--- title: August 17, 2026 Minutes - Google Docs date: D:20260818135533+00'00' --- ## SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES ## INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 77 ## Mankato, Minnesota August 17, 2026 The School Board of Independent School District No. 77 met in regular session on Monday, August 17, in the Mankato Room at the Intergovernmental Center. Chair Sinning called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m. Members present at roll call: Patrick Baker, Elizabeth Hanke, Christopher Kind, Kari Pratt, and Shannon Sinning. Absent: Liz Ratcliff and Erin Roberts (arriving at 5:05 p.m.). Mrs. Pratt made a motion, and Mr. Kind seconded, approval of the agenda together with a Personnel Addendum. The motion carried on a 5-0 voice vote. ## MAPS Staff Spotlight : Lexi Loomer - Communications Public Comment : No one wished to speak. Information Reports : Summer Programming Report presented by Melissa Brueske, Michelle Henderson, Zach Blasing, Karen Wolters, and Darcy Stueber; Secondary Redesign Update presented by Will Remmert; First Reading of Revised Policies presented by John Lustig; Annual Superintendent Evaluation presented by Shannon Sinning; Board Member Workshop/Committee Reports. The consent agenda items outlined below were approved on a motion by Mrs. Ratcliff, seconded by Mrs. Pratt, and carried on a 7-0 roll call vote. Approval of Minutes of the July 13, 2026, regular meeting. Approval of August Bills totaling $22,215,544.96. Personnel : ## APPOINTMENTS (NON-AFFILIATED) Jessica Dahlman - Career Development Specialist with the District beginning July 29, 2026. This is a full-time, 12-month, Non-affiliated position with an annual salary of $91,052 (prorated to $84,072.85 for 241 days for 2026-27). She will be eligible for Category III benefits. ## APPOINTMENTS (INSTRUCTIONAL) Mymique Baxter - Full-time (1.00 FTE) ADSIS Teacher at Dakota Meadows Middle School beginning August 24, 2026, and ending June 11, 2027. She will be placed at step 8 of the PhD lane on the Teachers Association salary schedule. Zachary Benzkofer - Adjust salary placement as Special Education Teacher at East High School from B+15 step 4 to M step 5 beginning August 24, 2026, training August 17, 2026. ## Minutes of August 17, 2026, School Board Meeting Nicholas Campbell - Full-time (1.00 FTE) Business Teacher at West High School beginning August 31, 2026, and ending June 11, 2027. He will be placed at step 3 of the B lane on the Teachers Association salary schedule, contingent upon obtaining licensure. Robert Herndon - Part-time (0.355 FTE) Non-public School Counselor beginning August 24, 2026. He will be placed at step 2 of the M lane on the Teachers Association salary schedule, contingent upon obtaining licensure. Callie Jongbloedt - Full-time (1.00 FTE) School Psychologist at Futures beginning August 24, 2026. She will be placed at step 8 of the M lane on the Teachers Association salary schedule with an additional 10 contract days per year, contingent upon obtaining licensure. Amy Kolars - Full-time (1.00 FTE) Special Education Teacher at Rosa Parks Elementary School beginning August 24, 2026, training August 20, 2026. She will be placed at step 9 of the M lane on the Teachers Association salary schedule. Elizabeth Lewis - Part-time (0.70 FTE) Reading Intervention Teacher at Franklin Elementary School beginning August 24, 2026, and ending June 11, 2027. She will be placed at step 2 of the B lane on the Teachers Association salary schedule. This is in addition to her ACES Student Support Assistant assignment at Washington Elementary School, ACES Child Care Assistant Substitute, and ACES Site Lead Substitute assignments. Tammy Lorch - ECFE Parent Educator at MAPS Center for Learning for 576.5 annual hours (0.40 FTE) beginning August 24, 2026. She will be placed at step 2 of the M lane on the ECFE Teachers Association salary schedule. Izabel Murphy - Full-time (1.00 FTE) Contract Substitute Teacher at Rosa Parks Elementary School beginning September 3, 2026, and ending January 22, 2027. She will be placed at step 1 of the B lane on the Teachers Association salary schedule. Heidi Neidt - Part-time MAPS Preschool Teacher at MAPS Center for Learning for 819.5 annual hours (0.569FTE) beginning August 24, 2026, and ending June 11, 2027. She will be placed at step 1 of the B lane on the ECFE Teachers Association salary schedule. This is in addition to her Early Learning Certified Instructor assignment at MAPS Center for Learning. Maia McCulloch - Full-time (1.00 FTE) Speech Language Pathologist with the District beginning August 24, 2026. She will be placed at step 10 of the M+45 lane on the Teachers Association salary schedule. Jacob Powell - Full-time (1.00 FTE) Special Education Teacher at Dakota Meadows Middle School beginning August 24, 2026, and ending June 11, 2027. He will be placed at step 6 of the B lane on the Teachers Association salary schedule. Emma Stupke - Full-time (1.00 FTE) Social Emotional Learner (SEL) Interventionist at Futures beginning August 24, 2026. She will be placed at step 8 of the M lane on the Teachers Association salary schedule. ## Minutes of August 17, 2026, School Board Meeting Megan Van Beek - Part-time ECFE Teacher at MAPS Center for Learning for 171 annual hours (0.12 FTE) beginning August 31, 2026, and ending June 11, 2027. She will be placed at step 4 of the B lane on the ECFE Teachers Association salary schedule. ## APPOINTMENTS (NON-INSTRUCTIONAL) Alyssa Asmus - Kitchen Float