding and operations. Um, for the general fund amended budget, we're we're presenting revenues of $84.2 million. This does include a pretty
sizable increase in our special education state aid funding of approximately $3 million. Additionally, there's some um increase in our general education aid primarily in the compensatory revenue category um in the preliminary budget um the compensatory
revenue was included before the state legislature that hold harmless amount. So, we're um including an increase in revenue for that change as well. Um expenditures for the overall general fund are budgeted at $85.7 million. This
does include the full um contract settlement package that Tammy referenced. All contracts have been settled as of May 11th. Um so all of those changes are incorporated in this budget. Um there was a placeholder in the preliminary budget and we landed
fairly close to that overall um expenditure contract settlement. Um, but we've also included a few other changes just to reflect some um actual LTFM projects and some additional increases in expenses. Overall, that brings us to
a net decrease in our general fund balance of about $1.5 million to end the year at a projected $13.6 million fund balance. Um, we often focus on the unassigned fund balance as a as a percent of expenses. And there we're
landing at 11.37%. Um, this is a slight increase from where we had the preliminary budget at 9.83% and pretty close to what Mark talked about with the school board in his November projection. Overall, very
healthy. Um, when we look at the food service fund and the community service fund, those are two um programming funds that are meant to be self- sustaining. So we set um rates to sustain the expenses that those funds incur. Um
although they have some deficit spends, they still overall at the end of the year are projected to have a healthy fund balance. Um our building construction fund incorporates uh the high school and district office remodel as well as a few other projects. Um, here we have a few
adjustments just to recognize interest revenue we've seen to date and limit our expenses to the expenses we actually incurred on those projects. Our debt service fund is used to make payments on the bonds that the district has issued. There's no significant
changes there. Um, our trust fund is set up for our museum programming and you can see it's a very small budget. Um, so not a lot to talk about there. um health insurance internal service fund. Um here we do have a decrease anticipated in our
fund balance and this will play into the health insurance premium rate increases we're presenting for next year but still overall a positive fund balance and able to support itself. Um and then likewise our dental internal service fund is for district's self-insured dental
insurance. Um and there we're projecting about a break even fund balance. Great. So that is the overall um amended budget summary. I'm happy to answer any questions or go into more detail if anything
um is on your mind. >> Welcome back, Sarah. >> Thank you. >> Good to have you here. >> I'm very happy to be back. Yeah, it's good to see you. I was feeling terrible that I missed it and now you have a new last name. So that's why I missed it. Now I'm not feeling as bad. So >> glad you're here.
>> Board members, any questions? >> Good summary. One thing I would I would mention, we're right on track with fund balance and I know uh the board members on the finance committee will give a report uh later this evening, but we're
also right on track with enrollments at this point. And I think that's really important as we move forward into the next year. So, thank you very much. >> Good. Thank you. >> Uh item seven tonight would be uh just
the general information and specifically it would be with regard to the enrollment report. Do board members have any questions for Dr. Champa with regard to the enrollment report that was part of your packet? Okay. Hearing none, we will move on. Item eight tonight. No action required by us. Board forum. Uh
Jolene, if you don't mind, we'll start over on your side. >> Nothing quiet on this end. >> Um yeah, just the opportunity of the Pops concert was very entertaining and awesome to see, inspiring again. Um I don't know if you want us to comment. >> Yeah, I was just going to say and if you
wouldn't mind, um if there's committee report you'd want to bring that up at >> Yeah, I think I'll just comment and I'll let Ron and and others um chime in. I was remote, so they were a little more hands-on and um but yeah, we had a good meeting. um went through that um report in in a fair amount of detail. I think
we got all of our questions answered. Um they do a great job and I heard Sarah's voice, so I was glad I knew that voice. I was glad to see she was on the call. So yeah, more to come, but on track. >> Um yeah, I would just agree on the pops concert. I thought it was good. And also
the Memorial Day program, the concert band performed and the marching band was in the parade and afterwards even I talked to Mr. Gunther and he just said today was one of those days where it just everything and I mean maybe LOL you could say too. It seemed like you guys sounded really good and um so it was
just good to see this school district contributing to that you know uh event and just the patriotism in the community as well. So um and then yeah I would agree with the finance committee. Yeah, we had a very good meeting and we're able to kind of go through everything and yeah seems like we're in a good place.
