Hastings Public Schools — Transcript
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Raiders Spotlight: Student Athlete Recognition
Superintendent's Report and Community Education Summer Programs
School Perception Survey Discussion and Revisions
Legal Data Request Update and Cost Recovery Strategy
MSBA Legislative Resolution on Data Practices
ISD 917 Collaborative Teacher Program
Permanent School Funding and Referendum Public Education
Joint Powers Committee: Civic Arena and Maintenance Facility
Policy Revisions Reflecting Legislative Changes
Building Construction Fund Update
Votes (5)
Appointment of Board Representative to Relicensure Committee
Moved by Vice Chair Dresley [1:15:33] · Seconded by Director Michael Moulder [1:15:57]
The board needed to appoint a representative to the relicensure committee for the school year. Director Beer, having served previously, volunteered to continue his role.
Curriculum Approval for Sixth Grade Social Studies
Moved by Vice Chair Dresley [1:26:40] · Seconded by Director Michael Moulder [1:26:48]
The board discussed the proposed 'Northern Lights' curriculum for sixth-grade social studies, with particular attention to language in Chapter 1 about 'collective action' and its interpretation as potential political activism. Mr. Hodgees clarified that the curriculum's intent is historical analysis and fostering active citizenry rather than modern mobilization. The board ultimately approved chapters 1 through 15, which cover the scope of the sixth-grade curriculum.
Gymnastics Lease Agreement
Moved by Director Michael Moulder [1:27:30] · Seconded by Director Zuzac [1:27:38]
The board reviewed a one-year lease agreement for gymnastics facilities. A question was raised about the termination clause requiring 'mutual agreement,' but it was confirmed that the facility owner was unwilling to amend it to 'or.' Board members acknowledged the lease as a temporary and not ideal solution, emphasizing the ongoing search for a permanent alternative for the gymnastics team.
Resolution Authorizing the Renewal of an Operating Levy
Moved by Director Bruns [1:30:22] · Seconded by Director Michael Moulder [1:30:31]
A resolution to authorize the renewal of an expiring operating levy was presented for board approval. The board waived the reading of the lengthy resolution before proceeding to a vote.
Donation Acceptance Resolution
Moved by Director Michael Moulder [1:31:11] · Seconded by Director Milner [1:31:18]
The board considered and approved a resolution to accept approximately $33,700 in community donations. Chair Tate expressed deep gratitude for the community's significant generosity, particularly during the summer months, in supporting Hastings Public Schools.
Notable Quotes (7)
Together, communities can use collective action to expose injustice, redistribute power, and fight for equality.' And one thing that um raises questions for me is about the intended purpose of that curriculum with the langu because the language appears to move beyond um describing or analyzing historical events and more towards encouraging political activism.
The focus is on historical analysis not modern mobilization. So it's yes this is how people you know uh got together looked at a problem and said we're going to mobilize for change but it's not so much now you decide what you want to mobilize for change.
It would be a mistake not to teach this updated curriculum. It's so much better than what our current curriculum has in terms of the discussion questions, how it engages students in inquiry based learning.
The termination clause, it says termination of this lease may be made by either party by providing 30-day advanced written notice and by mutual agreement. I'd love that to say or.
It's their building. They're running out just like we do on our facility rentals. And so that's where we're kind of stuck. So, doesn't mean that it would mean more like this. If we want out, we can get out. We're still going to pay the 10,000.
Our hopes I think everyone around this table, everyone involved in gymnastics, their hopes are that this is not a permanent solution that we are continuing to look for an alternate solution for this team.
I want to thank our community for their extreme generosity. Uh this month we are accepting donations of approximately $33,700. So that's absolutely tremendous, especially since it's summer, folks.
Ordinances & Resolutions (10)
District policy governing the adoption and implementation of other policies, cited for legislative revisions.
A specific policy undergoing revisions due to the 2026 legislative session.
A policy removed from the manual the previous month, referenced in policy 206 revisions.
Official document approved by the board to renew an expiring referendum revenue authorization.
Official document approved by the board to formally accept community donations.
Strategic document for the board's activities, due for refreshment and discussion.
School Resource Officer contract for the upcoming school year, pending approval.
Updated curriculum adopted for sixth-grade social studies, specifically chapters 1-15.
A one-year lease agreement for gymnastics facilities, approved by the board.
A collaborative program facilitating shared teachers between ISD 917 and partner districts.