Cook Helper at West High School for 6.5 hours per day/5 days per week beginning August 25, 2026. She will be placed at classification A11, step 1, in accordance with the agreement between the District and the Minnesota School Employee Association. Jessica Badon - POS Operator at Bridges Community School for 1.5 hours per day/5 days per week beginning September 10, 2026, training August 25, 2026. She will be placed at step 3, classification A13 of the Educational Secretaries Association salary schedule. Gavin Bomstad - ACES Child Care Associate at Washington Elementary School for up to 20 hours per week beginning August 3, 2026. He will be compensated at the rate of $13.00 per hour. Makenzi Braunshausen - Second Cook at Jefferson Elementary School for 6 hours per day/5 days per week beginning August 25, 2026. She will be placed at classification A13, step 1, in accordance with the agreement between the District and the Minnesota School Employee Association. Raven Brown - ABE Teaching Assistant with the Adult Basic Education Program at Lincoln Community Center for 2.25 hours per day/4 evenings per week (M-TH) beginning September 14, 2026. She will be compensated at the rate of $17.51 per hour for this assignment. This is in addition to her Student Information Secretary assignment at Prairie Winds Middle School. Shelby Brown - Health & Wellness Paraeducator at Washington Elementary School for 2.5 hours per day/1 day per week (M), 6.25 hours per day/1 day per week (T), 3.5 hours per day/1 day per week (W) and 3.25 hours per day/2 days per week (TH/F) beginning September 10, 2026. She will be placed at classification B22.5, step 1, in accordance with the agreement between the District and the Minnesota School Employee Association. April Davis - Second Cook at Roosevelt Elementary School for 6 hours per day/5 days per week beginning August 25, 2026. She will be placed at classification A13, step 1, in accordance with the agreement between the District and the Minnesota School Employee Association. Stevi Enter - ACES Site Lead Substitute on an on-call basis beginning July 20, 2026. She will be compensated at the rate of $18.75 per hour for this assignment. This is in addition to her ACES Child Care Assistant assignment at Franklin Elementary School. Kahlea Fritz - ACES Site Lead Substitute on an on-call basis beginning July 20, 206. She will be compensated at the rate of $18.75 per hour for this assignment. This is in addition to her ACES Child Care Assistant assignment at Franklin Elementary School. Alexis Goebel - Health & Wellness Paraeducator at SUN for 7 hours per day/5 days per week beginning September 10, 2026, training August 26, 2026. She will be placed at classification B22.5, step 1, in accordance with the agreement between the District and the Minnesota School Employee Association. ## Minutes of August 17, 2026, School Board Meeting Saige Hutchens - Health & Wellness Paraeducator at Prairie Winds Middle School for 6.75 hours per day/4 days per week (M/T/TH/F) and 5.5 hours per day/1 day per week (W) beginning September 9, 2026, training August 26, 2026. She will be placed at classification B22.5, step 1, in accordance with the agreement between the District and the Minnesota School Employee Association. Lorien Jones-Burmeister - Health & Wellness Paraeducator at INSITE for 7 hours per day/5 days per week beginning September 9, 2026, training August 26, 2026. She will be placed at classification B22.5, step 4, in accordance with the agreement between the District and the Minnesota School Employee Association. Dinh-Bao Lam - ABE Teaching Assistant with the ABE Summer Program for 3.25 hours per day/4 days per week (M-TH) beginning July 6 and ending July 30, 2026. He will be compensated at the rate of $17.51 per hour for this assignment. This is in addition to his ABE Teaching Assistant Substitute assignment. Dinh-Bao Lam - ABE Teaching Assistant with the Adult Basic Education Program at Lincoln Community Center for 4.75 hours per day/1 day per week (M) and 5.75 hours per day/3 days per week (T-TH) beginning September 14, 2026. He will be compensated at the rate of $17.51 per hour, and will be eligible for 6-3-2 benefits. This is in addition to his ABE Teaching Assistant Substitute assignment. Lisa Liljander - Cook Helper at East High School for 8 hours per day/5 days per week beginning August 25, 2026. She will be placed at classification A11, step 1, in accordance with the agreement between the District and the Minnesota School Employee Association. Ross Mariner - Long-term Substitute Level 1 Technician for 8 hours per day/5 days per week beginning July 16, and ending September 11, 2026. He will be compensated at the rate of $21.37 per hour for this assignment. This is in addition to his Building Technology Assistant at Dakota Meadows Middle School. Hannah Nackerud - Cook Helper at Prairie Winds Middle School for 6.5 hours per day/5 days per week beginning August 25, 2026. She will be placed at classification A11, step 1, in accordance with the agreement between the District and the Minnesota School Employee Association. Sheena Probach - Non-classroom Paraeducator at Hoover Elementary School for 2 hours per day/5 days per week beginning September 10, 2026. She will be placed at classification B21, step 1, in accordance with the agreement between the District and the Minnesota School Employee Association. This is in addition to her Special Education Paraeducator assignment. Sheena Probach - Special Education Paraeducator at Hoover