>> I don't have anything. I have nothing for board form tonight either. And Andrea? Yeah, I also was at the pops concert. It was fantastic. And I went to the music awards program prior to that, which was really great to see all those students recognized and both for their contributions here in town and also even
at the state choir level. So, that was very cool. Um, and then tomorrow I'm headed to Bistown to help with the middle school, the sixth grade trip for Bistown. So, that'll be good. Maybe I'll just add for the finance committee meeting, we had talked about
the legislative change or decision and the upcoming um deficit of almost Yes. 700,000 coming in the future. Is that for the next school year? >> It is. Yes. >> Yeah. So, we did touch on that also. Um
to that we'll have to prepare for that. So, that was it. We had the last OS advisory meeting um where students discussed the vaping epidemic in our schools, potential solutions to that. Uh some of the causes
that um allow students to, you know, get into that addiction. Uh we discussed cell phones, Chromebooks, the use of Chromebooks, how they are both a you know um how they both help and hurt
education uh among our students. And then we also discussed uh a large portion of our discussion was about school engagement, how we can get school spirit up, how we can allow all of our students to feel supported either at sporting events, uh extracurricular
activities. It was a very very productive uh discussion. Um there we also prevent uh presented some solutions and how students can stay in touch throughout the school year so that if they do come across an issue uh they can let lol and Greta know right away so that
it does not fall through the cracks. It was very productive uh meeting. LOL and I were also able to attend the agricultural industrial slash military signing day. Uh we had a we had a close
friend of ours sign to the Navy Dawson Levy. That was amazing. Just being able to support him, being able to support all of our students um regardless of the career path they go into. Also, big shout out to Mr. Coleman and Miss um Miss Cook for putting that together. Um
but yeah, that's all I had. This is my last meeting. I just wanted to share some thank yous. Um thank you Mr. Sebring. Thank you all board members for giving me an incredible two years, for allowing me to grow, pushing me, um, and also just giving me a formative experience that will guide the rest of
my life journey. I will not forget my time on the school board. This has been an incredible journey, and I'm really optimistic as to what LOL and Greta can achieve in their tenure as well as the the future of this role. Um, first I want to say thank you IU.
Um, I know that we have a relationship that is outside of just the school board. We have known each other for a while and I'm sure we will be good friends for a long time. But I just want to thank you for kind of showing me the ropes, even
opened me up to this position. This was like you said a great opportunity and I think there are lots of events and ideas that you have put into the works and I hope that we will be able to accomplish
some of those. Um like Iub said uh we did have our last advisory meeting of the year. So wrapping that up, I think we had a very productive year of advisory meetings and I think especially towards the end of the year, you could really see the kids start to get um
greater engagement with us and really open up to us. But uh besides that, as you guys all imagine, the schools are ready for school to be over. They're ready for summer. But also, if you didn't see, um Owatana has been running
the big nine recently. I think we had four Big Nine championships last week. Uh, boys and girls lacrosse, baseball, and girls golf all won within a span of like five days. So, Otana is doing well.
>> Excellent. Gentlemen, thank you. Um, a before we move too terribly further along, I would open up the the panel, the board to offer any um passing or or closing thoughts, comments with regard to the time that you've spent with us.
