Columbia Heights School District — Transcript
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
School Finances & Donations
Community Engagement & School Events
Legislative Advocacy & Policy Development
Student Activities & Athletics Update
Labor Contract Approvals
Student Representation & Alumni Support
Votes (5)
Resolution to Accept Contributions
Dissent: None
Moved by Julie [0:20:00] · Seconded by Jenna [0:20:05]
Michelle expressed deep gratitude for the community's generosity, noting the significant impact of the donations on the schools so early in the school year. Laura highlighted the visual expression of gratitude from a board member, underscoring the widespread appreciation for the contributions.
Resolution Supporting Application for MSHSL Foundation Grant Form A
Dissent: None
Moved by Julie [1:02:11] · Seconded by Michelle [1:02:12]
Director Henderson explained Form A as a general grant supporting athletics and activities, with amounts influenced by the district's free and reduced lunch numbers. He also highlighted the critical legislative need to renew the tax exemption status for MSHSL ticket sales, which directly funds these grants, urging board members to advocate for its continuation.
Resolution Supporting Application for MSHSL Foundation Grant Form B
Dissent: None
Moved by Julie [1:06:56] · Seconded by Jenna [1:06:58]
Director Henderson detailed Form B, which funds specific initiatives like leadership training, concussion protocol software, and AEDs, and allows for coaches' development. The broader context of legislative advocacy for the tax exemption funding these grants, as discussed for Form A, remained relevant.
Approval of Master Agreement with Custodial SEIU Local 284
Dissent: None
Moved by Jessica [1:09:40] · Seconded by Michelle [1:09:43]
Director Henkins presented the master agreement for the custodial union, noting prior discussions in work and closed sessions. Student representative Christian inquired about the acronym SEIU, which Zena and Granland clarified, explaining its role as a service employees' international union distinct from teacher unions. Jessica expressed gratitude to all involved for successfully reaching the agreement.
Approval of Master Agreement with Food Service Group
Dissent: None
Moved by Julie [1:13:00] · Seconded by Michelle [1:13:02]
Director Henkins sought approval for the master agreement with the food service group, following a process similar to the custodial contract. Jessica reiterated her gratitude for the collaborative effort in reaching this agreement.
Notable Quotes (4)
I mean, we're only a month into school. I am floored. I'm so excited to have people um who are so generous um help our schools. I mean, this is like these are all the the positive things, right? So, so many other things are happening. So, I just thank you community members um for for helping us do the work.
Funding for this grant does rely on legislative tax exemption status. That is applied to the Minnesota State High School League ticket sales for section and state tournaments. ... This is not guaranteed passed this year. ... My ask is to contact your representatives and ask them to continue this tax exemption status for the foundation because it greatly benefits our school and it's not guaranteed after this.
I'm grateful that we were able to come to an agreement. Um, and I just want to thank everyone um from the uh from the leadership in the custodial unit to all of our um district staff for all of their time and effort in getting this agreement together.
would just similarly repeat my uh thanks and gratitude for getting an agreement together and for everyone's effort in making that happen.
Ordinances & Resolutions (20)
Policy presented for first reading, related to policy governance.
Routine approval item on the consent agenda.
Routine approval item on the consent agenda.
Routine approval item on the consent agenda.
Statute cited regarding school boards' ability to receive donations.
Policy presented for first reading.
Policy presented for first reading.
Policy presented for first reading.
Policy presented for first reading.
Policy presented for first reading.
Policy presented for first reading.
Policy presented for first reading.
Policy presented for first reading.
Final report compiled by the Legislative Task Force on Compensatory Revenue.
Final report being compiled by the Minnesota Truth Council.
District strategic plan for which the admin team is compiling a report.
Annual grant application for general athletic and activity support.
Annual grant application for specific leadership, health, and safety initiatives in activities.
Contract for custodial staff submitted for approval.
Contract for food service staff submitted for approval.