Mhm. >> All right, good evening. The regular meeting of the Independent School District 279 School Board is called to order at 6:00 p.m. on June 23rd, 2026. This regular business meeting of the Osseo School Board is being conducted in the boardroom of the Educational Service Center. The meeting can be monitored electronically by streaming online from the district website. An archived recording of tonight's meeting will also be available on the district website. Seated in front of you this evening from my left and your right are Director Kelsey Dawson, myself, acting chair Thomas Brooks, Director Keith Tate, Director Sarah Mitchell, Director Foster and Chair Prince are participating remotely. Director Foster, please confirm your attendance. Director Foster. And then, Chair Prince, can you confirm your attendance? We heard them a bit ago. >> Oh, really? >> Yeah. >> Erica said they can't hear. They're muted. Hi Thomas, can you hear me? >> Yes. >> Okay, sorry. This is Erica. Sorry, it's hard to hear the audio coming from the board room there. Um this is Erica Foster, board member. >> Welcome. And then, Chair Prince, can you confirm attendance as well? Uh Tonya, you might be muted. >> She just texted us that she can't hear. >> Pardon me? >> Tonya just texted she said she can't hear. >> I'm muted on there. Sorry. You're muted on their end. >> I'm going to put you on a speaker, okay? Did you say it again here? Okay. Okay, say it again. >> Teddy Prince, board member. >> Thank you. >> Welcome. >> South Solutions >> [laughter] >> And then, also clearly present in the board room is Superintendent Dr. Kane. >> [laughter] >> As well as members of the Superintendent's cabinet. Uh those of you who can, please stand and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. Director Tate, will you please lead the pledge? >> I >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> All right. Uh board members, are there any additions to the agenda? Is there a motion to accept the agenda as presented? >> So moved. >> Uh moved by uh Director Mitchell. Um do we have a second? >> Second. >> And then, seconded by Director Tate. Um Is there any discussion? And then, a roll call vote will need to be taken. Sherri, can you conduct the roll call vote? >> Director Dawson? >> I. >> Director Brooks? >> I. >> Director Prince? >> I. >> Director Foster? >> I. >> Director Tate? >> I. >> Director Mitchell? >> I. >> All right. Motion passes 6-0. Our next standing agenda item is recognitions. Um then this evening we'll be recognizing Osceola Senior High School's first place finishers at the 2026 state track and field uh competition. Uh board members and Dr. Heil will be stepping down from the dais to offer congratulations. After the recognition, we'd like to get a group photo. For the recognitions, uh coach Ronquist, um if you'll please get ready at the podium and once we're all set in front of the dais, could you please introduce yourself and share the accomplishments of members of the Osseo Senior High School Girls Track Team. >> [snorts] >> All right. Let's see. Well, good evening, uh cabinet Oh. >> [laughter] >> Protocols. Showtime. All righty. So, yes, I'm coach Ronquist, one of the head coaches uh for Osseo Track and Field. I'm teamed up with uh coach Andy Claire's as well this as the other head coach and we are honored to be here tonight. Uh thank you, cabinet, Dr. Heil, and and the school board for this opportunity to to recognize uh some of the ladies from our our track team. And so, before we get to the recognitions, I've got one of the girls coming in on Uber in the next couple of minutes, so I I'm not I'm not doing story time, but I did want to give a couple other recognitions out here. But, for you uh as a school district, just uh much thanks for for the opportunity you're giving our kids in the athletic fields. And uh I can speak on behalf of Maple Grove Track and Field, Park Center Track and Field, and Osseo Track and Field in which this spring was one very special season for for this district. And um and the collaboration between our three high schools is is something very special. Yes, we're rivals, but uh it is something we get to see in and out as coaches, as as spectators, um as athletes, um just all around, we are here for the kids. And um we're just uh it's very very humbling, but we just thank you for as as a school district, as a as the board for going ahead and and providing these in the cabinets, and Dr. Hile for providing these uh students the opportunity to be athletes as well. And so, um I've got um for this year for for Austin track and field, it was a special year. Uh we saw nine school records uh get broken, and there's 36 total school records. It was just a uh one that we we were just uh very humbled by. You don't see those things coming together, but boom, it happened. And um also, it's just um I did want to go ahead and uh with with uh this uh our girls uh squad, um we had two uh events in which we were state champions. So, did you want me to do all together or go with one at a time? How would you like to do that? >> One at a time. >> Okay. So, let's go ahead. Um so, uh first girl we'd like to recognize uh who is a state champion in the long jump is Peyton Young. Uh Peyton is a senior. She is um one of the athletes um that's been part of our our squad for the last 5 years years, and uh we've seen many different stepping stones. We've seen her take two steps forward, one step back, two steps back uh through her career. And it's one of perseverance, determination, um and a and a commitment. And Coach Snow uh has been teamed up with her uh over these last number of years, and has has coached her up and seen those two team up as as coaches and athletes is just been one beautiful thing. And so, uh Peyton went into the state uh meet as uh the favorite. Um she uh ended up winning. She also went uh her her PR for the year was 19 ft 7 in and 3/4, uh just short of really it's you know, within 4 in of the all-time state record. Um but but for Peyton, you know, hitting over 19 ft on a consistent basis, and then winning state uh pretty much uh on the first jump there. And so Payton Young, could we go ahead and have you come on forward for your little recognition? >> [applause] [applause] >> We won't make you jump. >> [laughter] >> You want a pic? >> You want a picture? Do you want a picture with her or with >> However you would like it. We got a couple. We'll wait for Okay. >> All right. Um You know what? I think, you know, as I I'm I'm going to delay just I think Frankie's almost in our midst here, but um one other thing is, you know, we we've got, you know, we we hold these kids at high standards as student athletes. And as student athletes, it is um the sports field does go ahead and provide them opportunities. So I think within, you know, at the end of this season, we we've said 14 kids that will be graduating from Osseo that were on the track and field team that are planning to continue their athletic careers next year. Um and so it's it's a collaborative effort, and it gives them a pathway forward. Sports is part of it, but it's the academics as well, and the community coming along these kids. And so it's just a it's one thing that we are very very grateful for. Um all right. Is Frankie See, this is how we This is Okay, okay, tranquil. Holy moly. >> [laughter] >> I'm sorry, I haven't been in teacher mode, coach mode for about a couple weeks now, so I It's a little shock to the system, but I'm a painter during the summer, and I'm just in my happy place, painting painting, and I got to get back into teenager mode here. Um so Well, let's go ahead, and then we've got the girls 4 by 1. It has been a a very very special season. I will speak um I'm I'm I do not get to work with them day in and day out. Uh they're teamed up with coach uh Phil Santillan who's here as well. And uh he is the one that oversees our varsity girls sprints. And uh it's just been very very special seeing these girls along with coach and the other coaches uh team up uh this season. And for these girls that one of the things I'm just proud of is um is seeing that they're they're they're they're four great girls. And they're they're fun girls. They've been around in our program for several years. It's not like they just came in out of nowhere. They've been Again, it's stepping stones. It's a process. And there's a reason, you know, you wait till your junior senior year. You that is where you will see some of these things just come together. And that's one thing that's been so fun to see. And for these girls um you know, they're they're four very good athletes, great athletes. Sprinting-wise, they're fast. They're not freaks. They are four very good runners. But you put four very good sprinters together, that's when it becomes all the more special and historic. And that's what we saw play out this year for these four girls. And uh and so we'll have them come up in a little bit here. But just uh you know, state champions, but also during the course of the season we did see them break the all-time state record. Um you'll see state records set at the state meet, but this is all-time in the state of Minnesota history uh where the previous record was 47.21 by Washburn. And bless that relay, they came out to our practice after uh our girls broke it. It was a very special moment seeing that. That was a uh 20-some-year-old state record, the longest-standing record. Um and that was broken at the section meet. And then um with a 47.06 which is really when you're talking about the sprints, it's it's really breaking it pretty easily. And then at state, they went ahead and um uh Rochester Mayo went ahead and beat them in the prelims. And so we went into finals and uh we saw them come together in which they won it with a 46.53, which is just blazing blazing fast. And so um they're state champions, they hold the state record. It's But it's it's just it's just there's a lot of joy and happiness for these girls cuz they earned this. There's no shortcuts in this and it's a great example of if you can get four good solid people, committed people together, you can do unbelievable things. It's very powerful. And so that's the beauty of the relays. They all had to cover it, they covered it, and uh it was um just the the most special of moments for for all of us and for them pulling us into enjoy it along the way. So at this time we'd love to go ahead and recognize the four. Um we would have Payton Young who's up here already. Um and then we're going to have uh uh Frankie Sayway. Come on [snorts] up, Frankie. >> [applause] >> Like to also have Esther Obey come on up. >> [applause] [applause] >> Des- Desera Zulu. >> [applause] >> And then we've also Payton Young. I got yours, I'll bring over to you. >> [laughter] >> Awesome. Thank you. >> [applause] [cough] [snorts] >> All right. Uh, Director Prince and Foster, we can see you now. >> Okay. >> Um, all right. So, before we um move on from recognitions, uh, we also want to take some time to recognize Sherry Lincoln, who is the board secretary. Uh, this is Sherry's last meeting. Um, with a constantly revolving board, uh, Sherry is uh, one of the things in this district that has been consistent for a very long time. Um, and so, um, I want to give an opportunity for the for any board members to say anything, but I'll I'll just say that um, I know that being the board secretary is a difficult job. Um, every couple of years, you're dealing with new board members, uh, new personalities, um, new uh, sets of needs, um, completely different sets of community issues and priorities, and um, regardless of what the board or the district's facing, um, you have just been a steady, um, consistent, um, support for all of us. Um, I for one will miss the baked goods. Um, >> [laughter] >> um, but beyond that, uh, just your organization, your communication, um you've really made being a board member easy, um easier than it probably should be or could be um somewhere else, and so you will