Do you want to do the community? I mean, I have scratched Yeah, I was actually approval asking for a motion approval. >> Yep. Yep. >> Yeah. I mean, very scratchy notes. I
have all I was painting. >> Maybe you can share what you >> I was trying to remember honestly and I not even quite sure. I do know it took me a really long time to paint one. So, and personel
does the finance before him >> and the person would be the contract that we're doing before >> right I don't think so. Do you have any? >> No. >> I sent this to me. I'm guessing it's updated or changed,
but >> yeah. Yeah, >> perfect. >> We're good. I don't have the gavl so I won't pound the table but um it is 6:31 and uh I will call the March regular meeting of
the Sartell St. Stevens School Board to order. Thank you to all the community members that are attending in person as well as online. We appreciate your interest and engagement in our school district. The expectation of our community is that all participants and attendees will conduct themselves professionally and with respect for
other members of our community. The first item on the agenda is the pledge of allegiance. >> To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice
for all. Okay. Uh, next item is approval of the agenda. I'm going to ask uh for a motion to approve the agenda with one addition, which would be uh now adding a report and report number one would be the
Native American Indian parent advisory committee report. >> So second motion by Jen, second by Emily. Any discussion? Hearing none. All in favor say I. I >> any oppose say nay.
Passes unanimously. Uh next is recognition of visitors and public forum. Dr. Revard, do we have any speakers? >> No speakers tonight. Then we will move on to our consent agenda. Is there a motion to approve? >> So moved. Second.
>> Motion by Emily, second by Trisha. Any discussion or questions? Okay, hearing none. All in favor say I. I >> I any oppose say nay. Okay. Consent agenda is approved approved unanimously.
Uh so that gets us down to our reports section. Uh before I invite our first guests up, I will make a quick note that as you see there is not a Saber Star award this month. We are going to stay on schedule though and have two next
month is the plan. So, first report tonight, uh, as we just said, was the Native American Indian Parent Advisory Committee. >> Welcome. >> Hello again. >> Hello. >> We're back.
>> Um, do you mind if we do quick introductions? >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> I'm sorry. the vice chairperson. I'm Lyn Rick and I'm the chairman of the secretary.
>> Thanks again for being here. >> So tonight we're here because every year we have to meet and announce whether or not we have have to deliver a letter of concurrence or non-concurrence with the school district. Um we are happy to say that this year we are delivering a
letter of concurrence. Um so as we did last year was great. Um So, I was going to read you our letter that we have put together and I did send a copy of this. I do have copies. I think one um
one um so NAPAC Native American Indigenous Parent Advisor Committee is pleased to announce that we have voted for a letter of concurrence for the 2025 2026 academic year. We feel communication and collaboration has been outstanding.
Thank you. This is our second year of having Steven Kasanova as the part-time American Indian education coordinator at the Sard Schools. He has been making meaningful progress in supporting students and teachers. Parents who have worked with
Stephen have given us positive feedback with the help he has given with their children. The number of students graduating this year has increased from last year, which is a positive sign and is encouraging. We are eternally grateful for Dr.
Michael Roard, superintendent of Sartella St. Stevens ISD 748 and his endless support in the pack and our mission. He attends our monthly meetings, actively listens to all of our concerns and works closely with Steven Casanova to provide guidance and
direction. His ongoing support this year is truly appreciated. our upcoming events that we're doing. Uh we have the annual Minnesota Indian Education Association, the MIA, um conference, and that's March 18th
through the 20th. So, we do have some family members that have decided to join uh with us, some of us to go to that to be further educated. Um we also um we had two students recently visit a local technical college. We were able to
provide that for them to go visit. Um And at the end of March, we will be also offering a a U of M campus visit for Sartell students um with Stephen Kasanova who will take them and then do the tour and everything. So So yay. So um kind of get them out there, exposing
them to the university, showing them what's possible for them after high school. Um NAPAC will be hosting the third annual summer gathering on May 2nd at the Watab Park in Sartell. Uh we'll be giving Sartell students summer bags
and backpacks with items pertaining to their grade level to help them with the summer slide. Um, this is a great opportunity for the American Indian families to get together to interact with one another, meet each other. A lot of times they have no clue who they are.
So, they don't they don't in they get introduced, they can mingle, the kids get, you know, can meet each other and have a nice opportunity for a little it's a short little stay on the weekend just to come for a few hours and eat and the bouncy house.
Um, and the last thing is NAPAC will be honoring the Native American students that are graduating this year um at the Sartell High School on May 16th with special guest Joe Bair who's an elder. Um, so we did this last year. Had a
great turnout. It was really fun. Um, I thought it went really really well. Were there some of you that were able to attend last year that got to see it? And you guys are all invited, by the way. this year on May 16th. It'll be catered, there'll be food, and
it's just a really nice nice event. So, and moving forward, NAPAC remains committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive educational environment for American Indian students. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the district and building on this
progress in the coming year. Any questions for us? Could you just state the times again for the May 2nd and then the May 16th? >> Yeah, that was my question. >> Okay, so May 2nd, that one is 1 to 3
and on for the graduation on the 16th to 4. >> 12 to 4. >> On the 16th. On the 16th. Okay. >> At the high school. >> At the high school.
I'll double check for me by 12:00. I'll double check. >> No questions. Just thank you so much for um all the work that your group does for community. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. And thanks Dr. Reard for your
time spent with us. Absolutely. >> Thanks very much. >> Thank you. >> Right. The next report on our list is our winter activities report. And I believe our activities director Bruce Thompson's out in the hall >> organizing some students to come visit
with us. Everybody. Hello. >> Hello and welcome everybody. >> Bruce Thompson, activities director. Welcome. >> Thank you. Good evening. We are excited to be here. I have winter sports and activities captains, leaders, upper
classmen. Uh we had a wonderful winter season. We have a few still going which is really good. Um but tonight they are going to highlight share a little bit about their season, their experience. Uh I'm going to highlight one act play because there is a choir concert tonight
and so most of the cast and crew uh are participating in the concert. They did the they performed the play where words once were. Um and we hosted the first round of subsections. So there's a subsection south and a subsection north that each has five teams. Uh and they
took first place and won their subsection. So then we advanced to Sock Rapids for sections which they also took first place for the third time uh in three or three consecutive years. They took first place advanced to the one AC
play state festival down at St. Kate's which is the Oshana Auditorium. Super really really cool facility. Dr. Kler were down there. I believe Matt might have been down there this year. >> That was last year actually. Thank you. >> Couldn't make it this year.
