can be found on the district website. The meeting is now called to order. It is July 22nd, 2026, and the time is 6:39 p.m. Our mission is to provide a safe and caring climate and culture in which we engage, inspire, educate, prepare,
and empower all learners in partnership with our surrounding community to be successful in today's and tomorrow's society. Heather, can you please lead us in the pledge of allegiance? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you, Heather. And then when you're ready, can you please call roll? >> The following board members are present at the district administration office.
Gina Aso >> here. >> Scott Andreas >> here. >> Natalie Copeland >> here. >> Zack Dhold >> here. >> Diana Fenton >> here. >> Shannon Hos >> here. >> Heather Williams here. The following cabinet members and staff are present at the district administration office. Superintendent Dr. Lorie Putnham.
Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Dr. Jason Harris. Assistant Superintendent of E5 Learning Nikki Hansen. Executive Director of Community Education and Community Partnerships Shannon Avenson. Executive Director of Engagement, Equity, and Strategic Communications,
Ayan Omar. Executive Director of Finance and Business Services, Amy Scallarude. Executive Director of Innovation and Technology Services, Katie Herbalt, Executive Director of Special Education, Danny Mayer, Media Technicians, Paul Novak and Gordy Scott. And the custodian on site is Emerson Beamer.
>> Thank you. Next, I'm looking uh for approval of tonight's board meeting agenda. Looking for a motion. Mr. Wolve, >> I have a motion by Scott, a second by Natalie. Heather, can you please call vote on that? >> Zor Holt, >> yes. >> Natalie Copeland,
>> yes. >> Scott Andre, >> yes. >> Gina, >> yes. >> Heather Williams, yes. Cheyenne or Shannon Hos, >> yes. >> Diana Fenton, >> yes. >> Thank you. Then we have the consent agenda. The consent agenda consists of non-controversial items the board adopts
routinely without debate. Any single member may remove an item from the consent agenda by requesting removal at the time the consent agenda is moved for adoption. On tonight's consent agenda, item A, approval of minutes of June 3rd, 2026 and June 17, 2026. Item B, approval
of bills and other financial transactions in the grand total amount of 6,557,887.92. Item C, approval of personnel staff changes. Item D, acceptance of grant awards and donations. Item E, approval of monthly financial report for May
2026. Item F, approval of monthly treasures report for May 2026. Item G, approval of quarterly expenditures for board members. Item H, approval of the 10-year long-term facilities maintenance plan. Item I, approval of proposed rev
revised board policy 414, mandating mandated reporting of child neglect or physical or sexual abuse, third reading. Item J, approval of the 2026 2027 membership renewal in the Minnesota State High School League. Item K,
approval of the 2026 2027 membership renewal in the Minnesota School Boards Association. Item L, approval of the 2026 2027 membership renewal in Association of Metropolitan School Districts. Item M, multi-purpose
athletic facility change orders totaling $139,768. Item N, call for bids, uh, Apollo additions and remodeling bid package to re rebid. Item O, joint purchasing contract awards, Apollo additions and
remodeling. And item P, Tilahi parking lot, parking lot approvements, change orders totaling $45,919.50. So I have um two items being pulled. Item C, uh, approval of personnel staff changes. Heather is going to recuse
herself. And item D, acceptance of grant awards and donations. Natalie is going to recuse herself. So, I'm looking for a motion to approve A through P with the exception of C and D. >> So, move.
>> I'm a motion by Scott, a second by Natalie. Heather, can you call vote on that? >> Shannon Hos, >> yes. >> Diana Fenton, >> yes. >> Natalie Copeland, >> yes. >> Scott Andre, >> yes. >> Heather Williams, yes. Zack Dorhalt, >> yes. >> Gina Oivito,
>> yes. >> Okay. And then um looking to for a motion for approval of personnel staff changes. Item C. >> I have a motion by Diana. A second by Natalie Heather. Can you call vote
except for yourself? >> Scott Andreas. >> Yes. >> Zack Dorhalt. >> Yes. >> Shannon Hos. >> Yes. >> Diana Fenton. >> Yes. >> Natalie Copeland? >> Yes. >> Gina Asabido? >> Yes. >> Okay. And then item D, acceptance of grant awards and donations. This one is
Natalie's recusing herself. We're looking for a motion to approve D. >> Move. >> Second. >> I have a motion by Scott, a second by Diana. Heather, can you call vote? Except for Natalie. >> Heather Williams, yes. Diana Fenton, >> yes. >> Scott Andre, >> yes.
>> Gina Oavdo, >> yes. >> Zack Door Halt, >> yes. >> Shannon Hos, >> yes. Okay, thank you. Uh, moving on to information items. one um item tonight. It is the code of conduct updates and this is being presented by Dr. Jason
Harris, assistant superintendent of secondary education. >> Uh good evening, Chair Ha, Superintendent Putnham, board members. Uh good to see everybody. Welcome back from our time off. Uh the administration has a few uh recommended revisions for the code of conduct for the 2627 school
year. Um, I'll start with the first uh specific code addition that we are looking to add to the code of conduct is uh sexual physical contact. Uh, sexual physical contact would land in level three or a level four behavior.
Currently, right now we don't have this in our current code of conduct. The other one would be a substantial disruption. uh it would fall also in the level three level four uh behavior. We see
continuously uh just within the last few years just substantial disruption with students just uh specifically around the environment and encouraging facilitating um multiple things that we see and this would kind of cover it when you look at
the definition and then the level three or four uh behavior around substantial disruption technology codes. We had uh some language change around that to engage in the the use of school and uh electronic device using school district systems or
internet resources. This gives us more nexus when students are using the district systems. If they have their devices, we could uh have more jurisdiction over those things because they're using our system and our accounts. Uh currently we don't have
cell phone uh PDA. The code right now is called technology codes. And so we would add cell phones since we already when they write the referrals they put cell phones in but now it'll be officially in the code of conduct and it'll fall into
a level one or level three um uh infraction. The other one would be recording and sharing materials. We've seen this uh kind of over time just recently kind of grow more around students either video recording, deep fakes, some of the
things as we move into you know uh our digital world and so recording and sharing of that information will fall under a level three or level uh three through level five code of conduct around that.