>> Well, Aub, I really enjoyed getting to know you these last years. Um, I know I don't know if you still aspire to a political or a career in the law, but I'm particularly interested in that. So, um, just know we'll be waiting and watching and, um, very best wishes to
you. >> I would maybe just add to kind of like what LOL said, just appreciate the, I would say, the professionalism or the maybe the standard that you bring or have brought to the position and, you know, and I think setting the bar high for people coming behind you. Yes. Sim along similar lines, we've had
students, schoolboard reps now for a number of years, and I'm always convinced that the rep that is our senior is the most um productive person I've ever met. And uh you you've set the bar once again pretty high. So Lo,
you're going to have to work. Well, and as mentioned before, I just appreciate um watching you lead and am very excited to watch your journey as you move forward as well. >> I the level of your questions from week to week has really made me think more
critically about what we're doing and what we should be thinking about and taking action on. And I greatly appreciate your questions. I've always been impressed when you um by your presentation, the things that you say, the questions you ask, the way
you present yourself. So, well done. >> Um I I need you to know we are a better board because of you and we are a better community because of you. So, good luck. It's going to be fun to see where you land. >> Yob, you are just uh you're a you're
mature beyond your years. you are patient. You're a critical thinker. Um, very often in life, people are waiting for a person to stop talking so they can begin to interject what they have to say. And you're waiting for them
to talk if finished speaking because you want to be able to process what they've said and to give a a careful and deliberate response to it. And I think that that's just a a spectacular attribute that you'll take with you the rest of your life. We wish you the very
best. >> Thank you very much. Appreciate it. >> And you can stay the rest of the meeting. >> Okay, good. >> Um, so that covers board forum. We did take care of the committee reports. Um, anybody have any comments or questions
with regard to the work session report? It was presented in your packet. No. Uh, I'll move on to item B, which would be the administrative report. I'll turn things over to Dr. Champ. >> Yes. So I know that you've had time to read the admin report but I just wanted to point out director Hedland had just
mentioned about the compensatory. So we had made comments along the way as we were doing budget adjustments as we feel good for the upcoming um couple of years as long as the legislation doesn't do anything to change that. And unfortunately compensatory for us was
adjusted um about $700,000. And just to give a little context to that, that is because of what we used to call free and reduced uh meals applications. And so that dollar amount came in due to applications and also direct certifications for Medicaid, that type
of thing. And um our state is going through a process since we no longer have those applications. And we had expected or maybe hoped for a hold harmless that we'd receive the same level of funding as we had uh last year
and uh that wasn't the case. We have 40% of it. So we now are moving forward in a very deliberate way um to address some dollars there as well. Um but I also want to mention you said that everyone's ready to be done with the year, but we have so much left to do. If you look at
the calendars and the schedules and the things that you were mentioning being a part of um between all of the athletic activities, the final concerts, they it's a busy time. So, if anyone's ever looking for something to do, our students can provide a level of
entertainment um and performances unparalleled to any other. So, >> finish strong. anything with regard to the cadence of >> and so just mentioning at your upcoming work session you're uh looking at your
own board evaluation specifically the area of vision and as you think about how do you ensure that the strategic plan is alive and well this is what that is intended to do so each of our even hearing that it's maybe not the favorite
activity um each cabinet member sets those uh smart goals and then reflects on a monthly basis And so you see collectively where we are on those um four strategic directions. >> Excellent. Board members, any questions
for Dr. Champa? >> Okay. Hearing none, we will move on. Um item tonight, item nine tonight would be the consent agenda. We will need board action. We're going to approve the minutes from April 27 and May 11, dispersement and personnel reports. Does
anybody have anything or any reason to pull anything out? I would just like to make a quick comment just in light of the the notes and messages that we received this week regarding the personnel report and um and we discussed briefly. We discussed
briefly and just understanding that we approve these reports quite often. Um this was the first time in my four three and a half years on the board that we received comments and concerns. um but feeling um
maybe comfortable, confident where um our superintendent has dealt with this situation up to this point and felt a little chaotic at first, but um thank you for um working through that and um I just wanted to acknowledge um that this
happened in the last week. So, thank you. >> Thanks. >> Um with that, we will entertain a motion to approve. I move that the board approve the consent agenda as presented. >> Second. We have a motion and a second. Is there any further discussion with regard to this?
>> Okay. Hearing none. Andrea, if you would please. >> Sure. Jolene. >> Hi. >> Lori. >> I. >> Ron. >> I. >> Tim. >> I. >> Mark. >> I. >> Elizabeth. >> I. And I am an I. Seven. Pass. >> Motion carries. Very good. Thank you. Item 10 tonight would be a couple of items that do require board action.
First of which is a the 2025 2026 amended budget. We just heard comprehensive summary of that. Finance committee has been able to dig into this as well. Um we'll entertain a motion to approve.