>> Sorry, you were there last year. Um, but it was really really neat to see our kids perform uh on a stage in a venue like that. Um, they also the other highlight they wanted to share is that they got to go down and watch all the other shows because we were we were I
think the first show and so they got to go down and watch everyone else like meet other students. So, it was a super positive experience. Um, and they wanted me to share and say thanks for the support. So, we will go, let's start with dance and then we'll come around this way. >> I'm Kenzie and I represent the dance
team. >> I'm Paisley and I also represent the dance team. Um, this season was an amazing year for the Sartell Saber dance team. Throughout the season, we consecutively placed first or second at all invites and at the CLC conference meet. Each competition helped us improve
and grow stronger as a team and all of our hard work built momentum heading into the postseason. At sections, both our jazz and kick teams placed first, which qualified us for the state tournament. Um, at the state tournament in class doubleA, both teams performed incredibly well. Our jazz team finished
second in the state and the next day, our high kick team also earned second place. Finishing second in both jazz and kick is something our team is very proud of. This season was full of hard work, dedication, and great memories, and it's one we'll always remember. >> All right, I'm Cammy, and I'm a current
senior and a captain for the gymnastics team. >> I'm Gabby. I'm a junior and I'm also a captain of the gymnastics team. >> Um, this year our gymnastics team placed third at conference, third at sections, and then this year for like double A, it was the first year that true teams day was a thing. So, we were super excited
that we made it to that. And that was the top 10 teams in the state. And then we actually played seven setup that which was super exciting. Um, a senior Ally Trombberg scored a 9.4 on beam which earned her ninth place spot on the school's alltime record board which was super exciting. And then we had four
athletes get all conference someone multiple events and four athletes with all conference honorable mention. We sent Cammy Weber to state this year on vault and we became a lot closer as a team and hosted several team dinners. Went to team bowling and did a team scavenger hunt. This year we had five
freshman join our team and two other new members. I'm really excited to see what the future holds as we have a really big incoming freshman class next year. Um I'm Chloe Mary from Sartell or from wrestling and um this season our boys went 12 and seven this season as well as
finishing fourth in um their conference as well as our girls team um got their first um girls only dual win against Zimmerman. um at this section tournament for girls which was in Sartell. We had two four
girls make it to state. Two of us won our brackets and two um were runner runnerups. And then the boys had two people also make it to state. Um at the state tournament we had three place winners. Um Jaden Schwaggel, an eighth grader, she got third place. Jay Griber
was a freshman and he got fourth. And then I'm a junior and I won the tournament. And then um The reason we were able to have this success this season was just like showing up to um summer practices and lifts. >> And one more before we go. That's our
first female state champion in school history. Pretty cool. >> I'm Marty Kman. I was a senior captain for basketball. >> I'm Bren Darling. I was also a senior captain for basketball the same. >> Here's a quick recap of our season. We
finished this year with a 12 and 16 record. We faced a lot of tough teams and had many close games that could have gone either way. >> Um throughout the season, we showed lots of growth as a team. Start the season, we were still learning how to play together and build chemistry. As the season went on, our communication improved and our confidence grew, and we
started working as a team. >> The season also helped develop our younger players, giving them valuable varsity minutes and preparing them for the future of the program. As captains, it was really rewarding to see the growth and help lead the team through the highs and lows of our season. Overall, we mainly wanted to focus on
improvement effort and building a strong foundation and relationship between our girls on the team and we are excited for the years ahead and we're proud of how we represented ourselves. >> Um, my name is Eli. I was a senior captain for the swim and dive team and uh this year we had one of our most
successful seasons um in a while. So, we won our big like invitational meet down at the U of M uh early in the season. So, that was really cool. That's the first time we've done that in a few years. And then we won sections. So that was really fun. As a team, we haven't
done that since I think 2021. And then we also won true team sections, which is uh like a team sections, not just individuals. So we got to go to true team state, which was a lot of fun. And then we also sent five athletes to state. Uh one of which was a freshman
who we haven't we haven't sent a freshman in four years. And then those five athletes who went to state placed fourth overall. We had a really successful season. >> Um Nick, I'm a captain of the ski team. Uh we had 68 skiers this year. Um I
don't know how many went to sections, but one of them finished first place and he went on to get second at state. Uh the other one who went to state, uh they both got true team state and Andrew who got f who got second at state uh
representing the Midwest in the junior championships for skiing. I'm Brandon Clandandy and I'm representing the boys hockey team. >> And I'm Trist. I'm also representing the boys hockey team. We finished the season 24 and four, which was program best. Uh
during those 28 games, went 11 and0 in conference play, earning us fifth straight Central Conference title. And we went 3-0 in section 6A play, earning us the first ever one seed in Central history, where we unfortunately lost one game short. Uh we had a couple
individual games or a couple individual records broken too. Uh junior Deon Jacobs broke a single season point record uh previously set to 61. He had 80 points this season. And then junior Preston Derish broke the single season assist record with 50 assists previously
at 34. Um the reason behind all the success started last summer with like our attitude and effort showing up to the rank wanting to show up to the rank and positive vibes and then our leadership throughout all the upper classman I think helped pave the way for
the success as well for our season. >> My name is Isaac Bergstrom. I'm a senior captain of the start boys basketball team. >> I'm Carson Le on the boys basketball team. >> I'm Brady Thompson. I'm a senior captain on the boys basketball as well. >> Um this year our record is sitting at 21
and eight and we're qualified for the state tournament that starts on the 25th of March. Um proceeding is still pending. We don't know who we play at first round but that'll be at Williams Arena. And um I think we were 13 and
three in conference play. 13 and three. No 12 and four. We're 12 and four in conference play. Um Marcus Oistad, our head coach, reached 150 wins, which is a milestone this season. Um senior captain Maddox Lewis, who wasn't able to come tonight,
hit 1,000 points and then also broke the single season three-point mix record. Uh some of the some of the some of the traits that we embodied throughout the season are actually our
team motto was playing hard, playing smart, and playing together. Um and it's just something that our team has tried to embody throughout the season, which has helped lead to our success throughout the season, and we're hoping to have more success next week. >> Um I'm Matthew. I'm here not only to
represent the basketball team, but also DECA. We had a good year with DECA. We had a lot of member growth. I think we were up to about 30 members. Of those, we had 16 people make it to state. And then at state, we had 10 top 12 finalists. And then three of those
finalists will be moving on to internationals in Atlanta. >> I'm Shelby. I'm from soccer. I represent girls hockey. The season went okay as we went through lots of ups and downs and I'm proud of the way that everyone adapted as we
went. We showed determination and hard work in every game and came to practices with great effort and we had a very su successful pink out game, Sophie squad night and a great senior night as well as we our turnout for the youth tonight. We did lots of
team bonding outside of the rank like adopted family team meals and went to um college games to cheer on member. Um although the season didn't go exactly as we hoped, our team ended with the CLC
sportsmanship award and we had three seniors from Sartell who were awarded the academic fall. >> Thank you. And I think before we depart I just um if you followed this year like we had a really really awesome fall season uh winter sometimes they could
even share more but we had section championships and like Braden reached 100 points and I could go around and there's a handful of individuals here that um are being modest but we had a really really great winter season and our leadership uh in most of our sports
is outstanding and so that carries over from the fall to the winter. Many of these individuals participate in a spring sport or activity as well. So, we are excited to have them continue. Uh for the seniors, thank you. And for the juniors, we're excited to have them back.
>> Thank you. >> Thanks very much. Congrats everybody. >> Thank you. Good job. >> See you on the softball field. All right, we'll just wait for Dr. Revard to
come back in before we move on to our next report. Okay, I got you. All >> right, the next report on our list is the schoolboard student representative report. We have Emily with us. Hello. >> Good evening. Unfortunately, Miam was
unable to join me this evening, but that just means you guys could hear a lot from me. Um, starting at Oakidge, Kindergarten students are mastering team numbers, reading more tricky words, and investigating weather in their PLTW unit. This month, preschoolers are
expanding their vocabulary, learning about transportation, and improving foundational skills. Students at Oakidge have also been wrapping up I love to read month with a week-long celebration of read across America. Dr. pursued readalouds, dress up themes, extra guest
readers, and crafts made for a memorable end to the schoolwide celebration of reading. Students have also been focusing on being saber strong in all zones of the school, earning a fun glow dance party this week before spring break. At Pine Meadow, first and second grade students are currently
participating in the Star of the North Picture Book Reading Challenge. In this program, students engrades K through two read at least eight of the 10 nominated picture books and then vote on their favorite story. Students are getting excited as they continue reading the selections and are looking forward to
seeing which title comes out on top when the winning book is announced in April. First grade students are also being their world beginning their world traveler project, an interdisciplinary learning experience that integrates concepts from both the CKLA language
arts curriculum and the PLTW science curriculum. As part of the project, students are selecting a specific habitat from around the world and design a model that represents its environment. After exploring the characteristics and challenges of their chosen habitat,
students then reinvent themselves by imaginating how imagining how they would need to adapt in order to survive there. Through this process, they design both physical and behavioral adaptations that would help them live successfully in that environment. This project
encourages students to apply literacy, science, and engineering concepts while also developing creativity, problem solving skills, and a deeper understanding of how living things adapt to different habitats. Second grade students recently participated in a Gibbs Farm Dakota Nation virtual field
trip where they learned about the history, traditions, and daily life of the Dakota people in Minnesota. Through this experience, students explored Dakota culture, including traditional homes, clothing, food sources, and the way the Dakota people use natural resources from their environment.