And then the last one when you look at the code of conduct we have found uh where when you look at interventions or restorative practices we had to clean up some things around that. Um so if we had some incidents where
we didn't have CAP or chemical health as an intervention before we went to multiple things. So when we went through the interventions and the restorative practices, we clear we cleaned up a lot of things to have a progressive uh response to students and their
infractions. Those were the updates for the 2627 code of conduct. Um any questions? Jason, can you on go back to the page on recording or uh technology for recording and sharing? Can you
remind us or talk us through how that impacts if it's something that does it have to be something that happens on the school premises or how is it treated if it happens outside of the premises but has an impact on students while they're at school?
>> That goes to that nexus piece. what we've seen. We'll say I video record it and I put it out there. If it impacts the school environment, the disruption, we have that as the piece because even though it was outside of school, now it's caused a major disruption in school
if they share it or we have found things that happen when things are shared, right? It just it just enhances whatever was there. And so we we look at that uh to that part of that nexus piece because it's now into the school and it's caused disruption.
Thank you. I saw something on National Public Radio the other day uh regarding cell phone use in schools. And apparently it's not as bad as uh as we've been told for kids
to have and use cell phones in the upper grades. U instinctively we think we shouldn't. But on the other hand, the science doesn't seem to be backing that up. Maybe we could do a little more digging into that. >> Yeah, that's something we can look into.
I I think from our end when we look at it and specifically secondary uh in middle school it's just the way right in your development brain development the temptation of being in the classroom and pulling out my phone. We've seen in
middle that we had to really you you can't logically think if I'm addicted to using my phone. And secondary, we found they're more mature, but it's appropriate time to use your phone and not. And so we have said during learning in the classroom, your phone should be
off because it pulls away from what you're learning, what your lesson is, if we need to collaborate and do things in the classroom if I'm stuck on my phone. And we found success with that. The students at high school can use it in the hallway and the cafeteria. And we're going to continue to look at the point
when I'm in the classroom around learning, the focus is learning, whatever that learning target, whatever that lesson is, and not your cell phone. And I think kids, they might not all come out and say that, but they appreciate that because if if this structure is in place and if
I can stay engaged in the classroom, it helps me to improve in that achievement in the classroom. >> Thank you. We're building really good work um ethic too. So because they're going to be out in the field and they need to have
developed that skill. So as an employer, thank you. >> Okay. Um thank you Jason. So, next we have um joining us Carl Heiny, Apollo High School activities director, and
Hillary Johnson, Tech High School Activi activities director. Um presenting two items tonight. First is the discussion item for the 2025 2026 activities update and then they'll finish off with approval looking for approval of the
boys volleyball funding. So, welcome. Thanks for joining us tonight. Thank you, uh, Superintendent Putnham, Chair Haz, and school board members. We are excited to be here and kind of give you an update on our our past year and some of the exciting things that, uh,
our students and coaches and staffs um, and schools had uh, done over the course of the year. Um, and try to update you a little bit on some Minnesota State High School League things that are coming down the line. Um and then some of the things we've already started implementing as we are three weeks away
from the start of fall sports. So um but we're excited to be here and uh we'll we have a little video uh to kind of recap the year for you. [music] >> [music] >> Learning doesn't stop when the school day [music] ends. Athletics and
activities are an extension, confidence, leadership. High school [music] intentionally teach communication, accountability, teamwork, and leadership. [music] Skills students will use for the rest of their lives.
Students learn how to problem solve, adapt under pressure, and support the people around them. With [music] many different roles, you can't just play every single part. You need everyone blending together and with everyone's [music] minds, put them
together to make something amazing. Football, especially playing quarterback, you need to know like kind of the other team's tendencies, [music] what you expect. Every play's kind of like a problem. you need to find the best way to solve it. So, thinking about the best way to do everything is going to [music] help you out a lot.
>> For like baseball that helps you like think faster or like react [music] way quicker. >> Activities give students a different type of learning. They experience lessons [music] in real life. They learn resilience because they are face challenges, setbacks, [music] and
pressure, and they learn how to respond. >> I want to major in education. And so being a teacher, it's a lot of quick thinking, like we're going to switch on the moment. And I [music] think that being able to switch on a dime, like running those situations through my head and being able to just alter the plan to
fit each student is really helpful and beneficial. [music] >> The biggest growth we see is confidence. Students who start the season unsure of themselves [music] often become leaders by the end. Leadership is about consistency. I think like being a team head [music]
made me even more empathetic and more understand other and I try to do certain things on the [music] team. >> Being a leader is the biggest part. It just helps you be more vocal like in [music] the classroom as well when the
teacher call ready to say outside [music] of school comes natural while you're in school. just kind of being a part of something like it's more than just yourself. It's everybody's included and you got to make everybody feel included, [music] you know, just
being a leader, being a role model. They become [music] part of something bigger than themselves. I know for me like I stay more [music] focused almost if I have something to look forward to like oh after school I get to go to theater rehearsal and be [music] with my friends. It just gives
them another chance to like not be stressed about [music] something and get to know people. >> The lesson students learns here are discipline [music] and teamwork prepare them for whatever comes next.
Athletics and activities curriculars for students to grow for the future [music] together. [music] [music] Yeah, we want to give a quick shout out to Carissa and Elizabeth for helping us
put together uh this great video and and uh collaboration with the students and interviewing the the students in all of our schools across the district and uh putting together a great piece that kind of reflected on kind of what we're trying to do here every year. So, um
jumping into our year in review, uh we've tried to work through and and match to uh Dr. Putnham's pillars. Uh and so we're going to talk through some of those uh here now. >> Hey. All right. Um thank you. Um Hillary Johnson, activities director at Tech.
Thank you for having us. And yeah, as Carl and I gotten together, we kind of we started thinking about this last April. And I think one of the things that we really like we get to come here and and talk to you about all the cool things that are happening. Um, but we also really wanted you to hear our students and our coaches um as they are really like the heart of what we do. So
um thank you uh again like you said to Chrisa um and Elizabeth for the video and all their work. Um so safety as we get to review the year um a couple things that we look back on and are very proud of um in the safety is we have monthly meeting. Can you hear me? Okay.
