Good evening. Thank you for being here on our Tuesday, June 9th, 2026 meeting for this Orno school board. Uh the first item on the agenda is community members questions and comments. We did not have anybody sign up, so we will move on to the calling call to order the meeting. Next up is the pledge of allegiance. Wendy, would you mind leading us? Thank you. Thank you so much. Uh next is the consideration of the agenda. I would request I would move that we uh move 9H uh to be our next item. Uh that is to recognize the Orno girls class AA track and field state championship team. Do I have a motion to approve? So moved. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> All those in favor say I. I. >> Excellent. Dr. Flesher. Thank you, Madam Chair. Good evening, everyone. Welcome and thank you for being here. I'm Christy Flesher, honored to serve as superintendent of Orno schools, and it's a longstanding tradition for the Orno school board and administration to honor our state champion athletes and teams at a regular school board meeting. So, we are beyond thrilled to bring the Orno High School girls track team here tonight for the first time in school history. Woohoo. I've just learned from a a friend here that we've had 20 state champion um in the history of Orno schools, 10 boys and 10 girls team. So pretty impressive. Um so we have watched you girls deliver outstanding performances all season. So I'm going to just name a few including nine school records this year. First pace place at the Orno Invitational. First place at the University of Minnesota Invitational. True team section champions. True team state second place where Delaney Stevens set a new school record in the 1600. Woohoo. Um, section champions. And finally, class AAA state champions, where you earn podium finishes in eight different events, highlighted by state titles and multiple new state records in the 4x 800 and the 4x100 meter meter relays. And we are so incredibly proud of each and every one of you. So before we introduce each member, we wanted I wanted to thank your families that are here tonight. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the parents, guardians, siblings, family members, and supporters who've been with the team every step of the way. The state championship is never won in a single race, a single meet, or even a single season. It's a result of countless moments that build upon each other. Early morning practices, long bus rides, weekend meets, carb dinners, volunteer concession hours, encouragement after setbacks, and celebrations after successes. Thank you to our families and to our incredible coaches for investing your time, energy, and heart into these amazing student athletes. So, at this time, um, I'm going to shift over there because we'd like to recognize each of our state champions individually and highlight their individual accomplishments at the state tournaments in this year. So, um, the board's going to step out in front to be able to shake your hands and I we're going to ask you to come forward as I call your name to accept the board's congratulations. Yeah. Oh, oops. So, we're going to start with Miss Ryan Andrine. You can just come up. Yep. You can come on down. Perfect. You can come stand over me by me. Sorry, Ryan. >> Okay. Ryan, state champion in the 4x800 relay, class school record and class doubleA record, place six in the 800 meter run, and also a record holder in the 4 by 400 relay. Did I get that right? >> Yeah. hang out here until everyone gets through. Okay, awesome. Um, Mila Bailey, she's my So, I'm still going to read everything about Mila. She's a state champion. She's a state champion in the 4x00, 100 relay, class doubleA, and school records. She'll also place second in the 4x200 relay, and that's a school record. and she competed in the 200 meter dash. Congratulations, Miss Abby Dar Dosserie. >> Yeah, I know. It's pretty cool when you have that many medals and you get to clink that way. Abby Dosser is a state champion. A state champion in the 4x100 relay. She also is a class double A and school record holder and she placed second in the 4x200 relay and also holds the school record for that as well. Congratulations, Abby. We have Tatum ID Smith. Next, more clinking. Congratulations, Tatum. And for Tatum, also a state champion. State champion in the 4x100 relay. She holds the class double A and school records. and also placed second in the 4 by 200 relay and holds the school record. Congratulations, Tatum. We have Marin Liry. Congratulations. >> Very proud of you. Marin Liry, state champion, state champion in the 4 by 800 meter relay. She is also the class double twoa record and school record holder. She competed in the 800 meter run and competed in the 400 4x400 meter relay and is the school record holder. Congratulations Addison Mosett. Congratulations, Eddie. Very proud of you. Eddie is another state champion. She is the state champion uh in the 4x 100 relay. She holds the class double A and school record and also in the high jump. You also hold you are third in the Orno school records. Congratulations Addie. Lydia Richardson. >> Congratulations, Lydia. Very proud of you. We have another state champion here at our team. Um Lydia earned third place in the triple jump and that is second in the school records. And she competed in the long jump as well and is third in the school records. And we're congratulating Lydia Delaney Stevens. >> More clanking. Yes. Congratulations, Delaney. Very proud of you. >> Delaney, a state champion. She is a state champion in the 4x 800 meter relay and holds the class doubleA and school records. Now she placed eighth in the 1600 meter run. She competed in the 4x 400 meter relay and also broke the mile record. Congratulations Delaney Olivia Useling. >> Got a lot of clinking going on there. >> Thank you. >> Congratulations, Olivia. We have another state champion. Um Olivia, 4x400 school record, placed second in the 4x200 relay, third place in the 100 meter hurdles, third place in the 300 meter hurdles. And she broke school records this year in the 600, 100, and 300 meter hurdles. Congratulation, Olivia. Miss Taylor Walsh. Congratulations, Taylor. Very proud of you. >> Taylor Walsh, state champion. State champion in the 4 by 800 meter relay. She holds both the class double A and Orno school record in this event. She com competed in the 800 meter run and competed in the 4x400 meter relay and that is also a school record. Congratulations Taylor. I have two more students I wanted to recognize. I know they were our alternates. Um I'm not sure if they're all here, but we have JC Josie Howland who broke the two