be deeply, deeply missed. Um it's mixed feelings because I know that you definitely worked very hard to get to this point and uh to be able to enjoy some freedom and um enjoy enjoy life, but um for the time that you spent here, um I definitely appreciated it, um and will very much miss you um in the district. Uh so, good luck uh with everything and um I know we'll see you soon for um election season, but um but yeah, up to this point, thank you for everything that you've done for the district. >> I'd like to go with Thomas. I echo what Thomas says. Um Oh, getting emotional here. Sherry's a tough cookie, but you have a big heart, and you're going to be missed, Sherry. Um I wrote this down, so I but I just want to say um you've contributed so much to this district successes by the way you've served in your role with consistency, excellence, and heart. And humility. Um I've been impressed with your attention to detail. You're just so excellent in your follow-through since day one, Sherry. I'm so impressed. And on the rare, I mean, very rare, I think one time when you messed something up, you were very humble, and you are honest and communicated that you messed up a date or whatever that was. Um so, I was just impressed by how you handled that. Your exceptional baking skills I also thought of. Um your sense of humor and your thoughtfulness. Um you always remembered my gluten severe allergy. Um but, you will truly be missed, and I'll forever think of you when I hear a Rick Springfield song, too. I just had to add that. >> [laughter] >> You know, Sherry, I just um I'm kind of where you are, Sarah. >> [laughter] >> I just want to thank you and really celebrate you. Um you know, you for those of us on the board, just we know how you really keep things on track every single day. Um you keep us organized and informed. Um and you always make sure every detail is covered. We don't even have to think about it. And um but for me what stood out what stood out is not only just your professionalism, but as Sarah stated, your heart. And you care so deeply. Um and so many times you're like the front line of anything that happens in this district, and you endure a lot. And I've seen that. And I've seen you weather so many storms and um and this is being on my second serving my second term. I mean, just we've weathered a lot of storms, you know? And there were some really times where many of us on the board would come in like crying or just like so upset and you just were that calming force and um just really rolling with kind of the punches and and just um and having relationships with so many people. >> [snorts] >> Um and I know for me I'm going to miss you just at every meeting, every work session, um making sure I have my little Twix in my candy bowl. Um and then like I just also think about like Thomas, every time you bake something when we break bread together before meeting. I mean, his eyes just like light up. He just goes like this. >> [laughter] >> I like, "Oh, there he goes." But um anyways, but some of these moments may seem small, but they're they're not, you know? They are who you are and you have such a huge heart and um and you care about just the smallest things and it's just a really rare gift in your legacy here. We're we're going to carry that on and and I know we'll see you around, but um I very much love you, Sherry, and and very happy for you. >> Um gosh, she's going to keep me in line and tell me what to be. >> [clears throat] [laughter] >> I uh No, I mean, I think from since day one, I mean, it's uh it's like kind of a drinking from the fire hose, right? But you made it you made it so easy. Um and it's uh yeah, I think I said to you one time, too, before you're like, "Thanks for coming in." But I was like uh Sherry, you're just kind of like my grandpa. It's like you say jump and I say how high. [clears throat] So, I'm there. >> Thanks. >> So, um I'll add in if folks can hear me. Um Sherry, just thank you so much. We've As Kelsey said, we've um kind of some of us who've been on the board um these past 8 years in my case, Sherry, you have just um just been a class act. Um not only do you bring your heart and your kindness and your care for people to the role, but um you are a strong cookie. Um and I know you're on the other end of that phone call that we've had over 8 years, whether it was COVID, where it was whether it was um concerned uh or frustrated um people calling, whether it's local or from all over the United States from time to time. Um and I just love how you have carried yourself with such grace, with such class, and such care. And when people come into the office um to the superintendent's office, seeing your face, um seeing your knowledge, um just you have a you just have a true servant's heart. Um but but you also have that strength, um and you've represented that so well and with such wonderful balance for our school district. And you will be greatly missed by all of us. Thank you so much for everything that you've done. And And as as others have said, we we love you dearly. >> Thank you. >> Okay, sorry there. Had to turn my mic on. Um, Sherry, I just wanted to say thank you for all of your hard work. I know it's not an easy job corralling all of us and our different personalities and all the different things we're asking for. Um, it's a very broad it's a very broad job and you've handled it so well. Um, I'm bummed I don't get more time with you, but I'm excited for you to retire and I hope it's just a wonderful season ahead of you. >> Thank you. I won't say a lot because we have a special thing for her next Monday, but this is uh, Sherry's 301st meeting since she's worked here. So, uh, thank her for all of her service. She's going to kill Ashton tonight. >> [applause] >> And I'll hand you back over to acting chair Brooks, please. >> Thank you. All right. Uh, the next agenda item is audience opportunity to address the school board. Um, I will review a few of the guidelines for those who speak to the board. All right. As a board, uh, we welcome all voices and strive for public engagement and transparency in our board work. Audience opportunity to address the board is one of many avenues to achieve this. To ensure all voices are heard, welcomed and respected in the board room, we ask that audience members withhold applause and verbal response to all speakers. In the rare instance of a disruptive audience member, we will pause and ask that the individual remove themselves from the board room. Speakers will be called to the podium in this order: student, parent, staff, community member and others. Please keep your comments to 3 minutes. Comments should be directed to the entire board, not to any individual board member. If you have a handout for the board, please place it on the information table or hand it to to secretary, Sherry. The board secretary will provide copies to board members. The board and audience will listen and not respond back at this time. If you would like someone to follow up with you on your questions and or comments, please let the board secretary know. Personnel concerns should be directed to individuals in the following order: building principal, executive director for human resources, assistant superintendent, superintendent, and finally in writing to the school board. The complete guidelines for public participation are provided on the meeting materials table and on the school board section of the district website. When I call your name, please come to the microphone and state your name and your topic and whether or not you are a district resident. All right. And first up we have a student, uh McKenzie Lux. >> My name is McKenzie Lux, a rising senior at Maple Grove Senior High, and I'm presenting the school board policy 626 review request. The requested policy revision is that PSEO courses course grades will be weighted on the same scale as advanced placement courses. Why this change is needed? Academic rigor. Advanced placement courses receive weighted GPA consideration because they are college-level courses. PSEO students complete actual college courses taught by college professors and are held to college academic standards. Both AP and PSEO represent rigorous college-level coursework and should receive equivalent academic recognition. Fairness and student choice. Students should choose the pathway that best fits their educational goals, not the pathway that provides a GPA advantage. Unequal weighting can unintentionally discourage students from participating in PSEO. Equal weighting ensures students are evaluated fairly regardless of which advanced learning pathway they select. College credit for an AP class is based on passing a test. Not all students do well on tests, but can pass a college class because of expanded coursework. Equity and college affordab- affordability. PSEO allows students to earn real college credits while still in high school at little or no cost to families. Students can save thousands of dollars in future college tuition and reduce student debt. PSEO is especially valuable for lower income, first generation, and financially conscious students seeking affordable access to higher education. Students who choose the most cost-effective route to earning college credit should not receive less GPA recognition than students who choose another college level pathway. The Minnesota law. Minnesota statutes require students require school districts to apply the same grade weighting policy to PSEO courses as they do to concurrent enrollment courses. If a district weighs concurrent enrollment coursework, PSEO coursework must receive the same weighting treatment. Some district examples. Many school districts already provide weighted GPA recognition for PSEO coursework, including Bloomington Public Schools, District 271, Saint Paul Public Schools, District 625, and Edina Public Schools, District 273. These districts recognize college level coursework consistently across multiple advanced learning pathways. The benefits of the proposed change. It recognizes college level coursework consistently, promotes fairness in GPA calculations, supports educational equity and college affordability, encourages student choice based on academic goals, strengthens college and career readiness, and aligns district practices with state policy requirements. Proposed policy language. PSEO course grades will be weighted on the same scale as advanced placement courses. Respectfully submitted by ISD 279 students and families requesting equitable recognition of all college level coursework. >> Thank you. >> I didn't suppose I could clap, but we will. >> Uh McKenzie, thank you. We We love when students come in and visit the board. Um so we'll definitely look into that [snorts] for you. Um next up we have Leandra Trotter uh who is a parent. >> I'm Leandra Trotter. Um my son goes to your school. I'm in the district. Um I am here regarding the the LGBTQ programming that took place in May this last year. The communication was poor and lacking and I received vague text message on April 2nd with no other communication. I had to advocate for myself to find out more information. I contacted the school and even went to the school board stating that parents had should receive reminders and more time with time to spare. My multiple requests were ignored and disregarded. Communication was not transparent. The student advisory teacher chose not to notify parents as well. I received other reminders and personally use a similar platform so I understand the simplicity of communication to a wide audience. I want to be clear and transparent that our children are not a social experiment. The number of parents opting out at nearly a thousand is a failure and a bold boundary parents have set. According to the news, the children felt that they were being groomed and were not allowed to opt out for themselves as they were threatened with expulsion. The board is not above parents. You are educators and we trust you for reading, [clears throat] writing, and basic education to prepare for college. The board to interfere or inquire about children's sexual preference or to teach them alternative sexual lifestyles with children is a I firmly stand against. Creating additional confusion while they are going through puberty and they aren't even their brains aren't even fully developed until they're 24. In our culture, it is difficult to bypass the new ideology and it is up to a parent to decide whether a child is exposed to this. Or during the last election, the district asked for money and was awarded um and this is not what parents had in mind. There are many ideas where the money can be spent. I feel that parents were misled thinking that the funds would go to repairs and supplies, not pushing an LGBTQ ideology on our children. In 2024, I read that 15 teachers and 2,000 students opted out. This may explain the lack of transparency. The week of the LGBTQ programming there was a celebration of pride on school grounds with food trucks which served as a reward for the children that participated. I was directly told that this was not the case case, but it clearly was. >> Sex- heterosexuals are not treated equally and it proves that there is a prejudice against being heterosexual. I said heterosexual. Um I am requesting the following that as the uh the board as individuals be fully responsible for any repercussions that can result from this programming. For example, the shooting at Annunciation School in Minneapolis last September by a transgender. Another deadly shooting in Canada by a transgender. The board is putting our students and children at risk. >> Time. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh next up we have Natalie Sonic. >> [clears throat] >> Good evening. My name is Natalie Sonic and I'm a district resident. I'm speaking tonight as a Christian and as a taxpayer who believes that public schools should focus on education rather than promoting ideological viewpoints on controversial social issues including sexuality and gender identity. As Christians, our beliefs about human identity come from God's word. Genesis 1:27 teaches us that God created humanity male and female and we believe our identity is ultimately found in him rather than self-definition. Scripture teaches us in Jeremiah 17:9 that human understanding is limited and that we should seek God's truth rather than creating our own. Matthew 12:36 says that everyone will have to give an account on the day of judgment and standing before God. Because of these convictions, many Christian families are concerned when taxpayer dollars are used to sponsor pride events or educational materials that appear to promote a particular viewpoint on sexuality and gender. Public schools serve families with many different religious, cultural, and moral beliefs. When school districts sponsor events and distribute materials that are one perspective on these issues in a positive and leading and celebratory way, it can create an impression that the district is endorsing that viewpoint rather than remaining neutral. For example, some of the materials distributed at Asbell Middle School um tried recent pride event had coloring pages. One says, "I define who I am." This statement reflects that a removal of God and states, "I can be my own God." Another page shows us that a federal policy change regarding picking your preferred gender markers and and states quote, "Ground It's a groundbreaking announcement." Another page states that a sexual pansexual is ultimate love chameleon, a master of forming deep bonds. This salutary language communicates approval for this contested social issue rather than simply presenting information. The fourth page states, "Western Europe has considered same-sex relationships as commonplace and natural until Christianity arrived." Painting the Christian faith in a negative light even though many religions hold similar beliefs regarding sexuality. The Bible is clear regarding sexual conduct with many verses speaking into it. Romans 1:26-27 states that a same-sex relationships are contrary to God's design in calling them shameful. We are all sinners and in need of a savior. Loving God means hating sin and living to please God more than yourself. >> 30 seconds left. >> Romans 8:5-6 says, "Those who live in according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires, but those who live in accordance with the spirit have their minds set on what the spirit desires." The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the spirit is life and peace. At the same time, Christians are called to treat everyone with love, dignity, and respect. Students who identify as LGBTQIA should be treated with kindness and be protected from bullying, but Christians and students and families deserve the same respect for their beliefs. My request is simple. Public schools should remain neutral on deeply contested moral and religious questions and focus on their primary mission, which is providing quality education and environment where all students [snorts] can learn without being pressured toward beliefs about identity and sexuality. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. Next up we have Dr. Brit Scearce. >> Before I speak, I did give you guys a little fast fact sheet that you can reference or some other things just to peek into. Good evening. I'm Dr. Bret Stussy and I'm a district resident. On April 3rd, 2026, the district released an article celebrating the second consecutive year of the district graduation rate outpacing the state average. I was confused as to why the district would be celebrating having a district-wide graduate of 85.4% in 2025, yet in that same year, only 50% of district 10th grade students demonstrated the proficiency to accurately and fluently read text and comprehend the text they read. And only 30% of district 11th grade students demonstrated the proficiency to compute numbers, understand mathematical concepts, use logic and problem-solving, and apply these skills to real-world situation. Since 2021, the district the reading proficiency rate for district 10th grade students decreased by 10% and the math proficiency rate for district 11th grade students decreased by 6%. The mission of the mission of the Osseo School Board has become political education and activism. In 2021, the board passed policy 508, the gender inclusion policy. In 2022, the board passed the LGBTQ+ history and culture resolution. In 2024, the board voted to retain three books that were challenged on the grounds of being sexually explicit, obscene, and inappropriate for students under 18. In 2026, the board passed the anti-ICE resolution and hosted its first annual Pride Night in May. Pride Night was marketed as a family-friendly event. This event had coloring pages for children, which displayed half-naked men and women in sexually provocative poses, drag queens marching in a pride paid, paganism, lesbian witchcraft, anti-Christian rhetoric, LGBTQ+ political messages that are coercive and manipulative, and images showing political activism by vandalizing a building with a political message. From the 2024 to 2025 school year to the 2025-2026 school year, there was an increase of 594 residents that left the Osseo district to attend private or home school. Close to 3,000 residents opted for private or home school in 2025 and 2026. I would hypothesize these families left the district because I see a broken system, a system that is leaving many district students ill-prepared for entering college, vocational schools, or the job market. While I disagree with your policy positions, I respect each of you for serving your community. Now, it is your turn to show that you are committed to serving Osseo students by redirecting focus to academic excellence and away from political activism. The school board should vote to sunset policy 508 and the LGBTQ plus resolution to show the prioritization of improving academic performance and closing the skills gap in the district. Please take to heart Joshua 1:7-9. Only be strong and very courageous. Be careful to do according to all the law which Moses, my servant, commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do all that is written according to it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Have I commanded you? Be strong and be courageous. Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Thank you for your time and consideration on this matter. >> Thank you. We have one more tonight. Um, I apologize if I mess up the name, Maria Kivine? >> Please say it. >> Hello, my name is Maria Kivine. I'm a district resident and I want to address this a specific coloring page that was distributed to children at a district event held at Osseo Middle School. It says, "The Celts in Western Europe considered same-sex relationship as commonplace and natural until Christianity arrived." When I saw this coloring page, I felt I could not remain silent. My grandparents experienced religious persecution first hand. And history has shown that persecution does not begin with violence. It often begins with rhetoric, stereotypes, and messages that portray certain groups as acceptable targets of ridicule or contempt. I was deeply disappointed to see a school school leaderships participating and endorsing the distribution of this material. My concern is not limited to this single coloring page. Rather, it it is the cumulative effect of repeated messages that portray people of faith in a negative way. When children are repeatedly exposed to rhetoric that mocks, stereotypes, or marginalize a a religious group, it can shape attitudes over time and normalize intolerance. Words and images matter. They influence how people view one another and what behaviors they consider acceptable. When negative rhetoric about a group becomes normalized, it can create an environment that gives permission for hostility, discrimination, and even violence against that group. History provides many examples of prejudice escalating in this way when harmful and stereotypes and dehumanizing messages go unchallenged. Throughout history, discrimination has often started with words, images, and cultural messaging before progressing to exclusion, hostility, and in some cases persecution. For that reason, I believe schools should be especially careful to promote respect and understanding toward people of all faiths and backgrounds, including Christians. I hope district leaders will carefully review this material and consider whether it reflects the values of inclusivity, respect, religious liberty, and mutual respect that our community seeks to uphold. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh, the next agenda item is the superintendent's report, Dr. Hayo. >> Thank you. Good evening, school board members and stakeholders. Um, as we come and close another school year, I find uh, myself reflecting on just how quickly time moves for all of us. In many ways, it feels like we just opened our doors in September and welcoming our scholars back. Setting goals and preparing for what we hope would be a meaningful year of learning and growth. Yet, here we are again, once already closing another end to a chapter. Of course, this year brought along with its share of its challenges as every year does. We were called to adjust, to rethink, and at times to shift quickly in order to meet the evolving needs of our students and our staff. What stands out most is not just the difficulty itself, but the way our educators, our leaders, and support staff responded with care, professionalism, and an unwavering focus on our scholars. Their responsiveness is what keeps our system strong. It's what allows learning not just to continue, but to thrive. But alongside those challenges, it's also important to be grateful for so much joy, as well. We gathered at plays and concerts where students share their creativity and their courage. We filled gyms, fields, and auditoriums with sports and celebrations and community pride. We marked milestones of graduation ceremonies that reminded us of both beginnings and endings. And in every classroom, hallway, and learning space, we witnessed growth, sometimes quiet, sometimes extraordinary, but always meaningful. I want to end today by wishing everyone a summer filled with rest, gratitude for the differences that you've made, and just enough humor to remember the work will always be there, but so will the standing in your shoes, the unread emails, and the well-deserved reminder that joy is also part of our job. So, personally, on behalf of our school district, I want to thank our staff, parents, and guardians for all that you do for our scholars. Thank you. A regular part of superintendent's report is this well, we share points of pride, which we all take time to recognize and celebrate our scholars, our staff, and community members who are contributing to our mission. So, we have a few members this evening of our district cabinet here to assist in sharing some of those examples from last month. >> In the area of contributing to community, the ICO Education Center hosted a unique event on May 15th when they held a soccer invitational amongst their own students and those from our neighboring school districts transition programs. Special Olympics Minnesota jumped in to support the event with donations to cover the cost of the equipment and rented portable toilets. OEC Principal PC Clymer said, "This is the first time he and others can remember local transition programs coming together in this way." And he said the school hopes to make the soccer invitation invitational an annual event based on this year's success. North View Middle School hosted a talent show during its advisory period on May 29th. The show featured a range of enthusiastic and talented performers such as dancers, singers, and soccer players. >> Osseo Area Schools Family and Community Engagement Group hosted a Black History Month celebration May 9th. Rescheduled from the typical February timeframe, students, their families, and community members were welcomed to Northview Middle School for a festival. The event included food trucks, black small business vendors, double dutch jump roping, a presentation about historically black colleges and universities or H- HBCUs, character caricature artists, a DJ, performances, and a fashion show. Performances at the 2026 event included the Maple Grove Senior High Crimsonettes, Park Center High School's cheer team, dance performances by the African Contique Contiquebo dance company, and the Hedo Sore International fashion show by Park Center's East African Club, and more. In the area of achieving dreams, Best Buy's Geek Squad Academy spent 2 days at Brooklyn Middle STEAM School May 13th and 14th offering a variety of technology-related classes during students' elective class times. Some of the topics topics covered during the Geek Geek Squad's Academy visits included 3D design, AIY that taught students about how best to use utilize AI AI in creating their own AI through a program called Doodle Detector, lessons on internet safety and digital footprints, coding and programming, and using DSLR cameras and more. >> Rush Creek Elementary School hosted their annual fifth grade rocket launch event on June 4th. The event's theme was blasting off to middle school. In the area of mission-driven employees, Maple Grove Senior High School Principal Dr. Bart Becker was selected as this year's principal of the year through the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals, Hennepin Division. Greg Martin, president of MASSP, Hennepin Division, attended May 22nd Spring Pep Fest to surprise Becker with the award alongside other school and district leaders. The Maple Grove Senior High student body enthusiastically celebrated Becker's award, chanting his name and cheering as he accepted the plaque. >> Chia Lee, a volunteer coordinator for adult basic education, was recently recognized for her excellence in connecting volunteers with students and classrooms with them with an Excellence in Volunteer Engagement Award from Literacy Minnesota. In her role, Lee rec- recruits volunteers, supports classroom and one-on-one tutoring placements, and matches volunteers with students based on academic goals and areas of interest. Chia stated, "Being able to work with volunteers has opened a new perspective for me. Seeing the impact of our volunteers have on our students brightens my day." In the area of lifelong learning, Osseo Area Schools hosted seven graduation ceremonies between May 29th and June 7th for students graduating from our high schools, the Osseo Area Education Center's Transition Program, and Adult Basic Education. We are so proud of our class of 2026 graduates who are well prepared for the next steps their next steps thanks to all the Osseo Area Schools staff who aided in their educational journeys. >> Can we just have a few more final reminders and thoughts for tonight? Families can still explore summer programs for children from early childhood through high school. Many of them kick off kick off soon. They can visit the Issaquah area school summer program website at Issaquah schools.org/summer to learn more about each enrichment opportunity camp and program. Also, breakfast and lunch will be available to children through the federally funded summer food service program that goes from June 10th through August 21st. Any child 18 years of age or younger may participate. Meals must be consumed at that specific location in person person. View the locations and schedules at Issaquah schools.org/freemeals. And of course, continue to stay tuned to Issaquah schools.org/betterfuture for the latest on construction projects. >> Thank you. >> All right. Our next agenda item is school board reports. Uh Director Dawson, do you have a report? >> No. >> I do not. >> All right. Uh Director Foster, do you have a report? >> Not at this time. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh Chair Prince, do you have a report? >> No, not tonight. >> Director Tate? >> I have no reports. >> Uh Director Mitchell? [clears throat] >> It's a quiet night. No, I don't have any reports. Thank you. >> And I also do not have a report. Uh the next agenda item is the consent agenda. Uh board members, our consent agenda items this evening include meeting minutes, financial reports, several grants, personnel items, an amended resolution regarding the termination termination of probationary teachers, several resolutions regarding the 2026 school board election, and many contracts for buildings and district services. Are there any items that you would like to remove for separate consideration? >> Yeah, Director Brooks. Um can you hear me? Sorry. One of the items I thought we should pull out um Sorry, I'm trying to find it here on my phone. It is the item related to um calendaring and how that process played out this year. >> It was moved to an action item. >> Director Foster, that was moved to an action item. >> That's at the end of the agenda. >> Yes. >> Okay, thank you. >> Executive Director Camille will speak to. >> Okay. Awesome, so we'll hear more about that later. Um any other um anything else you want removed, board members? All right, um do I have a motion to approve the consent agenda as printed? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Um moved by uh Director Dawson. Uh do I second by Director Tate? Um All [clears throat] right, and then Sherry, can you go ahead and take a roll call vote? >> Director Mitchell? >> Aye. >> Director Tate? >> Aye. >> Director Dawson? >> Aye. >> Director Brooks? >> Aye. >> Director Prince? >> Aye. >> Director Foster? >> Aye. >> All right, motion passes 6-0. Our uh first action item is the recommendation for approval of the management personnel um I am contract um information will be shared by Yvonne Schwartzlin, um Executive Director of Human Resources. Um Yvonne? >> Thank you. I would just want to make sure I um heard you correctly with regard to which contract you wanted to start with. Did you say I-3M? >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. Um I'll say at the outset we have three contracts um tonight. Um I'll just say at the outset that um we aligned employer contributions um to insurance throughout all of these contracts to account for you know just alignment through the contracts and the rate increase. We also accounted for um updates to language in the contracts to comply with changes in state law. So with regard to the I through M contract out of these three contracts this is the largest of the three groups. It's 62 employees and I'm just going to focus primarily on wages and um and deferred compensation for this group the wage increases are 2% in first year, 2% in second year as well. In this group there was no changes in deferred comp and again other than those other changes that I mentioned that's essentially the crux of the contract. The total package is worth 5.57 and percent and the total financial investment is $695,137 over the term of the two years. With the ratification of the contract HR and payroll can implement the contract. >> Thank you. Is there a motion to approve the agreement on the terms and conditions of employment between the Independent School District 279 School Board and management personnel I through M July 1st 2025 through June June 3rd 2027. >> So moved. [clears throat] >> A move by Director Mitchell. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Second by Director Tate. And Sherry can you take a roll call vote? >> Director Brooks? >> Sorry um before we do that any discussion? All right, we're ready. >> Director Brooks? >> Uh I. >> Director Dawson? >> I. >> Director Foster? >> I. >> Director Mitchell? >> I. >> Director Tate? >> I. >> Director Prince? >> I. >> All right, motion passes 6-0. Uh the next action item is a recommendation for approval of the licensed coordinator's contract. Uh Yvonne. >> Thank you. For this contract, it's a group of 17 licensed uh coordinators. Excuse [clears throat] me. Um and again to your contract, um the uh two um financial provisions are uh related to wage increases and deferred comp. Um in terms of the percentage of increases, it's a 2% first year and it's 2% in the second year. Um this group um reduced their professional association funds um to help fund um an increase to deferred compensation. Um again, subject to those other changes that um I highlighted other um earlier um in terms of uh um some of those other compliance uh updates. The total package is 4.9 4.91 um of an increase across the term of the 2-year contract for a total of 215 $386. And again, with the with approval from the board, um HR and payroll can implement. >> Thank you. Is there a motion to approve the agreement on the terms and conditions of employment between the Independent School District 279 School Board and licensed coordinators uh June 1st, 2025 through June 30th, 2027? >> So moved. >> Uh moved by Director Tate. Is there a second? >> Second. >> A second by Director Mitchell. Uh any discussion? And Sherry, can you please take another roll call vote? >> Director Dawson. >> Aye. >> Director Foster. >> Aye. >> Director Brooks. >> Aye. >> Director Prince. >> Aye. >> Director Tate. >> Aye. >> Director Mitchell. >> Aye. >> Thank you. Motion [clears throat] passes 6-0. Our next action item is the recommendation for approval of the student management specialist contract. Uh Yvonne, back to you. >> Yeah, thank you. Um for this uh this is this group is comprised of 29 employees >> [clears throat] >> um in the student management specialist category. Um financially uh they have a 2% increase in year one and this group um chose to uh decrease their deferred comp to help fund a 2 and 1/2% increase in year two of their contract. Um Uh and again um that's pretty much the you know uh the majority of the highlights um in terms of um those financial changes. The total package is 4.9 um with a total investment of $230,944 over the term of the two-year contract and with the ratification of the contract uh HR and finance can implement. >> Thank you. And I have a motion to approve the agreement on the terms and conditions of employment between the Independent School District 279 School Board and student management specialist June 30th, 2025 through June 1st, 2027. >> So moved. >> Moved by Director Dawson. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Seconded by Director Tate. Um any discussion? And Sherry, can you take a roll call vote? >> Director Mitchell? >> I. >> Director Tate? >> I. >> Director Foster? >> I. >> Director Dawson? >> I. >> Director Prince? >> I. >> Director Brooks? >> I. >> And motion passes 6-0. Our next action Our next action item is the fiscal year 2027 budget. Information will be shared by John Morstad, Executive Director of Finance and Operations, and Kelly Banusa, Director of Business Services. >> Thank you, Chair Brooks, Superintendent Hyle, and the school board, and our esteemed guests here today. Uh so, the 2027 budget is a culmination of a whole lot of work with a whole lot of people throughout the year that we do on an annual basis. So, I want to start by thanking the um team from Business Services, and Kelly will talk about them as well as as we go into the presentation. Um but not only that group that spends a lot of time behind the scenes, but also the 88 budget managers that are working on this at all our sites, all our departments on a regular basis to make sure we're presenting accurate information to the school board, um so you can make an informed decision on a budget this evening. So, with that, I will introduce Kelly Banusa, Director of Business Services. >> Good evening, Acting Chair Brooks, members of the school board, and Superintendent Dr. Hyle. Tonight, we're recommending that the school board adopt the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget for all funds. The long-range financial planning or LRFP process is transparent and collaborative in its approach, and incorporates several stops along the way to receive feedback and direction from the school board. The proposed budget reflects the board's prior direction, key budget decisions made throughout the year, and the adjustments approved earlier this spring. We thank you for your attention to this work so that we can bring forward a budget for which you are well prepared. Budget decisions are made using the long-range financial planning framework, which would provides the basis of our planning for long-range financial sustainability, and reflects reflects significant school board input throughout the process. Budget planning includes aligning our resources with the mission and strategic plan, an assessment of the impact on productivity and essential services, its impact on our work to ensure equitable student achievement, and compliance with legal requirements. The school board engaged in several work sessions throughout the budget development process, and at the February 10th work session, the board carefully considered the budget recommendation. The LRFP advisory team's assessment of impact was provided to the board prior to action by the board at the February 24th school board meeting. The LRFP framework provides structure for how we plan, allocate, and monitor district resources. The framework provides coherence between our system's strategic plan, the allocation of resources through the collaboration of budget managers, and it describes the direction provided by the school board. This framework has has guided planning for the general fund and other budgeted funds for more than a decade, and it is the structure behind the fiscal year 27 budget that you are considering tonight. The timeline shows the fiscal year 27 budget planning process is designed to give the board multiple opportunities to provide direction or take action. The board sets budget target targets at the November work session, approved the levy in December, reviewed and approved pair summaries in February, and discussed the final budget at the June 9th work session. The budget before you tonight is the direct result of those decisions and the cumulative outcome of that long year-long process. The budgets recommended for adoption tonight cover all five funds shown on this slide. The general, food nutrition services, community service, capital, and debt service funds. In this presentation, we focus primarily on the general fund because it represents the majority of our district's operations. The proposed fiscal year 27 general fund budget includes revenue of 349.6 million, an increase of 22.3 million, or 686.8% to the fiscal year 26 revised budget. On this revenue slide, the most significant increases come from general education aid, which is driven by a 2.69% increase to the basic formula allowance, special education revenue, including an additional federal tuition adjustment, and a cross-subsidy reimbursement increase from 44% to 50%. English learner revenue, which reflects a formula enhancements, and cross-subsidy reimbursement of 25%. Operating referendum revenue, and desegregation transportation revenue. These gains include smaller adjustments that are partially offset by lower projected interest income. Compared with our February 24th projections, revenue is now approximately $5.1 million higher, reflecting a more detailed line item based development process, rather than the broader percentage assumptions that we used earlier in the year. Expenditures are projected at 367.8 million, an increase of 6.9% over the fiscal year 26 revised budget, and $9.3 million more than previously projected. That higher growth is primarily driven by strategic investments, compensation and benefit changes, transportation and utility changes, and timing shifts between fiscal years. And it is above our district's 3 3% expenditure trend target. The board approved adjustments from February 24th at total a net increase of $2.25 million, and include remaining operating capacity for Aspen Ridge Elementary, enrollment alignment, Minnesota paid payroll tax, additional custodial staffing for the increased high school square footage, and revenue related reductions for student support personnel aid, and school library aid. While revenue growth continues to be constrained by formula limitations and levy capacity, expenditure pressures continue to exceed our long-term trend targets. Beyond the recurring items, the fiscal year 27 budget reflects several other additional items. The board approved a one-year strategic investment in special education totaling 2.75 million. While this investment increases fiscal year 27 expenditures, it's expected to generate partial revenue of approximately 1.9 million for fiscal year 28. The budget also includes the planned elimination of the fiscal year 26 compensatory maximum hold harmless of a million. Delayed Crestview rebuild startup costs of 350,000 that shifted from 26 to 27, and one-time savings from 26. So, taken together with the recurring adjustments, these items contribute to that 6.9% expenditure growth and explain why fiscal year 27 sits above our long-range trend trend target. The net effect of the revenue and expenditure changes result in an anticipated operating deficit of 18.2 million for fiscal year 27. The projected year-end fund balance is 87.2 million, or 23.7% of annual expenditures. This is about 2.3 million dollars lower than what was anticipated in February as the budget moved from a forecast to detailed development. While this is a planned use of fund balance, the district remains well above our 5% board policy minimum, and within a range that supports operational stability. Overall, the this reflects a deliberate balance between meeting current needs, investing in strategic priorities, and maintaining appropriate financial reserves. Next, we'll review the 5-year financial projection for the general fund. This projection is a high-level visual summary of the financial forecast that was shared at the June 9th work session. The 5-year projection provides important context for the district's financial planning beyond fiscal year '27. In the general fund, the forecast shows continued pressure on fund balance over time. Key assumptions include a general formula revenue increase of roughly 2 to 3% annually and expenditure increase of 3%. Even with the planned operational adjustments starting in fiscal year '28, the projected fund balance declines to approximately 5.2% by fiscal year 2031. To maintain compliance with the 5% policy minimum, we're planning for operational adjustments totaling $16 million over the next four fiscal years beginning in fiscal year '28. That trend highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and future decisions around expenditure reductions, revenue opportunities, or both to preserve our long-term flexibility. This section shows the budget projections for revenue in blue and our expenditures in red with trend lines indicating the general trajectory of each of those. Even with the general formula allowance tied to inflation, expenditures are expected to continue to outpace our recurring revenues across this projection period. This is a structural issue driving the operational adjustments in the forecast. The gap between our revenue growth and expenditure growth widens over time without intervention. The financial section looks at fund balance over that same time period. The green bars represent our actual and projected fund balances. The orange bars show the 5% minimum required by school board policy. With that 16 million in operational adjustments phased in from fiscal year 28 through fiscal year 2031, the projected fund balance will still end in fiscal year 2030 just above that 5.2%. So, two structural factors drive this trend. Starting in fiscal year 24, Osseo is close to the current operating referendum cap with inflation. Which which means we cannot use that referendum as a lever to balance our future deficits. And then starting in fiscal year 26, our expenditures expected to continue to outpace those revenues. So, maintaining a line alignment with our policy will require continued monitoring, refinement of assumptions, and over time consideration of operational adjustments to preserve that long-term financial flexibility. This slide shows all five funds that we budget for that are recommended for adoption. For food and nutrition, revenues up 311,000 and expenditures are up 1 million from settlement costs in the Osseo Senior High Bistro project. Fund balance is declining by 295,000. For community service, our revenues up 1.6 million expenditures are up to 1.2 million dollars due to growth in school-age preschool programs and Aspen Ridge expansion. Which results in our fund balance coming down by 1.4 million. For capital, revenue is relatively flat with expenditures up 2.4 million for special assessments, literacy aid curriculum carryover, and e-rate projects. Fund balance remains over the 10% minimum, but future years will rely on operational adjustments and levy-related planning. Included in that [clears throat] projection is the Aspen Ridge special assessment payoff of 3.5 million, which creates a meaningful constraint on available expenditures over the next several years. In debt service, our revenue and expenditures are both up 9% for required principal and interest payments, with a remaining fund balance of about 7.9 million at the end of June 30th, 2027. Across all of our funds, the budgets reflect a deliberate balance between current operational needs, strategic investments, and sound financial stewardship. The action item tonight is the recommended adoption of the fiscal year '27 budgets for all funds. Adoption signals the budget was prepared in accordance with board direction. We welcome any questions or comments the board may have regarding the fiscal year '27 budgets. >> Thank you. Is there a motion to approve the fiscal year 2027 budget? >> So moved. >> Uh moved by Director Mitchell. Second? >> Second. >> Director C? Um all right. Any discussion? So, I guess I'll just comment