We have monthly meetings with our Central Lakes activities directors where all of us get together um and a standing agenda item for us is the Central Lakes conference um behavior expectations. So we spend time every month making sure that every one of our student athletes
um feel safe and that they belong at events. Um, and sometimes that those are hard discussions. Um, but we're really open and honest with each other. Um, and have worked as a team to make sure that no matter where we go in the conference that our students um, are safe um, and
feel like they belong. One of the other things that we worked on this year um in conjunction with our nursing team is Carl and I now meet weekly as a group of four to talk through all the events that are happening, work on some coal planning, talk about um
uh medical plans for our students and so that we're really trying to make sure that we're collaborating and get ahead of things before um any of our medical needs might arise. Um, this year we also spent some time, Carl and I, um, with Sergeant Kleinfelter, one of our, um,
community partners, and really look through our safety plans, making sure, you know, Carl and I host really large events that we are ready and prepared for anything that might happen. um and really got to kind of pick his brain, talk through situations um and made me
especially as a first year ad feel really confident um in running those events and knowing how that I will be able to work with my community partners. Um and then the last one is one that I just want to make sure um as we're kind of talking about the state high school league um one of the things that they insist on is this pre-conference
administrative timeout. It's actually one of the best parts of our state high school league competitions where our um administrators um site supervisors, coaches, officials, and our medical staff all take a very quick time out
before um a contest and make sure that everybody knows who everybody is, know what the emergency plans are, understand who the medical staff are. And we're really committed in that time to make sure that our students are um safe and that we are all on the same page and know how to collaborate together at an
event. And I'm going to talk here a little bit about belonging. Um, one of the big things that we continue to work with the the district here to support is the free student admission. Um, we're just trying to create more of that welcoming environment to bring in students, expose
students to these activities, um, and then create that atmosphere. Um, and so we continue to provide that free student admission to all of our events across all of our venues that we play at, both at Tech Apollo and um, our partnering with the St. Cloud Mack for hockey. Um,
and then we also allow those two family passes for those scholars um, at their home games. So if I'm a a boy soccer player, um, that boy soccer player will get two family passes to every boy's home soccer game at that venue. So, uh,
again, we're trying to create those inclusion opportunities for not only our students, but also the families to attend, um, and try to really take down some of those barriers, uh, to pro provide that opportunity. Um, we continue to partner with LEAF, uh, to provide that culturally appropriate uniform, um, and accessories. Uh, that
has been a big, uh, part in trying to continue to bring in different students, uh, in in participating and give them the opportunity that they may not know, uh, exists. Um, our junior highs were awarded some grants uh to increase their funding with the for uniforms uh to
continue to update those. As we know, everybody likes the nice gear. So, as we start at that lower level, the get them in and get them branded uh is always a great opportunity. Um, and then kind of we continued with Eagle Nation Day again this year for homecoming uh and invited
some of those junior highs. So, we had the eighth graders come over from North during the day um and got to experience those high school events with our students um during our homecoming day and and uh for those of you that don't know, we kind of run on a 2-hour early out schedule. And uh students can get
permission to attend events. We've run a volleyball game, a boys soccer game, and a swim meet, girls swim meet, all at 1:00. and uh students who have grades have stayed out of uh behavior um and then received permission from their parents to attend and we've had a great
turnout. Um you know upper upper 70s low 80s last year uh students percentage of students that got to attend. So it was a really cool event. Uh some of the greatest atmospheres our kids have been able to play in uh with a packed crowd. So it's been fun. Uh, one new addition we did this year in conjunction with
Crush Girls softball um and uh and coach Matias, we did day at a ballpark. So, um, we worked with Leaf uh again to help try to provide some funding, but we invited all the fifth graders. We had close to 500 fifth graders attend a softball game at 11:00 a.m. during the
school day. So, it was kind of an in-house field trip. Um, we brought them in. Uh, the other crush players that weren't playing, mingled in with the students. They had bingo going on with our uh announcer. Um and it was very interactive. Um we provided with our food services and uh to provide a meal.
Uh so we had a ballpark style meal which is the photo you see them going through there and Danny was there helping serve with us that day. So we appreciate the help and the kids had a had a blast. uh could have been a little bit warmer, but uh it was a great great time. And again,
all this is just to kind of create this this district camaraderie and and bring kids and give them the exposure to our events and hopefully encourage them to participate. >> One other piece of belonging that I wanted to add is that we've really strived to keep our fees affordable. Um
currently it costs $140 for a student to participate in MSHSL activities. It's $70 for students to participate in a club. It's $35 for any student that receives educational benefits. And we
also have an individual student max of $280 for MSHSL sponsored activities. So it really means if you participate in two MSHs activities, any of the third or fourth ones then um are free to
participate. And I'm going to continue with collaboration and on those participation fees here. Um, one of our big huge collaboration pieces that we're really excited to be able to continue for this next school year, uh, is that partnership with LEAF and covering all of the middle level activities fees, uh,
which was a huge gain for us and and could see about a 10% overall increase in that participation at that junior high level. Um, and we're trying to build that foundation, um, get that exposure and then continue to bring those kids through. um hopefully to that high school level. But uh that's a big
piece for a lot of kids in that age and time to try something new and and experience it for some of them the first time. But it it's been a great opportunity and we appreciate Leaf support and continuing that for another year and then looking at continuing collaboration down the road. Um we're
also really proud of our community connections and we do a lot of that in partnership with community ed and volunteering in some of those um events uh like booking a day uh at Shields. Um we also have the St. Cloud Interact and Rotary Club mainly our St. Cloud or
Crush Interact group uh that volunteers at summertime by George, but they also run some of our events throughout the course of the year and a lot of volunteer service. Um, our teams individually set up some of their own and do some toys for tots drive. Um, some volunteering at uh, you know, food
shelves and and stocking backpacks and serving food. Um, and those coaches, our coaches do a great job of promoting and getting kids intertwined into the into the community which serves us right back. So, the next part is the MSHSL. Uh, together we make a difference. This