>> I move that the board approve the 2025 2026 amended budget as presented. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Are there any discussions or any other further questions as it relates to this? >> Okay, hearing none. All in favor with an
I. I. Any opposed? That motion carries. Item B tonight. I'm going to turn this over to Dr. Champa. This is called resolution to decommit funds. And I know that Dr. Champa and Director St. >> No, go for it.
>> Okay. So, if you'll recall, as a result of the failed referendum, we went through the budget reduction process. And one of the items on the budget reductions is to move committed funds. So, the board had committed through
action numerous years ago almost $300,000 towards uh the career pathways program. What we're proposing in this resolution is we eliminate that those committed
funds. We're still going to continue with the career pathways program. We're just going to fund it out of the normal general fund or the unassigned fund balance. So really no change in programming or anything like that. I'd like to call this a bookkeeping
resolution more than anything. >> Board members, any questions? >> Well, we had a good discussion at our finance committee meeting too just about how yeah, this these funds were set aside to get the program started to get it going and now that it's functioning and doing what we intended, >> now it's best best, you know, we're
still going to continue to do that. We're just going to use these move these funds. >> Yeah. >> Into the general fund. >> Good. Anybody else? Uh, given that this is a finance issue, would one of the members of the finance committee please introduce the motion? >> I move that the board approve the
resolution to decommit funds as presented. >> Second. >> We do have a motion and a second. Again, any further discussion. Okay. Hearing none, Andrea, if you would please. >> Sure. Jolene, >> I. >> Lori, >> I. >> Ron, >> I. >> Tim, >> I. >> Mark, >> I.
>> And Elizabeth? And I am an I. >> Very good. Motion carries. Uh item C tonight would be uh that we do in fact have a new student schoolboard representative. I'll turn things over to Dr. Champa. >> All right. So we have been uh talking about the success of our senior
representative and it's also the time of the year where uh we get to talk to those who are interested in moving into this role. And we could not have been more impressed with the candidates that came forward. And so I'd like to call up Greta Beldman. And uh Greta just
you can say it so well. Uh you talked about what you would strive for for our student body and what you hope for and if you can just share that with the board. I know they'd love to hear that. >> Sure. Um hi everyone. I'm Greta. I am so excited to be here and for this upcoming
year. Um, one thing that I talked about and I've kind of had the idea of as I'm moving into this new role, um, is the idea of equity and, um, inclusion within our schools. Um, and one thing I talked about during the interview and just have
kind of had in the back of my mind is just finding ways to be able to make sure that, um, everyone in the community, specifically in our schools and all the students, um, feel comfortable where they are with the people they're around. um and just feel like they're in the
right place and don't have any discomfort where they are when they're at school and um in their activities and stuff. And so I just believe that that's an important thing that I'm hoping that we can find a way to um incorporate even more than what is right now. So yeah,
but thank you all. I'm so excited. >> Good. Board members, any questions? Miss Beldman, this is not the first time you have presented or discussed things with the board. >> No, >> it was a short How many years ago did you and two of your classmates >> tell the adults in the room to get rid
of cell phones? >> That must it was three or four years ago, I believe. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Not my first time being here. >> No, it's not not your first rodeo. Very excited to have you. Glad you're here. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Anybody else?
>> Greta, welcome. Thank you. >> Well, I'm I'm going to say one more thing. Um, as we were looking for uh candidates for this new position, I sent out an email to um potential sophomores who would fit this position. And when
looking at people who um I should send this to, I talked to numerous teachers, students, um my own knowledge, and I just wanted to let you know that your name came up probably more than anyone else's. So, I'm sure you're fit for the role and your peers and your teachers think so as well.
>> Thank you so much. >> That was perfect. And yes, we're just so excited to have you join. We're very sad obviously to lose, but um excited to have you join. And also a shout out and thank you to your family for their support and allowing you to do this work
as well. >> Well, thank you so much. Welcome. >> Thank you. >> Board members, >> would one of you be kind enough to introduce this motion for us? >> I move that Greta Eldman be appointed as a student school board representative. Second.
>> We have a motion and a second. All in favor with an I. >> I. Any opposed? That motion carries. Item D would be the 2025 2026 school calendar. I'll ask Dr. Champa to give us the quick overview. So this is your school calendar only. It is um what it
currently looks like after we have addressed the number of days. So we had two non-school days and we had two uh late starts and so I that is not up in front of you but that is what is attached here >> in a way was a part of the board packet as well.