Over at Riverview, it has been an exciting and engaging month. Fourth grade students recently participated in their music in our schools concerts on May 3rd and or March 3rd and March 5th. I wish it was May. While third grade students performed their music in our schools concerts on March 9th and March
12th during I Love to Read Month, Students also had the opportunity to design bookmarks and earn gold, silver, and bronze awards for their creation. In addition, some students earned the opportunity to be student principles for the day after consistently demonstrating
Saber Strong expectations in their classrooms. As part of this experience, students spent an afternoon with Mrs. Shet visiting classrooms, distributing Saber Strong tickets to students engaged in learning, and helping third grade students with reading. Finally, families are reminded that the deadline yearbooks
is April 3rd. At the middle school, they have had a busy and exciting month of March as they move toward the end of the third quarter. Sixth grade students recently performed Finding Nemo Junior, and it was a it was wonderful to see the hard work and talent come to life on stage. The performance was very well
attended and truly showcased the dedication and enthusiasm of the students. Winter Middle School athletic seasons have also wrapped up and there's great pride in the effort. Sportsmanship and teamwork demonstrated by student athletes and coaches throughout the season. The school also recently hosted
the annual eighth grade activity night which provided students with a fun and safe opportunity to spend safe time together and enjoy evening with their classmates. Another highlight this month was music in ensembles night where Saber Singers, Saber Strings, and jazz band
students fill over fantastic performances. Events like this highlight the strength of our music program and reflect the hard work and commitment of both the students and the musical staff. Academically, quarter 3 will wrap up this Friday, which means the school is heading into the final stretch of the year. This week also includes several
fun spirit days leading up to spring break to help build school pride and strengthen the sense of community. The week will conclude with a March Madness assembly featuring a student basketball game and other activities to celebrate the end of the quarter and send everyone into spring break on a high note.
Lastly, over at the high school, there are several exciting updates to share. The Sartell Saber boys basketball team recently won the section A triple HAA championship and will compete in the MHSL state tournament with their first game
taking place on Wednesday, March 25th. Our spring music ensembles have also been showcasing their work with recent concerts including the SHS band concert on March 4th, the SHS orchestra concert on March 9th, and this evening the SHS choir concert. Additionally, the recent
blood drive hosted by the student council was a great success, collecting 53 donations and potentially saving up to 159 lives. So, a huge thank you to everyone who donated and signed up to donate. Our knowledge team took second in AAA
regions and qualified for state April 9th and 10th at Krakens Resort in Brainard. And our math league team has qualified for the state tournament as well, which will be held on Monday, March 30th. Looking ahead, the annual funfest will take place on April 18th
from 9:00 am to 1 pm. And as we approach the end of the quarter, we are also very much looking forward to spring break. >> Are there any questions? I know that was a lot of stuff. >> Perfect. >> I would just say that I concur with you. I wish it was me.
>> Yeah. >> On a day that feels like January. >> Yeah. And tomorrow's going to be cold. >> Thank you, Emily. Uh, next we have our superintendent report with Dr. >> Revard. Good evening, members of the board. I have a few things just to update you on. Last week we did have our
first city district ad hoc committee meeting. We hosted it here. I think it was an incredibly successful opportunity for our two governance agencies in our community to come together. We were able to get through about half of our topics, maybe a little bit more. Um, but it was
exciting to spend that time um together with both staff in the city and from school district along with our representatives for our communities to talk through some things that we looking forward to making improvements on but also just reflect on some of the successes we've had over the years. So
that's exciting work that I think will continue um and that will continue in ad hoc fashion with some scheduled meetings approximately for the remainder of the school year and then we can look to next year to see whether it's something endeavor into a little bit more. Second
item I wanted to update the board on is I have communicated to the staff that we are at this point looking at 26 27 school year and the $1 billion budget deficit. Um, so we've communicated that out to staff since approximately January 1st. I've been working with district
administration, school administration as we examine ways for cost savings. We know that this is a challenging thing that we have to do. And Sel Steven School District has been used to, you know, expanding and getting bigger. Now we do have to look at opportunities to
right size in areas where it's possible while continuing to try and increase enrollment and ensure that we're providing the best program for our kids. We did start interviews today for the middle school lead principal position. We know that Angel will be joining us
here office as our director of teacher learning and teaching learning first. Uh so we have a couple rounds of interviews that will be happening this week. I look to the board here in our April regular board meeting
for Sarto Middle School. Uh lastly, just an update for our community and the board. Uh this past week, we've been down at a few times trying to advocate with our local legislators to ensure that they're thinking about Sergeant St. Steven with
every vote that they're taking. There's many bills that are coming up and it's going to get pretty fast and furious down there over the next four to six weeks. So, I think it's very important to continue to have thinking about us when they're thinking about how they're voting any
members. Are there any questions? >> Thank you. Next report we have is our district finance report. We have Joe Brown. Hello. >> Good evening. The budget actual report through
February is posted on the agenda. Um as of right now, we're talking about as we expect um at this point last year about the same year. Um we've spent everything we need to spend in the debt service fund. our obligations um for that service have been satisfied this year.
Um and we just kind of continue to operate in our funds. Um we have had a finance personnel committee and the facilities and operations committee meetings since the last time we met update with this finance personnel
committee on what we expect the revised budget to look like that will be coming forward in April and then um some things to had some factors that kind of got to that million dollar shortfall that Mike talked about um for as we project
forward to next year's budget. Um so on the report from the committee, >> oh no, steal the please. All of it. Yes, steal away. >> Um but yeah, we've had two good productive meetings, two different productive committ last meeting. So I
don't have a lot else to report besides just a reminder that we will um look to have the revised budget on the agenda for questions. >> It's not. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thanks, Charles.
>> Right. Next item is our school board committee reports. Um, starting with Benton Sterns Education District. I have not had a meeting since our last board meeting here. My next meeting is this Wednesday. Um, correct me if I'm wrong. The next two on the list, we have had no
meetings. Career and teched or communications and technology. Okay. Then we are down to uh community education advisory. Looks like there was a meeting on March 2nd. >> Yes. So, we met on March 2nd. Um, our
next meeting will be August 3rd and we'll hopefully get a great update on how the summer went. Um, I think update was that you'll be looking for that spring/s summer catalog coming out sometime midappril. Um April 25th is
going to be the puzzle contest and you are going to be able to sign up through community ed this year which is a change from years past. And when we met on March 2nd they were still looking for some volunteers thinking maybe national honor society or other kids in our district that are looking for a volunteer opportunity. So just thought
I'd plug that. Um, April 18th is the funfest. Um, I don't know if you shared, but it's Make a Wish is the >> Oh, I did not, but yes. >> Yes. Um, make Make a Wish is who we are raising money for from 10 to 1. Um, we are going to be doing a new
registration. Um, it wasn't really within our control, but they had talked about that at the prior meeting and now this time they were able to um, let us know that it is indeed going forward and we have chosen to move forward with AUX. Um it seems like that is what most schools in Minnesota are going towards
which I think maybe will help with cohesion and um hopefully it'll be the last change that we have to do as a district because I know that that's been a lot for our families. Um let's see what else. We ended up doing a really cool painting positive rocks to
help Jen as the director of community communication. um her hope is to add some positivity to our community and so she was going to be offering some positive rock painting um classes or I guess just opportunities for kids to be
engaged. So she wanted to start with our group so that we could give some ideas and some inspiration. So that was that was a really enjoyable um activity that we did. Um then she also shared about June 9th there's going to be tons and trucks. So they're still working on their food trucks but Nathan is going to
band. Um, and then I think the only other thing that I would mention is that we did another u, we talked a lot about what is a third place and if people don't know what a third place is, I highly encourage you to do a little bit more dive and a little bit more
understanding, but let's just skim the surface. The idea is that every person has like a home base and then like typically most people like especially adults have their workplace and having a third place to have another connection point is just really important for
people to be I don't know just content, successful, happy and so trying to figure out like how community ed could help give more opportunities for people to find that home place or that third place. Um, and so it was a really cool
um cool discussion and I can't remember what the name of the book was. I don't know if you wrote that down, but there was >> uh I did not write the name of the book down. >> I wrote down finding third place and then >> so I believe there is a book out there. I'm sure you could find it by searching
what is the third place that kind of goes and dives deep. I was definitely Jen offered a book that we could borrow as well and it was just a really good meeting. >> The only other thing that I had is just just so that there's no panic, the AOX switch will not happen until fall of
2026. So summer registration, summer class registration will still be through the current platform of our schools. So that new login and everything isn't going to occur till fall time. Um, and then summer wreck, they are still uh accepting applications
um for people to work summer wreck. They are due April 7th and in-person interviews at SHS job fair on April 8th at the high school. That was all I had to add. >> Thank you. Uh, next up is finance and
personnel. I see there was a meeting February 26th. Well, Joe updated us on finance. Um, and then there is a bus contract that's coming before us as an action item, I believe. >> Or is that in the original? Perfect.