is more of that collaboration at the state level um with other high school students and we are excited uh we have a junior from Apollo that's actually going to be a student leader on that salt committee uh and we'll be in charge of helping run those uh run those different
salt events. Um we kind of switch it up where we go. There's usually five throughout each year. Um we've attended in Wilmer, we've attended in the cities in Brooklyn Center. uh we kind of continue to move around a little bit to to mingle with different parts of the state and and get kind of that exposure
that collaboration that way. Uh we continue to partner with our middle level activity coordinators uh for activity day which is another awesome opportunity to expose students to the activities and programs that we have. Um, we take a day to visit North, South, and Kennedy and and talk about our
sports. And really the the coaches are coaches and athletes and and and participants are the ones that are really doing the recruiting. Um, but it's fun to see those junior high kids mingle with coaches and learn about trap shooting and learn about soccer and what
do I got to do to swim next year or it it's really great opportunity for those students. Uh and then we've kind of come full circle with uh coaching support and our team support and partnership with Dr. Corey Jagger. Um and really trying to provide some of those opportunities for coaches to grow and also how they
can help their teams grow in that collaborative setting. Um and he's been visiting our teams pretty regularly last year and working with our coaches on a on a kind of regular basis which is a great partnership for us. >> I get to take excellence. Um, I want to
start this slide by saying that there is so much excellence. I could never possibly name every single um highlevel um thing that happened this year. So, I I just want to shout out to all of the kids um that you know see their names in
here. Um all of the sacrifice, all of the time, all of the energy that them and their families and their coaches and supporters have put in. Um but to highlight just a couple for you. Um for those of you um that are have never heard of um what the state high school
league does every year is it sponsors the AAA award which is an award for academics, athletics and the arts. So every single school state high school league participants have the option to name a winner from their school. Um we
send out applications to all of the students that um meet the criteria that participate in all three. Um and then we have a a committee at each of our schools that like picks a winner from the school. Then what happens is all of the winners from the school go to our
section. So that is pretty much you know from St. Cloud to the Canadian border um in um in in section 8A. Um at that meeting you are given a chance to kind of talk about your nomine your nominees
um and the group votes on a winner um a male and a female winner from the entire section. Um Lauren Gadzik this year from tech won our section and then there are eight sections in the state. All eight of those students then go to the state where they're given a very nice banquet.
they're honored at the boys state championship um basketball game um and then they choose a winner for the entire state of Minnesota. So from every school to every section to the state um Lauren Gadzik won the entire state of Minnesota this year and I think that it is such a
testament to everything that we do as a school district. every single teacher from Clear View and South and Tech that poured into her. Every single one of our band, she plays the piano and the clarinet and sings like every part of our arts poured into her. She is a
allstate um soccer player, dancer, and track runner. I mean, and she played flag football as a junior. I mean, so I think, you know, I hope you see excellence in all of these, but I think Lauren is just the one that we picked this year. um because every single part
of our district went into helping her win this award. Um and then the other thing that I want to talk about for excellence that is not on here is the excellence that you see in every one of our students that isn't maybe winning a
state championship. Um those kids that I have a few this year of of new activities of kids that have tried new things. I think really deeply about um our tech cheerleading. So, it's a really nice partnership um between um our 21st
century grant had started it. It's going so well that we're going to um add a club advisor for them this year. We had like seven 9th grade girls who had not participated in any other event get up like get out of their comfort zone. They
stood in front of the tech fan section at a basketball game and cheered. And that I think is like the absolute like sacrifice, dedication, like all the things that they did um to show excellence. So, and like I said, I could go on and
on, but I'll leave it at those two for today. >> Yeah. And then just highlighting a few of the updates from the Minnesota State High School League. Um, you know, as you can see, their partnership, our our partnership and focus areas really match those those pillars and what we've been
talking about throughout the course of our our meeting so far and and continuing to create those safe spaces and those welcoming environments, supporting our coaches and and fans. Um, but then also continuing that educationbased activities um is really a
strong piece of what we're trying to do. Um, just to highlight a few, uh, the classification piece, uh, every year we'd have to wait for MDE to pass the numbers on to the high school league and by the time we got all of our schedules, it was already school was almost over.
We were into summer and so everybody's like, "When's homecoming?" Like, I am not sure yet. So, um, they have revamped their timeline, which speeds up some of that process, um, and are working off of a average, a two-year average, um, and then kind of re reflexing that timeline
to help schools plan their next year a little bit faster. Girls slate football um, is one that we just thought we would highlight because it's a really, um, it's become popular at Tech and Apollo. Um, and we just wanted to highlight that at this point,
the state high school league has tabled a discussion um, on adding it as a presenting partner at this time. Um, the Minnesota Vikings have been very generous um, in supporting like getting it up and running. Um, but the state high school league um, needed more information and wanted some more time to
kind of reflect and think um, before they added it as a presenting partner. The other one that um comes to us that we are very excited about is esports. So esports was approved as a presenting partner of the state high school league. Um they are going to um work with this
company called Fenworks. Um they actually already host their state tournament um right here in St. Cloud at St. Cloud State and they're really state-of-the-art top um esports lab that they have. Um so we are really looking forward to um Apollo has had esports in
a different platform for a couple years and is going to be moving to this Fenwork site. Um Tech has had a game club um with some generous collaboration um with our 21st century grant was able to get the computers and the software that we need um in order to move to
esports. So both of us will be moving to this new platform um this school year. And just the clarification that presenting partner really doesn't it it's a loose way of saying your high school league. Um but they don't have all the natural parameters around
part when you can practice when your games are. So it's a little bit more flexible. But then they do offer the state tournament. So it's it's offering a championship caliber event um without all of the restrictions of practice days and times and and that kind of stuff.
