Kasson Mantorville Public Schools — Transcript
Monday, May 18, 2026
Student Achievements and Recognition
School Board Operations and Strategic Initiatives
Grants, Donations, and Membership Approvals
Personnel Actions
Votes (7)
Student Commendations and Awards
Multiple students and teams were recognized for outstanding achievements. Weston was honored for reading 1,000 books in early childhood. Zachary B won the 2026 Cassim Matterville Middle School Geography Bee. High School students Ruby Sutton, Kayen Lee, Shyler Sullivan, and Grady Babcock received Student of the Month awards. The Cass and Vanderbell boys wrestling team earned the Minnesota Wrestling Coach Association's Academic Gold Award and had state qualifiers/place winners. The girls wrestling program celebrated historical growth and individual achievement, with Elelliana Odano Hugh placing third at state. The Cass Meal High School speech team achieved record numbers at sections and state, participated in the National Individual Events Tournament of Champions (NITA), and had Academic All-Americans and All-State Speech Team members.
Student School Board Representative Report
The student representatives provided a comprehensive report on spring sports performance, upcoming events for the drum department, and activities of various school clubs (SAP, Minnesota Honor Society, CCLA, Environmental Club, FFA). They also detailed senior class events, band and choir concerts, and reflected on their positive experience serving on the board. Board members commended their professionalism and thoroughness.
Superintendent's Communications and Initiatives
The Superintendent reported on her new roles with the Cassin Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the Minnesota FCLA committee, emphasizing the importance of community integration. She announced a new financial transparency report for board members to provide quick access to expenditures and revenues. A visit from Assistant Commissioner Burnham was highlighted as a significant honor, showcasing the district's CTE and infant/child care programs, with the Commissioner highly impressed by the initiatives.
Administrator Leadership Reports and Discussion
Administrators updated on elementary field trips, a new ethnic studies course focusing on Dakota and Anishinaabe history (funded by an MDE grant), and growing interest in Special Olympics bowling. They reflected on challenges faced during the year, including student behaviors, digital access requirements, maintaining engagement, and adapting to new roles. Looking ahead, they discussed curriculum reviews and maintaining positive culture. A significant discussion occurred regarding the evolution of the student wellness committee, now shifting to community education, emphasizing social-emotional learning, mental health, and using student wellness surveys to measure program effectiveness.
Approval of Resolution for Acceptance of Gifts and Grants
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp] · Seconded by Ryan [Timestamp]
The resolution detailed various grants from the State of Minnesota (Great Start grants for child care) and donations from community sources including Nicole Kjack (clothing), Jody Olson (shoes), Presbyterian Church (frozen meals), Box Tops for Education ($49.10 to KMES), and KMESPTA ($6,242 to KMES for field trips and experiences).
Approval of Resolution Placing Continuing Contract on Unrequested Absence
Moved by Mr. Mesa [Timestamp] · Seconded by Board Member [Timestamp]
A board member clarified that this was the second of two legally required resolutions for this personnel action, with the first being a proposal and this one being the formal placement on unrequested absence.
Approval of MHSL Resolution for Membership
Moved by Mr. Gary [Timestamp] · Seconded by Board Member [Timestamp]
Standard annual approval of the school's membership in the Minnesota State High School League.
Notable Quotes (13)
This achievement reflects the dedication of our youngest comets and their parents and caregivers that have made it a priority to read every single day.
One of the really cool awards we got this year was the Minnesota Wrestling Coach Association's academic gold award. Um, the team had a average GPA of 3.516, which puts us in the gold tier.
We went from five girls to 12 girls and um hopefully we'll just keep adding. That's that's our goal.
It takes a village. And so, we are very grateful for all that you guys do for us.
I really liked it. I liked being involved in hearing what we do at school and throughout our community and what everyone was supporting with That was really good today.
Thanks so much for asking that, Denise, because that makes this way more impressive that you go out and search for all this information and collect it and bring it back.
I need to be a part and be at that that table... I think that makes you better board members being able to do that.
I think that it is wildly impressive how integrated you have become into the community so quickly and how you continue to prioritize that.
So, uh one of the new statutes we get to go ahead with for next year is an ethnic studies course at the high school level and our social department has just been brilliant with at how do we incorporate some of our other standards that focus on our Native American history in the area into that course.
I would say my biggest challenge here at elementary was being new role and having a brand new partner with Sarah both being in brand new positions trying to learn things as we go.
We use that a measure measurement of really how effective we are within our programming. Do students, you know, do they feel safe at school? Do they have a trusted adult? Those are things that are important to us.
Sounds like we have to do it twice just in case anyone had the same question I did. statute.
The first resolution is proposing the placement and this resolution is actually placing her on.
Ordinances & Resolutions (5)
Formal acceptance of grants and donations for various school programs and resources.
Annual approval of school district's membership in the Minnesota State High School League.
Formal action to place a contracted employee on unrequested absence, following statutory requirements.
State of Minnesota grants awarded for child care programs (PK and PB).
Grant from MDE to support the development and implementation of an ethnic studies course focused on Dakota and Anishinaabe people.