Yes. >> So, we already took care of that. Um, and then we just discussed staffing adjustments that needed to take place. Okay. >> So, I didn't have anything else to do to >> No, no, that was
>> the heard that Joe didn't want to steal, though. He I was more than willing to have him steal the thunder on that. >> Thank you. Uh, next up is the city school ad hoc committee. As Dr. Revard mentioned, Jen and I took part in that.
Our first meeting was this past Friday. Um it was a productive meeting in the sense that we got an idea of what types of perspectives each group can bring for the other. Um it was very much a first meeting and that we didn't necessarily come away with any action items but we
did discuss the need for future meetings to not just be a powout session but to actually result in some action items that both sides can try to take to support the others. So, couple of topics we spent quite a while talking about were um growth and population trends in
the city and how that might affect our school enrollment, which relevant to Dr. Revard's comments tonight always increase in enrollment helps us because that increases our funding. Um we also talked about um city improvements um safe routes to school
type thing. Um so those are the type of topics we'll be tackling with them hopefully. as I said in the future getting more action items in place but it's a good working relationship thus far. So do you have anything to add J?
>> No. Um I think the next meeting we were talking about it probably will look similar to the one that we had until we can work out exactly what the committee is going to look like. But otherwise you covered it all. Was there any groundbreaking information about growth
in population trends that came from the city that >> just general discussion about new housing developments that are in the works that sort of thing focused >> because Sartell city boundaries aren't the same as Sortell school state school district boundaries. So focus mostly on
what is in within our school district boundaries. >> Right. >> So but just a a very general overview and no information that >> I don't think they're ready. I mean, some of these developments are in the really early planning phases. They don't even know what they're going to look like ultimately, like what level homes are going to be. So,
>> okay. >> But that sort of thing's in the works. And we also got because it's relevant to tax income, got updates on business uh development in the community, things that might be coming forward in the future.
>> Was it the under 18 that is the largest demographic currently? on the I'm trying to think of what that bar graph was. >> That's what it is. >> Yeah. >> Thought that was kind of >> Yeah. Yeah. So, we got a kind of age breakdown and demographic in our
community. We're generally above average for the younger folks and even I think for the older folks, but right in the middle we're closer to the state average. Um, okay. Next one. legislative network and schools advocating for fair funding
staff. As Dr. Revard said, uh there was a staff day at the capital this past Thursday. Um Dr. Revard thankfully could attend the entire day. I was able after work to meet up with them for visits to two of our state senators. Senator How
that represents our district and then part of the group we were walking around with included uh the superintendent from New Craig. So, we've visited Senator Duckworth who covers the New Prague School District. Um, and New Prague I just point out is a size that's very similar
to our district and also a lot of the characteristics of that district closely reflect ours. So, our interests are mostly aligned. Um, yeah, Senator Duckworth is on the education policy committee, so it was worthwhile talking with him. Um, staff generally, and this
kind of goes back to our last meeting. We had a meeting a couple weeks ago. The legislative proposal they're looking at now is kind of a rework of what they've been working on. I've updated this group over the past couple years that we're looking to just basically modernize the
equalization factors. And the equalization factors are state money that goes to certain districts around the state um to ease the property tax burden on residential households. in those districts like ours where we have relatively more residential population
and relatively little business tax income. So we as a district compared to somebody like Bloomington which is very heavy on the commercial and industrial um we as homeowners pay more just to get the same dollar into the schools than
somebody in Bloomington would. state equalization. Yeah, the formula could be updated. It could be modernized, but our group has realized that that one of two things happens. First, it doesn't get the attention it deserves at the state capital. Um, one instance, and I think
I've said this before, is we can't even get a home in the committee in the committees we need to because the tax committee down there looks at it and says this is education related. the education committee looks at it or education finance committee I should say looks at it and says no this is more tax
related so they can't even take ownership of it so they're kind of going they put a model together it's kind of a five-year outlook type plan where now the idea would be to have some sort of a tax rebate that's shown on people's
property tax forms so not just the numbers being adjusted by some sort of a formula and then as any average homeowner looks at their property tax statement they can't that anything happened. Um, so one of the benefits of this new plan, not only will it uh be
clearer when we try to take our message to the legislature, but it'll be clearer to homeowners and property taxpayers that when you look at your property tax statement, you're going to see some sort of a rebate uh there that shows that the state recognizes that we pay more just dollar for dollar
than some other districts. So that's a longer outlook type thing, but that's what we were presenting on Thursday to the legislators and Dr. Revard was uh the morning before I could join him. So uh other things that got talked about are um maybe cleaning up some provisions
around PSO. PSO as time goes on and as technology allows kids to connect more with their classes via computer screen instead of in person at the colleges. Um We think there might be
some need and other districts think there might be some need to pull back a little bit on the reigns on that program to make sure that the original purpose for that program stays in place which is to get these kids out of their high school buildings get them the college experience that they're
looking for as opposed to sitting on an online class in the comments at their high school building for instance. So um yeah that was the main crux of the part I was there for. Dr. since you were there for that morning at the capital. I don't know if there's anything more you
want to share. >> I think that what I would add to that is what I'm seeing coming out with NASA right now which is the organization that represent superintendent central office. We are seeing some bills that are as I indicated before that I I think I'm going to send out what those HF and
Senate file bills are this Friday so that you do have a little bit of an understanding if there's things that you want to advocate for. This will give you a little bit more detail but they're directly related to some of the was bringing up and all the bills I'll send you.
>> What was just real quick, what was the reaction of the legislators as far as presenting the proposal of the tax rebate versus the equalization dollars? >> Yeah. um a positive reaction, but more in the
sense that um they wanted us to recognize the need to keep on it that you know they're they're seeing a proposal that's put in front of them where we can't even answer all the ins andout questions of like how do you exactly work a program like this because
it is so new and the folks that our group has um taken on board to actually draw up this plan are still working through it themselves. But um they recognized the need for it. Um they gave some tips on how to find a
like I said certain committees won't even take ownership of something like this. So they gave tips on how to accomplish that which was helpful. Um but yeah, the two senators that I visited with are generally supportive of the public school system. So they
they thought it was well well put together, well received thus far, but it's early phase. Uh so the next one is comprehensive achievement and civic readiness. K sir looks like >> no April
>> looks like April 14th >> 14th >> is the future meeting. Okay. Uh Minnesota State High School League my region 8A committee meets next month. >> Um I went to or I listened to the work session. Um there was a presentation
done on the future of girls flag football in Minnesota and what that season would potentially look like. Um there was discussion around the esports partnership um which may also be on their April agenda. Um and I guess
there's been quite a few schools that have reached out to MSHSL asking for them to approve this partnership. um what that exactly looks like, I'm not entirely sure. And then the other thing that was mentioned was that the American
Heart Association is pushing for all assistant coaches to be CPR and AED certified or trained, but I don't know if that is that a requirement that we already know. Okay. So, anyway, I don't know if that'll come
to fruition or not, but apparently that is something that they're pushing for. Otherwise, that's all I have. >> Good. Thank you. Uh, negotiations has nothing. Um, facilities. Trisha, did you want to do facilities
updated? >> Um, so we had Ben from Brad St join us and he went over some of uh what's to come for Riverview. So, >> this was last week, by the way. >> Yes, March 10th. Thank you. Um, so the
the plan has been gone over with Miss Chuckister and I believe it's just the administration. Um, and they feel pretty good about the the plan that they have in place. There is going to be some minor stuff happening within the building over the
spring break period next week, but which will only just help them make sure that they stay on track, but they seem very confident in the fact that they'll be able to get in there and get what needs to be done. Um, accomplish. It sounds like the abatement process came in um
kind of expected and um sounds like they're going to be able to work it pretty pretty smoothly where they can just follow them into the building and um just kind of get that done. Um we did receive our state permit. we had to go through the state
because guess I don't really 100% understand that part but because we have to have a state inspector because of the >> yeah I think the complexity of the project is just beyond what Sartell as a city would handle. >> Um sounds like the other like big takeaway
is that the boiler pad that will be right outside of that little building on the back side of Riverview will at the end of >> the boiler will be fenced in to continue to keep our students and our families safe from
that space. Um, and so there is it's on their radar to to make sure that it doesn't affect any parent pickup or drop off. Um, doesn't seem like it will, but just know that that is on their radar to make sure that it doesn't. Um, they do have a furniture update and plan
with Miss Chefer as well. Um, and then I think the other thing is we talked about just kind of the Jesse Pagan went over some of like the upcoming summer um, long-term facilities maintenance projects that he will be doing in all of
the spaces. Um, I don't know if there's any like Oakidge will get some Redwing carpeting. Um, all the buildings will get a once over on the asphalt curving and sewer drains to make sure that they're all running smoothly. after our
spring hopefully um snow melts. Um Riverview, I believe all of our buildings are actually getting a once over on roofs, but Riverview has currently our oldest roof. So that will definitely be looking getting looked at. But again, this is all like long-term facilities
maintenance monies. Um no additional um taxpayer asks for any of this. Um in partnership with the city, there will there will be an additional sidewalk added to the back side of Riverview going down to the tennis courts which is pretty exciting.
