Columbia Heights School District — Transcript
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Community Response to Immigration Enforcement
Native American Education Program Update and Cultural Preservation
Achievement and Integration Budget Planning
Compensatory Revenue and Legislative Advocacy
Teacher Contract and Seniority Lists
School Operations and Facility Renovations
Votes (10)
Acknowledgement of Contributions Resolution
Moved by Julie [00:10:39] · Seconded by Jessica (Pool) [00:10:44]
The board considered and approved a resolution to officially accept various monetary contributions from individuals and organizations, totaling $4,350 for the specified period. Board members expressed humility and gratitude for the community's continued financial support, especially during challenging economic times.
Columbia Academy Schedule Change
Moved by Julie [01:25:52] · Seconded by Pway [01:26:01]
The board discussed and approved a proposal to shift Columbia Academy's start time 10 minutes later (from 8:20 AM to 8:30 AM), with the end time remaining 3:15 PM. This change, resulting from a collaborative subcommittee, was chosen to avoid negative impacts on transportation budgets. While not affecting budgets, increased traffic congestion on 49th Street is anticipated. A plan for communicating this change to families will be developed.
2025-2027 Teacher Master Agreement
Dissent: Palmer Maderas abstained due to a conflict of interest (spouse covered by the agreement).
Moved by Michelle (Pool) [01:30:46] · Seconded by Julie [01:30:52]
The board voted to approve the 2025-2027 Teacher Master Agreement, which had been ratified by Local 710. This was noted as the first time board members participated in the negotiation team, providing an 'eye-opening' and 'collaborative' experience. The agreement was seen as fair and equitable to all parties involved.
2025-2026 Teacher and ECFE Teacher Seniority Lists
Dissent: Palmer Maderas abstained due to a conflict of interest (spouse included on the seniority list).
Moved by Laurian [01:34:57] · Seconded by Julie [01:35:05]
The board approved the annual seniority lists for teachers and ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education) teachers for the 2025-2026 school year. These lists, which only included updates to seniority or tenure dates, are required by the teacher master agreement and had undergone a 30-day challenge period.
September 2025 Lane Change Requests
Moved by Michelle (Pool) [01:38:39] · Seconded by Jessica (Pool) [01:38:46]
Lane change requests from September 2025, usually part of the consent agenda, were brought for individual approval to expedite processing following the passage of the new teacher contract. This measure was taken to ensure staff received their salary adjustments promptly, some having waited since September.
Midyear 2025-2026 Lane Change Requests
Moved by Jessica (Pool) [01:41:00] · Seconded by Julie [01:41:05]
Similar to the September requests, midyear lane change requests for 2025-2026 were also moved from the consent agenda for individual approval. This smaller group of adjustments, with verified credits, was approved to ensure timely processing in conjunction with the newly approved teacher contract.
Northeast Bank Corporate Authorizing Resolution
Moved by Michelle (Pool) [01:44:03] · Seconded by Julie [01:44:09]
The board approved a resolution authorizing changes to signatures and authorizations with Northeast Bank. This update was necessitated by a recent change in the board's clerk position, requiring formal adjustment of banking access.
US Bank Authorizing Resolution
Moved by Julie [01:46:30] · Seconded by Laurian [01:46:36]
Following the approval for Northeast Bank, the board also approved a resolution to update authorized signatures and banking access with US Bank. This action was likewise required due to the change in the board's clerk role, ensuring continuity and proper financial governance.
Authorization of Bid Publication for Columbia Heights High School 2026 Classroom Renovation
Moved by Laurian [01:49:43] · Seconded by Michelle (Pool) [01:49:52]
The board authorized the publication of a legal notice to solicit bids for the Columbia Heights High School 2026 classroom renovation project. This project involves 18 rooms, including asbestos abatement, carpet replacement, and new cabinets, funded by long-term facility maintenance and capital project levy dollars. This is the initial step in the renovation process.
King Wilson Appreciation Day Proclamation
Moved by Julie [01:52:50] · Seconded by Michelle (Pool) [01:52:58]
The board approved a proclamation designating February 18th, 2026, as 'King Wilson Appreciation Day'. This honors King Wilson, a Columbia Heights High School alumnus, for his 54 years of dedicated service to the athletic department, including managing teams, scorekeeping, and mentoring student-athletes. The proclamation will be presented as a surprise at an upcoming basketball game.
Notable Quotes (4)
I think I just we want to make, you know, it's humbling to see how many people continue to support our our school district in all of the ways. Um especially as we know that money can be very tight for a lot of folks. Um, so it's humbling to see people that are still able to contribute to our school district in this way.
The reason that the committee came to the agreement to start the school day a little bit later rather than on the tail end is in the afternoon it really would have impacted budgets and been a transportation nightmare. Um but the working with our transportation company um this change of 10 minutes in the morning won't impact um budgets and is very doable for our transportation company.
I just want to say that this was the first time that um, I was involved and I believe at least in as long as I can remember and have heard um, this was the first time that the school board was also uh, had members on the negotiation uh, team for the school district. And I think it was incredibly eyeopening and helpful for us to be able to um be a part of that and to work collaboratively to think about um what's going on with our school district and what our teachers and staff might need um as well as looking across the spectrum of how this impacts not just our our teachers but our community as a whole.
I would just like to just emphasize the appreciation for Mr. Wilson. I think that most of us can't think of doing anything for 54 years. Um but his the passion and the support and the dedication to our students and their sports and their activities um is is incredible. Um a true mentor. Um a true part of the the Highlander community. Um very welld deserved.
Ordinances & Resolutions (20)
Permits school boards to receive bequests, donations, or gifts for the district's benefit.
Reviewed during policy first reading.
Reviewed during policy first reading.
Reviewed during policy first reading.
Reviewed during policy first reading.
Reviewed during policy first reading.
Federal bill that was successfully lobbied against in Washington D.C.
Relates to the Native American parent advisory committee's concurrence for the school year.
Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness plan, previously presented to the board.
Reviewed as part of the yearly policy review.
Reviewed as part of the three-year policy cycle review.
Reviewed as part of the three-year policy cycle review.
Recommended new title from 'Respect in the Workplace' with an aspirational purpose, reviewed as part of the three-year policy cycle review.
Reviewed as part of the three-year policy cycle review.
New policy reviewed as part of the three-year policy cycle review.
Labor agreement between the school district and its teachers' union.
Annual lists of teacher seniority, required by the master agreement.
Resolution to update authorized signatures with Northeast Bank due to changes in board officer positions.
Resolution to update authorized signatures with US Bank due to changes in board officer positions.
Official declaration recognizing King Wilson's 54 years of service to the athletic department.