Welcome to the July 28th LakevilleSchool Board meeting. Um it is 6 PM and we are um kicking off here with thepledge of allegiance. You can all rise if you're able.>> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to therepublic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty andjustice for all. Um, all right. We'll start with rollcall to my far right. >> Tony Reenberger,>> Matt Swanson, >> Harley Anderson.>> Oh, Amber Cameron. Sorry, >> Michael Bowman,>> Paul Carbone, >> Brian Thompson.>> All right, thanks everybody. Um, I've just been informed that we are skippinggood news for tonight. And there also is no um board communication um separatefrom um our discussion in 5A when we're going to talk about uh the boardvacancy. Um but we will get to that. So with that um uh could I get a motion toapprove the agenda? >> I'll make a motion to approve.>> All right. First by Carbone. Is there a second?>> I'll second. >> Second by Anderson. All in favor orsorry any discussion? >> Okay. All in favor?>> I. >> Any opposed? All right. Motion passes 6.With that, we'll move to public comment. Um, if I'm going to read this, uh,public comment information. Uh, the board opens the floor for 30 minutes atevery uh, formal meeting to allow the public to address the board withcomments and concerns. To participate in public comment, individuals must haveregistered in advance using the form provided on the website by noon on theMonday before the scheduled public comment session. There will be no boardresponse during the session. Public comments framed as complaints and orconcerns about students and our staff are not appropriate in a public forumdue to data privacy laws. These comments should be addressed to theadministration outside of a public meeting. Likewise, complaints aboutschoolboard members should be privately directed to the board chair and/orsuperintendent. No formal action will be taken on atopic presented during public comment. As necessary, the administration willfollow up with the appropriate personnel on any concerns that need to beindividually addressed. Also, if necessary, the board will follow upduring board communications at the next regularly scheduled board meeting.Individual remarks are limited to 3 minutes. The board will provide a signalwhen the participant has 30 seconds remaining of their time. Please try tokeep audience noise to a minimum to allow everyone the opportunity to speakuninterrupted. All right, with that, we have onespeaker tonight. I'd like to invite Rex King um to the podium. >> All right. Thank you all for having me.Um some of you I know um I'm a father to three children. All three of my childrenattend Eastville Elementary. Um, one of my um,obviously CO has changed the world, but last year my youngest came home and saidat 6 years old said there's a man at our school who wears a wake bright redlipstick um, and puts bubbles in his butt and his boobs. So that prompted meto ask my older children like what is what is my youngest talking about? Myolder two children did say that there is in fact a person who works at East Viewwho does wear wig and lipstick and um and other features. So next day I calledand I spoke to the principal or I asked to speak to the principal. Principaltold me that the district attorney basically limited said that due to uhclient confidentiality or something like that that he could not answer a lot ofthe questions I had. He was very nice and we had a discussion.Um, I then noticed when last spring when the yearbooks came out, um, that we havea staff page and it lists the staff members. Some elementary schools, um,Oak Hills Elementary list the staff members and it also has a not picturedportion of their yearbook that list in name who is not in attendance for thepictures. ECU Elementary School. People are not pictured and people arenot listed. So,I know it's kind of a a hot topic in 2026,but my question is why are the staff members It's very hard to have access toour children's school. Safety is a big part trying to get in, trying to getaccess. It's not the way that we grew up in the schools. Butmy question is, how do we know who is working in our children's school ifthey're not listed in the yearbook and things like that? How do we know whoexactly is being hired? If my children's school has before and after pictures oremployees who are primary, not non normal hour employees, but they'repictured in the yearbook or they're listed in other schools, not pictured,but they do list a name. Um, I I also question what we have as ageappropriateness. The fact that my six-year-old came home and is havingthis discussion with me. Um, it it's tough as a father. It's tough to to behere and love the community and and have to answer those questions. That was aquestion that I anticipated from my 15-year-old. Well, we're 9 years earlyand we had to have the discussion. Um, so I wonder about what happens there.What happens with people who apply? What name is used? Andhow do we know who is working with our childrenin our schools specifically the undeveloped brain of our elementaryschools and how do our kids respond or how do they act? Um and how are wesupposed to parent that discussion that we'd never anticipated having to have.So, just some things I wanted to bring um to attention of who is in fact there.Uh why are we not listing them in the yearbook so us parents can know aboutthem. I appreciate your time this evening. Thank you very much.>> Great. Thank you. >> All right. With that, we'll move toconsideration of approval of the consent agenda. Um is there a motion to approvethe consent agenda? I'll make a motion.>> U first by Anderson. Is there a second? >> I'll second.>> Second by Reichenburgger. Are there any items in the consent agenda um thatboard members would like further discussion on?>> Prior to approval. Okay. All in favor of approving theconsent agenda say um yes or I. >> I.>> Any opposed? All right. Motion passes 6. Uh next um we are moving on to itemnumber five, reports and discussions. Um so since our last uh schoolboardmeeting in June, uh Kim Baker informed the school board and SuperintendentBowman that she um is resigning from the school board effective June 29th. Thatwas her last day of service to the district and in her um formal capacityon the school board. Um this is our first board meeting since uh thatresignation. Um and so as part of that um first we acknowledge that Kim has umopted to resign from the from the school board as is her right or any anyone'sright. Um and also um we need to then acknowledge that there um herresignation results in a vacancy on uh on our school board. Our school board isintended to have seven board members and right now officially we have six. Um,and so, um, this, um, we needed to have a discussion tonightabout how we want to deal with the vacancy, um, to fill Kim's seat. I thinkit's important for the board, I think, knows this, but the public to know that,um, the seat that's vacant from Kim Baker's resignation is up for electionin November, um, with that role starting uh, formally in January.Um, I had a couple of different conversations with the Minnesota SchoolBoard Association with Terry Morrow about um, what happens in a situationlike this. And um, if a school board member resigns when there's less lessthan two years left of their term, but um, [clears throat]no more sorry less there's less than two years but no more than 90 days, which weare in. There are two options. um the board is required to attempt tofill the vacancy um because we're in that window. And so the board couldeither establish an application process where we take nominations from, youknow, the