I think I believe that's part of the safe routes to school plan. Um so where that hill is on the back is it the south end of Riverview. Um it's kind of a steep hill so that'll kind of get landscaped as well so it's not quite so steep and then sidewalk will go along that side of the building
and attach. So like in front of the stadium that we currently have the football facilities um I think that's what we use it primarily for that all that will be paved, which will be a nice addition. That's also where our kindergarters do their bus exchange, so that'll be nice for them to have a nice
solid place to wait for their buses to change. Um, I think the other big ones is the the ADA pool chair will be up to compliance and changed out the summer at the middle school. Um, the high school, just kind of some
preventative maintenance on our air handling units. And then here at the district office, um, playground surface cleanup. So, just making sure that our playgrounds here are updated and and ready to go for future use. And then all of our building maps for all safety
related items will be getting a once over with um, director of break rates for for safety. And that'll be a really huge asset. So like everyone will know like a police officer comes in and needs to know where the water shut off is, they'll know exactly where it is on that
map because it'll will show them where fire safety or That's fire's job. >> Um, I want to add to it though too because uh back to Ben from Bradberry stamp. Uh, I found that really exciting
as far as the bid that came in. >> Uh, what we went for 20 million on the on the levy. >> 21. >> Yeah, I think 21. Yeah. >> And he finally got the prices from all the the contractors and all that. also
found out that all the uh a lot of the equipment was not even close to what they originally bid for and they just in the uh air exchangers and all the total equipment was $4 million less and some
of the contractor bids since it was more competitive the costs also lowered another 2.5. So, we're looking at 6.5 million in savings right now from that original uh bid. And then looking at the contingency
uh meaning change orders. So, if there's any change orders, they have already budgeted in that big number 931,000. So, if we don't eat up the change order cost, that potentially could save us 7.4 million. So that was very exciting to
see that uh that we're way under what the original levy was for. So >> So if it continues that way, do we just pay down that levy sooner or can any of that be allocated to any other
>> one of the options eventually? So after we get through this summer and kind of know that we're still within all those numbers, we'll take a look at first at that building. What are some things that are caused by this project that we'll want to address? We already talked about um roof replacement and a couple of
those areas are about haven't been touched in about 25 years. So kind of coming with that. So there's a couple major areas I think we'll likely do following summer roof restoration on. And then um Trisha touched on the area
around the chiller plant by the boiler that that parking lot will be impacted somewhat. So, we want to make sure um we may have some adjustments to do. We may carve out a little extra back there to make sure our buffer spaces are big enough for for ease of parent pick up a
drop off in the back door. So, there's a couple things tied directly to the project that we'll probably touch for sure. >> Um and then we'll have some choices to make. >> Sure. You know, if you want to continue look at some additional things at
Riverview or push that back against you know, that service fund paid out. >> Okay. >> Yeah. The bottom line was thus far very good news in a budget standpoint. Um, >> but like Joe said, the takeaway we had from the meeting is since this is a
two-year project, let's get through the first summer before we before we start >> putting any tags on any money we might think it's left over. So, we'll see how things are going and then probably have a discussion not just out of the facilities committee, but if there's any significant expense that we think some
of that money might go toward, that's a situation where we'd probably bring it right back to the board table as a whole. Um, a similar thing was done, if everybody remembers, when the high school was built, there was some money left over because we got better returns on our investment. Um, so
that was one of the first votes I think Trisha and I took was early in the year of 2021. We allocated a million dollars of that money to go toward the lighting at the high school outdoor fields. So, we could do something similar or like Joe said or it's been suggested here, if
there's extra money that we would choose not to spend, it could just be put back. I think the other though is depending on where we are and what we end up finding out like sometimes that also only will benefit our taxpayer the one time it'll be a one time like nice like payment
ease but then it actually will jump right back up that following year. So also just knowing like being very mindful and bringing it back to the full board so we can have all those kind of discussions longterm or short-term gain but not a longterm gain for the community. So make sure we talk through all those
scenarios. uh policy committee. I see there was a meeting on March 11th last week. >> Uh yep. We worked at drafting the 524.5 cell phone or personal device policy which is in the packet for its first
reading and discussion item D1. >> Sartell senior connection. Chelsea. >> Yes. So, I gave everyone a copy of the March, April Start Senior Connection newsletter. Um, since a lot of their hot
items right now kind of overlap with community ed, Trisha kind of touched on most of them. Um, their next guest who's coming to dinner is on April 9th at Molers. Um, they were talking through funfest. They're having excited to have a a booth
at the Funfest. So, um, they're running go and we're discussing uh discussing prize options um puzzle contest. So like Trisha said, April 25th that registration did open the week of March 2nd. Um and I think uh
Matt you attested as well, this is a popular event. There is a limit of 20 teams of four. So there is only limited registration that they can take. Um trucks and or tunes and trucks was a big topic of conversation. Um they are
excited because they've confirmed already more food trucks than what they had last year. So one of the items last year was that there's long lines waiting for food. There's only like a couple food trucks that had like a supper type meal, not just like a oh I'm going to have a little snack and so this year
there's going to be more of those options. They're also going to have portaotties. Um >> just to clarify that's during the week of Sartell Summerfest. It is on June 9th. >> Yes. >> Y
>> um in addition to Nathan for music, they might have a couple other options that they're looking into. And then also the middle school and high school ensembles time of the event they're listing as 4:30 to 8:00 p.m. on the 9th. Um and then just for additional
programming, they talked about um see they're they have chair yoga going on that's on Mondays. The men's shed is the first and third Thursday of the month. Bingo is the first Wednesday of the month. Um, and
trivia is the third Wednesday of the month. >> Right. Thank you. >> Last on the list, resource training and solutions. >> I have a meeting on Wednesday. >> Okay. Right. That's the last of our committee reports. Uh, moving on to action items.
Number one is uh to approve the resolution accepting donations. Is there a motion to approve? >> Some second. >> Motion by Trisha, second by Jen. Um for discussion, I believe it's my turn to >> say a big thank. It's a yeah, shorter
list, but still very generous. So, um yeah, I want to take the opportunity to say thank you to our donors, and I will recognize them now. Uh the Sartell St. Steven PreK to 5 PTO uh gave $250 to Riverview Intermediate School for the
third grade planetarium field trip. The Minnesota Vikings Foundation gave $5,000 to our community education program for the girls flag football and Luke and Christy Miller gave $200 to
the Sartal High School for the sustainability club. So, thank you again to our donors. Uh if there's no other discussion, I will ask for votes. All in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed?
>> Okay, that passes unanimously. Second action item is to approve the amended school year calendar for the 26 and 27 school year. Is there a motion? >> Second. >> Motion by Chelsea, second by Emily.
Dr. if you want to do any introduction to this. >> So earlier in this school year, the board did approve 2627 calendar for our students and families. Uh district administration amendment to change the
calendar to add professional development for teaching staff on October 14th. This is a result of our agreement that we made with the SDA. Our prek through students will have one less instructional day due to this. But this will be something that
we're looking for. The amended calendar also have a finalized graduation date Friday May 28th. excited about that determined recommendation from our high school staff
that Friday >> then May 20th being that's the Friday of Memorial Day weekend >> is the explanation for why it's not on a Saturday which is more typical of our district. Correct. >> Yeah. >> Right. Thank you. >> Right. Any other discussion?
