Hastings Public Schools — Transcript
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Student and Staff Recognition
District Performance and Data Transparency
High School Block Schedule Implementation
Ice Arena Joint Powers Agreement and Funding
District Financial Management and Investment Strategy
Staffing and Educational Challenges (ISD 917 & AMSD)
Community and Internal Communications
School Perception Survey Development
Policy Reviews
Referendum Survey Planning
Votes (7)
Max Levy Limitation Approval
Moved by Michael Moulder [1:22:58] · Seconded by Vice Chair Dresley [1:23:01]
This item was presented for approval without extensive discussion during the board meeting, likely following prior deliberation in committee or work session.
School Perception Survey Administration Approval
Moved by Michael Moulder [1:23:44] · Seconded by Director Zuzac [1:23:47]
The board approved the administration of the school perception survey, which had been previously discussed and refined by an ad hoc committee. The approval was for the general administration, with specific questions to be approved at a later meeting.
Referendum Survey Consultant Selection
Moved by Michael Moulder [1:31:05] · Seconded by Vice Chair Dresley [1:31:07]
A presentation evaluated three consultants (Morris Leatherman, Donovan Group, School Perceptions) for conducting a community survey on a potential operating levy referendum. Key factors were cost, survey methodology (random phone, online, or mail/online to every household), and communication support. The recommendation favored School Perceptions due to its comprehensive reach to every district household and its ability to provide context on tax implications.
Investment Recommendation Approval
Moved by Director Zuzac [1:34:52] · Seconded by Michael Moulder [1:34:54]
A proposal to invest up to $5 million of the district's fund reserve into Mislaf's Certificate of Deposit (CD) program was discussed. The strategy involves staggering CD maturities up to two years to capitalize on higher yields (e.g., 4.25% for a 730-day CD) while maintaining liquidity and compliance with FDIC insurance requirements (purchasing in $250,000 increments).
Eagle Bluff Field Trip Approval
Moved by Director Milner [1:35:51] · Seconded by Michael Moulder [1:35:54]
The board considered and approved a field trip for eighth-grade students to Eagle Bluff, a common and popular educational trip.
Notable Quotes (5)
So I really do recommend school perceptions I feel that even though that cost is higher than Donovan I think by ensuring that we've given the opportunity to respond. We don't know who all will of course but we've at least provided the opportunity. I I feel strongly about that as a as a positive enough to make a school with them.
And then the second thing which is actually bigger in my mind is that if we decide to move forward in the fall of 2027 with a levy referendum, it's critical that we start educating the public. And that educational piece, I'm sure, is going to be very well done because we'll be we'll have our eyes on it and we'll we'll be approving it before it goes out. So, I think that that's a first big step to seeking support is, you know, informing, right? We got to get everybody to first base.
I like the idea of getting out to everybody because I know in sociology we talked a lot about like biases and like if you don't get out to everyone it can kind of create that thing like someone said like only the people are answering like when they're at home and like obviously they're like most of those people aren't like they're usually retired so they're obviously going to have like certain biases towards stuff.
Security is number one. Whatever we do has to have security statutoily has to have a high security rate. And so we're not losing anything in security because at the moment that you buy a CD, you know what the maturation rate is going to be. So there's not a risk involved in that.
Once again, I just want to thank our community for their generosity uh as every month we do this and it just astounds me how much uh we take in from donations from our community. So, thank you again.
Ordinances & Resolutions (9)
Agreement from 2001 defining terms of use and responsibilities for the Hastings Civic Arena locker rooms.
AMSD document presenting data on teacher shortages and student demographics across the state.
Student Discipline policy, undergoing annual review with proposed language clarifications.
Crisis Management policy, undergoing annual review with proposed Hastings-specific process changes.
Administrative procedure for a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan, mandated by state statute for annual review.
Proposed community survey to assess support for a future operating levy referendum.
District tool for presenting aggregate and disaggregate performance data, updated according to a set calendar.
District document summarizing aggregate data aligned with core pillars, accessible on the website.
Monthly resolution to formally accept donations from the community.