community um and have some sort of interview process and um see iffour or more board members agree to um someone who has applied. Or we could gothrough a board nomination process where we uh solicit names ourselves and umdiscuss the n discuss our nominations and see um if we can get um a majorityof the board to agree on someone to fill the vacancy from the nomination process.Um either way, whatever option we we choose as a board to kind of pursue umwe would go through that determine that process. What do we want to do? we wouldgo through that process and complete it and identify the person and then um atthe the next schoolboard meeting after we've agreed on who the person is umwe'd have a resolution filling um the school board vacancy by appointment andso we'd formally vote on that at that point and then once we um vote on theresolution and assuming it would pass, the board is required to wait 30 daysfor the public to petition um about um our appointment. Um and so um yeah, ittakes 30 days before the person could then formally be part of the the schoolboard. Um any questions about that before I I go on to what Terryrecommended or what other boards typically do? Yep. Director Carbone.>> Yeah. Um, Amber, so if somebody was appointed>> and it would take a minimum of 30 days because basically what you just said isthe public has >> has to have time to uh respond if theywish, >> right?>> Then if that person's not an existing one ofthe I believe eight candidates who filed for um uh for the election in November,then January 1st that person is null is null and void. Correct.>> That's correct. Right. Unless >> can one of the candidates apply>> or try? >> Yeah. So, I think the first step wouldbe deciding if we want to do an application process or a nominationprocess and and either way, I suppose a a bo a person who has filed to run whois not currently sitting on the board >> um could either be apply or be nominatedby the board and yes, they could serve in that role. But if they then losttheir election, they would be off of the board January one. Of course, um I askedTerry Morrow from Schoolboard Association,what do most boards do in a situation like this when we have like 3 to fourmonths at most of filling this vacancy? And he said in most cases with ourtimeline, a school board would invite back a previously elected board memberwho has resigned just because they they could step in pretty much right away.they know what what it means to be on the school board. They know how to readfinancial documents. They, you know, they know they know the work. Um, and sothat was his recommendation that um we might consider that just because of ourtimeline, but we we still have that option of either deciding a nominationprocess, an application process. Um, I'm in favor of bringing of of of mepersonally considering bringing back a retired board member. Um, just foreducation per like they will know how to hit the ground running. Um, and wewouldn't have to onboard someone for just like a very minimal amount of time.Um, but obviously this whole board needs to decide how we want to approach this.So I think first it's a discussion on what do we want the process to be andthen after we decide that then that would warrant the next steps and and howwe approach the vacancy >> any thought what are people thinkingwhat questions do we do you have >> the the first question that pops into mymind considering that we do have an election actually and the filing justclosed less than an hour ago um what is the possibilityof just leaving it open and whenever if a non board member wins a seat becausethere's going to be one one person at least one at least one person who uhbecause Kim's seat is open we just elevate them immediately following thatelection that the whoever gets the highest vote total for non boardnon-board seat members >> we could have that be part of ourdecision. So if a non if a board member who's not currently sitting wins, whichat least one person will, right? >> Has to, right? Then um we could takethat person. I think we could make that our our plan. However, between now andNovember, we would need to attempt to fill the vacancy.>> But if we regardless, >> but if we appoint somebody to thatposition, do they not have that position until January at that point? Unless>> but we need to we need to start the vacancy process now. We cannot per statestatute. We're not allowed to wait until November to name the person.>> Yeah, Matt. >> I mean, I think the statute requires usto attempt to appoint someone, right? So, it doesn't say what that entails andhow much effort we have to put into it. Um,>> yeah. >> Yeah. Director Thompson,>> what what does this what does the statute say specifically? uh and becauseI recall uh it doesn't say you have to make anattempt. It just says here's the verbiage and and I also want to be verymindful that there is no schoolboard police department. There is no governingbody that that that tells the school board, you know, you're doing it wrongor you mean like we are a independent body to make our own decisions, our ownpolicies. And so, uh, I've had the unfortunate to to go through thisprocess just once, but uh, we elected what was it the fourth vote getter orsomething I think from the last election. Uh, we also, uh, previously tothat there was a vacancy and the previous board elected not to doanything. Uh, and >> they did a nomination process.>> They did not do >> they Carly applied. [laughter]>> Oh, >> yeah.>> Well, that was actually was that towards the end or was that towards thebeginning? I thought for some reason the previous board elected not to do>> anything right away. They waited. I'll have to double check. I feel like I Ilike to uh I don't know if it's appropriate to have it to have thisdiscussion now, but I would prefer prefer I would prefer if we discuss thisat the next working session in more detail cuz I don't have the statutesinformation uh in front of me. Um, and I'd like to do a little bit moreresearch on kind of like how we've done it in the pastcuz I know that we had an appointment process. Um, and then I I well that'sthe only one that I've done. I haven't done a candidate.>> I can read the state. Michael just brought it up. It's very short.>> Perfect. >> So, I think it's easy to understand.>> Yeah. It says any vacancy on the board other than a vacancy described insubdivision 4 which is about uh if someone has to step away from the boardbecause of a personal illness they m the board um or the sorry the vacancy mustbe filled by board appointment at a regular or special meeting. Theappointment shall be evidenced by a resolution entered into the minutes andshall be effective 30 days following adoption of the resolution resolution.Can can you repeat that one more time? Because it says the board the board saysyou have to appoint someone through a board meeting. So when we identify acandidate, it says that to acknowledge that candidate, it must be done througha board meeting. Is that my understanding within that sentence?>> So what Terry said from Minnesota School Board Association is that the schoolboard, the six of us, >> would have to vote on candidates.>> Agree. But read the previous sentence that you just said something about theschool board must what >> any I'm going to read the whole thing.Any vacancy on the board other than the illness must be filled by boardappointment at a regular or special meeting.