>> I guess I it's not going to affect how I look at this. I just know that I've had parents over the last couple years say that they would prefer that we don't do an extended MEA, especially when we're not doing it as a districtwide because a lot of our parents and families rely on
their older children to help with watching their younger siblings and stuff. So, I just I know that this has also been something we've done in the past. So, just thought I'd share that at the table to make sure that said I also think we also received an email talking about our Holy Week for our Christian
families and asking that this calendar does do that. Just making sure that we're mindful >> and saying that out loud that we're avoiding having school or having school days off on Good Friday when we're looking at mixtures. >> So on that note though, I mean they
>> we have it this year. Yes. >> I know. But there's other we don't we're not always that mindful with all >> religious holidays. So that's where >> Yeah. for the for the board of the issue that we have this year
because what we're doing many many school districts are starting before Labor Day which I know the board is well aware of that does increase the opportunity next year we can
to make sure our families have those times to be together and do the things that they need to do. >> Right. Any other discussion? Hearing none, I'll call for a vote. All in favor of approving the amended school year calendar say I. >> I.
>> Any oppose? Say nay. Okay. Passes unanimously. on to our discussion items. And the first one is the first reading of policy 524.5 which is entitled personal electronic
communication devices. Um I guess I can kind of speak to how we got to this point. We >> sure >> looked at some of ours and some of waters and then kind of decided um what we thought as a committee to move
forward for the first reading. Um we did have uh principal Saffron and Cousler in attendance of this draft creation as well. >> And we did have MSBA's model policy up
as well. So we kind of >> you know cherry picked from each put our own wording into it. Um, Still Water and MSBAs were similar. So, we, you know, a lot of the wording
is the same, but we decided where we needed to condense or take out all together, put our own words smithing in. So, for all people not on the committee, I would love to hear thoughts. Well, I got a question about uh
Roman numeral four and uh number two >> uh under a >> a sure >> okay says all personal electronic communication devices shall be kept in designated areas and turned off. So is in this policy that we're generating
there's still going to be phones allowed to go to school? >> Yeah. And how are we going to what does that look like as far as keeping devices in designated areas? What's that mean? >> Some of that goes procedurally. And so
we didn't as a committee and correct me if I'm wrong, you too. We didn't want to sit in policy and dictate the procedures because we have been really um mindful of taking procedures out of policy and letting them live on their own. Uh we
also didn't find it based on communication that came from the board as well. We didn't think that it would be realistic to tell people not to bring their phone at all. Um >> we could tell them. Would it be
realistic that that would happen? >> Right. >> So, do we want to write a policy that isn't going to live in reality? >> Well, my only fear is looking at this, it really doesn't it's not too far off from what we already have. policy
and right now that's been the biggest complaint with some of the teachers and other people that I know we don't dictate the procedures
but how how's it going to be enforced because right now that's the biggest complaint that I'm hearing from teachers is not being enforced and they're wasting half their class time trying to deal with kids that just are not getting off it and then when they do get sent to
the office, it seems like they're not getting any assistance on that. >> So in one, so for A1, it does say that the communication devices on they're prohibited from using personal
electronic communication devices on school premises from bell to bell. >> I understand. that time frame is. >> No, I understand what it's saying, but >> realistically, these kids are still going to have them stuck in their bags. Nobody's going to be checking on it.
>> Well, we've already we've already said that we're not going to go rifling through bags. >> That's right. We don't want to do, >> but that's my fear is because with smart watches and the way they can connect to their computers and they can sit there and have it on in their bag, out of sight, out of mind, but they're
still with their headphones in, listening to music, some, you know, they're still they still have easy access. And of course, the teachers aren't going to waste their time going through all the bags. Not everybody's going to turn it in at the front of the
of class. That's my concern because it's no different than the policy we have now. >> All >> so my question is, how are we going to reinforce or have consequences when they do? Are we going to make a policy that
says, "Okay, we found you with the phone on, it goes to the office, and the only person that can pick it up is a parent, >> policy, right?" But that's my fear is we can't dictate that. But we can
dictate whether or not these phones are even going to be allowed into the school. If they want to store it in the car, totally fine with that. >> How are we going to know? >> Well, then if we do see a Hopefully that does get taken away and brought down. And >> I mean that's that's the sentiment. I
guess that was kind of what I was trying to get away from the meeting on our policy committee meeting is are we all under the same definition of a wait for the day or bellto bell administration and board because we're writing a policy that says a wait for the day that has
some you know specific not on the premises from bell to bell not limited to uh includes but not limited to instructional time lunch periods recess. So, we're saying the entire day. So, are we all on the same page of what this the intent of this policy is? Because then we have to trust Mike and administration
to enforce the policy that we written with the procedures that they come up with. And that's I guess that was my goal from that meeting is making sure that the district administration that was there and the committee that was there writing the policy had the same
understanding of a way for the day. Do you guys feel like that was >> Well, that you >> because in line two you say all personal electronic communication devices >> can't be brought in school.
>> From our work session though when we talked about it and it sounded like from the feedback from the group that listened to Stillwater that that was not like I guess I went into the the
discussion to write the policy that that was overarching. the request is that we would force a request or be able to really dictate that they don't even enter the building. >> I guess we want to write a policy that's in reality and we know that
>> what realistically do they need the cell phone in school for >> but more so that they they would have cell phones but telling them to leave it in the car in the middle of Minnesota where that starts to damage the device or right not controlling what it's
>> okay wrap it up in a blanket. Well, some of this goes back and puts some of the responsibility on the parent. So, if I as a parent see in policy that from bell to bell, my kid isn't allowed to have a cell phone. >> Yeah.
>> Then me as a parent, I will take my kid's cell phone and say, "You don't need it because you're going straight to school and you're coming straight home from school." So, some of it does fall back on giving the parents the ability to say, "Okay, you can you can take it to school
with you, but the policy says you need to stow it somewhere, wherever those designated areas are, or as a parent, you can take the cell phone and say, "No, you don't get to take it with you to school." My expectation is I guess that that this again this comes back to
procedure but that there is a clearly defined procedure once implementation of this policy. So if the designated area is going to be pockets at the front of every you know classroom when you walk in or putting it in your sixth period class or whatever
the decision is as far as the procedure goes. that there would be a clearly defined and communicated designated area that families, parents, students would all understand prior to this, you know, first day of school next fall so that it
isn't just a, you know, free-for-all really, but that we are putting some parameters on what's considered a designated area. But again, that falls under procedure, not policy. So, it didn't necessarily tie into what's going to get written in the policy. It's more what's going to get written in the handbook. the student
handbook as far as the procedure goes. So, separating the two, like we did get into the weeds a little bit during committee and had to kind of come back to this is the policy the procedure has to follow. >> No, I understand that. But again, we
already have a policy and procedure that almost mimics this. >> It's not we don't no it does not bell to bell. >> Okay. and build the bill even with that in place. And if they still have these cell phones
on their person in the school, it's it's not going to be any different than the way it is right now. It is. >> But but it is because we've already heard from students there's inconsistencies like you've pointed out. There are some teachers that do take it and there are others that don't. This is
bell-to bell. So if it's caught the understanding anyways I think from the committee because I don't want to speak on everyone's behalf. My understanding is bellto bell means if that phone is caught in your hand out visibly not in
your pocket because we're not here to search your pockets. If it's out it's gone. It's confiscated. >> Same with headphones. >> That's what I'm saying is they don't even need to have they can they can hide it. They can do all that. They They'll be sitting under the table out of sight
when the teacher's distracted with 33 34 students, all of them on their computers on YouTube and all that. And then soon as they come to try to see if they're on task, they shut their computers down. I mean, you add this extra device, they are completely distracted throughout the
entire day. But we're taking away allowing them to have it in the classroom hidden in their backpack or in their pocket where a teacher's not going to be checking. >> I don't think it should be in the classroom. It shouldn't be in the school. >> Okay. But we haven't defined where the designated area is. That's the procedure
part of it. So, wherever Admin says this is the designated area, if it's not there, which we already know based on the conversations that have come out of Still Water and other school districts, the reality is, yeah, the kids are going to have it in their bags. But if it's
not a distraction and they're not taking it out, is that really a hill that I want to die on? No. I don't want to be in there confiscating. >> Well, I guess the reality is, what's the alternative? >> What's the alternative? >> No. No phones in the >> How do we know?