Elementary School for 4 hours per day/5 days per week beginning September 10, 2026. She will be placed at classification B22, step 1, in accordance with the agreement between the District and the Minnesota School Employee Association. This is in addition to her Non-classroom Paraeducator assignment. Julie Schwamberger - Kitchen Float Cook Helper at Prairie Winds Middle School for 6.5 hours per day/5 days per week beginning August 25, 2026. She will be placed at classification A11, ## Minutes of August 17, 2026, School Board Meeting step 1, in accordance with the agreement between the District and the Minnesota School Employee Association. Sharon Soliz-Arndt - Student Success Coach at Dakota Meadows Middle School for 6.75 hours per day/5 days per week beginning September 9, 2026. She will be placed at classification B22, step 6, in accordance with the agreement between the District and the Minnesota School Employee Association. Amelia Sumner - Health & Wellness Paraeducator at Futures for 7 hours per day/5 days per week beginning September 10, 2026. She will be placed at classification B22.5, step 1, in accordance with the agreement between the District and the Minnesota School Employee Association. Lauryn Tischler - Summer Painter with the District for 8 hours per day/5 days per week beginning July 1 and ending August 31, 2026. She will be compensated at the rate of $16.00 per hour. Jason Tompkins - Varsity Boys Soccer Head Coach at West High School beginning August 17 and ending November 2, 2026. He will be placed at Head Coach year 0-1 of the Co-Curriculars Activities Stipend Schedule. Brenden Tricoli - Special Education Paraeducator at Hoover Elementary School for 4.25 hours per day/5 days per week beginning September 10, 2026. He will be placed at classification B22, step 1, in accordance with the agreement between the District and the Minnesota School Employee Association. This is in addition to his Non-Classroom Paraeducator assignment at Hoover Elementary School. Tyson Wilson - Varsity Girls Basketball Head Coach at West High School beginning June 22, 2026. He will be placed at Head Coach year 0-1 of the Co-Curriculars Activities Stipend Schedule. This is in addition to his Summer Grounds Worker assignment with the District. Naomi Wolf - Special Education Paraeducator at Franklin Elementary School for 4.25 hours per day/5 days per week beginning September 10, 2026, training August 25, 2026. She will be placed at classification B22, step 4, in accordance with the agreement between the District and the Minnesota School Employee Association. Allison Zellmann - Health & Wellness Paraeducator at SUN for 7 hours per day/5 days per week beginning September 10, 2026. She will be placed at classification B22.5, step 1, in accordance with the agreement between the District and the Minnesota School Employee Association. ## CONTRACT ADJUSTMENTS (NON-AFFILIATED) Jazanne Brass - Change in assignment from ACES Site Specialist in Training to ACES Site Lead at Lincoln Community Center beginning July 27, 2026. This is a full-time, Non-affiliated position with an annual salary of $60,348.31 (prorated to $56,184.03 for 243 days for 2026-27). She will be eligible for Category II benefits. ## Minutes of August 17, 2026, School Board Meeting Heidi Neidt - Voluntary decrease in assignment as Early Learning Certified Instructor at MAPS Center for Learning from 7 hours per day/5 days per week, with a work year of 179 days, to 2.5 hours per day/5 days per week, with a work year of 161 days, beginning August 24, 2026. Delaney Willcock - Adjust start date to August 6, 2026, as ACES Site Specialist at Lincoln Community School. This is a full-time, Non-affiliated position with an annual salary of $60,348.31 (prorated to $54,334.35 for 235 days for 2026-27). She will be eligible for Category II benefits. ## CONTRACT ADJUSTMENTS (INSTRUCTIONAL) Thomas Boone - Overload assignment as Mathematics Teacher at West High School beginning August 31, 2026, and ending January 29, 2027. Russell Groebner - Overload assignment as English Language Arts Teacher at West High School beginning August 31, and ending June 11, 2027. Kristina Kullman - Voluntary decrease in assignment from 1.00 FTE 1st Grade Teacher to 0.60 FTE Reading Intervention Teacher at Rosa Parks Elementary School beginning August 31, 2026, and ending June 11, 2027. Mary McCuskey Simpson - Voluntary decrease in assignment as Parent Educator at MAPS Center for Learning from 749.5 annual hours (0.52 FTE) to 232.5 annual hours (0.16 FTE) beginning July 1, 2026. Shelby McKissick - Increase in assignment as PEEK Teacher from 0.50 FTE at Prairie Winds Middle School to 0.50 FTE at Prairie Winds Middle School and 0.50 FTE at Dakota Meadows Middle School beginning August 31, 2026, and ending June 11, 2027. Aaron Miller - Overload assignment as Social Studies Teacher at West High School beginning August 31, 2026, and ending January 29, 2027. Dana Patenaude - Overload assignment as Mathematics Teacher at West High School beginning August 31, 2026, and ending January 29, 2027. Michelle L Peterson - Overload assignment as Communications Teacher at West High School beginning August 31, 2026, and ending January 29, 2027. Tim Quast - Overload assignment as Trade & Industry Teacher at West High School beginning February 1, 2027, and ending June 11, 2027. Rebecca Sellers - Overload assignment as Mathematics Teacher at West High School beginning February 1, 2027, and ending June 11, 2027. Steven Sheldrup - Overload assignment as Science