>> Yes. Any questions? >> Yeah. Any questions? >> All right. >> Board members, anybody have that queued up? Could you introduce that motion? I move that the board approve the final 2025 2026 school calendar as presented. >> Second.
>> We have a motion and a second. All in favor with an I. >> Any opposed? That motion carries. Item E tonight would be policy revisions. Uh folks, there were two in particular and one of which was a complete rewrite, one of which was brand new. So, uh, before
we dig into it, um, policy committee, um, it's very interesting and I'm wondering if you can just give us a quick bird's eye view of the first one, which would be equity, and, um, talk about how you landed with the this new
and almost completely rewritten policy. Well, I think um just my my impressions of the discussion, we we felt that what we had from an equity perspective, the policy was narrow and it didn't reflect necessarily everything that the district
especially as part of our um strategic goals. Um what we wanted it to reflect that better. So we rather than trying to just amend what existed, we went and uh redid it completely. And I think it's I I
think we all agreed as we walked out from that discussion that it was a a much better um and more inclusive kind of holistic version of an equity policy. So I think we were all very happy with it when we were done. >> I think the other comment is just that
um you know the directors and so on who are part of that committee also helped us by finding other examples of other districts and sort of how they're approaching this topic and that gave us a good kind of template and starting point. So we weren't completely writing it, you know, beginning to end, but
nonetheless kind of staying in norms. And >> thank you. And then the second one, uh, has to do with AI. Can you talk a little bit about that? >> Yep. Um, it's just ever changing, right? We don't we make decisions today and
then there's going to be new information tomorrow. And so Mike Helverson came in and did a really nice job of talking about this is how it's used right now within our schools as a tool. Um this is how these are the different programs that are approved by the school to use
as help with education, not a replacement for teaching and education. And so it was really it was very informative and very very interesting and I anticipate this is a policy that we will have to review sooner rather than later and more often than other ones just because it changes every
moment. >> Thanks. Um let's do this then. Um members of the policy committee, would one of you please introduce the motion for this? >> I move that the board approve policy 110 and 625 as presented. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Any
further discussion? Okay. Hearing none. Uh Andrea, if you would. No, no, no. We don't need to do that. Uh all in favor with an I. >> I. I. >> Any opposed? >> Motion carries. >> Item F tonight would be our participation in the Minnesota State High School League membership. Dr. Champa, a quick overview if you would.
>> Yes. This is your annual review of the Minnesota State High School League and hearing at how we have been doing as Oatana schools in the Big Nine. uh this allows us to continue to participate at that level. And so this is the official approval um by the board to continue
that. >> Uh yeah, here we go. Would one of you please introduce this motion? >> I move that the board approve the 2026 2027 resolution for membership in the Minnesota State High School League. >> Second. >> We have a motion in a second. Any further discussion? I will just comment
that um being that I did vote no on this last year, just strictly on the principle, not that I have any reason to not want our children to participate in any of these because I really do, but just on the principle of um last year as
it was discussed with the transgender athletes participating in the sport of the gender of their choice. Um, and so being that nothing has changed federally, state laws, um, there's definitely a conflict there. The muddy, the waters are still very muddy with
regard to that. So, I'm just not going to change my vote at this point this year. Um, basically for the same reasons as last year. >> Fair enough. Any other comments or discussion? I I did notice one thing to in there too that it they they're going
to change in 2728 how online students participate in sports. So I didn't know if that would affect our online program or not. It's just a comment that I noted that was a new recognition. >> I know there's a like a task force right now reviewing and having those conversations.