>> Can you pause here? Okay. So how again how I interpret that is that once acandidate has been has been identified or whoever that individualmust be appointed through the board by the board at a board meeting. Okay. Allright. So, so, so how I'm interpreting that so far is that it doesn't say whenyou have to get someone, how you get someone, who you get someone. It's justthat when an individual has been identified, it has to be appointeduh leg legally or whatever you want to officially through a at a board meeting.If you want to repeat that one more just if that if that's how I'm understandingthat. >> Correct. So the board has to vote andand have a majority agree on the person who will fill the vacancy.>> So within so within that state statute it says again making sure we're on thesame p if no if no one else is aligned with me.>> Go ahead. >> All right. It says that you want torepeat it one more time. [laughter] >> Okay.>> Sorry. >> Basic. Yes. I'll repeat it. But whatit's saying is the board has to vote if someone can fill the vacancy.>> No. Well, they're two separate there are two different things. any any vacancy onthe board must be filled by board appointment at a regular or specialmeeting. >> Got it. All right. So again, how I'm howI'm interpreting that is that when a candidate has been identifiedofficially, they cannot be on the board unless it's done through a at the boardmeeting. Okay. >> Well, yeah, of course. Yes. Yep. Thisboard has to vote totally >> with a minimum of four elements. What isthe next? >> It addresses the what, not the how.>> Exact. The what? Yep. So then it says the appointment shall be evidenced by aresolution which would have their name of course entered into the minutes. Yep.>> And shall be effective 30 days following adoption of the resolution>> because we need the petition period where the community could say nope wedon't agree with the board. You know they can we don't like exerson.>> Okay. >> But would sorry go ahead.>> I mean Brian am I understanding you correctly? you're arguing it doesexplain the how. >> It doesn't explain that we actually haveto do it, but if it's done, it's by >> um an appointment at a regular or aspecial meeting. So, if you're going to fill it,>> that's how I'm interpreting it. And so, because it gives the board the latitudeto decide how we want to operate and how we want to govern as a board. And if we>> What do you mean by that? What do you mean by operate and govern? Well, if wewant if we believe that it's in the best interest for our community, the bestinterest for the school board to have seven board members for a very shortperiod of time, then the board gets to decide if that's what we want to do. Thestate statute says if you want to have that role filled, then we will notacknowledge that individual unless it's been uh voted on through or at a boardmeeting. So I think the state statute does not give our board the ability todecide if we can fill it or not. The community voted I forget what year thatwe moved from a six to seven member board and we are obligated then by statestatute to have seven board members. So I think the the word that I'm whichTerry stressed and what says in state statute is any vacancy on the board mustbe filled. It's not could be filled >> but must but let's finish the sentence.>> Must be filled by board appointment >> at a regular meeting.>> There's not a number of days. >> There's not a number of days becausefour of us have to agree. And if four of us can't agree, they can't.>> It's not about it's not about the four. It's it's it's the question agreed agreethat they're you need the majority. But >> yes,>> but it's also stating that it doesn't say you must hire you. I'm sorry, nothire. You must appoint someone within 90 days, within X period of time. You mustshow evidence that you're trying to hire someone. It just says that if a boardmakes the decision to add and fill the vacancy, it must be done at a boardmeeting and a resolution needs to be approved to acknowledge that individual.And so, >> back to what Director Rekenberger asked,>> again, this is where I'd like to do some more research on. Do other districts doit differently? And again, this is what you know, Terry Mororrow shared on uhthrough MSBA. Um do we discuss with legal already aswell? Did they say that we must do it? And if we don't, what happens if wedon't? >> I don't know legally what happens if wedon't. I think personally we have an obligation to the community to have thisconversation and to and to fill it, right? Sure.>> Um I think from a community perspective, the more time we waste talking about avacancy that we potentially could fill, I'd rather use our time to work on otherprojects. But we can just continue to talk and never make progress. But it isrequired that we >> Well, I don't think it is required. AndI think that's >> you must fill the vacancy.>> You must you through but let's finish the rest of that sentence. You must fillthe vacancy at a school board meeting. Correct. Correct. That's where you wouldvote on the person. >> Right.>> Right. So, let's >> What am I?>> Yeah. Director Swanson. >> Yeah. No, I mean I think I think what wewant to avoid is us wasting a lot of time not appointing anyone. Um, and tothat end, I'd be in support of Director Reichenberg's idea of,you know, let's just agree that whoever the, you know, the newest board memberthat's not currently serving that score gets the most votes in the Novemberelection, you know, we'll move forward with appointing them. They'll be on theboard a month earlier than normal um than they would otherwise be. then we'dbe satisfying the requirement that we it must be filled at a special meeting orregular meeting and then we don't waste any time trying to see if we can get afour vote >> you know four votes to appoint a priorboard member so >> would you need to wait 30 days I don'tknow so if the election is start December which would be a month a monthearlier than be seated >> be seated in January>> oh because it is an appointment >> yeah and I think my question with thatonly I don't I don't disagree I mean I think it could work is I think it's hardto be onboarded separately. So, if we're going to onboard three new board memberspotentially or four four new board members potentially or no, could it be II don't I haven't done the math. Three or four.>> Um then we just have to think about how we trainthem. >> Could be one,>> right? >> Or it could be one, right? It could beone. >> Director Rikenberger. Yeah. Um kind ofgetting back to what um Mr. Mororrow said umthere's 30 days to petition an appointment. Is that correct? Is thatwhat you said? >> What occurs whenif the public comes up, offers a petition? And what's what's theramifications at that? What are the consequences at that point? Do they getthe the seat? Do they not get the seed? Where where do we go from thatstandpoint? Um that offsets the timeline then,doesn't it? >> Yeah, I would assume they wouldn't getthe seat, >> right? They want to get the seat. Yeah.>> Right. You have to start your process over in terms of identifying the person.>> Yeah. >> I think what's the petition look like?Like like how many names do we need? Is it like>> they need a thousand thousand?>> Okay. >> Yeah. I I only want to encourage us tothink about we've had basically opinion provided that Amber has done some goodinvestigative work here um in terms of MSBA providing some input as well as ourlegal team. So at this point we do have input from both of them that we shouldattempt to fill. >> I let me sorry>> y director Thompson. So our our legal council says and they interpret that parthat statute saying that we have to attempt to fill even though it doesn'tsay the word attempt. >> Attempt. No attempt is not part of I Ithink why the word attempt is being used is that if we are unsuccessful as agroup of six in having at least four or more of us agree on a process and thenalso agreeing on a person, this could go on forever. It could go onfor 100 hours, right? where we're just talking and talking and talking. I thinkwe've seen this happen in the state, right, at other school boards.