>> It's going to be the same thing >> because it all of a sudden does pop out now that thing disappears to the office. >> That's exactly what's about to happen. That's what this says. Yeah. >> Can I share a couple thoughts here? >> Yes. >> Um I've struggled with the same thing. The
thought of how strict can nor should we get. Obviously, you're going to have the most compliance in a system where phones aren't allowed on the premises whatsoever. like you said, leave it at home, leave it in your car. Um, what I keep coming back to, and I try to think of it in a broader community
perspective, is that if we go forward with a policy like this, a bald policy, we need buyin from both students and parents, let alone staff, administration, whatever. Um, and the conversations I have with the people, not the people who have been emailing us
who have strong feelings one way or the other, but the people are who kind of shrug their shoulders and say, "Do what you're going to do." what their feedback is for the most part to me is just don't overreach or don't be so draconian that you lose credibility.
So, when I think about it, I even though yes, there'd be less phones in the building, less chance of infractions if they're not even allowed to be on the premises, I just don't know that that's workable because a lot of these kids, we've seen the feedback in the emails, a lot of
these kids have to coordinate um with younger siblings for rides, with jobs that they have in the evenings. They're going to need in a lot of cases when that bell goes off at the end of the day to get on their phone, coordinate a ride home, coordinate this or that, you know,
sports activities, you name it. I don't think it's realistic to say you have to leave it at home because then they just can't do those >> day-to-day activities. Do they know do they need a phone to contact family?
Well, I mean, >> we're the the point of the policy is to say we are moving to bell to bell. So, if the phone is caught out
during bell to bell, it's confiscated. We can't we can't enforce it. >> I mean, we can't enforce nobody bringing their cell phones to the school. We just It's Yeah, I just don't >> we would be searching bags and that
quite frankly I don't think that's appropriate. >> Well, the the way you do it is one thing that we've already discussed and ruled out because of the cost would be pouches. >> Yeah. >> Which isn't 100% compliance either, but it's closer to what I think Scott is mentioning.
>> And the pouches are that device that >> Yeah. >> activates. You get in the school, put your phone in the pouch. They have a locking device there that shuts the pouch. It can't be opened. And then you unlock it on your way out. The the school I didn't see the solar presentation. I saw one by a different
school district, but they use the pouches and the it's either on your way out through the office or by the exit doors or they have the unlocking devices on the school buses for kids. If they forget to do it in the building, they can do it. Again, I h I I've spoken to you when we did our one-on-one and I
think I've talked to mostly about my concerns just from law enforcement perspective. I don't want to get in details. I be more than happy to tell you why from my perspective as a cop is certain things, but what we would have
to do at the closed door. >> Well, get the information out here. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, I think what you're talking about is um security related concerns, which >> I actually think in April we're trying to get a closed meeting put together with our police department partners. So,
maybe that's a topic we can put on the agenda >> and it kind of ties into the phones. >> So, is your concern that there's not a a designated spot in the policy?
>> I would say a designated spot that does not include on their person. So, a hard point like a locker or something like that, it cannot be on their person or even brought into a classroom. Again, I know we can't sit
there and search, but I don't know if there's in my opinion, it should be in a hard point, not on their >> So then I guess I would ask Mike,
is district admin looking at in the handbook specifying a certain location where these devices could be stored? that's not in a backpack or >> the challenge that I'm hearing from you
know the board obviously has the opportunity to write policy that they see fit we will implement that policy and then we would bring that back in terms of our how we would handle the concerns would be both located as someone mentioned the handbook along with the code of conduct which the board
had the opportunity to later when you talk about in terms of the designated turned off. We certainly can look at that that opportunity for kids when they enter a classroom that they will go store their device in every
class when they walk in. Appreciate the opportunity. The challenge that you have then is that for some students they will be handling their phone again between every block and then moving into the hallway. And one of the goals I think that I heard
from the committee was that we hoping for just a little less handling in the phones. What I heard through the Still Water presum not every student would put their device in. In fact, most students did. like less than 5% were actually putting
their devices into these storage areas within every classroom. So I believe if I remember correctly the principal or the chief of staff said don't purchase these storage areas because not necessarily a great way of utilizing if you're going to go and implement a full
day. So you have that opportunity if you want to do that as a first step but then I think you open up the possibility that we're having children students, their children, the children handling the phones every
hour and 10 minutes every >> well and I think that was the original intent of Still Water that they were that everybody was going to do that >> or that was the goal, >> but again they said like it's unrealistic that we're going to be
searching everybody's pockets or backpacks as they walk into the building or as they walk into the classroom. But I think the overarching point was that they had seen success with this that they weren't seeing a ton of infractions of phones coming out. There were some
and they were handled. I mean their disciplinary policy on this was very firm. So um and the principal was very serious about it and he has no qualms about taking that phone and making sure that parents are the ones that come pick it up and that is the rule. But I from
my understanding from that presentation is it actually wasn't a um huge ongoing issue that they were taking phones all day every day. Even though they knew they were maybe in pockets or backpacks, they weren't actually catching that many kids taking
them out. And more so as the as the school year went on. At the beginning, there was more infractions than as the school year went on because people realized students realized they meant business. They were serious. So if we see that phone, we're taking it and your parent has to come pick it up. So once the, you know, word got around that it
was going to be enforced, I think it became a lot easier for students to realize we just if we take it out, we're risking losing this phone. So it all comes down to enforcement really at the end of the day of, you know, admin at the school and
taking a taking a device if you see it. >> I'll give a little optimistic picture. I I think I mean if this policy gets put in place as written and it gets put in place next year for instance next year's nth grade and 10th grade classes this will not be the first
time they've had an away for the day policy. They would have seen it in middle school and as we move on year to year it'll just be the norm because we we're starting in the pre high school levels already with this policy and it'll just continue on through with the kids. I think the compliance thing, even
if it becomes an issue next year or the year after, I just think over time, can only improve because it's going to be the norm in our district, regardless of what the actual procedures are to keep them away or discipline people for infractions and that sort of thing.
But I do agree, Scott, that whatever the procedure is going to be, I think because it is a change that families are going to have to be familiar with, I do think there needs to be clarity when it's communicated out to families on what the expectation is for that phone and
ideally you would leave it at home. We also live in reality. We're not going to search people's bags, every student's bag as they walk in. So you know clearly defining what a designated area is in terms of this policy and then what the expectation is with that and what the
consequence is if this is not followed. I think the more clearly that is communicated to families as often as it can be prior to the you know start of the next school year if this is implemented at that time will make a big difference on how well you know that
roll out goes and then enforcement on the backside if this isn't being complied with there has to be you know admin has to be on board they have to agree to to comply with the policy by enforcing what we've written so I I get
your concern I just I'm living in reality too a little bit where I just don't know how we do any how we would enforce what you envision. >> I would love that. >> And and again, I don't know if you saw that email with that link to the the
learn portion. Um, it's long, but it's coming from very powerful, smart doctors and the studies on uh, social media and all this stuff and it's really dumbing
down America. Um, just kids on these phones to eight hours a day on devices and I mean the social skills are diminishing, >> right? But that also goes back to parental control too. What parents are
okay with outside of school, >> right? >> But >> and that's our responsibility is to >> right from bell to bell teach them. >> That's all that we can do outside of the bell to bell is parent discretion. And as far as laptops go, if those are
schoolisssued devices, if those are being if those are accessing things that they shouldn't be, I mean, we should be able to put those restrictions on as admin. So, >> if I may just chime in, interested also
in hearing Trisha uh her input on the policy, but just I realize it's not a popular opinion. Um I I'm I went into the policy committee because we were asked by the chair to write this as a bell-to- bell policy. I probably still it's not what
my preferred approach to taking a step forward. I completely agree that cell phones don't belong in the classrooms and as a part of instructional. I think the hearing as well from administration the
the you know as they're trying to figure out from an enforcement perspective on bellto um and the the current state of what they're seeing in the schools. I my preference would have been to to take a step forward with making this
essentially applicable to instructional time. Um, and then seeing how it how it goes from there. So, just another perspective on I realize you're wishing that this would be stricter and I it's still probably more strict than
from what I would have personally like to see. So, >> um I share a lot of the similar sentiment. I do think that that phones don't belong in instructional spaces, but I think I also just understand that
we're trying to teach these to the adults and I don't know that I don't know that a belt policy is fulfilling that from my personal expect my personal opinion and that's okay that's my opinion um so I I also would have loved to have seen a policy where
