Osseo Area Schools — Transcript
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Elementary Magnet School Renovations (Building a Better Future)
Superintendent's Report: Summer Operations and Points of Pride
Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth (BBY) Update
Superintendent's Annual Evaluation
First Reading of Policies and Procedures
Votes (6)
Approval of Consent Agenda
Moved by Director Foster [~6:57 p.m.] · Seconded by Director Dawson [~6:57 p.m.]
The Consent Agenda included meeting minutes, financial reports, grants, personnel items, a bid award for Birch Grove Elementary, and various contracts for buildings and district services. No board members requested any items be removed for separate consideration.
Approval Granting Abatement
Moved by Director Brooks [~6:59 p.m.] · Seconded by Director Foster [~6:59 p.m.]
John Morstead presented the district's recommendation to grant an abatement for parking lot improvement projects, following a public abatement hearing held the previous week. This action allows the district to proceed with necessary financing steps.
Resolution relating to proposed property tax abatement for parking lot improvement projects granting the abatement and authorizing the issuance and sale of general obligation tax abatement bonds
Moved by Director Tate [~7:07 p.m.] · Seconded by Director Brooks [~7:07 p.m.]
Shelby McQuay from Ellers Incorporated presented the resolution, explaining it as the final step in issuing the third tranche of voter-approved 'Building a Better Future' authority, combined with $15 million in abatement authority. The total issuance of approximately $77 million (63.225M school building bonds + 14.075M abatement bonds) over 20 years for school bonds and 10 years for abatement bonds, is designed to ensure no tax increase for taxpayers, keeping the commitment of $7/month for a $300,000 home. Director Foster provided context on the need for the abatement due to unforeseen conditions at the Crestview Elementary site, highlighting the finance team's creative and responsible approach.
Approval of Agreement on the Terms and Conditions of Employment (Directors)
Moved by Director Mitchell [~7:10 p.m.] · Seconded by Director Brooks [~7:10 p.m.]
Yavon Schwarz Lind presented the agreement for directors and assistant directors, which was jointly negotiated with confidential managers. Key terms include a 2% wage increase in both years of the two-year contract, increased annual retirement contributions, and compliance updates for Minnesota paid leave and sick/safe time. The total compensation package for both contracts amounts to 4.72% over the two-year term, totaling $331,512.
Approval of Agreement on the Terms and Conditions of Employment (Confidential Management Personnel)
Moved by Director Foster [~7:11 p.m.] · Seconded by Director Dawson [~7:11 p.m.]
Yavon Schwarz Lind presented this agreement, noting that its terms are identical to the Directors' contract as they were jointly negotiated. The contract includes a 2% wage increase in both years, increased annual retirement contributions, and updates for Minnesota paid leave and sick/safe time. The total compensation package for both units is $331,512 over two years. Board Chair Prince expressed appreciation for all personnel and the successful agreement, acknowledging every role's importance to district success.
Approval of Gifts to the District
Moved by Director Tate [~7:12 p.m.] · Seconded by Director Foster [~7:12 p.m.]
The board considered and approved a total of $858,277.50 in gifts to the district. Board Chair Prince thanked all community members, teachers, and staff for their support, emphasizing that contributions come from across the 'whole village' and are itemized in the public packet.
Notable Quotes (7)
at this point what we're really requesting the board is um the district would recommend that you grant the abatement
the final step as part of this building a better future um is to issue the third um trunch of the authority that was granted to you by the voters. We've also included for some efficiency sake the portion the 15 million um of abatement authority that you just um took a motion on uh as well. And so that um together is approximately a $77 million issue.
when Crest View was initially looked at to be renovated, you when you renovate an old building, you find a lot of crazy stuff. Um and so we found existing conditions were not favorable to um renovate. So having a new building on the site is going to be such a big positive for our district and that location will be amazing for the early childhood.
And to our taxpayers, I think the big thing is when you say it's flat, like we're not increasing taxes. Um and that's a big thing. As a taxpayer, I want to hear that. Um and I know a lot of people want to make sure that we are being responsible with their money and I think this is such a responsible move.
from a compensation standpoint the uh wage enhancement increases are 2% and 2% in to the base salary and years one year one and year two of the contracts. Um the retirement contributions were increased annually.
every single role as mentioned earlier in this district plays an important part to our success at every level. So um I'm glad we were able to come to um an agreement.
thank you to everybody who supports our district. Um this there's this is itemized in our packet that's available to the public. It includes everything at every level, every incind donation. Um, so we really appreciate all of the extra support by our community and our teachers and our staff.
Ordinances & Resolutions (27)
Community-supported initiative funding school construction and renovation projects.
Federally funded program providing free lunches to youth.
Funding obtained with the City of Brooklyn Park for sidewalk additions.
Intervention-based tiered framework for supporting student well-being, recognized by MDE.
Information shared with board members about BBY's activities and programming.
Formal resolution to grant a property tax abatement and authorize bond issuance for district projects.
Bonds authorized to fund property tax abatement portion of district projects.
Agreement on terms and conditions of employment for district directors and assistant directors.
Agreement on terms and conditions of employment for confidential managers.
Statutory requirement reflected in updated employee contracts.
Statutory requirement reflected in updated employee contracts.
Policy clarifying that hiring decisions are not based on race, but recruitment and support are provided for equity.
Policy updated to include retaliation, consistent protected categories, and address off-campus conduct, with clarified definitions and communication protocols.
Procedure detailing the process for addressing discrimination, harassment, and violence, including updates on definitions, communication, and reporting.
Procedure specific to Title IX non-discrimination grievances, with minor updates to roles and language.
Policy restructured to focus on statutory framework, with detailed rules moved to the procedure, particularly regarding habitually truant open-enrolled students.
Procedure detailing definitions of excused/unexcused absences and tardies, following statutory guidelines.
Policy with minor updates, including removing 'convenience funds of staff members' and adding approval requirements for district logo use.
Policy changing approval authority for school-sponsored fundraising from school board to superintendent/designate, and limiting door-to-door activities.
Policy updated to address equity in staff travel expenses for district-run multi-school field trips.
Procedure outlining a clearer approval process for extended field trips, involving principals, school nurses, procurement, and assistant superintendents.
Policy noted as being in good shape and closely following statute with no major updates needed.
Policy significantly updated to focus solely on open enrollment, removing confusion with inter-district transfers.
Procedure detailing the process for open enrollment, including when a district may limit open enrollment.
New statutory requirement for a cardiac emergency response plan, including AED management, training, and site teams.
A plan to be developed and implemented as part of the cardiac emergency response plan.
Insurance available for purchase through operations department, mentioned in Policy 510 procedure.