>> And so I think that's why the word attempt is being used, but the statestatute is that we must fill it. >> Yeah.>> Oh, you're done. Sorry. >> I'm sorry. Go ahead, Brian.>> No, I I want to be cautious because yes, theword said must, but I but how we are how how I'm hearing you you uh youcommunicate the word must is saying that we must fill it. Whereas, as I'mreading, the statute says I must fill it at a schoolboard meeting. So, it itdoesn't state that I must fill the position and then you then you need tovote on it. If if it said that I must fill the I must fill the vacancy period,then I then then I'm on board on that. But it doesn't say that. And so,>> how are you seeing it as different? I guess I don't I don't understand how yousee it [clears throat] as different. >> Got it. So, so if I was having um thisI'm a terrible analogy. Let's say I'm going let's say I'm going to u uh I'mgoing to Subway. That's a ter I'm getting some food, right? But then itsay I must eat food at Subway. [laughter]That's a ter that's I'm not thinking right right now. I'm sorry.>> I'm following. >> Uh but how I'm reading again, it saysthat um if you want the vacancy filled and you want it to be official, it mustbe done at a board meeting. it how I read it is or how how I'm hearing it.And this is why I I I apologize. I'm not prepared. I I would like a little bitmore time to just read the state statutes to say um I don't think it'ssaying that I must fill the position. It says if you do fill the position or ifyou want the vacancy filled, it must be done at a board meeting. That's how I'minterpreting it. >> No, that is definitely not that is notaccurate. That's not how legal or MSBA would advise. Okay. We must fill it andthe process to fill it has to be a formal vote of the board.>> Then can I can I get like can I get correspondence on that from legalbecause I don't think that's accurate. Uh because I know there are otherdistricts that have not filled right >> their positions>> because they can't get a majority to vote yes>> other than and ch and and I don't know if we've got past presidents at ourschool board not filling a vacancy or choosing to delay when to do the vacancy[clears throat] because what like what's the timeline like>> so maybe this is also helpful um so uh Terry Marorrow from MSBA also sent methe time frames if we were if if the resignation had happened at a differenttime. So if you are less than 90 days until the seat is up for election, youdo not need to fill. You can just leave it open until the election and then thatperson who wins the seat takes over. >> Yeah.>> Uh 90 days before the end of the term. >> Yes. Sorry. Yeah. Yes.>> We're in that window of 2 years to 90, right?>> Yes. If it's more than two years left in the term, which is our school districtshad this situation with regionum the school board is required to run a special election.So it's like it's it depends on the time frame by which the the school board hasto do certain things. Does that make sense?>> I agree. Yeah, >> I I I understand that that two uh thattwo year to 90 90day window. Yes. >> Okay. Director um Carbone.>> Yeah. Um Director Cameron, August 3rd roughly, which is about a week awaybrings us within the 90-day period and before>> the election before the election, right, which is>> No, it's of of the term ending which is January whatever January.>> So, it's not to the point of the election because Okay. So, let me saythis a different way. >> Yeah.>> Ultimately, we do have a deadline that's coming and it's November 3rd.>> If if tonight we voted on somebody, we'd need to do a 30-day to the public.So, now we're down to about excuse me, about two two and a half months beforethe election. I mean the window that we have and assuming that we're going tohave a vote or two that's going to be 3 to three 3 to three 3 to three and thenwe go to a 30-day we're really close to November 3rd I think personally. So thatbeing said, would it not behoove us to have a work session and see if we canas a group of six even identify people who might be um uh who might be goodcandidates. And number two, we don't even know if they would be interested incoming back. >> Well,>> yeah. And I should say my goal tonight was not to to identify the person thatwe should vote on or I understand that >> to talk about what process we want,>> right? I'm just making a point, not necessarily like we should pick somebodytonight, right? [clears throat] >> Yeah.>> Yeah. >> Director, I mean I I don't think any ofus really wants to do what we have to do. I that's my read on the table, butthis is like where we have been told what we are supposed to do. Um, soBrian, I think it's fair to get additional information that maybe hasbeen shared or we can share that out. >> Yeah, I can.>> But my sense is or I guess my perspective is we have legal counselfrom MSBA. We have our own personal legal counsel both telling us the samething. Um, so I think to be respectful to our community, we should generallyfollow what the guidance is. I don't think the school boards of pasthave consistently taken the same approach necessarily. And so to me thatdoesn't necessarily mean that we should not follow the guidance. Like at thispoint we have guidance. So, I would say if we we can certainly talkabout it more tonight or talk about it at um future meeting, but it does feellike we have to move forward with something.>> When's our next working session? Is that >> 11?>> August 11. >> Okay.I personally am liking the idea of the fourth or the top vote getter who doesnot currently serve on the board could be brought forward to the next boardmeeting which would be um probably end of November. I don't know my dates offthe top of my head. Whatever the next meeting is after the election>> 10th >> or it could be November 10th. We canmake it a special. >> We could.>> And then if the board agrees to that person, we still have to agree to thatperson, then do the 30 days. So they they couldstart early December. And in the interim, I would beinterested in having a conversation about bringing back a a retired boardmember um because I think that satisfies the state statute, but also then they'dbe here for a very limited amount of time um and could could participate.>> So, Director Anderson, >> did you so did you get the sense didthis get floated at all to legal counsel as an option? the former of what you'retalking about and did they say that would be>> consistent with statute >> former meaning the election agree theelection >> yeah I mean we could appoint anyone atany time um to the board so I think there can be an agreement that theperson who gets that vote or that we could vote on that plan and that can bethe plan >> but then we are sitting with a sixpersonboard for the next which I I want to make it very clear. I'm not I'm playingdevil's advocate here because I feel like that's probably the moststraightforward process. But is that consistent with the statute in terms ofwe must appoint a member because we're a seven person board and otherwise we'regoing to operate for the next uh four month five months with one. But that'swhat I'm saying is that appointing in November, we could havetwo appointments basically appointing the person in November who's the highestvote getter who's not currently sitting on the board and in the interim betweennow and then asking >> Oh, so we're still having a prior boardmember. >> A board member>> that that was what was missing. >> Yep. I'm researching but what but are wegoing to disc could we just discuss this at the next board meeting or the nextworking session or are we need or are there more discussions on this?