And then we're going to look ahead um to 2627. Um so again um we're very fortunate um that in partnership with St. Cloud um Morning Optimus um Leaf and Alon Health, we are going to be offering onsite
physicals um at both Tech and Apollo um on August 17th, 18th and 19th um those first three days of fall sports to catch any of our kids that might need some support in that area. I'm going to hand off to Carl for the [laughter] fun one. >> Yeah. Um and then we've increased our uh
facility flexibility and accommodations with the improvements and the additions of Apex. Um we excited with those partnerships that we've created and with our community partners and our youth organizations to really provide this opportunity. Um and we're excited to
watch it continue to rapidly hopefully keep going and see the structure soon. Um but uh that's going to continue to provide those opportunities for our sports teams, especially in the spring um when there's still a little snow on the ground and we need some more space uh to allow that flexibility to
hopefully not have to practice all the way to the the evening, >> late evening. >> Um we really appreciate our collaboration um with HR um and Shane Keading especially um on working through this ISD 742 coaching effectiveness framework. So we're working with our coaches um on like a coaching cycle
almost like we would our teachers. So, they're in a three-year like probationary um or I mean continuing contract kind of status um so that we can make sure to give them the the feedback and support that they need um in a timely manner.
>> Yeah. Then we continue to develop these student leadership opportunities um at the state level uh conference level. Uh we spend we take each take about 20 kids up to Brainer every year to start the school year um and mingle with all of our conference schools. Um, we listen to
a a speaker uh kind of learn some of those leadership qualities, mingling around with other kids that they're going to compete against throughout the course of the year. Um, again, just it's easier when you walk into a building or you're competing with somebody to say, "Hey, I remember you from this." And,
you know, we can mutually agree on some things and we're not just here to to compete, but uh building those friendships outside the court as well. So, we continue those. And then our big one um that second year with generous support of LEAF um of being able to
offer all of our middle level activities um to no charge to our families. The other thing that I think some people ask about is if it is a 7th through 12 program, those fees are also covered for our seventh and eighth graders that participate in the high school activities as well. So wherever they are
at um LEAF is able to cover those charges for the family. >> Yeah. And then lastly, the con continued responsive programming. Uh we already talked about the addition or the upgrade of esports. Um but then also uh in collaboration creating the opportunity for boys
volleyball in our district um and and making that a crush sport um last year provided some opportunities and we saw a bunch of students be able to participate at all levels uh junior high and high school. That is what we have today. Thank you.
Are there any questions? >> Well, first of all, thank you both for all the wonderful work that you do and it was very exciting to see all the opportunities that are provided to our students here. I had one question. Um, you mentioned that there is a student
max. Um, so for example, if a student is in two or more activities, um, they're maxed out at 200 or so and change, which is amazing and awesome. Um, is there anything in place or have you considered a household max or a family max? So, for example, someone that has three, four,
five children, that could get very challenging for all of their children to be able to participate. >> Yeah, Amy, I'm gonna I'm gonna throw it over. So, Amy and I talked about this today. um she has she has the better historical context than I do. >> Yeah, I have because I was um partially
involved when you know from a budget standpoint, right, to make sure and so that decision really wasn't budget driven, it was administratively driven because we have so many blended families and you know, blended households, what's considered a household, what's right,
how are we verifying? um it just became administratively something that we we didn't feel would be something that could actually be managed with any sort of um reasonable amount of of time. And and how do you document? It's easy when it's a student, right? That can be
tracked in in Skyward. You can set that up to auto adjust for that student. When it's a family, our our system doesn't have that technology and capability to say these are the kids that are tied together and here's the rule and look up these five kids. that would all have to be done manually on on paper um and
would be a a major administrative undertaking. Now, as we look to move to our new student system, that might be something that could be re-evaluated then, but under our current finance or student system, it just wasn't administratively possible to do that.
>> Okay. Thank you for looking into that. But the um at the high school level, is there two tiers of fees? >> Yeah. So, it's $140 for like the MSHSL sports and then it's $70 for any of like
our clubs or shorter activities and then again remember it's $35 for any student that receives educational benefits. What what I would call like um free or reduced lunch. >> Free lunch. Okay. You just had it really
fancy. So [laughter] >> the state calls that >> it's more it is more than lunch. >> Yeah. >> And all meals are free. >> Yeah. >> Right. >> So Gina, that really drops the price down then. So yeah. >> So what I mean 60 70% of our students
are paying about $35. >> Yeah. And I did talk to kids today too like we have so many like between LEAF's participation fund like I keep talking to kids like if the $35 is a barrier like please come find us. Like we have
so many resources to help kids pay the fees that we don't ever want that to be a barrier. >> Thanks for sharing that. I'm sure that if you know if someone had five or six children and they they couldn't my my hope would be that they could come to
someone and say, "Hey, I'm really struggling. Can you help?" And that that child would be able to participate. So, thank you >> for sure. >> Yeah, we have lots of very generous community members that help pay fees for families. >> I'm not surprised about that.
>> Scott, did you have a question? U on the safety issue. In years past, uh there's been some concerns about uh some of our u non-white kids getting harassed at other
schools and is that still a problem? >> Um I I mean incidents occur. Um, I don't think they're incur incurring at the same velocity or rate that in the past they have. Um, like Hillary mentioned,
we put it on our our monthly agenda and we collaborate very very very closely with our really anybody we compete with, but especially in our conference and so we've seen a lot of those incidents almost completely erase. Um, but there are still a few that pop up, but they
they now receive immediate attention. Uh very rarely does an incident occur that I don't already know about it before the [snorts] night's over. Um and we're already collaborating with other administration from the other school and kind of working through that process together. Um we got a lot better handle
on it and we're very much quicker to respond. Um and like I said, we have a very very very good conference group uh of ads that is really set on making sure people feel safe and welcomed. I'm glad to see progress because
>> and it was an issue and I know you guys have been working on it and it seems to be getting better. >> Yep. >> Yeah. I just want to add to to just that over 3 years, it was 3 years ago when we looked at the behavior expectations, how our students came out and said they
didn't feel safe in certain environments and what were we going to do to help create that safety for our kids. our folks here, shout out to you, I love you guys, to take it to their CLC within their conference to other coaches to make sure we're all on the same page around how we create safe environments
for our kids. And we see that when they talk about it and anything that comes up, they know about it. And so, I just think over the time when we started this conversation, we've come a long way. And so, shout out to our folks. >> Uh, family passes, they're wonderful.
I know there was some discussion before we finally got there and uh it's great at least we got two parents that can get in or grandparents as the case may be. Um culturally appropriate uniforms.