Teacher at West High School beginning August 31, 2026, and ending January 29, 2027. Matthew Weichert - Overload assignment as Communications Teacher at West High School beginning August 31, 2026, and ending January 29, 2027. ## Minutes of August 17, 2026, School Board Meeting Christopher Wollmuth - Overload assignment as Mathematics Teacher at West High School beginning August 31, 2026, and ending January 29, 2027. ## CONTRACT ADJUSTMENTS (NON-INSTRUCTIONAL) Isabella Alioto - Increase hourly rate to $19.25 as ACES Site Lead at Rosa Parks Elementary School beginning October 1, 2025. Kelly Andresen - Change in assignment from Special Education Paraeducator, classification B22, at Eagle Lake Elementary School to Health & Wellness Paraeducator, classification B22.5, at Washington Elementary School beginning September 10, 2026. She will be compensated according to her placement on the Minnesota School Employee Association salary schedule. Justin Borden - Change in assignment from Second Cook to Warehouse & Distribution Coordinator at MAPS Center for Learning for 7 hours per day/5 days per week beginning August 3, 2026. He will be compensated according to his placement on the Minnesota School Employee Association salary schedule. Michelle Cahalan - Change in assignment from Special Education Paraeducator, classification B22, at Eagle Lake Elementary to Health & Wellness Paraeducator, classification B22.5, at Washington Elementary School beginning September 10, 2026. She will be compensated according to her placement on the Minnesota School Employee Association salary schedule. Melodie Charlton - Change in assignment from Health & Wellness Paraeducator, classification B22.5, to Special Education Paraeducator, classification B22, at Washington Elementary School beginning September 9, 2026. She will be compensated according to her placement on the Minnesota School Employee Association salary schedule. This is in addition to her Non-classroom Paraeducator assignment at Washington Elementary School. Amariah Enter - Increase hourly rate to $15.50 as ACES Child Care Assistant at Rosa Parks Elementary School beginning July 16, 2026. Dinh-Bao Lam - Temporary increase in assignment as ABE Teaching Assistant at Lincoln Community Center from 4.75 hours per day/1 day per week (M) and 5.75 hours per day/3 days per week (T-TH) to 4.75 hours per day/1 day per week (M), 5.75 hours per day/1 days per week (W), and 8 hours per day/2 days per week (T-TH) beginning September 15, 2026, and ending February 25, 2027. Linnea Hendley - Change in assignment from Special Education Paraeducator, classification B22, at Eagle Lake Elementary School to Health & Wellness Paraeducator, classification B22.5, at Washington Elementary School beginning September 10, 2026. She will be compensated according to her placement on the Minnesota School Employee Association salary schedule. Katey Isaacson - Decrease in assignment as Special Education Paraeducator from 6.5 hours per day/3 days per week (M/W/F) and 6 hours per day/2 days per week (T/TH) at Rosa Parks to 5.5 hours per day/3 days per week (M/W/F) and 2.5 hours per day/2 days per week (T/TH) at Franklin Elementary School beginning September 10, 2026. This is in addition to her ACES Child Care Assistant Substitute assignment. ## Minutes of August 17, 2026, School Board Meeting Rennardo Lampley - Change in assignment from Student Success Coach, classification B22, at East High School to Health & Wellness Paraeducator, classification B22.5, at Futures beginning September 10, 2026. Sienna McConville - Increase in assignment as Health & Wellness Paraeducator at Washington Elementary School from 6.5 hours per day/3 days per week (M/W/F) and 2 hours per day/2 days per week (T/TH) to 7 hours per day/3 days per week (M/W/F) and 3 hours per day/2 days per week (T/TH) beginning September 10, 2026. This is in addition to her ACES Site Lead Substitute assignment. Belinda Morrison - Change in assignment from Special Education Paraeducator, classification B22, at West High School to Health & Wellness Paraeducator, classification B22.5, at SUN beginning September 10, 2026. She will be compensated according to her placement on the Minnesota School Employee Association salary schedule. Jonathan Morrow - Change in assignment from Special Education Paraeducator, classification B22, at Eagle Lake Elementary to Health & Wellness Paraeducator, classification B22.5, at Washington Elementary School beginning September 10, 2026. He will be compensated according to his placement on the Minnesota School Employee Association salary schedule. Lauryn Mueske - Change in assignment from Special Education Paraeducator, classification B22, at Eagle Lake Elementary School to Health & Wellness Paraeducator, classification B22.5, at Washington Elementary School for 6.25 hours per day/5 days per week beginning September 10, 2026. She will be compensated according to her placement on the Minnesota School Employee Association salary schedule. This is in addition to her ACES Child Care Assistant Substitute assignment. Jennifer Murray - Change in assignment from 4-Hour, 9-month, Evening Custodian at Roosevelt Elementary School to 8-Hour, 12-month, Evening Custodian at Franklin Elementary School beginning August 24, 2026. She will be compensated according to her placement on the Minnesota School Employee Association salary schedule. Haden Peterson - Change in assignment from ACES Child Care Associate to ACES Child Care Assistant at Franklin Elementary School beginning