>> Um yeah we can opt for that. I mean I think it would be helpful to know whatwhat additional information besides having it in in written by our legalcouncil what I just reported. Um if there's other things that people need toknow. I >> Yeah, director.>> I um I I think it you know the the election is a very practical way of ofelevating somebody to the board. You know, it it seems like it's the timingthat that works out well. In the interim, I personally don't have aproblem with how we want to handle this either by an appointment or by anomination process or or what have you. Um the problem that it does have is thatI don't know how I mean even even among past boardmembers um if we're all going to have enough people to agree on a particularperson to bring up to the board. Um I'd like to have that if it's possible but Idon't know if it's plausible. Well, and I think that's we have to try,you know, I think that's where you bring forward ideas and see if people arecomfortable with that or not. Yeah. Director Swanson.>> Um, I don't think we can do an interim and then a second one from the electionbecause you'd be, you know, appointing somebody and then saying, "Hey, butguess what? Your appointment's only going to last until, you know, December7th and then appointing a second person." So, I think it has to be one orthe other. Yeah, I can ask that question and ask our both Terry and our legal toanswer because if that's the case, then we can't do our November election plan.>> We could. >> Not at the moment. We couldn't.>> Why? Why not? >> Becausebecause state statute says we have to fill this position>> if it's more than 90 days [clears throat] before January, whateverthe day in January. >> Correct. But you'd be filling theposition with the highest vote getter who's not currently on the board.>> But not now. But it doesn't say you have to do it now.>> That's what we were just talking about. It does say, but it says we must fillit. >> Yeah. When we'd be filling it, right?>> Eventually, we would be. >> Yeah. Can Can we adopt the idea of itwith an unnamed placeholder? I mean, it's basically whoever wins that nonboard non boardseated person who ends up with the highest votes. And we phrasethat and then have if if there's a petition period, have the public comeforward in that 30 days and just the uh petition whether or not the plan issound or not. >> Um rather than>> it's about a specific candidate. >> Yeah. It's about a specific name.>> Okay. >> Yeah. Not not petition about theprocess. Yeah. Dr. Swanson, >> I mean, can we use that as the fall backand then just not waste as much time on because I mean, like you said, there areschool districts that waste tons of meetings on this and never cometo a consensus or get four out of the six people to vote on somebody. So, I'dhate to be here until 2 in the morning like some districts and uh still not geta candidate. >> Dr. Anderson,>> what if we because I feel like the messaging we're receiving from legalcounsel is we need to be making reasonable efforts toward fulfilling thevacancy. So, what I really don't want to do is two things. One, like you'resaying, have a very drawn out process and nominations and interviews and thatjust takes away from the work that we should be doing. And I also don't wantto be really discussing why or why not people want certain pastboard members to be on this board. So one idea as a we're continuing to showgood faith effort is to bring one person forth every time we meet and we justvote on that person. Yes or no. We don't talk about it.We just felt >> I don't like that.>> I um >> I mean>> that Well, I totally get your I I understandyour point of view and why you would want to do that, but every board memberhere has their obligation and their and their right and it it's like they shouldhave a voice on who they want. Yes, there's six board members and and I wantto be super candid like that seventh board member may weigh in on a weigh inon significant conversations or topics that we might have between now and endof December. And so I by not being able to have a voice around around if if Ilike or don't like or whatever on a candidate, I'm not aligned on that. Sojust voting yes or no just like we need to be able to share a point of view inmy in my opinion as part of uh as part of the the process.>> So you want to spend time digesting for everyone why a past board member wouldbe a good addition or not. >> We talk about $230 million budgets. Wetalk about positions. We talk about curriculum. We're talking about aseventh member to be a representative of our community. Why wouldn't we want totalk about them? >> I think we could like not necessarilylike if we were to consider a board member, they could submit something tothe board about why they would think they would be a good candidate.But just based on behavior I've seen at this table withpast board members, I don't necessarily know that I want to engage in that kindof process, especially when we think about what our role as a board member isin terms of talking about previous boards. There's policy on that. So Iwant to be really careful about and I don't know that that would be possible.I think why I think why MSBA suggested that some boards choose to bring backprevious board members is because the community at one point at least hadelected that person into this role. So it gives it more validity than just arandom person who's you know the community's never um vetted. So I thinkthat's the reason why they suggested that is that Lakeville has voted forthese people before. >> That's right.>> Yeah. Brian. Yeah. >> And again we don't have to go with aprevious board member. No. And and and I don't know. I mean, it sounds like somefolks might be aligned in in a previous board member. Uh we don't even know ifthese previous board members may are may are may even be available or not. Andso, uh there's no voting going on right now or are we deciding to make adecision or are we going to have conversations aroundhow we want to do this process now? Or are we going to discuss it at a workingsession? Are we going to how how are we going to formalize whatever what whatwe're doing or are we just having this dialogue now?>> My hope is we we would get to a vote on process tonight, but it doesn't soundlike people are able to do that tonight so we can gather more information andbring it to a work session. I can find out specifically aboutum appointing the the top vote getter who's not currentlyserving if how that would work in terms of the state statute and timeline andand have both MSB and our legal council write an opinion on that um to be sharedat our next work session and then the board can continue talking about processat that point. >> Yeah. But I I think I'm I'm too light,Carly. I think I think within reason I would like tofocus on the work rather than the vacancy. And we could spend as much timeas you want talking about the vacancy. Umuh and so if we can make progress, I think that would be helpful. But>> and I don't see it as a listed as a recommended action for today in anyapproval of that. So we can discuss it at the next session.>> Yeah. Okay. Okay. And then and I'll do some more research cuz again candidlyI'm interpreting the language differently but if iflegal says this is how they would interpret it then so be it.