>> Thanks. Okay, with that, Andrea, if you would please. >> Sure. Jolene. >> Hi. Lori >> I >> Ron >> I >> Tim >> I >> Mark >> I >> Elizabeth >> nay and I am an I >> carries very good thank you item G
tonight would be identified official with authority to authorize user access to MDE secure websites Dr. Champa. All right. So, annually the board um identifies an official with authority, which is the acronym of Iowa. And what
that allows if you approve the superintendent to do that work, it allows me to approve whether it's director Sullivan or Director McDermott Johnson, uh so that they can go in and and do the reports and necessary paperwork. And so, it's one person um
providing those permissions that you provide for me to do. And historically, we've always had it be the superintendent. Yes. >> Good. Uh, would one of you please introduce this motion for us? >> I move that the board authorized Superintendent Tamara Champa to act as
the identified official with authority for Oatana Public School District 761. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Is there any further discussion? >> Okay. Hearing. All in favor with an I. >> I. Any opposed?
>> That motion carries. Item 8H tonight would be insurance renewal. >> So you have you heard earlier about our self-insured um plan, but tonight we are asking for approval of an increase of 9%. And so that attachment that you have in the packet looks at our self-
insurance um for medical which is that 9% and dental coverage. Um and then there's no increase to the rates of the dental, life insurance or long-term disability through Madison National Life. questions.
Maybe maybe just one or two. Um, can you I know historically we've been fairly small in our increases and I've lost track over the years. Can you tell us how this compares historically where we've been and then also with our maybe our peer group or other self-insured
programs and increases that they're seeing? I don't know if we had a tough year or a typical year. They all seem tough lately, but I have experienced a rate increase of 50%. >> And so, director stats.
>> So, um I've been working with self-insured programs for oh go 20 plus years, probably 25 years. And they do go in cycles. You know, you'll have two or three difficult years, you'll have two
or three really good years. for self-insured. So, you know, in a good year when claims come in low and they're lower than premiums, if you're in a fully insured plan, it goes straight to the insurance company. You realize none
of that savings. If you have a bad year where claims exceed premiums, that's where the insurance companies take their risk. So um we have had two um I would call them difficult years uh last year and this
year um where claims have exceeded premiums. So we showed you in the amended budget we expect the fund balance in that self-insured fund to drop a little bit. Um, I'm hoping, you know, reinsurance rates, um, which
protect us because if there's claims over a certain amount, then reinsurance kicks in. Uh, those are going up, but they go up pretty steady. Um, the thing about it is we've been able to avoid double-digit increases. Um, the increase
last year was 9%, this year was 9%. Um, we're hoping it kind of flattens out now that we move into that cycle of having a couple positive years. So, >> remind me I think we have a consultant, don't we, that helps us kind of actuarily sort out where do we need to
land? >> Aaron Casper, if you are familiar with Aaron is is our major consultant. >> Yep. And the number that we are um looking at tonight relative to what you had sketched out for the upcoming budget
fits >> pretty much right on. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> And I think just finally overall I mean I remember this decision years ago maybe 10 or more. It's still I think a good decision. >> I think it's performing well. You know,
you're going to hear a lot about a statewide insurance um proposal that's going to probably be on the legislative docket next year. Sounds good in theory. Um spread the risk, but there are certain provisions of that
proposal that would have a negative negative impact on school district finances. So, I think we have to be real careful with that one. >> Good. Any further questions? Uh, Andrew, do you have this one? K.
>> I move that the board accept the self-insured health insurance renewal with Blue Cross Blue Shield as presented. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? >> Okay. Hearing none. All in favor with an I. >> I. >> Any opposed?
>> That motion carries. Item I tonight would be an extended trip request to Costa Rica and Panama. Dr. Champa. >> Yes. And this is for uh 2027 and summer of 27 for our world languages and it fits all the parameters and requirements for an extended trip.
Any questions? >> Do we just have more trips, extended trips now? Because it seems like we've had quite a few requests or just >> Well, I think they come in like a couple are two years out and they're really trying to allow for some of that fundraising. So, it feels like there's maybe more in a given year than there
are. Very good. Elizabeth, by chance, do you have this one? Cut. >> I move that the board approve the trip request to Costa Rica and Panama as presented. >> Second. >> I have a motion and a second. Again, any further discussion? All in favor with an I. I. Any opposed?
>> Motion carries. Item J tonight would be a resolution establishing dates for filing affid affidavit of candidacy. This um I'll ask Dr. champ to give the the bird's eye view of this, but this is important because the filing dates this year are earlier than historically.