we actually wrote that it was going to be because I believe our current practice is actually just written in a handbook and it's been living in a handbook I guess I personally would have loved to have been able to see that in policy to see if that would have changed what's been going on in our schools. Uh
I do have some concerns about a bell to bell and what that's going to push some of our students to make decisions to use their phones in places that they shouldn't be, places that we don't want them to be using them. I'm not going to mention them because I would prefer not to um give out that idea. But I do have some genuine
concerns about what um what our students are going to do and what choices they're going to make to try and continue to use and utilize their devices um >> and where then enforcement would have to take place, >> right? And I don't know how you can enforce those and administration said essentially they're not able to enforce
some of >> So that's that's kind of where I'm at. I I do have some similar concerns. I I don't want to see our kids um take away from their educational time. I think our educational time is very important and I I agree with you on on that. It's just I don't I don't fully
agree with the the passing time and the the lunch time and that's that's kind of where I'm at. >> I do think that I had said this in the committee too. We're definitely not pioneers in this by any means. We're a year or two behind you know many districts that have went
to this and it's discussed at the state and federal level as well where it may just become a legislative decision anyways. But for the districts and not just Still Water, I mean there's Wisetta, there's other districts that have went to this within the past two to three years for K through 12 and
essentially I think all of them probably had similar voice concerns. Most of them did not come to fruition because the reality of the wiring of the brain of just a human being in general is once you are without the phone for an extended period of time longer than
normal um you you do adjust to it where it's not this desperate need like when you leave your phone at home for the day after the first couple hours you kind of don't have that panicky anxiety feeling anymore being without it. It's a similar thing for anybody, students included, where it becomes their norm and they
don't have a desperate panic feeling to go into a space where they may feel like they can get away with it and just social media, you know, to the extreme while they're in there or something. So, I yeah, from my understanding, it's a fear that hasn't fully come to fruition
in a lot of the districts that have implemented it. It's an understandable fear, but there's also just the reality of when you are without the device for a few hours and if it becomes the norm of your daily life at school, you do adjust to that where it isn't as paramount
concern for you that you would be willing to risk a consequence or risk getting caught with something in a space that you feel is safe just simply to go on your phone for small amount of time. It not that it's not a warranted fear, just hasn't been a major issue from my
understanding in some of the districts that have implemented this over the past two to three years. >> And to clarify, the state level consideration right now would not do a full belt ban at the high school level. >> That's one of the considerations. It's
not they have discussed it, but it isn't nothing is in a current bill to be introduced form yet because they're still discussing many options. But it is one of the options that they've discussed mainly because the federal level is discussing it. So I think it's
been brought in at the state level for that reason. >> Yeah, I think it's fair to say nothing would happen in this legislative session >> on this specific topic of grades 9 through 12. >> Um just a reminder to everybody that we've
been invited to the high school. I know some of you were there for a listening session with students on this topic and observe, but I myself plan to get there in the near future just to observe. Not saying it's the only factor I'm going to be looking at, but of all the research I've done, that's one more thing,
especially since the invitation was extended, one more thing I'm going to do. And I appreciate that this being written because I think it'll help me as I visit the high school and try to envision what things look like under such a policy versus what things look like now. this would be very helpful to
have. So, I appreciate the work that was put into it. >> Does anybody have any further discussion? >> I just like to echo I do appreciate the work that you guys did put into it. I really do. I think um I felt very heard by some of my concerns like the beekeeping in reality and I I feel like
they were they were written in policy. So, I think you'll >> um question. >> Sure. So yes, this would go into the handbook, but it also seems like people would like to potentially see what that
procedure would look like just to understand it. Is there a way that we could see the procedure if this continued to move forward as bell to bill what that would look like prior to the handbook coming out? If the board would like to direct
if the board would like to direct administration together by the next meeting. >> I'm just questioning because people seem to be have that concern of what that looks like and if that is going to change.
I do have that concern. I guess I've just had to remind myself and keep it separate, I guess. And really, I'm trusting Mike. I'm trusting admin to enforce the policy that we've written. And yes, I would like to see
the procedure. I'm not saying I wouldn't, but as far as I'm looking at two separate things. I'm thinking, okay, is this policy something that the board will support moving forward? the procedure doesn't necessarily have to come into place before the policy is approved, but
would I like to see the procedure? Sure. Absolutely, I would. But I don't think that that necessarily has an effect on whether or not the policy moves forward. >> Well, from a practical standpoint,
procedures can change year. I mean, passing the policy language is the only thing that puts anything into effect the procedure then could be changed. So I well yeah it might be helpful to see I don't know that it
would sway me nor would I want to burden administration with extra work when it's not going to be actually part of the policy that gets voted on. So I guess that's my concern. But as board chair, I guess if there's enough
desire for that from other board members, we can ask administration to do that. I would wonder if we maybe could hold off at least one more month since there's got to be three readings of this. Maybe let's get to next month. Don't worry about doing anything yet.
Maybe people have visited the high school by that time. I know I will. Um we can have another discussion a month from now at the at the April board meeting and see >> which will be the second meeting. >> Yeah. If then we want to make that request of putting procedure together.
>> Is everybody okay with that? At least put it off one more month >> or give two months like we don't need it next month. We need it for >> Right. >> Yeah. and we'll make it. >> So instead of just putting it out, just say like you don't need it by next month, you need it in two months.
>> Same thing that you're saying. >> Sure. >> The direction would be >> I'll wait for my direction. >> Yeah. >> If that's okay. >> Thank you. Yeah, that's all I'm saying is that if we decide to move forward with that request, we can always do it next month for the May meeting.
And it's it's not to micromanage by any means, but I think if it just comes to us in a board handbook and we're just supposed to approve it, but if we had questions or maybe needed more clarification on something, um it would
give time to have that conversation and so it's not to try to micromanage the procedure by any means, but we don't necessarily want it by June or July And then right if there's
I think it'd be good for this specific procedure even if the policy is passed in in May or whatever and we've moved forward I would still think it would be nice to have some idea of what the procedure will be a little bit earlier because we're going to get questions from families and so having some of
those specifics would be helpful. So, >> but yes, waiting until next month and direction after that. I'm on board with >> Okay, we'll do that. Table that request for a month. >> Right. Any other discussion? Otherwise,
we can move on to the next one. All right. Next one. Second reading of policies 527 999. This is uh 527 is student use and parking of
motor vehicles, patrols, inspections and searches and policy 999 is the new policy uh sponsorship which is related to advertising. Any discussion or questions on those two policies? Um just for clarification um
with 99.99 the um scoreboard in the high school gymnasium like in the main high school gym those sponsorships don't necessarily have like sponsor by or I
don't remember all the the wording and I know it's new but that would also go into effect for that scoreboard too. Correct. Okay. >> Are those physical ads or are they the what's on the video screen? >> No, the ones that are on the video >> screen that come across. It was just
something that I noticed during one of the basketball games and I wasn't sure because it almost looks like advertisement, but we don't have advertisement. So, that's where I was a little confused. >> Okay. >> Okay. Any other questions or comments on these
policies? All right. Hearing none, we will go to the second reading to resin policies 527.1, 529.1, and 806.1, which I believe are all forms or
procedures. >> Okay, hearing no discussion, we'll move on to discussion item number four, the three takeaways from tonight's meeting. So areas that I had down four
letters that the board did receive an excuse me this confirms our district continues to work in partnership and members success. Number two, winter activities report. The board heard updates on our activities. Our teams and
students had strong season performances and great representation schools and communities. Number three, approval of the amended 2627 school calendar and considered approval towards approval which includes an
adjustment to October 14, 206 and discussion of board policy 524.5. The board contin >> Have we always um put a takeaway about the season sport? Do you know?
>> No. >> Okay. >> So, do we want to pick >> I would have suggested eliminating the one about the calendar. >> Yeah. >> Off the list because that'll calendarity report
and I'll give a little more information. >> Thank you. >> Right, that's it for discussion items. So, I'll just read off a few upcoming meeting dates. um policy committee meets Thursday, April 2nd here at the district service center at 5:00 pm.
uh followed by then our work session Thursday, April 2nd here at the district service center at 6:30 p.m. our comprehensive achievement and civic readiness committee meets Tuesday, April 14th, here at the district center at
7:30 a.m. and our next regular board meeting, Monday, April 20th, right here at the district service center at 6:30 p.m. and our list of committees. Yeah, I don't think we missed any. Think that's about
it. Anybody else have any meetings coming up that I missed? >> Right. Look for a motion to adjurnn. >> Second. >> Motion by Emily. >> Trisha. Did you say second? Okay. Second
by Trisha. >> Any discussion? >> All in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? passes unanimously. We are adjourned at 8:13.