>> Right. So >> um Carly asked a question. Do we have tovote on the process? No, it's not required. We can just come to consensus.However, I think I personally would feel better if we voted just so that it wasclear where the majority of the board would like to go in terms of filling thevacancy so that there's no gray later. Um,>> I think it's just clear then. >> We've talked about whether or not we canhave votes at work sessions, which >> we don't have to vote on the next worksession necessarily. >> Yeah. that just but then what this isdoing is kicking a can a month down the road which perhaps everyone is perfectlyfine with given the conversation tonight but that is what would be happening. UmI mean an alternative is we at least make it very clear what umyeah different perspectives are but >> you want me just nominate BrentNicholson I mean he was just on the board seven months ago>> and we just be done. He was not elected previously,>> but he was a board member. >> He was appointed. They've advisedelected by the community. >> So, we're going to>> I don't think we're at the point of throwing names out. I think other boardmembers have clearly said they don't want to do that tonight.>> So, I mean, if you want to start doing that, we can and have votes, but II'm hearing that people want more time to digest to bring it to a work session.>> Yeah. Director Swanson. >> That means that we're at some pointwe're going to get to the point where we're throwing names out and probablyvoting if you want to do it that way. Um yeah, I'm guessing we're not going to doan application process. I don't think anybody's interested in that. Um or aninterview process. >> Well, I think that's important though totalk about like I think some of us might know that our feelings on that. I don'tI don't know as a whole board our thoughts on that. And so I think that isthe first decision is do we want to have an application process where people canapply and there's a you know there's a res or um a form they fill out and Ihave a sample form that MSBA sent or do we want to do a nomination process andour board has done both. They've done when Brett when Brett Nicholson came itwas a nomination when um Robin Richards came it was an application process andwhen Tony Reenburgger came it was an election. um that's not an option for usright now, right? But there's been all of these methods to fill vacancies. Umyeah, so I'm interested in hearing from the board how they want to handle thatfirst before we get to names, I guess, cuz if they want if if the board wantsto do an application process, then there's no point in discussing names.>> So, does anyone want to do an application process? Yeah. Well,>> would No, I I have a comment. I'm not I'm not raising my hand to do anapplication process, but >> did we not just go in an applicationprocess which ended 5:00 today to find people who actually want to run for afour-year term. And I think I think it hit the wall at 8. Correct me if I'mwrong. I haven't looked at it like it I didn't look at it at 5:00.So I I think it would be very difficult totroll the community again and see if there are people who would want to putan application in for 3 months or whatever it is. Um when when I think weprobably got as many people stepping forward as possible the eight for afour-year term. I mean that just seems like a very low probability to me.You mean low low probability somebody would put their name in?>> Yeah. For for two, three months or whatever it is.>> Well, I mean I mean to play de I'm not in favor of an application processmyself, but to play devil's advocate, I do know people for both city council andfor school board who did apply through a nominate or through an applicationprocess because they didn't want to campaign. They don't want to be part ofthat, but they they felt called to step upthrough an application process. So there's multiple people I know who havedone that, but they would never run for office. So, right. But, but I think it'sit's the time span, >> right? And I'm not defending the same. Idon't know if it's always it's the same crop of people who would apply fordifferent processes. Yeah. >> Director Swanson,>> is is your preference to go prior board member?>> My personal preference is I'm interested incan we appoint the person who's the the top vote getter. Also, I'm interested inlike can there be a dual thing here? I'm not sure. we and maybe that's somethingfor sure to find out before the next conversation.Um, and the only reason I think that isbecause I think they don't need to be onboarded. And I think I mean I'm hopingwe could maybe agree on one person who served previously. Um, I think there'smany we probably won't agree on, but I I don't know. Yeah.>> So, okay. We will I will find um I'll get the legal opinion in writing for youor for the whole board but especially for director Thompson. I'll find outabout this highest vote getter option and how that would work both if thatbecame our sole option and how the timeline then works um fromnow until then and alsoif we're and then are there other options related to that. So, if we couldfill the vacancy earlier and then switch to that person at the time after theelection or if we or if we're unable to do that.>> Okay. Director Thompson. >> Yeah. I would like to maybe go back andand look at when was um uh the previous appointment done, just the the the daysbecause I believe we had a vacancy sometime in August andthen we had a an extended period of time untilthe actual election, I believe, right? Because I think uh former umit early August or something like that. And so I'm just trying to think throughthe dates and the because early August through August, September, October, wethe previous board, you and I, we waited 90 days for that vacancy to be filledbecause we elected not elected. We we wanted to wait untilthe vote getter position, the fourth vote getter, right?>> Yeah. And I believe in that situation, the person who vacated vacated withinthe 90. So within 90 days, you'd have to vote. You'd have to stop your you'd haveto October 1st, October, November, December. So if she resigned, I believeearly August, we as a board waited all of August,October, no, September, October, and then November. So we waited more than 90days and decided, hey, we're going to go with the fourth vote getter. And thenBrett Nicholson, I believe. When did he start early December? Did we wait 30days for him? I would assume so. Okay. So, so now there's I'm not sayingthere's precedence, but the previous not the previous we were on the board. Wewaited 90 days. >> Well, I think we have to be careful. Idon't think precedence. There's state statute, then there's precedence. So,maybe the I don't want to say your board didn't follow state statute, but it'spossible. So I think we should just make sure that you know we are complying withlaw. Um I think we did that and now we have veryclear guidance from two sources that I don't think we should ignore.>> Well, did we get in trouble for doing what we did?>> I'm not saying we're going to get in trouble. I'm saying we are reporting outwhat has been shared with us by two s two legal council sources.