How do you do that? >> We ask the kids what do you need? What do you need? And I will get it for you. Um so a lot of it is just awareness. So, making sure that um if our girls need modest clothing, if they need shoes, if
you need, you know, um I mean, I think those are the probably the biggest ones that we run into. And just making sure that we're talking to coaches cuz I mean, our coaches are on the ground and know our kids really, really well. Um so, they'll come to us with needs that they have. Um, and then like today I met
with incoming 9th graders and I just try and make sure that it's um, talked about and that the kids are aware and if they um, need something to feel comfortable participating that they know that we will make sure they have access to it. >> Sounds like a lot of creativity going on there.
>> Yeah. And you know, our kids are great. They're they're good at telling us what they need. >> Okay. Yeah. I was trying to figure out how somebody could run in a fulllength dress. [gasps] >> Yeah, >> we do. Yeah. [laughter]
>> Nike has a really nice hijab that that we provide to students that um feel comfortable and and let them have access to play. >> Um I was interested in your idea of a day at the ballpark. Um I do some ushering with with the
rocks, St. cloud rocks and uh possibly uh something can be worked out there. >> Yeah, that's definitely something to look into. Um we have a good partnership with the Rocks and and know them very well and they support us and we support
them. Uh you know, the the big intention with the day at the ballpark was exposing them to to our our sports um and kind of getting them in in the feel of like, oh, this is I could be out on that field. um you know, but yes, exposing them to the next level of of
competition would be another great partnering opportunity. Um but again, we were just trying to get that feeling around our kids being involved in in our things and it was a great field trip for those kids. >> Yeah. >> So, you have done a field trip with the
Rocks or >> No, we have not. They partner with us for with reading programs and you know we collaborate with with different spaces with the baseball fields and and uh you know when they're hosting the baseball tournament we we host them over here at Apollo a little bit and let them
throw but um we have a good partnership but that would be something to explore down the line. Yeah, be fun to take the kids out and put them in general admission in the bleachers and let them watch a game, >> right? >> Uh RSVP, do you have uh any involvement
with that? The senior volunteer program? >> Not that I know of. >> There are a lot of retired teachers and some retired coaches that might be uh interested in getting drawn into our stuff. >> It's a good point. We will. >> And you would go over to the Whitney
Senior Center and you talk to a lady named Tara. >> Okay. >> Or Yeah. T A N A something like that. [laughter] >> Yeah. We always we always love a volunteers and appreciate it. We like Hillary mentioned we both host large events throughout the course of the year
and more bodies is always welcome. So >> that's it. >> Thanks. Just one question. In the materials, I think you shared and I is it um a report on fundraising.
>> Oh yes. Yes, that is in the um additional materials. >> Can you remind me what is included? What's considered fundraising versus booster activity or is it all the same? And can you differentiate between how that's accounted for? Or Amy's maybe looking like she wants to do that.
>> Um so booster activity isn't considered district fundraising. So this is the annual fundraising report that's required by board policy and statute that references money that comes into the district. So it's it's anything that that we're running and we're getting the
money deposited into a district bank account. So it doesn't encompass the annual one that we do. um we will, you know, on about a usually somewhere in between two to four year cycle do a title n analysis where we do gather that
um information from booster clubs to make sure we're title 9 compliant. But the annual funding fundraising report that you see attached to the agenda is just for our activity. >> And I just wanted to bring that because I was looking at it and I'm like, there's a lot more fundraising that is going on than it that's than is
recognized in that particular report. Okay, before we roll over to volleyball, I just want to say thank you um for your dedication in this job. It seems like every year it gets more complex. Um when I went to school a long long time ago,
there was a fraction of the activities and every year I see we're adding more, we're adding more. Um and that's more balls that you keep having to juggle. um along with the the outreach, you know, the accommodating the uniforms, how do
we get parents there, um how can people afford this? So, thank you both very much for that. So, okay. Um so, we're going to move into an action item then that you guys are presenting is the boys volleyball funding.
>> Yes. Uh, thank you, Chair Ha, Superintendent Putnham. Um, Carl and I are here. Um, so the district has received a request for boys volleyball to be a district-f funed activity. Um, this activity is recently approved by the Minnesota State High School League um as a Minnesota State High School
League recognized activity. The funding request is for three paid advisors, which will be paid on lane B of the Senior High Extracurricular Pay schedule, transportation, and officials. The total cost is projected to be approximately 33,000 and was included in
the budget approved by the board in June. Um, a little background on boys volleyball. Um, Tech was Tech began offering boys volleyball as a club activity in the 23 24 and 2425 school year. They shifted to Oh, I'm sorry. And then the 24-25, the first year that it
was approved by the state high school league. Um we also participated as a tech um boys volleyball team in the state high school league in 2526. Um we came and you approved it to become crush. So we competed this last year um as a crush with both Tech, Apollo, North
South um and Kennedy students. There were 21 students that participated in crush volleyball during the 2526 school year. It will continue to be a crush activity going forward. Um and participation um is expected to increase with the work that our community has
done um by creating a feeder program. Um the information has been reviewed by board finance. Um and we are asking tonight that it is officially approved. Okay. Uh so administration recommends the approval of the boys volleyball
funding. Looking for a motion to approve that. >> So moved. >> Second. >> I have a motion by Natalie. A second by Diana. Heather, can you call vote on that? >> Oh, sure. Any discussion? >> Second. >> Well, when there's boys volleyball,
where's girls volleyball? >> We have girls volleyball. >> What? We have it already. >> Oh, yeah. >> Oh, yeah. >> Yeah. It's very popular. Yeah. >> All right. >> Yeah. >> Go ahead, vote. >> Thanks for advocating for the girls. [laughter]
>> Okay. Heather. >> Heather Williams. Yes. Diana Fenton, >> yes. >> Natalie Copeland, >> yes. >> Gina Asabido, >> yes. >> Scott Andre, >> yes. >> Zack Dorhalt, >> Shannon Hos, >> yes. >> Thank you.