really quickly. First, just a small note. Um I love the format of this presentation. I don't know what you did differently. Um but I like this. >> this format. Yeah. >> Yeah. Um we This was a big topic at the June 9th work session, which was mentioned in the presentation. Um I would say we It's really hard to look at these numbers and see um our expenditures higher than revenue. Um and to see um the fact that we're now having to spend down that fund balance, which has been pretty hefty for quite some time. Um and to see um the decline towards that 5% policy minimum um of the fund balance. Um, we um This was So, I said it was a big topic in the last work session. Um, I think one of the things that came out of that work session is we recognized that um, this is timely. Um, I think while it's hard to spend down um, the fund balance, which we have been um, used to just having um, in our back pocket, um, it's also um, timely that we are uh, starting to invest that money in our students and staff. Um, but also recognizing that it's not sustainable um, to spend um, at this rate. Um, and so this does open the door for some much-needed um, discussion and prioritization uh, from the board, staff, and also the community. Um, this isn't um, what's coming isn't a surprise. Um, but really the opportunity for us to take a a look um, and be more strategic strategic and intentional um, about how we are uh, being stewards of our taxpayer dollars. Um, so I just want to say I I I look forward to the continued discussion um, going into future years. Um, supportive of the budget today. Um, but definitely want to talk about how we can um, get a better handle on um, our spending um, and the decline of that fund balance going into future years. >> And I just wanted to quickly say say thank you. Um, I know this is a really extensive process that that goes into a very thoughtful, a very thorough, um, and I think that kind of at all levels of government and in every situation, um, everyone's feeling kind of some tightness uh, tightness and so the more we [clears throat] can kind of leverage and maximize and really hone in and kind of where our key areas we want improved, I think um, we need to and I think the board even, we've had many conversations about making sure that we give really, um, intentional direction of of where we're investing. Um, so we can, um, and we have a fund balance, but if other areas aren't performing, I mean, we have to really be strategic in in how we address address that with limited resources, and I think, um, you know, I I appreciate though we are in a stronger financial situation than many districts and many other areas. Um, and so, um, I look forward to kind of what's to kind of to keep keep keep continuing the, um, being engaged in the process. So, thank you. >> Chair Brooks, do you want to jump in? >> Yes. Uh, thank you. Um, so I agree with those remarks and um, what uh, Vice Chair Brooks had indicated. We had great discussion at the work session. This is something that we've been monitoring. We have uh, excellent processes in place with the pair process, with the way that we build the budgets. We've had absolute transparency along the way. We know that we've had to make compensation investments along the way, and we've all felt that, um, those have been the right decisions, knowing that we had our fund balance. And at the work session, we have continued to discuss that balance between leveraging the fund balance to mitigate mitigate impact, as well as the need to now, um, really review all of our, uh, uh, decisions in detail and to continue to put parameters in place, and I know we discussed at the work session, um, that there's already, um, been work, um, by the finance department and cabinet and leadership and the departments to, um, instill, um, that the framework, um, to reassess and to, um, look at some of our, uh, choices and trade-offs. Uh, we have a work session, uh, planned upcoming in the calendar, um, to continue to provide direction, um, to leadership, as well as to receive additional information on where we can find opportunity. So, the the latest numbers they're shared tonight is roughly 5% deficit over our current budget. So, at the work session we did discuss that we do believe that we have good opportunity to identify financial and operational efficiencies because that's that's it's more trimming and getting better and applying continuous improvement to our finances versus something sweeping or or broad or disruptive. So, as we talked about the work session, I encourage everybody to to listen to that as well. We we feel that this is very workable to continue to ensure sustainment of our financial stewardship. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other discussion? All right. Sorry. >> Director Buck, sorry. >> No, go ahead. >> Okay, sorry about that. I was a little late to the game there. I really wanted to echo what Director Prince said. The June 9th work session was fabulous and just the whole content was amazing. I really appreciate the leadership in our district that you have set us up for a softer drop and this will be a change to how our district functions. I I just think there's such wisdom in how this has been set up and that it will be a softer landing for us as a district and that I have really appreciated Dr. Hiles' leadership and that this has already been on the radar. This isn't new news. We're not being surprised by this and um John's John Morstad's leadership and Kelly's as well. So, I really think this comes back to the strength we have as a in our financial division at the district. But, I do want to emphasize one of the things that Dr. Heilbron talked was that this is not the first impact will not be on our classrooms and that this will not be on our student-facing people. So, um, staff is always going to be our top priority and, um, so I think that was just an emphasis that was really important. And go back and listen to that work session. It was really good all the way around. >> Yes, a ditto. Uh, thank you. All right, Sherry, can you uh, go ahead and take a roll call vote? >> Director Mitchell? I. Director Tate? >> I. >> Director Dawson? >> I. >> Director Brooks? >> I. >> Director Prince? >> I. >> Director Foster? >> I. >> All right, motion passes 6-0. Our next action item is the 10-year long-term facilities maintenance uh, plan. Uh, information will be shared by John Morsette and members of his team. >> Thank you, Chair Brooks. Um, so I have the uh, the honor to introduce a gentleman for the last time, uh, Mr. Dale Carlstrom, our director of facility operations, who is retiring the end of July after 37 years with the district. So, maybe a quick round of applause for Dale. >> [applause] >> I don't know if I should say this after you approved the budget, but Dale is the person who has single-handedly spent more money than anyone in this district. [laughter] But he stayed within his budget, so we'll give him a little bit of a break. So, he and his team are going to walk us through our long-term facility maintenance plan. This is a It's a 10-year plan, but it is our annual update of that 10-year plan. So, I will turn it over to Dale. And And again, thank you, Dale. Appreciate it. >> I know how to use it. >> Just down. >> Okay. Well, good evening. Um, Acting Chair Brooks and the directors and Superintendent Dr. Hile. um, I'm Dale Carlstrom, the John Slet director of facility operations for Lil Well. Thank you Thank you for this opportunity to share with you and the community our efforts to protect and restore the ISD 279 Osseo Area Schools facilities and site assets. This evening, Jeff Arthur's our new director of facility operations and Colin O'Brien, facility operations project coordinator, will provide a summary of the long-term facility maintenance strategy and project details for the first 2 years of our updated LTFM plan. I'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate Jeff as he takes on this director's position. The director facility operations role requires strong expertise in long-term facility maintenance, which we're talking about this evening, and this process and implementation. Throughout his tenure, Jeff has been an integral member of our LTFM steering committee and has contributed significantly to the development and execution of our 10-year LTFM plan. I've worked with Jeff for 12 years and I have every confidence that he and John will provide an excellent leadership in the work to provide quality learning environments for our students and our community. Before we get started with the details of the plan, I'd like to recognize our facility staff, our professional consultants, construction teams, site staff for their commitment to the revitalization and restoration of our facility assets to better serve our students and our community. Our work is making a difference and I'm proud of the progress we've made through the long-term facility maintenance program. The LTFM plan has been created through the through the combined efforts of a great team of professionals who bring a variety of skills and experience to this plan. Our LTFM steering committee, financial advisors, business services department, and design teams all contribute to the creation of this plan. The Minnesota Department of Education requires that we communicate a 10-year LTFM plan through the annual update that we will be discussing this evening. We are required to report detailed expenditures and revenue projections in spreadsheet form, as well as the statement of assurances that the planned expenditures meet the deferred maintenance criteria for LTFM levy. The finance and facilities operations team work closely with our professional consultants to establish a comprehensive assessment of our facilities and site assets to inform our our financial strategy for this plan. This evening, we will be asking the board to approve the revised 10-year plan due in July. I will turn the presentation over to Colin, who will be summarizing the the expenditures detail and the revenue plan. Thank you. >> Good evening, acting chair Prince, directors, and superintendent Dr. Hile. In front of you and in your board packets, you see a document, an Excel document that looks a lot like this. This is the MDE form, the LTFM 10-year plan, and it breaks out every category that we spend in our deferred maintenance plan, as well as health and safety. We're going to zoom into each category a little closer cuz the spreadsheet is very small. So, on this sheet, this is the health and safety section. So, in here, you're going to find the categories for physical hazards, asbestos abatement, as well as a few other health and safety-related items noted on here. And in the second category, you're going to see a breakout of fire systems, and this is a projects that cost more than $100,000, which for us a fire alarm system around $300,000 every time we replace one. We try to do one every year to keep those things up to date and safe. Uh, the deferred maintenance plan is the large section on the 10-year plan and it's broken down by major deferred maintenance categories within this section like building envelope, roofing, um, you've got electrical, plumbing, mechanical services and everything that makes the buildings comfortable. Uh, everything is broken down in here and you'll see a blow up of as Dale shared a 3-year expenditure breakdown through 2029. >> [snorts] >> Uh, the final spends are listed on this with again a blow up of the next three fiscal years. We've worked with our municipal advisors and our LTFM steering committee to make sure that this information is as accurate as possible. We believe, uh, we believe that we have done so. The next page is the revenue section and the top section under fund one is our levy section. So, this is a calculated number based on MDE's calculations of a whole bunch of different factors. This number does not have a carryover year to year, so we maximize our one spending accounts first as we think about