>> I'll also find out the the answer to the question. What happens if we don't rightlike turn into a >> Yeah. Hopefully not turn into a>> Yeah. It's so I want I want to acknowledge>> I'm not trying to I'm not trying to not fill the vacancy but I just want tounderstand what are our options and what pathways can we go>> and we can discuss it more at the next working session then we've got anotherboard meeting we can vote on the process or on the individuals whatever it may beum and whether it be the application process or a former board memberI mean we we also have to agree that there mayAnd I don't know, I mean, we still have six more months or five more months ofthis particular calendar year. And and again, a seventh board member, let's becandid, may sway a decision. And so, I want to make sure that we are uh alignedon the individual that we select uh and whoever it may be, because there's goingto be important decisions that still need to be made. We've got a what $11million levy, operating levy. Is it 11? We have an $11 million operating levythat we as a board can decide on to vote to approve just through a voice votebetween now and November if that's if that's the timeline, right? I think andso like we have to vote on it this year. Am I mistaken?>> Um I'm looking at the date. >> Well, maybe that's next year.>> I think it's next year. >> The next year. Okay.>> I think this year we're kind of >> I don't think we have to>> we don't have anything this year. >> I'm trying not to.>> Okay. Yeah. Well, I think you're I think you're right because we probably shouldhave we might have had needed to do it in in June or July.>> And I think where I'm coming from, Brian, is that [clears throat]I don't to director Swanson's point, I don't want to spend unnecessary timefilling the vacancy. I think we should be thorough and and and comprehensive,of course. >> Yeah. And I want to I I would love towork towards a solution that we can all get behind and support. Yeah.>> So that's my goal. I'm not coming in here with any agenda. I'm coming in myagenda is to create a plan that all of us feel good about and hopefullyidentify someone that we all can feel good about.>> Um that's that's my goal. Yeah. Director Swanson.>> Yeah. I was just going to say it seems like our legal council is saying thisthis is the best practice, right? I mean the statute we can all look at it youknow 123b.09 09 subdivision 5 does not specify, hey, this is how you have to doit. You know, the appointment must be made at a regular or special meeting,but it doesn't say you have to do it in this time frame using this mechanism.So, Brian, to your point, I think we can do what we want, right? And if you don'tdo anything, are you in violation of the statute? Yeah. And that's where it'slike you should try, but uh what that looks like and how long it takes, youknow, is up to the six of us. And so I'm I'm on board with whatever'sefficient. If we can't come to an agreement, I think the election idea isa good way to just break that and then we don't have to worry about a split andthen we can get on with our normal business and get more done than arguingabout whether or not we want to see this person or that person.>> Okay. Anything else for tonight on this topic?>> Okay. Um just one item knowing that um we're going to be discussing this alittle bit further at the coming work session.>> Um >> it might be helpful um for people toprepare and circulate some names, maybe even contact some of these people to seeif they are interested in doing so if they're appointed.um just so that when we discuss this at the next work session, we know who's in,who's not, and can talk a little bit more in depth abouthow we're going to proceed. >> Sure. I mean, I think individual boardmembers can have conversations about this, but not as a, as you know, not asa and I'm saying this more for the community, not as a collective. Um, wecannot have those conversations. But you see what I'm saying is maybe you knowcirculate names to you of people that might fit that role.>> Yeah. Or individually you could >> think about this and bring ideas forwardif you haven't I mean we've talked about some options probably not all optionstonight obviously. So if something percolates between now and thenum bring that to the work session for sure.>> Okay. Good. >> Mhm.>> Okay. All right. Um moving on to 6A. We dohowever need to elect a new schoolboard clerk um because the resignation leftthat vacant too. So with that um is there anyone is there any nominationsself-nomination or otherwise uh for the position of clerk? Yeah, directorSwanson. >> I nominate Paul Carbone.>> All right. >> Oh me>> I seconded by director Thompson are and I have to do I have to do this processright. Are there any [clears throat] other nominations for clerk?Are there any other nominations for clerk? All right, hearing none. Uh,Director Kone, you are elected by acclamation to clerk.>> Thank you. >> I have some work for you after themeeting. >> Would you like this? [laughter] >> You're going to need that.>> And you're going to need to sign a bunch of stuff. So, don't do not take off theold country. >> But I'm not I haven't signed it. Okay.>> Make sure he he knows you got to sign this>> this evening. >> Yeah. You can't leave.>> Can I just sign? You do have a job. Actually, you do have to.>> All right. Um, we'll move to 6B. Um, approval of the Lassa contract. Um,Director Alrech, I assume you're coming forward.>> Thanks. And can you again say what Lassa standsfor? >> Uh,Lakeville. Lakeville Association of SchoolAdministrators. >> Okay. Thank you. [laughter] So, thoseare principal. >> Principal, assistant principles. Yes.Okay. Yes. Uh so you have before you this evening a tenative agreementreached with LASA which is our school administrators. Um the agreementincludes a 2.5% increase to salaries year one of the contract and a 2 and 1/2increase to salaries year two of the contract. Uh language also included isan increase in longevity uh an increase to higher ed stipens and HAcontributions. Um, this is a package that falls within board parameters andis recommended for approval by administration.>> All right. Is there a motion to approve the contract as presented?>> So moved. >> Uh, first by Rekenberger. Is there asecond? >> A second.>> Second by Anderson. All right. Questions or discussion?>> Uh, Dr. Thompson. Go ahead. Go ahead. >> Oh. Um, I didn't see a copy of theactual contract in our board book. Um, I was just wondering if you couldhighlight I mean the the description that was providedI mean are those the only changes of consequence in the agreement?>> Um, I'm not sure that contracts are typically attached in the board minutes.Um, but I can go through what I have in the tenative agreement if you wouldlike. >> That'd be great.>> Yeah, that'd be helpful. Um the let's see for longevity the continuous yearsuh of service longevity that is increasing from $2,000 to 2500and at 16 years from $4,000 to 4500 and then there was an added step at year21 of 6,500. Um>> sorry what was that? 6,500 um for the let's see the highereducation degree stipens um for the 2627 school year that is in also increasing5500 so from 5,000 to 5,500and from 2500 to 3,000. Um, and then a I'm sorry. [clears throat]>> Can you explain what the higher ed stipend is?>> It is that the higher ed stipend that's for like a a it's a separate degreehigher degree. >> So if they have like a PhD or ed>> a doctor in education rather than a principal license,>> right? It's like when the teachers move across uh the salary schedule, thiswould be the equivalent for administrators>> cuz they're required to have a principal license but then not required to have a>> some of them get a superintendent's license or superintendent license. Yeah.>> Yeah. >> Okay.>> Yeah. Does that make sense? >> Yeah.>> Okay. Um and then another um $500 increase for 2728. Um, and then the early retirementincrease that is currently at 13,500. That is increasing by $500 to 14,000with a a max cap contribution of 140. And then the second year of thecontract, it goes up uh by another 500. And the total package is 8.23%. Total package is 8.2.>> Yeah. >> Okay. Georgia Thompson.