Edina Public Schools — Transcript
Monday, January 5, 2026
Election of Board Officers
Board Compensation Review
Leadership and Committee Updates
Votes (9)
Approval of Meeting Agenda
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:00] · Seconded by Unknown [00:00]
Standard procedural approval of the evening's agenda with no substantive discussion.
Election of Board Chair
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:00] · Seconded by Unknown [00:00]
Karen Gabler was nominated for the position of board chair. No competing nominations were received.
Election of Vice Chair
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:00] · Seconded by Unknown [00:00]
Cheryl Barry was nominated for the position of vice chair. No competing nominations were received.
Election of Clerk
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:00] · Seconded by Unknown [00:00]
Erica Alenberg was nominated for the position of clerk. No competing nominations were received.
Election of Treasurer
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:00] · Seconded by Unknown [00:00]
Jen Huie was nominated for the position of treasurer. No competing nominations were received.
Election of Assistant Treasurer and Assistant Clerks
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:00] · Seconded by Unknown [00:00]
Elliot Man was nominated as assistant treasurer; Dan Arum and Michael Bergman were nominated as assistant clerks. No competing nominations were received.
Consent Agenda Approval (Excluding Board Compensation)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:00] · Seconded by Unknown [00:00]
Director Birdman requested removal of board compensation from the consent agenda to allow for separate discussion. The remaining consent agenda items were approved without objection.
Board Compensation Discussion and Approval
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:00] · Seconded by Unknown [00:00]
Director Birdman articulated concerns about stagnant board compensation levels and inequitable compensation for the chair position relative to its responsibilities. He emphasized that this is an election year with four positions opening in 2026 and advocated for compensation review to improve accessibility and opportunity for board service. The board agreed to add this topic to the retreat agenda. Board compensation was subsequently approved with the understanding that any changes would be implemented effective January 2026.
Adjournment
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:00] · Seconded by Unknown [00:00]
Standard procedural adjournment of the January 2025 Edina School Board organizational meeting.
Notable Quotes (3)
this is a topic that I've been cared about since I got on the board four years ago. um we haven't made any progress on the this discussion and coming up with concrete um paths forward as far as how we look at compensation not just for all members of the board but especially the chair position of the board.
There's a lot of time that's spent by all us members of the school board. Um, the compensation hasn't changed in quite some time and I'm ultimately concerned especially for the chair position which carries a much heavier load than all the other positions on the board. It is still compensated the same as everybody else.
not looking for compensation necessarily for myself or anyone else, but more for making sure there's accessibility and opportunity for people to come and do this.
Ordinances & Resolutions (2)
Professional development program offered through Minnesota School Boards Association with sessions scheduled for February.
Four-part professional development workshop for board members offered through Minnesota School Boards Association.