July 26, 2026. He will be compensated at the rate of $15.00 per hour. Luke Pollema - Voluntary decrease in assignment as Special Education Paraeducator at Rosa Parks Elementary School from 6.5 hours per day/5 days per week to 2.5 hours per day/1 day per week (M) and 3.5 hours per day/3 days per week (T/W/F) beginning August 10, 2026. Isabelle Schimmel - Increase in assignment as Health & Wellness Paraeducator at Washington Elementary School from 7 hours per day/3 days per week (M/W/F) to 7 hours per day/4 days per week (M/T/W/F) beginning September 10, 2026. Hailee Spear - Change in assignment from ACES Child Care Associate to ACES Child Care Assistant at Washington Elementary School beginning August 18, 2026. She will be compensated at the rate of $15.00 per hour. ## Minutes of August 17, 2026, School Board Meeting Alisha Tiernan - Change in assignment from Special Education Paraeducator, classification B22, at Rosa park Elementary School to Health & Wellness Paraeducator, classification B22.5, at SUN beginning September 10, 2026. She will be compensated according to her placement on the Minnesota School Employee Association salary schedule. ## REQUESTS FOR LEAVE (INSTRUCTIONAL) Angelyn Dedinsky Doell - English Language Arts Teacher at East High School, has requested unpaid leave for the 2026-27 school year. ## RESIGNATIONS (INSTRUCTIONAL) Trinitey Bryant - Family and Consumer Science Teacher at Dakota Meadows Middle School, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be May 26, 2026. Maria Chace - Rescind acceptance as Long-term Substitute Counselor at Eagle Lake Elementary and Jefferson Elementary Schools. Jessica Dahlman - Student Support Specialist at West High School, has submitted a resignation in order to accept the Career Development Specialist position. The last day for this assignment will be May 26, 2026. Tyson Walker - 4th Grade Teacher at Franklin Elementary School, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be June 30, 2026. ## RESIGNATIONS (NON-INSTRUCTIONAL) Bree Barden - ACES Child Care Associate at Franklin Elementary School, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be August 27, 2026. Joselyn Ellis - ACES Student Support Assistant Substitute, has submitted a resignation. The last day for this assignment will be July 14, 2026. She will continue as Special Education Paraeducator at Prairie Winds Middle School. Tegan Flatau - - ACES Child Care Assistant at Jefferson Elementary School, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be August 7, 2026. Megan Geraets - ACES Student Support Assistant Substitute, has submitted a resignation. The last day for this assignment will be July 31, 2026. She will continue as Science Teacher at West High School. Danika Hanson - ACES Student Support Assistant Substitute, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be May 19, 2026. Fatuma Hassen - ACES Child Care Assistant Substitute, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be August 21, 2026. Hibo Hassan - Early Learning Special Education Paraeducator at MAPS Center for Learning, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be July 15, 2026. ## Minutes of August 17, 2026, School Board Meeting Izaac Kehler - ACES Child Care Assistant Substitute, has submitted a resignation. The last day of this assignment will be August 7, 2026. He will continue as Early Learning Classroom Aide assignment at MAPS Center for Learning. Aabry Kennedy Casanova - Community Education Site Operations and Safety Associate and ABE Student Worker at Lincoln Community Center and MAPS Center for Learning, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be July 20, 2026. Addisyn Krause - ACES Child Care Assistant at Franklin Elementary School, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be August 21, 2026. Aaron Marsh - Health & Wellness Paraeducator at West High School, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be May 21, 2026. Trista Marsolek - Health & Wellness Paraeducator at Washington Elementary School, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be May 18, 2026. Ei Min - ACES Child Care Assistant at Franklin Elementary School, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be August 7, 2026. Raymond Michels - Health & Wellness Paraeducator at Dakota Meadows Middle School, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be May 20, 2026. Payton Mudgett - ACES Child Care Assistant Substitute, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be July 30, 2026. Krystal Olson - Special Education Paraeducator at Dakota Meadows Middle School, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be May 20, 2026. Grace Palmquist - ACES Student Support Assistant at Franklin Elementary School, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be August 7, 2026. Samantha Prybylla - Special Education Paraeducator at MAPS Center for Learning, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be May 18, 2026. Madyson Sellner - Health & Wellness Paraeducator INSITE and ESY Paraeducator, has submitted a resignation. The last day for this assignment will be July 18, 2026. She will continue as a Paraeducator Substitute and ACES Child Care Assistant at Franklin Elementary School. Hayven Wood - ACES Child Care Assistant Substitute, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be July 22, 2026. ## TERMINATIONS (NON-INSTRUCTIONAL) Gibson Blackstad - ACES Student Support Assistant Substitute, effective April 14, 2025. Martin Cano Rincon - 8-hour Evening Custodian at Prairie