>> Yeah. Uh as I read the agenda and so thank you for that. Um the 8 point is it8.23 8 something like that. So at the beginning of all uh negotiations theboard generally sets uh core key parameters uh financially or percentagewise and each union kind of works within that percentage. And so the Lassacontract, it falls within the percentage that everyone else is in. Is thataccurate? Or >> when I when I settle these contracts,unless there is a necessary need for a market adjustment, I try to get everycontract settles as settled as closely as possible. I'll never be able to getthem all settled at exactly the same package amount. Um, but I try to getthem as close as possible. >> Okay.And this is like within the range. Okay. So very close>> from the teachers contract >> from the teachers contract to everyoneelse's everyone else's contract. Got it. Got it. Y>> Director Thompson. >> Uh so so not not not on the contractspecifically, but I do think that as a board uh we may want to try to uh we maywant to review kind of our process and how we do contracts in the future. Umwhile having them come at a board meeting and and and approving it, uh Ithink there may be value in having uh higher frequency in cadence and and unin hearing the progress and the status and and having well unfortunately moremeetings uh but to hear kind of where things are at beyond just Lassa with uhyou know LEAF and and all the others as well. And so, um, I'm I'm I am good withthis contract, but I think operationally it's something for us to look into.That's all. >> I think I've heard that from a few boardmembers now. And so, um, definitely discuss that going forward. I know. Arethere upcoming contracts that we haven't not settled or>> we have uh so the the Lassa contract and the custodial contract, they are on anoff-year schedule. So, their contract is 26 to 28. Y>> um the only one we have left are custodians. Okay.>> Um, and just for context, uh, we met with Lassa two meetings>> total of maybe 2 and 1/2 hours combined um, to get this settled and LEAF wasgosh, I think we met, yeah, three times to to get the contract settled.>> Okay. I think I've heard from some board members that it' be helpful to just umhear maybe a report and it could be in Friday notes, but maybe also have moreclosed sessions about what contracts are coming up and here a reminder here theparameters that we're working within and um and kind of updates on on how it'sgoing. So, I think that that works. Yeah. Director Swanson. Yeah, I I'd loveto see the the contract with the draft or proposed amendments to um similar towhat we did with the teachers union contract. So, just so we can track withit and see what the offers are and the counter offers have been.>> Yep. Yeah. Once we get that updated, we can get that sent out to you.>> And then this might be a question for Bill just for context. You know, what isthe total what is the percentage of the loss of contract that it percentage ofour annual budget roughly? the the total the total contract lastedright around 7 million. >> Okay, >> Dr. Anderson. Yeah, the only I mean I'mI'm all for all all the information us being informed, but I also think likehow like you're saying, how much of that can maybe come through um thesuperintendent updates as opposed to like separate meetings just because itdoes seem like the teachers union contract is the one that gets done firstand like we have to operating these parameters and then that kind of setsthe stage for the rest of the negotiations. It feels like Yeah. asyour uh executive director, I I wouldn't want to see something that wouldpotentially slow the process down, right? Especially for LEAF and Lassa. Imean, we we did this so quickly. I would hate to have to put that off to be ableto schedule a session to update the board on on what is happening when we'rewe know we're going to get it settled really quickly. Um but that's just myopinion. That's if we can get it through another means that might make that mightsatisfy all parties in terms of like we have the information>> and also we're not dragging the process slowing it down.>> Yeah, >> Dr. Thompson Wson. [clears throat]>> Yeah, I think you're right. U but the board did give a financial percentageparameters how and what gets done between the union and the agreement.It's really in my mind like what this is what we have. Here's what how this ishow we're sharing it with all the other unions as well. Uh but if I heardcorrectly, $7 million is total. So 3% of our $230 million budget is allocatedtowards this union contract. Okay. >> Superintendent, I>> I would just say uh I acknowledge your request for maybe u more cadence inreporting. I will make sure you have that. Great. Thank you.>> All right. Any other questions or comments? All right. [clears throat]There's a first and a second. All in favor of approving the Lassa contract,um, say I. >> Indulge me. I think, uh, it's good totalk about our kids and what they're doing, our staff, and what they'redoing. So, I'll start with the, uh, Cougars. Uh, they took second place um,in the 2026 Clay Target state tournament. So, congratulations toLakeville South uh clay target team and some uh interesting news there. Standoutteam performances include class of 2026 graduate Drake [clears throat] Fritz whoshot a perfect score of 100. >> And then class of 2026 graduate MitchellKelie and incoming senior Connor Buchanan who both shot 98.and incoming seniors Ruby Folkstead and Dylan Hutchinson who each shot 95. Uh inindividual competition, Folkstead placed seventh in the women's division, makingher second consecutive year on the podium. And uh she was also named to thefemale division allstate team. So congratulationsto our uh performers there on the Clay Target state tournament. [applause]Lakeville South alumni shine at the 2026 USA Games. Lakeville Area Schools isproud to celebrate two Lakeville South alumni who excelled at the 2026USA Special Olympics Games held here in Minnesota from June 20th to the 26th.The USA Games brought together more than 2,800 athletes from across the country.So, Brandon Gangal, uh, class of 2008, brought home two gold medals in team anddoubles. Botchi, I I actually could pronounce that word.>> Botchi ball. >> Yeah, botchi ball. As well as a bronzemedal in singles. And then Kaden Rosth, class of 2024, earned a bronze medal insingles tennis and a fourth place finish in doubles. So, congratulations toBrandon and Kaden on an incredible national performance. And then just a little plug here. Uh youknow, annually as we get ready to go back to school, um we have our Ready,Set, Achieve. And I want to highlight an important upcoming event that will occuron Thursday, August 20th from noon to 4:00 p.m. where we will be hosting our13th annual Ready, Set, Achieve at the Lakeville North High School uh location.And this event provides free school supplies, immunizations, and othercommunity resources for students enrolled here in Lakeville area schools.So, we value our community partnerships uh to make this event a success. You cansupport Lakeville students by donating funds, new school supplies, orvolunteering your time. We ask you to visit our website atisd194.orga, which stands for ready, set, achieve, tolearn more about how to get uh involved. and we uh appreciate any and all helpthat we can get for that wonderful event for our students. That madam chair is myreport. >> Great. Thank you, Superintendent Bowman.All right, with that um I think we're at the end of our agenda. Is there a motionto adjurnn? >> So moved.>> Moved by Rekenburgger. Is there a second?>> I'll second. >> Second by Thompson. Uh all in favor? I.>> Any opposed? We are adjourned. Thanks everybody.