Action to Award 2024A General Obligation School Building and Facilities Maintenance Bonds

Dissent: None

Moved by Ms. Thompson [00:46:16] · Seconded by Ms. Beloyed [00:46:21]

Ms. Johnson presented the recommended action to approve the resolution awarding the sale of the bonds. Shelby McQuay from Ehlers Financial had previously provided a detailed report outlining the favorable sale conditions, including a 3.04% interest rate, lower than the anticipated 3.38%, which will result in significant savings for taxpayers. The overall bond interest was reduced from $195 million to $133 million due to good market conditions. Funds are expected to be available by May 2nd, and the district's S&P rating of AA- Stable was affirmed.

Action on the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Federal Single Audit

Dissent: None

Moved by Dr. Newmaster [00:49:17] · Seconded by Ms. Daniels [00:49:20]

Ms. Johnson presented the recommendation to accept the Federal Single Audit for Fiscal Year 2022-2023. She noted that Jim Eichten from MMKR had previously presented the overall audit report. This specific audit is required due to the district receiving over $750,000 in federal funds. The audit covered the Special Education, Title I, and ESSER programs. Ms. Johnson proudly reported that the district received no findings in any of the programs, crediting a collaborative effort from various departments including Teaching and Learning and Special Education.

Action on the Highway 61/8th Street/Division Avenue Project

Dissent: None

Moved by Dr. Arcand [00:58:34] · Seconded by Dr. Newmaster [00:58:39]

Mr. Wald presented the recommendation to approve bids for extensive road improvements, a requirement for the high school expansion project to improve accessibility. The project includes adding a stoplight at Highway 61 and 8th Street, widening 8th Street, converting 8th Street and Division to a four-way stop, and adding turn lanes and crosswalks on Division Avenue, including access to the Center for the Arts. Bids were awarded to Forest Lake Contracting ($754,600) for Highway 61 and Miller Excavating Incorporated ($845,307) for 8th Street and Division Avenue. Approval is contingent on the White Bear Lake City Council's decision the following night. Mr. Wald confirmed that the project is funded through the bond referendum.

Action on the Resolution Proposing Placement of Continuing Contract Teacher on Unrequested Leave of Absence

Dissent: None

Moved by Ms. Beloyed [01:00:52] · Seconded by Ms. Daniels [01:00:54]

Ms. Gustafson presented the recommendation for the board to approve a resolution for an unrequested leave of absence for Elizabeth Kratzke. This action is stated as a measure to meet the budget targets that were previously approved by the school board in February 2024. No further discussion or questions were raised by the board members.

Action on Tentative Agreement 2023-25 with the Confidential Employee Group

Dissent: None

Moved by Ms. Daniels [01:03:19] · Seconded by Ms. Streiff Oji [01:03:22]

Ms. Gustafson introduced the item, seeking approval for the terms and conditions of employment for the district's Confidential Employee Group, which consists of approximately five employees including human resources specialists and the executive assistant to the superintendent and school board. She confirmed that the proposed terms and conditions for the 2023-2025 period fall within the established budget parameters. The board proceeded to a vote without additional discussion.

Action on School Board Policies (Second Reading)

Dissent: None

Moved by Ms. Thompson [01:05:08] · Seconded by Ms. Daniels [01:05:10]

The final operational item involved the second reading and subsequent approval of several school board policies: 609, 901, 903, 905, and 906. As is standard practice for second readings, there were no further questions or comments from the board members, indicating prior review and consensus. The policies were approved in a single motion.