Winds Middle School effective July 16, 2026. ## Minutes of August 17, 2026, School Board Meeting Megan Herkenhoff - ACES Child Care Assistant Substitute, effective May 9, 2025. Olivia Kaser - ACES Child Care Assistant Substitute, effective May 1, 2025. Samuel Kelley - 6-hour Evening Custodian at Jefferson Elementary School, effective May 25, 2026. Cody Pithan - ACES Child Care Assistant Substitute, effective May 5, 2025. Avianna Przygocki - ACES Child Care Assistant at Franklin Elementary School effective July 17, 2026. ## Addendum ## APPOINTMENTS (INSTRUCTIONAL) Duy Linh Nguyen - ABE ESL Teacher with the Adult Basic Education Program at Lincoln Community Center for 295 annual hours (0.21 FTE) beginning September 15, 2026, training September 3, 2026. He will be placed at M step 1 on the ABE teacher’s salary schedule. This is in addition to his ABE Substitute Teaching assignment. Jodi McBride - ABE Teacher with the Adult Basic Education Program at Lincoln Community Center for 273 annual hours (0.19 FTE) beginning October 6, 2026. She will be placed at step 10 of the Masters lane on the ABE Teachers Association salary schedule. This is in addition to her Teaching assignment at Franklin Elementary School. Marwa Mohammed - Full-time (1.00 FTE) Contract Substitute English Teacher at East High School beginning August 24, 2026, and ending June 9, 2027. She will be placed at step 5 of the M lane on the Teachers Association salary schedule. Alicia Olsen - Part-time (0.67 FTE) Teacher at West High School beginning August 24, 2026, and ending June 11, 2027. She will be placed at step 1 of the B lane on the Teachers Association salary schedule, contingent upon obtaining licensure. Michael Sathoff - ABE Teacher with the Adult Basic Education Program at Lincoln Community Center for 579 annual hours (0.40 FTE) beginning August 24, 2026, training August 10, 2026. He will be placed at step 2 of the Masters lane on the ABE Teachers Association salary schedule. This is in addition to his ACES Student Support Assistant and ACES Site Lead Sub assignments. Evelyn Scheibe - Full-time (1.00 FTE) Special Education Teacher with the District beginning August 24, 2026, training August 17, 2026. She will be placed at step 1 of the B lane on the Teachers Association salary schedule. Karen Stewart - Full-time (1.00 FTE) Family and Consumer Science (FACS) Teacher at Dakota Meadows Middle School beginning August 24, 2026, and ending June 11, 2027. She will be placed at step 4 of the B lane on the Teachers Association salary schedule, contingent upon obtaining licensure. ## Minutes of August 17, 2026, School Board Meeting Emily Wang - Part-time (0.35 FTE) Reading Intervention Teacher at Rosa Parks Elementary School beginning August 24, 2026, and ending June 11, 2027. She will be placed at step 2 of the M lane on the Teachers Association salary schedule. ## APPOINTMENTS (NON-INSTRUCTIONAL) Madelyn Kral - Special Education Paraeducator at Rosa Parks Elementary School for 5.25 hours per day/5 days per week beginning September 10, 2026, training August 26, 2026. She will be placed at classification B22, step 1, in accordance with the agreement between the District and the Minnesota School Employee Association. Mark Lindsay - Cook Manager at Bridges Community School for 7 hours per day/5 days per week beginning August 25, 2026. He will be placed at classification B21, step 6, in accordance with the agreement between the District and the Minnesota School Employee Association. Jean Bosco Ntirenganya - MLL Paraeducator at East High School for 5.5 hours per day/5 days per week beginning September 8, 2026, training August 26, 2026. He will be placed at classification B21, step 1, in accordance with the agreement between the District and the Minnesota School Employee Association. Azlee Schaefer - Early Learning Classroom Aide at MAPS Center for Learning for 6.25 hours per day/3 days per week (T/TH/F) beginning August 31, 2026. She will be placed at classification B21, step 1, in accordance with the agreement between the District and the Minnesota School Employee Association. This is in addition to her ACES Student Support Assistant at Franklin and Building Supervisor assignments. Clark Streeter - ACES Child Care Assistant at Franklin Elementary School for 3-4 hours per day/3 days per week beginning August 17, 2026. He will be compensated at the rate of $15.25 per hour. Della Vojtik - ACES Child Care Assistant, site to be determined, for 3-4 hours per day/5 days per week beginning September 1, 2026. She will be compensated at the rate of $15.00 per hour. ## CONTRACT ADJUSTMENTS (NON-AFFILIATED) Tatiana Garcia - Increase in assignment as Early Learning Engagement & Process Assistant Specialist at MAPS Center for Learning from 1327.5 annual hours with a work year of 177 days to 2000 annual hours with a work year of 250 days beginning August 17, 2026. Denise Hernandez Galindo - Change in assignment from ABE Student Worker to Child Care Aide at Lincoln Logs Learning Center for 5.25 hours per day/4 days per week (M-TH) beginning September 1, 2026. She will be compensated at the rate of $15.45 per hour, and will be eligible for 6-3-2 benefits. ## CONTRACT ADJUSTMENTS (INSTRUCTIONAL) Duy Linh Nguyen - Temporary assignment as ABE Teacher with the Adult Basic Education Program for 2.25 hours per day/1 day per week (M) beginning September 28, and ending November 16, 2026. He will be compensated according to his place on the ABE teacher’s salary schedule. This is in addition to his ABE Substitute