Thanks for joining us tonight. Okay. Um, we are moving on to some policy reads. First up, we have proposed revised board policy 534, unpaid meal charges. This is
a first reading and we are welcoming our nutritional services supervisor Sarah and Sarah, how do I pronounce your last name? Model. Is that right? Model. Thanks for joining us, Sarah. All right. Okay, I will get my screen up
maybe. And Sarah, you're doing two policies for us tonight. >> Yep. >> Yes. So, um, here we go. This school year, we had our uh,
nutrition services administrative review um, with Minnesota Department of Education, Food and Nutrition Services. And overall it's a really really great review. We're doing a great job. Um but of course there was a couple things that um we need to update and change. And one
of the things is um Thank you. Um policy 533 which we just updated if you remember. Um and there was one thing that MDE wanted.
Um in addition was the same. We did find that we accidentally forgot to cross this under D one B that was supposed to be removed the first time we updated it and we missed that. So that um to be removed um
to match our parent handbooks for that. And then what MDE wanted us to update is um we need to specify which pos which position is going to be the wellness coordinator. So originally we had the
superintendent will designate a school district official to oversee the district's wellness related activities. We need to name an actual position. So we have um updated it to the executive director of operations will be designated as the wellness coordinator and will oversee the school district's
wellness related activities. The wellness coordinator will ensure that each school implements the policy. So those are the changes for uh policy 533. Any questions on that? Okay. So Sarah then you're going to pull up the next
one. We have proposed rev proposed revised board policy 533 wellness also a first reading. >> Oh okay. Sorry. So that was well I missed it. >> Sorry I did um in numerical order. I didn't look at the agenda. Sorry. >> Um >> I'll pretend like I knew that.
>> Yes. Okay. So um 534. So, this one um we updated it um in um 2021 and then um again in 2024 in February um and in March of 2024 was
when free school meals was passed which changed everything and then we did not update our policy after that. Um so we were just a little bit early on that. So this one does have a lot of changes. um it really um just matches the model um policy uh for that, but I will read all
the updates. Uh so uh section one uh the purpose of this policy is to ensure that students receive healthy and nutritious meals through the school district's nutrition program and that school district employees, families, and students have a shared understanding of expectations regarding meal charges. The
policy of the school district is to provide meals to students in a respectful manner and to maintain the dignity of students by prohibiting lunch shaming or otherwise ostracizing the student. The policy seeks to allow students to receive the nutrition they need to stay focused during the school
day and minimize identification of students with insufficient funds to pay for allocart items or second meals as well as to maintain the financial integrity of the school nutrition program. Um and then section two, payment of
meals. Um just one change um nutritional services cashier. We updated that language in our um nutritional services contract uh for that position. This um section B is in another spot on the um policy. Now, so this was the new
section that was added. Um section B, free school meals program. The free school meals program is created within the Minnesota Department of Education. Each school that participates in the United States Department of Agriculture National National School Lunch Program and has an identified student percentage
below the federal percentage determined for all meals to being reimbursed at the free rate via the community eligibility provision must participate in the free school meals program. Each school that participates in the United States Department of Agricultural National School Lunch Program and has an
identified student percentage at or above the federal percentage determined for all meals to be reimbursed at the free rate must participate in the federal community eligibility provision in order to participate in the free school meals program which we do. Um that's where we qualify or where we are
is that section three. Um, we participate in the federal community eligibility provision. Um, each school that participates in the free school meals program must participate in the United States Department of Agriculture School Breakfast Program and the United States
Department of Agriculture National School Lunch Program and provide to all students at no cost up to two federally reimburseable meals per day with a maximum of one free breakfast and one free lunch. A student who has been determined eligible for free and reduced
meals, priced meals, must always be served a reimburseable meal, even if the student has an outstanding debt. Um, once a meal has been placed on a student's tray or otherwise served to a student, the meal may not be subsequently withdrawn from the student by the cashier or other school official,
whether or not the uh student has an outstanding meals balance. When a student has a negative account balance, the student will not be allowed to charge a snack item. If a parent or guardian chooses to send in one payment that is to be divided between sibling accounts, the parent or guardian must
specify how the funds are to be distributed to the students accounts. Funds may not be transferred between sibling accounts unless written permission is received from the parent or guardian. A student may purchase a second breakfast at the non-program price if the student has already selected a reimburseable breakfast and
has a positive account balance. A student may purchase a second lunch at a non-program price if the student has already selected a reimburseable lunch and has a positive account balance. Um section three um just clarifying um
and adding some additional information on that section C or part C. Reminders for payments of outstanding student meal balances will not demean or stigma stigmatize any student participating in the school lunch program, including but not limited to dumping meals,
withdrawing a meal that has been served, announcing or listing student names public publicly, providing alternative meals not specifically related to dietary needs, providing non-reimburseable meals, or fixing stickers, stamps, or pins.
Um and then under um section four, unpaid meal charges. Um again, just making this a little bit more clear for that last section. The school district will not impose any other restriction prohibited un prohibited under Minnesota
statute section 123b.37 due to unpaid student meal balances. The school district will not limit a student's participation in any school activities, graduation ceremonies, field trips, athletics, activity clubs, or other extracurricular activities, or
access to materials, technology, or other items provided to students due to an unpaid student meal balance. Um, and then just at the bottom, um, instead of the school district may post, the school district will post the policy on the school district's website in addition to providing the required
written notification described above. Anybody have any questions on that? [snorts] >> I know we've talked about this years past, but um we've had some really good practices in this district um preceding this policy. Oh, yeah. Um that have made
me very >> tearful. So that we're really doing the right thing for these kids and families. So, um, >> but I'm glad to see that, um, you know, this is universal. >> Yes. >> Cuz you hear some horror stories out there. >> Yep.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> All right. >> Oh, yeah. That's right. Thank you. >> Okay. Another policy reading. We have a proposed revised policy 531. first reading. Uh joining us is Katie Herbalt,
executive director of innovation and technology services. Uh good evening, Chair Ha, Superintendent Putnham, and members of the board. Uh I'm presenting a small change to policy 531 on the pledge of allegiance. Um it's a one-page policy,
so nice and short. Uh everything stays the same. The only change that we are proposing is normally where this sentence would end, students will be instructed in the proper etiquette toward correct display of and respect for the flag and in patriotic exercises.