>> Thought they were in August, >> got moved up. >> They typically have been. Now, I don't know if you have some context to the change in the time, Sarah. >> I I don't know why it's earlier, but yeah, it is earlier because it it used to go into August.
>> So, a little concerned. And the filing dates are July 14th through the 28th. And I don't need to remind you that we have four seats that are up in November. >> Is it Is it July 14th or June? >> July. Did I say June? >> Oh, no. I thought I thought it was
longer. So, it's only two weeks. >> Yes. >> June 14th to June 28th. Okay. All right. >> Or July. Sorry. July 14th to July 28th. Yes. All right. Yes. >> Yep. I would say that um historically we have always had very very good coverage from both the Otana People's Press and
the Steel County Times and really would request some help from our partners in the media to help the community understand this change and the earlier filing dates. We wouldn't want someone to be caught off guard with that. In any case, uh would one of you
be kind enough to introduce this motion? I move that the board approve the resolution establishing dates for filing affidavit of candidacy as presented. Second motion and a second. Any further discussion? >> Okay. Hearing none. Andrea, if you would please. >> Sure. Jolene. >> I.
>> Lori. >> Ron. >> I. >> Tim. >> I. >> Mark. >> I. >> Elizabeth. >> I. And I am. I >> carries. Thank you. Item K tonight would be gifts to the district. Dr. Champa. Anything? you have a a lengthy resolution of a number of gifts that
have been provided and uh just continue to be so appreciative of the number of gifts that come in each and every month. So, a huge thank you to all of those donors. A >> lot of jerk for the middle school in >> Yes, there is a lot of a lot of gardening going on. Yeah, I would just
add too, I had I know somebody that received a thank you email from you um that followed up with me and just said they were appreciative of how professional and you know just you know just happy that they got a personal communication from the superintendent. So
>> um we don't ever want to assume these gifts are coming our way or and just really it's a small effort of appreciation. >> Um board members, would one of you please introduce this motion? I move that the board approve the
resolution for acceptance of gifts as presented. >> I second really eager to approve this one. >> We we do have a motion and a second. Uh any further discussion? Andrew, if you would please. >> Sure. Jolene, >> I.
>> Lori, >> I >> Ron >> I. >> Tim. >> Hi. >> Mark, >> I. >> Elizabeth. >> And I am an I. Also, >> motion carries. Lastly, item L tonight would be a letter of understanding, and this has to do with the ReadAct. All of you received a a component to that in
your email. Um, I'm going to turn this over to Dr. Champa for a quick explanation. >> So, as we've been talking about the Reed Act, um, moving forward, it's always a challenge to ensure that we have the timing set aside and that it is recognized in the um, agreements. And
so, this is addressing that. So, any further questions? It largely is addressing the compensation structure of how correct all of the staff is compensated for that training. >> Does it include compensation for the Paris? >> This one does not.
>> This one is actually just for a couple of people. Um we had made an agreement with the OEA that first year of employment. We didn't think should have to be a first year teacher can't go to the Read Act on their own. >> So we had an agreement with the the union. And so this is just a couple
people and then we have one person who's switching roles and we really want her to go through the core training which is what our elementary teachers did. Um our pairs we did all during during um given PD time and so we didn't.
So this is these two will be doing two or three will be doing it kind of on their own with some live sessions along the way. Um, so it was just an LOU to make sure that we are prepared for both situations. >> Any further questions with regard to
this? Um, as much as I despise um, a changes to the agenda, um, Chris Pico was very kind in taking a phone call from me today and I did have a chance >> hang >> understood. Um, and I did have a conversation with
both Gail Trotz and Jeff Williams, both with the OEA. Uh, and I just wanted to hear everybody say, "Yep, we're good with this." And everyone said the same thing. So, with that, um, would one of you happen to have this one up and ready to go? >> Make it up. >> Oh,
>> right. Um, >> yeah, it's not as a draft. I can I just move that the board accept the um ISD761 and Owatana Education Association letter of understanding regarding the Reed Act. >> Thank you. >> 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. Folks, this was a good meeting. I will move that we adjourn. >> Second. >> All in favor with an I. >> I. Any opposed? Motion carries. A good
Thanks. Thanks, folks. Good meeting.