Approval of Estimated District Population (Item E from Consent Agenda)

Dissent: None

Moved by Kim Baker [19:54] · Seconded by Tony Reichenberger [20:00]

Director Thompson questioned the increase in community education levy due to population growth, believing community education should be net neutral. Director Holmgren clarified that community education relies on both levies and fees, and state aid is tied to the levy. Growing districts typically update population estimates to maximize per-capita funding.

Minnesota School Board Association (MSBA) Membership Renewal (Item H from Consent Agenda)

Dissent: Director Thompson voiced concerns but ultimately moved to approve the item.

Moved by Ryan Thompson [27:37] · Seconded by Tony Reichenberger [27:44]

Director Thompson expressed concern over the $17,000 MSBA membership cost, arguing that Lakeville, as a large district, pays significantly more than smaller districts for similar services. Superintendent Baumann and other board members defended the membership, citing its value in policy services, legislative advocacy, legal subject matter expertise (training, audits), and overall district-wide utilization.

Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) Membership Renewal (Item J from Consent Agenda)

Dissent: None

Moved by Kim Baker [29:56] · Seconded by Tony Reichenberger [30:00]

Director Thompson highlighted the practical implications of the MSHSL membership, noting that non-renewal would prevent all high school sports and activities from competing against other member districts. He characterized the league as potentially monopolistic but acknowledged its necessity for student participation.

Approval of Language Access Plan

Dissent: None

Moved by Kim Baker [54:30] · Seconded by Tony Reichenberger [54:34]

Director Humphrey presented the Language Access Plan, a formalization of existing district practices mandated by a new Minnesota statute (123B.32). The plan aims to ensure meaningful access for multilingual families in educational decisions through trained interpreters for meetings and translations of documents. Discussions touched on the balance between leveraging technology (like Google Translate) and providing human interpreters as required by regulation, as well as the district's support for 88 languages.

Approval of LEAF Contract

Dissent: None

Moved by Ryan Thompson [58:50] · Seconded by Carly Anderson [58:55]

Director Albrecht presented the tentative agreement with LEAF for 2025-2027, detailing across-the-board wage increases ($0.66/hour in year one, $0.67/hour in year two) and minor language improvements. Director Thompson praised the equitable wage increase philosophy, while Dr. Baker inquired about the district's competitiveness in employee compensation compared to other districts.

Approval of Student Nutrition Contract

Dissent: None

Moved by Kim Baker [1:01:29] · Seconded by Carly Anderson [1:01:34]

Director Albrecht presented the tentative agreement for child nutrition workers (2025-2027), which included a 12% wage increase in year one and 2% in year two, an added MLK Jr. Holiday, and a limit on performance pay. The 12% increase was explained as a market adjustment to bring wages in line with other districts, funded from a healthy student nutrition fund. This area is recognized as challenging to staff.

Approval of Non-Licensed Educators Contract

Dissent: None

Moved by Tony Reichenberger [1:02:40] · Seconded by Carly Anderson [1:02:45]

Director Albrecht presented the tentative agreement for non-licensed educators (2025-2027), including wage increases of 2% in year one and 2.5% in year two, the addition of the MLK Jr. Holiday, and a new longevity step at year six. Director Thompson sought clarification on the types of staff covered, which include community education, ABE, early childhood, and preschool educators, noting their pay structure consists of three steps and one lane.

Discussion and Approval of Fiscal Year 27 Budget

Dissent: The amendment to increase board compensation was proposed by Director Thompson and seconded by Director Carbone, but withdrawn before a vote. Director Reichenberger voiced strong opposition to the proposed percentage increase for board compensation during the discussion.

Moved by Ryan Thompson [1:09:20] · Seconded by Tony Reichenberger [1:09:24]

Director Holmgren presented the final FY27 budget, forecasting an 8.5% unassigned fund balance. Key factors included 2.68% new state funding, a $5 million property tax increase (due to past adjustments), and rising employee benefits (health insurance). A chart highlighted upcoming operating levy renewals, with a significant $11.2 million renewal in 2027. Director Thompson proposed an amendment to increase board compensation to $10,000 annually, tied to state increases, for market alignment. This amendment was seconded but later withdrawn after discussion, which included opposition from Director Reichenberger who felt a 35% increase was disproportionate to other staff raises. The original budget was then approved.

Approval of Intent to Sell Bonds Resolution

Dissent: None

Moved by Carly Anderson [1:10:48] · Seconded by Kim Baker [1:10:52]

Director Holmgren explained that this resolution is necessary to initiate the process of selling bonds, which will fund new additions to the middle schools.