We are proposing uh to take out that period and to add in as aligned with Minnesota academic standards in social studies and civics. That is the only change we're recommending to that policy at this time. >> Okay, we're good on that one. Why? Why
are we adding it? >> Um, we talked about this at our our board policy meeting a little bit. We just wanted to make sure that those patriotic activities do align with what's in the new Minnesota state standards on um social studies and civics um and don't uh include things
that maybe aren't aligned with our uh academic standards. Okay, thank you. That was it for our policy readings. Moving on to reports. First up, we have superintendence report. Uh Dr. Lori Putnham.
Good evening, Chair Hos, members of the board, community listening in. Uh tonight I want to share several several updates that reflect the care, collaboration, and commitment of our staff and community partners as we prepare for the upcoming school year. First, our summer work is well underway
across this district. While summer may look quiet from the outside, our teams are busy preparing buildings, supporting students, h very little hiring, but hiring and onboarding staff, we are mostly done with that. uh strengthening instructional plans as Nikki and uh
Jason and Anna and Danny and Christa get uh prepared for welcoming back our principles and doing their uh continuous improvement plans August 5th. Um and overall ensuring that our students are ready to welcome students and families. Our schools are ready to welcome students and families back this fall. I want to be sure to thank our
administrators, teachers, support staff, custodial and facilities teams, technology, transportation, nutrition, and district office teams because the work that's happening now creates the conditions for a strong opening to the school year. And while much of it happens behind the scenes, it is
essential to our students success. We are also nearing our district ride ready set school packing event. On July 30, community members, staff, and partners will gather at the Tech High School gymnasium to pack classroom supplies for every PK5 student in District 742.
This effort will ensure that our youngest learners begin the school year with the supplies they need at no cost to their families. And it builds upon last year's successful pilot at Tahi and Quarry View and expands that commitment across the district. We are super grateful to the many individuals, foundations, businesses,
and community organizations that have contributed financially, volunteered their time, and helped to make this effort possible. Ready Set School is a strong example of what can happen when a community comes together around a shared belief that every child deserves access and opportunity from the very first day
of school. I also want to recognize our technology team and staff uh throughout the district for their work during our transition from Outlook to Gmail. Uh, poor Katie. [laughter] I think every everyone who sees Katie is like, "Are
you okay? How are you doing?" Uh, a change of this size requires patience, flexibility, and a great deal of support. And staff can now access email through Gmail using rapid identity on our web uh or through the Gmail application on their phones. And uh we
know that transitions do not always go perfectly and we appreciate employees helping one another as everyone becomes comfortable with the new system. And I'm also very grateful for their responsiveness including I think I started texting Katie at 7:38 yesterday morning >> [laughter and snorts]
>> uh cuz I was out of town and only had brought my phone. So I was and despite all of Katie and her team's best efforts, I was wholly unprepared and it was only my fault. So I think some of some of our team can relate to that and uh they've just done a beautiful job. Uh
and across each of these updates the common thread is that people whether it's staff or community are coming together on behalf of our students. [snorts] So whether preparing stu schools for the fall, providing supplies to families or supporting employees through a major technology transition. Our staff and partners continue to
demonstrate what it means to lead with care. I'm deeply grateful for their work and proud of the way our community continues to show up for our students and for one another. Thank you. Thank you. Then we have the board of education standing committee reports. I believe we have three tonight. Board development policy and governance
committee chair Zach Dorhalt. [clears throat] As for our June 24th meeting, the development policy and governance committee reviewed three policies. 534 which was unpaid meal charges. 533 wellness and 531 pledge of allegiance. The committee has recommended all three of these policies
to move forward for their first reading at tonight's meeting. And earlier today at the July 22nd meeting, the committee reviewed three policies including 413 which regarding a discrimination, harassment, and violence, 416 related to drug, alcohol, and cannabis testing. 417
chemical use and abuse. All three were recommended for first readings at the August 19th board meeting. >> Thank you. Then finance and audit board committee chair Heather Beams. >> The board finance committee met on July 13th. Um Carl and Hillary uh were there
for the boys volleyball request for funding which was shared earlier tonight um to be funded by district activi as a district activity um as it has been approved by MSHSL. Um and then we talked about the Apollo project change order. Amy discussed a
large change order for the Apollo project. There are underground electrical service wires that need to be moved because they are currently underneath where the storm shelter addition will be. The cost for this will be somewhere between $300,000 and $750,000. The actual cost will not be known until
after the work is done and we know if any wires need to be replaced. The work is scheduled for July 31st to August 10th and electricity the building will be need to need to be shut off during this time. Because the cost is variable, the formal change order will come to the board for approval at a future meeting
after the work has been performed. >> Thank you. And then personnel negotiations board committee uh chair Natalie Copeland. >> Thank you, Chair House. We met on July 21st. The administration reviewed the recommendations of the labor management
committee regarding the annual establishment of premiums for the district's self-insured health and dental plans. The committee discussed the information shared with the LMC regarding the required funding for the 2627 plan year based on the claims
history and projections presented by one digital and the state and national trends in the costs of insurance. The LMC recommended a 15% increase in the health insurance premiums. Administration is reviewing the
opportunity for the district to fund a portion of the increase through a memorandum of agreement with each of the district bargaining units to increase the district contribution above the amount provided in our current bargaining agreements. And the executive
director of finance and business services will be finalizing the June insurance fund budget and will make a recommendation to the committee for consideration. That's all. Thank you. Uh then last we have future
agenda items. August 5th, 2026 board meeting and work session. Topics will include review of the 2026 2027 student and family handbooks, central Minnesota regional career pathways, approval of health and dental plan renewals and
premiums for 2026 2027 and some policy readings. At this time, does any board member wish to suggest a future agenda item? Okay, that was everything on our agenda for tonight. I'm looking for a motion to adjurnn.
>> I have a motion by uh Diana and a second by Natalie. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Meeting is adjourned. 7:50 p.m. Thanks for watching. We'll be back August 5th. What? But I said I was going to say 757,
>> but [laughter] then is this like the price is right where I would have lost [laughter] the question. >> Thank you, sir. I'm not going to answer the question.