Teaching assignment. ## Minutes of August 17, 2026, School Board Meeting Kristan Pfarr - Increase in assignment as part-time Long-term Substitute School Counselor at Loyola from 0.315 FTE for 45 days to .0514 for 46 days beginning August 24 and ending December 17, 2026. ## CONTRACT ADJUSTMENTS (NON-INSTRUCTIONAL) Natalie Anderson - Increase in assignment as Early Learning Classroom Aide from 3 hours per day/3 days per week (T-TH) to 3 hours per day/3 days per week (M/W/F) and 5.5 hours per day/2 days per week (T/TH) beginning September 10, 2026. Alivia Clabo - Change in assignment from Special Education Paraeducator, classification B22, to Teacher Apprentice, classification B22.5, at Prairie Winds Middle School for 7.83 hours per day/5 days per week beginning August 31, 2026. She will be compensated according to her placement on the Minnesota School Employee Association salary schedule. Sarah Reisdorf - Change in assignment from Student Success Coach, classification B22, at Hoover Elementary School to Teacher Apprentice, classification B22.5, at Roosevelt Elementary School for 7.83 hours per day/5 days per week beginning August 31, 2026. She will be compensated according to her placement on the Minnesota School Employee Association salary schedule. Calleejo Sohn - Change in assignment from Special Education Paraeducator, classification B22, to Teacher Apprentice, classification B22.5, at Hoover Elementary School for 6.5 hours per day/5 days per week beginning August 31, 2026. She will be compensated according to her placement on the Minnesota School Employee Association salary schedule. Helio Tiba - Increase hourly rate to $17.51 as ABE Teaching Assistant Substitute beginning July 1, 2026. The following ACES Child Care Assistants have received salary adjustments beginning August 16, 2026. Claire Beaudette - $15.25 per hour Anisa Egal - $15.50 per hour Kahlea Fritz - $15.25 per hour Byron Hawkins - $15.25 per hour Katey Isaacson - $15.25 per hour Sydney Losey - $15.25 per hour Marisa Peterson - $15.25 per hour Emily Stieve - $15.25 per hour Allyson Young - $16.00 per hour Wren Zwaschka - $15.75 per hour The following ACES Student Support Assistants have received a salary adjustment beginning August 16, 2026. Michael Sathoff - $18.00 per hour ## Minutes of August 17, 2026, School Board Meeting The following ACES Site Leads have received a salary adjustment beginning August 16, 2026. Kaleb Kirsch - $20.25 per hour ## RESIGNATIONS (NON-INSTRUCTIONAL) Alyssa Asmus - Rescind acceptance as Kitchen Float Cook Helper at West High School. Lydia Banse - Early Learning Classroom Aide at MAPS Center for Learning, has submitted a resignation. The last day for this assignment will be May 15, 2026. She will continue as a Paraeducator substitute. Caleb Bartels - ACES Student Support Assistant at Washington Elementary, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be September 4, 2026. Michelle Heimer - Early Learning Certified Instructor at MAPS Center for Learning, has submitted a resignation. The last day for this assignment will be August 20, 2026. She will continue as a substitute. Danica Kenning - ACES Child Care Assistant at Franklin Elementary School, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be August 21, 2026. Abigail Kind - ACES Child Care Assistant Substitute, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be August 15, 2025. Brook New - Special Education Paraeducator at Jefferson Elementary School, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be May 18, 2026. Hayden Sadaka - ACES Child Care Assistant Substitute, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be August 6, 2026. Tyla Veroeven - ACES Child Care Assistant Substitute, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be August 13, 2026. Mr. Kind made a motion to accept the gifts. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Ratcliff and carried on a 7-0 roll call vote. ## RESOLUTION ACCEPTING DONATIONS WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes 123B.02, Subd. 6 provides: “The board may receive, for the benefit of the district, bequests, donations, or gifts for any proper purpose and apply the same to the purpose designated. In that behalf, the board may act as trustee of any trust created for the benefit of the district, or the benefit of pupils thereof, including trusts created to provide pupils of the district with advanced education after completion of high school, in the advancement of education.”; and WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes 465.03 provides: “Any city, county, school district or town may accept a grant or devise of real or personal property and maintain such property for the benefit of its citizens in accordance with the terms prescribed by the donor. Nothing herein ## Minutes of August 17, 2026, School Board Meeting shall authorize such acceptance or use for religious or sectarian purposes. Every such acceptance shall be by resolution of the governing body adopted by a two-thirds majority of its members, expressing such terms in full.”; and WHEREAS, every such acceptance shall be by resolution of the governing body adopted by a two-thirds majority of its members, expressing such terms in full; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the School Board of Mankato Area Public Schools, ISD77, gratefully accepts the following donations as identified below: ● Glen Taylor Foundation donated $5,000 for Community Education Rec on the Go ## Program ● Mankato Clinic Foundation donated $1,000 for Community Education Rec on the Go ## Program ● Greater Mankato Area United Way donated $69,083 for Youth Mental Health Navigator ## Program ● David Scheurer Estate donated Tools ($2,500 value) for East High Trade & Industry ## Program ● C. Ann Hendricks donated $20,000 for Washington Elementary School ● North Mankato Activities & Business Association LLC donated $1,000 for Community ## Education Rec on the Go Program Whereupon, said Resolution was declared duly adopted. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has established minimum price requirements for adult paid school meals for the 2026-27 school year. Student breakfast and lunch for 2026-27 will be served at no charge. This is due to the Minnesota Free School Meals for Kids Program that was passed and signed on March 17, 2023. This includes one breakfast and one lunch per student. Additional milk, entrees and ala carte items will need to be purchased with lunch account funds. ## Minutes of August 17, 2026, School Board Meeting ## ITEM DESCRIPTION 2023-24 ## PRICING 2024-25 ## PRICING 2025-26 ## PRICING 2026-27 ## PRICING INCREASE Elementary Paid K-5 $0 $0 $0 $0 -0- ## Middle/Secondary Paid 6-12 $0 $0 $0 $0 -0- Adult $5.00 $5.25 $5.25 $5.50 $0.25 ## Ala Carte Milk per ½ pint $0.40 $0.45 $0.45 $0.55 $0.10 Reduced Lunch K-12 -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- Kindergarten -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- A motion was made by Mrs. Pratt and seconded by Mrs. Hanke to establish 2026-27 school year adult meal prices. The motion carried on a 7-0 voice vote. A tentative agreement was reached between the Minnesota School Employee Association representing the Food Service Employees and District 77 on June 8, 2026. Board members have received a detailed analysis of the new agreement. The MSEA Food Service Employees approved the tentative agreement on August 4, 2026. Mrs. Pratt made a motion to approve the agreement as presented. Mrs. Ratcliff seconded the motion and it carried on a 7-0 roll call vote. School Districts are required to discuss the levy and budget at a regularly scheduled board meeting and allow the public to speak. The meeting to discuss the levy and budget can take place at any point after November 24 th but before the final levy is adopted. The meeting must take place at 6:00 p.m. or later. The district can adopt the final levy at the same meeting they allow the public to speak. The date of the regularly scheduled board meeting at which the levy and budget will be discussed must be announced at the board meeting when the proposed property tax levy is certified and also included in the summary of these proceedings published in the official newspaper of the district. The date of the board meeting where the levy and budget will be discussed must also be provided to the district’s home county auditor for inclusion on the Truth in Taxation notices to be sent to property owners. The Payable 2027 Tax Levy provides property tax revenue for the 2027-28 school year. A motion was made by Mrs. Pratt and seconded by Mr. Kind to establish the hearing dates as follows. The motion carried on a 7-0 voice vote. Hearing Date - 12/08/26 (Tuesday) - 6:00 p.m. Subsequent Hearing Date (Levy Action) - 12/21/26 (Monday) - 5:30 p.m. There being no further business to consider, Mrs. Ratcliff moved and Mr. Kind seconded, that the meeting be adjourned. The meeting was declared adjourned at 6:30 p.m., on a 7-0 voice vote. Clerk _____________________________________________ ## Attest: Chairperson ________________________________________ ## Minutes of August 17, 2026, School Board Meeting Elementary Paid $0 $0 $0 $0 -0- Secondary Paid $0 $0 $0 $0 -0- Adult $2.25 $2.50 $2.50 $2.75 $0.25 Reduced Breakfast K-12 -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- ## SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES ## INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 77 ## Mankato, Minnesota August 17, 2026 The School Board of Independent School District No. 77 met in regular session on Monday, August 17, in the Mankato Room at the Intergovernmental Center. Chair Sinning called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m. Members present at roll call: Patrick Baker, Elizabeth Hanke, Christopher Kind, Kari Pratt, and Shannon Sinning. Absent: Liz Ratcliff and Erin Roberts (arriving at 5:05 p.m.). 1. Pratt/Kind approval of agenda with personnel addendum. 5-0 ## 2. MAPS Staff Recognition - Lexi Loomer 3. Public Comment – No one wished to speak. 4. Information: Summer Programming Report, Secondary Redesign Update, First Reading of Policies, Superintendent Evaluation, Board Member Reports. 5. Ratcliff/Pratt approval of Consent agenda Items: approval of Minutes of July 13, 2026, regular meeting; approval of August bills; approval of Personnel. 7-0 6. Kind/Ratcliff acceptance of gifts and grants. 7-0 7. Pratt/Hanke approval of 2026-27 breakfast/lunch prices. 7-0 8. Pratt/Ratcliff ratification of 2026-28 Agreement with District 77 Food Service Workers Association. 7-0 9. Pratt/Kind approval of payable 2027 tax levy hearing dates. 7-0 10. Ratcliff/Kind adjournment at 6:30 p.m. 7-0 ## Independent School District No. 77 ## Mankato, Minnesota ## By: Erin Roberts The complete minutes and all documents relating to this meeting are on file and available for review in the Superintendent’s Office, 10 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 2 and on-line at www.isd77.org . ## Minutes of August 17, 2026, School Board Meeting