Westonka Public Schools — Transcript
Monday, August 17, 2026
Student Fees for Nursing Assistant Registered Program
School Construction Updates
Academic Performance and New Programs
Financial Overview and Upcoming Fiscal Activities
School Operations and Staffing Adjustments
High School Parking and Traffic Flow Concerns
Votes (8)
Approval of Required Student Fees for the Nursing Assistant Registered Program
Dissent: None
Moved by Chair [00:50:58] · Seconded by Unknown [00:51:02]
The discussion centered on the new Nursing Assistant Registered (NAR) program and the requirement to approve associated student fees. Assistant Superintendent Mark Van Wright explained that fees for background checks and fingerprinting, while mandatory for clinical participation, are not explicitly covered by state law, necessitating board action. He also noted that district grants would offset the full cost (over $200) to a flat $25 for students for two years, but the fees still needed permanent board authorization. Questions arose about the indefinite nature of the approval and the control Monarch HealthCare has over some fee changes. The importance of making the program cost-prohibitive and the district's strategy to secure future grants or scholarships were emphasized.
Approval of Policy Changes
Dissent: None
Moved by Chair [00:51:17] · Seconded by Unknown [00:51:19]
No specific policy changes were detailed in the discussion, only that they were a standard item for approval.
Approval of Cardiac Emergency Response Plans for the High School, Waconia Middle School, Hilltop, and Shirley Hills
Dissent: None
Moved by Chair [00:51:32] · Seconded by Laura [00:51:37]
Superintendent Kevin explained that adopting a cardiac emergency response plan is a statutory requirement. Each building has a specific plan outlining procedures in case of a cardiac event.
Approval to Add Mock Trial as a Waconia Activities Program
Dissent: None
Moved by Chair [00:51:57] · Seconded by Unknown [00:52:00]
Superintendent Kevin advocated for adding Mock Trial, emphasizing the district's philosophy of offering diverse activities when student interest and volunteer coaches are available. He cited past success with other programs like Speech, which thrived with the right advisors.
Approval of Adult Staff Food Service Program Fees for 2026-2027
Dissent: None
Moved by Chair [00:52:13] · Seconded by Unknown [00:52:16]
The proposed fee adjustment was described as a minor increase (a nickel) to keep pace with inflationary pressures.
Approval of Staffing Adjustments for Waconia Food Services
Dissent: None
Moved by Chair [00:52:28] · Seconded by Unknown [00:52:31]
Superintendent Kevin noted that staffing adjustments for food services involved some new lines at the high school, and that the director of food service manages staffing closely.
Approve Addition of a 1.0 FTE Head Custodian Position and the Elimination of a 1.0 Maintenance Custodial Position at West Seneca High School
Dissent: None
Moved by Chair [00:52:43] · Seconded by Unknown [00:52:46]
Superintendent Kevin explained that this staffing adjustment was prompted by the unfortunate passing of a maintenance position holder, Mike Nelson. The district decided to restructure the role from a maintenance position to a head custodian position to better align with the building's needs and maintain consistency with other district buildings.
Approval of PSCO by Contract Agreement with Bridgewater College
Dissent: None
Moved by Chair [00:52:58] · Seconded by Unknown [00:53:01]
The Superintendent noted that such agreements are made to benefit the district financially when a few students choose to attend colleges like Bridgewater for Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO).
Notable Quotes (4)
Where we need to have a public hearing tonight is around the background check and the fingerprinting fees [clears throat] because they're required for taking the course, but they're not explicitly covered by the Minnesota public school fee law.
No. I think this allows us to charge fees for this reason. And so that gives you this indefinitely.
One thing that uh love about our district is we offer almost everything and if there's a group of kids that show that they're interested in it. We're open to letting them try, and so we have some students that are interested, and we have some coaches that are willing to volunteer their time, and that's usually how these programs start.
Uh you have an addition of a 1.0 head custodian, and what that also has is the elimination of a 1.0 maintenance custodial position. Um we had a maintenance position at our high school that passed away, and uh uh very very sad, and uh his name was Mike Nelson, and so we will miss Mike.
Ordinances & Resolutions (7)
State law governing student fees, which prompted the public hearing for certain required fees.
A plan adopted by statute for responding to cardiac issues in school buildings, specific plans for high school, Waconia Middle School, Hilltop, and Shirley Hills.
Legislation mandating continued literacy training for teachers and paraprofessionals.
A new assessment required for grades 4-12 to screen for dyslexia tendencies and identify specific reading gaps.
Assessment system used to identify students reading at low levels who then take the CAPT Read Basic assessment.
Funding source for machining program equipment.
Agreements with colleges for Post-Secondary Enrollment Options.