how we spend money in our projects. Uh, the second section down below the 06, the bond information does have a carryover component to it within the bond sales that you approve as a board. Again, those have a carryover, so whatever we whatever we use as an unspent dollar rolls over to the next year so that we can continue to improve our facilities while still maintaining the best fiscal stewardship that we can. Uh, and at this time I'll turn it over to Mr. Jeff Arthurs to continue the presentation. >> Oh, this is a fancy dongle here. Uh, Uh, good evening acting chair Brooks, members of the school board, superintendent Dr. Hile. This evening, I'll provide a brief update of our long-term facility maintenance program and some of the major projects planned over the next 2 years. As in previous years, our priorities are focused on maximizing impact of our LTFM funding while maintaining safe, comfortable, and efficient learning environments for our students and staff. This year, we've intentionally aligned many of our LTFM projects with building a better future projects to minimize disruption to schools and take advantage of construction efficiencies while buildings are already under renovation. Key areas of focus include replacing aging mechanical electrical systems, reducing risk of equipment failures, uh, continuing facility condition assessments, and investing in projects that help improve energy efficiency. Summer of 2026 represents another significant year of investment across the district. In addition to supporting BBF phase two work at Maple Grove Senior High and Osseo Senior High, we'll begin phase one at Park Center Senior High and complete media center flex learning and outdoor classroom improvements at several sites. By coordinating this work with larger renovation projects, we can often complete improvements more efficiently and reduce future costs. Alongside these major projects, our internal facilities team continues to manage numerous LTFM categorical projects including roofing, building envelope repairs, athletic field improvements, paving, flooring, mechanical electrical system replacements. These projects are prioritized based on facility condition, safety considerations, operational needs, and life cycle replacement schedules. This slide provides a high-level overview of the summer construction schedule for 2026. Our facilities and construction teams work closely with contractors and school administrators to sequence projects in a way that minimizes impacts on school operations, programming, cleaning activities, and preparation for the upcoming school year. Maple Grove and Park Center projects will continue through the school year as we have done in the past. This requires careful planning and close coordination with the site admin teams. As always, our goal is to complete the most impactful major work in the summer months before students return in the fall while maintaining flexibility to address unforeseen conditions that may arise during construction. Of course, we never have any surprises, right, Dale? Looking ahead to summer 2027, we'll continue the phased implementation of our Building a Better Future projects with a long-term facility maintenance component. Major projects include the last phase of work at Maple Grove Senior High, which includes the media center, secure front entrance, and performing arts areas. Phase two at Park Center, which will be the entire second floor, including the media center. Renovations at several elementary schools, magnet schools, and the district's ESC building. Rice Lake and Elm Creek will undergo extensive renovations to include classroom areas and common spaces and media center. Similar to 2026, LTFM funding will continue to support critical infrastructure improvements such as roofing, paving, flooring, mechanical systems, and other site improvements. These investments help protect district assets, extend useful life of our facilities, and provide reliable environments that support teaching and learning. The schedule illustrates the timing and sequencing of our summer 2027 projects. Given the number and complexity of projects occurring simultaneously, extensive planning is already well underway to coordinate construction activities, staffing, material procurement, and occupancy requirements for next summer. Our focus remains on delivering projects safely, on schedule, and with minimal disruptions to district operations. In closing, I want to thank the board for its continued support of our long-term facility maintenance program. Uh and at this time, I'll turn it back over to acting chair Brooks and school board to ask any questions. >> Thank you. Um is there a motion to approve the long-term facilities maintenance plan as presented? >> So moved. >> Moved by Director Dawson. Uh do we have a second? >> Second. >> Seconded by Director Mitchell. And uh board members, any discussion? Well, I'll jump in and just say thank you for um the report uh and presentation. Um as always, um it's overwhelming to see uh the amount of work uh that you all oversee on behalf of the district um year to year um and that's in addition to um the ongoing projects across our district um with our building a better future referendum. Um our students are seeing uh the investment um that you all are and the time that you're putting into each of our buildings. Um and so I I just want to say thank you um and um check in with any board members on any other discussion. >> I mean, I'm just really excited. I think it's really cool. I think it's like really great. It's fun to see all the construction. I know one of my daughters is at Maple Grove and they're just so excited for it to get done and um I think it's thing when our buildings are modern and they look good and they, you know, uh our students feel even like we're investing, you know, and they feel valued and they feel proud. And so I um and all that comes into the maintenance, long-term maintenance and it's not always the >> [clears throat] >> fun things like roofs and everything, but um it is exciting to see the work on in the buildings that um that are happening. So, thank you so much. >> Yeah, I would just like to chime in that in the end construction industry, those 3 months in the summer in Minnesota are often called summer slam. And that was a new term I found out when I moved back here. Um, but I just want to say like the process we have in our Osseo is so sophisticated and the reputation we have as a district for our facilities management and the construction side of things is just so well respected and that really speaks to um the staff leadership and I'm really proud of all the projects we have moving forward and it's a very large scale compared to other districts. So, this is a really impressive process both the LTFM and um the building a better future. They're It's just that you're doing this simultaneously even speaks more to um the skill that you're utilizing to get this off the ground. So, thank you. >> I agree with those remarks and the other remarks made. Um, this is one of the real strengths of our district even before building a better future to have um the attention and the foresight to be building out this continuous planning over the 10-year cycle and to be really thoughtful and mindful mindful about what each building and, you know, we have a huge footprint. So, um I just have really appreciated over the years that ability to um see all of the needs across the district and ensure all of our facilities are continually up kept, modernized, ensured that they are in well working order and and that's this has really set us apart when we when we look at across Minnesota and and as always thankful to the team and thankful to our community for supporting the the investment and the work that is done here to support our facilities. So, thank you guys. >> [snorts] >> Thank you. All right, Sherri, I think we're ready for a roll call vote. >> Director Tate. >> Aye. >> Director Dawson. >> Aye. >> Director Brooks. >> Aye. >> Director Prince. >> Aye. >> Director Foster. >> Aye. >> Director Mitchell. >> Aye. >> All right, the motion passes 6-0. Thank you. Uh the next action item is a resolution relating to general obligation school building refunding bonds. Information will be shared by John Morseth. >> Thank you, Acting Chair Brooks. Um so, the the two this one and the next item um go together and they are the last two funding mechanisms for building a better future. So, we've been um coming to the board occasionally to say thank you to the first of all the voters for authorizing um us to to issue school building bonds. So, this particular resolution is the last issuance of school building bonds. So, uh the request is that the school board approve us to go ahead and start the process of issuing the $63,225 that remains in our authority for school building bonds. >> Thank you. Uh is there a motion to approve the resolution relating to 63,225 uh thousand general obligation uh school building bonds series 2026B authorizing the issuance and sale thereof providing for credit enhancement with respect thereto, and establishing compliance with reimbursement bond regulations under the Internal Revenue Code. >> So moved. >> All right, moved by Director Dawson, seconded by >> Second. >> Director Tate. And uh any discussion? All right, uh if there is no discussion, uh Sherry, can you take a roll call vote? >> Director Mitchell. >> Aye. >> Director Tate. >> Aye. >> Director Dawson. >> Aye. >> Director Brooks. >> Aye. >> Director Prince. >> Aye. >> Director Foster. >> Aye. >> All right, motion passes 6-0. Uh John, back to you. >> Okay, the other um resolution before you, um and I would would turn or have you, if there are questions, um take a look at the memo that was attached about a school abatement bond resolution. Abatement bonds are a different tool that we can use, and if you I'll I'll just give the a little historical, which is when we originally asked for the school building bonds and did the referendum, we intended to do um a renovation of Crestview Elementary. That, when we got into the guts of it and the planning, ultimately we had to pivot, and we asked the board's direction, and the board made the recommendation that we tear down and rebuild that. So, in order to do that and get money in the correct buckets, so we can do that, one of the things we're asking is that we authorize the resolution to issue um abatement bonds, and there's a process that comes with that. One of the processes is we have to have a public hearing, so that anyone in the public would like to come and make a comment about it, they're allowed to. Um so, that's what we're asking you to do today is is just call the abatement bond hearing. Um what we're doing in order to free up funds because with a renovation we'd use mostly long-term facility maintenance funds. The The money that that Dale and his team just talked about. With a new addition or a new building, we can't use those funds. So, we had to do some rearranging and by doing that what we did is brought down the amount that we are going to ask for in our long-term facilities maintenance and left an opening for us to put abatement back in without making a tax impact. We're just shifting buckets um that will then allow us to free up space um in our school building bond funds, which that I can spend on a new building. Abatements are very unique. I can only spend it on a parking lot. I know it's really weird that it is that specific, but it is that specific. You can spend it on parking lots. Fortunately for us with all of the school building projects in Build a Better Future, we're spending like $14 million on parking lots. Um, and so ultimately the abatement bond is about that $14 million plus the interest that would come with it with just issuing bonds. And by doing it this way we're actually saving the district a fair amount of money. Um, it's also issued as a general obligation bond and not a certificate of occupancy or a certificate of participation bond that carries a higher interest rate. So, um all in all this is within the same tax parameters that the board had originally granted us through Build a Better Future. We're actually a little bit under that because we're coming in total a little bit less in the package, but by using the buckets carefully um and getting things in the right area, that allows us to continue all the projects and make sure everything's paid and we're being very mindful of our taxpayers spend and authorization. So, that's the my short summary. Thank you. >> Is there a motion to approve the resolution relating to proposed property tax abatement for parking lot improvement projects, calling a public hearing, and establishing compliance with reimbursement bond regulations under the Internal Revenue Code. >> So moved. >> I'll move by Director Mitchell. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Seconded by Director Tate. He's on it today. Um any discussion? To members. All right. Sherry, can you take a roll call vote? >> Director Prince. >> I. >> Director Foster. >> I. >> Director Brooks. >> I. >> Director Tate. >> I. >> Director Mitchell. >> I. >> Director Dawson. >> I. >> All right, motion passes 6-0. Uh thanks, John. The next action item is the recommended adoption of the district's language access plan. Information will be shared by Dr. Brian Bass and Kay Balola. >> Uh thank you, acting chair Brooks, members of the board, uh Superintendent Ahiao. As you recall, earlier this month at our June work session, our multilingual and community relations teams went through our new draft of the language access plan, explaining explaining what uh the elements and components of a language access plan, what it includes, the state legislation surrounding it, and our district's alignment to uh strategic direction C. Kay will share the remainder. >> Thank you. Um the public version of the language access plan before you tonight is the final draft. Um one revision was made since the work session. It was the commitment statement. Um this now emphasizes that multilingual families will have the same communication experience as all of our FCPS area schools families. Um that's on page two in your packet if you want to refer to it. Um it's administration's recommendation that the board adopt the district's language access plan as presented. >> Thank you. Um is there a motion to approve the district's language access plan as presented. >> So moved. >> Moved by Director Dawson. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Seconded by Director Mitchell. All right. Uh any discussion? So, I'll just jump in and say um we this was another um fun topic at the last work session on June 9th. Um so, one of the main things we talked about that day. Um and for me this is like there is no better example of us leaning into our value of equity, um particularly um minimizing barriers and improving access for um our families to make sure that um their scholars um have what they need to be successful and to thrive in our district. Um we have focused so much on um communication, um transparency, um but even beyond that um active engagement with our families. Um and as you dig into um our language access plan, um it's rich with ways for our parents um and caregivers to um be in relationship with our educators um in our our buildings. Um and so, I I just want to thank Dr. Bass and K and everyone else that was involved in um putting this together and um creating these options for our families. Um this is something that I'm proud of um and excited about. Um and so, um with that I'm excited to to support this and move it forward today. Any additional discussion? All right. Sherry, can you take a roll call vote? >> Hold on. Sorry. Um >> I thought you might have something. >> just wanted to add in um uh as was noted, we did talk about this at the work session, and um I again, one of the great strengths of our district is that I know we've already had in place um a lot of uh advanced language capabilities and supports, and I had the opportunity to sit in at Dr. Hiles' uh end of the year leadership meeting um and kind of hear about that and the parents' um experience, and I'm really excited about how this enhanced um work is going to even um better meet the needs of our parents and our families and community members. Um so, even though it's uh something that's you know, come out from legislation, as usual, we've um this district under uh Dr. Hiles' and the cabinet's leadership has been ahead of the curve in this space. Um so, just wanted to continue to um call that out and appreciate everybody who's already been working this and now brought it to another level. I think another thing um that I wanted to point out from um being in attendance at that leadership uh session was the Dr. Hiles' 3C isn't that the consistency um that's coming down throughout the organization around this to ensure not only is the plan in place, um but that everybody has the the same information and the same ability um to fulfill the plan. So, I I just wanted to call that out as as well. Sometimes we, you know, discuss things at the board meeting or we approve things, and and we wonder how it actually shows up um throughout the district, and uh I just continue to be really impressed at how um these type of actions uh really do cascade uh very consistently uh throughout the organization. So, I just wanted to mention that. Thank you. Thanks, K and team and and Brian. All right, thank you. All right, Sheri, can you go ahead and take a roll call vote? >> Director Foster. >> I. >> Director Prince. >> I. >> Director Tate. >> I. >> Director Mitchell. >> I. >> Director Dawson. >> I. >> Director Brooks. >> I. >> Uh motion passes 6-0. Thank you. All right, and then the next action item is the recommended approval of the 2027-2028 academic school year calendar. Uh information will be shared by Kay Bell executive director of community relations. Kay, back to you. >> All right. Uh because the calendar is always a topic of high community interest, I know that just by looking at our website stats um weekly, um I wanted to share a quick overview of the deeply collaborative process we used to build it this year. For the first time in our district's history, we launched a ground-up community engagement engagement initiative to shape the calendar. So, here's how the process looked. Um in late February, early March, staff, families, and community members were invited to share their priorities, um what they wanted to see in the calendar, right? And we talked about it being for this very one that you you have tonight. A total of 2,729 stakeholders responded. So, this is one of our largest engagement like online um feedback that we've gotten um to date, I would say. Um then in March, April, and May, a newly formed calendar committee composed of diverse stakeholders thoroughly analyzed the feedback. They designed the uh calendar draft by balancing staff and community desires with a steadfast focus on prioritizing student learning. This was also the point that we invited those key stakeholders that we usually in um traditional ways would interact with as well. And then the cabinet reviewed the community's draft to ensure operational alignment. So, uh open it up to any questions that you might have on that. >> Thank you. Is there a motion to approve >> much, Kate, and I am so glad we bumped this out of the consent. Am I allowed to just make comments right now? Director Brooks. >> Um let's get through our motion in a second. >> Um I'm just so thankful we brought this out of the consent agenda because I wanted to highlight this as something um that we've heard from a lot of community members, especially at our last winter break. We heard a lot of feedback about it, and I was just so impressed by the what Kate and team have put together and how Dr. Hile has asked for the community to really speak into things, and um ongoing community engagement is always a priority for me. So, I and I remember taking the survey, Kate, so I'm one of your people. Um but I just think it's amazing that we're asking for the input now versus waiting for it later. And so, um we do want people to hear that we're we listen and are um integrating those responses into how we plan. So, I think this speaks really uh well of Kate and team and the calendar group. So, thank you for all your hard work and for bringing this to uh a new new season and life here. >> I'll um I'll jump in. >> have a question, too. Can I ask a question? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Um I just want to say also thank you. Um I appreciate the collaborative nature and like the boundary change process. Seeing that tangible action is just exciting to see we're actually listening and um being collaborative. But I do have a question going forward. I didn't get to ask this before, but will be we be doing this every year then having a committee and um engaging people since the calendar and dates are new every year? >> I would say the committee for sure would be every year, and then we were talking about doing the survey about every 3 years. Um so, the calendar committee would review the, you know, survey before jumping into the next year, but kind of update, making sure we're keeping an updated uh version of like what community interests are every couple years for sure. Yeah. >> It's good to know. Thanks. >> Any other questions, comments? >> Uh Okay, I'll just say I am definitely one of the people looking at the calendar every week. Um so I I appreciated that once again this was Well, this in one way is kind of a routine thing that we do um year to year. Um the fact that we um took some extra time and really dug into uh the community feedback and interests. Um like to me like that's that's what we that's what the board pushes for and and what we strive to do. Um and so the fact that this was uh community informed um just makes it that much more um easy to support it. Um and then also thank you for the flexibility of um being willing to like kind of formally present on this item even though it was originally on the consent agenda. So. >> Um all right, so we are um a little bit out of order. Um is there a motion to approve the 2027 2028 academic school year calendar as presented? >> So moved. >> Uh moved by Director Mitchell. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Seconded by Director Tate. Um any discussion? All right, and Sherry, can you take a roll call vote? >> Director Dawson? >> Aye. >> Director Foster? >> Aye. >> Director Brooks? >> Aye. >> Director Prince? >> Aye. >> Director Tate? >> Aye. >> Director Mitchell? Aye. >> All right, motion passes 6-0. Our final action item is gifts to the district. Is there a motion to approve gifts to the district totaling $161,834.55? >> So moved. >> Moved by Director Dawson. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Seconded by Director Tate. Um any discussion? As always, we like to say thank you for the gifts to the district and supporting our scholars. Um Sherry, can you go ahead and take a roll call vote? >> Director Mitchell? Aye. Director Tate? >> Aye. >> Director Prince? >> Aye. >> Director Brooks? >> Aye. >> Director Foster? >> Aye. >> Director Dawson? >> Aye. >> All right, and motion passes 6-0. Our final agenda item is adjournment. Uh there is not a closed negotiation strategy session this evening. Um is there a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:51 p.m.? >> So moved. >> Uh moved by Director Tate. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Seconded by Director Mitchell. Um Sherry, can you take uh one more roll call vote? >> Director Tate? >> Aye. >> Director Mitchell? >> Aye. >> Director Dawson? >> Aye. >> Director Brooks? >> Aye. >> Director Prince? >> Aye, and thank you everybody for bearing with us on the technology to include us. We really appreciate it. >> Director Foster? >> Aye. >> All right, meeting is adjourned at 7:51 p.m. >> Good job, Thomas. Congratulations, Sherry. >> I know. I know.