mile record this year and Braden Useldine. Um, and these are both as our alternate state champions. Congratulations. So, um, we have coaches to recognize now. Um, we want to recognize the amazing amazing coaching staff whose leadership, dedication, and countless hours of work helped guide this team to a historic championship season. So, we will start with our co-head coaches, Nathan Porter and Addie Helen. Oh no. Oh no. You have to come up. You can start there. We might as well get coach you up here already. And Nate Usaldi. Congratulations. Very proud of you. Y absolutely. Congratulations. Very proud of you. Um it's so much fun to be able to celebrate our kids together and um we want to be able to take a few pictures, but just as I close um just wanted to thank you all for being here tonight. Um this means a lot to us and so do these kids. So congratulations. So, if you guys could come forward with pictures with the school board, including your coaches, um, we'd love to take a couple pictures, please. >> Well, Lisa and helped a lot. You are welcome to grab more cookies on your I I mean you may stay for the meeting. You're always welcome to stay for the meeting, but you do not have to. So, please help yourselves to refreshments and congratulations again. Thank you so much for being here tonight. Thank you all. That was amazing. Um, we're going to cons continue on our agenda. The next is the consent agenda. The consent agenda contains routine matters that typically do not require board discussion. Individual board members may remove an item from the consent agenda for discussion or separate action. Consent agenda tonight items are followed. Approve minutes from the regular board meeting held on May 11th, 2026. Approve personnel recommendations. Approve the Oro education agreement for 2628. Accept donations totaling $32,988.96. Approve treasures report for April 2026. Approve electronic fund transfers for April 2026. Designate identified official with authority for the Minnesota Department of Education and approve voucher and payment registers including bill vouchers, EP registers, EFT vouchers, and Capital One transactions. Do I have a motion to approve? >> So moved. >> A second. >> Second. >> Okay. All those in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? >> Terrific. Next up is the superintendent's report on excellence. Dr. Flesher. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um in academics this last um week we had the eighth grade capstone festival at the middle school. So 100 and it was the 11th annual. So our eighth grade students participated in the capstone festival at the activity center. Student groups selected a global issue based on the theme breaking barriers. Through their research they developed feasible, sustainable and innovative solutions to global challenges. Groups had a choice of a topic and project format so they could do a visual display, a slideshow, presentation, website, or documentary. Each group presented their project to judges and awards were given to the top projects. Wanted to thank more than 70 high school seniors who volunteered their service hours to assist in judging the projects. And thank you also to our eighth grade social studies teachers, Brian Bazard and Jane Nelson. On to also at the middle school, we had our solar oven project. Our sixth graders took advantage of a warm and sunny day last week to try out their solar ovens. This was an engaging STEM activity that helped students explore renewable energy, heat transfer, and engineering design. Students worked in small groups to build a simple oven using a box, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and black construction paper. The reflective foil directed sunlight into the box, and the black paper absorbed the heat, and the plastic wrap um helped trap warmth inside. students had good luck in making s'mores, baking cookie dough, and dipping strawberries into melted chocolate. So, it was great fun with our middle school. Um, in this last week, we've had a lot of graduations going on. So, just wanted to highlight those. Last week, we were treated to two kindergarten graduation ceremonies as 189 of our youngest scholars proudly filed into the intermediate school gym and their oversized t-shirts. It sang a collection of very traditional songs and received diplomas recognizing this important milestone. Thank you to our kindergarten teachers, Principal Dr. Lamp Parski for helping our students build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Throughout the year, they developed essential academic skills while also learning how to be caring classmates, confident learners, and members of a connected school community. We look forward to watching their success as first graders next year. On to fifth grade graduation. The last day of elementary school was memorable in many ways for our fifth grade students. They began the day with a celebratory hallway clap off to cheers and applause from um district-wide staff and is staff and classmates. The students then enjoyed a special breakfast followed by an energetic track and field day. After a catered lunch and thanks to um the Lee family, families gathered for a graduation ceremony where students received their certificates and celebrated this important milestone. This year, every fifth grader um every class created a time capsule as well. So, working together, they brainstormed items that best represented their school year. These selection included tech decks, neidato nice cubes, a 67 keychain, a headlamp representing their their study of the uh Thai boy soccer team, and the related escape room experience, a can of bubbly sparkling water, a nail from Fort Snelling, puffy stickers, and an orange riber ribbon in memory of their friend Weston Pascowits. Each added their personal signature, photo, and a letter to their future selves. So, the time capsules will be carefully stored and reopened when these students are graduating seniors. So, a special reminder of the memories, friendships, and experience that shaped their fifth grade year at the IS. And for the high school graduation on June 4th, we celebrated 246 graduates of the class of 2026 as they crossed the stage and joined and some of the stage inside um as they joined the proud tradition of Orno alumni. It was a memorable night with a quick transition from Pesanum Stadium to the high school gym due to unexpected weather. Thank you to our graduates, staff, families, and guests who maintain a positive spirit and continue the celebration of our seniors inside with meaningful speeches and resounding cheers. We wish all of our graduates happiness, fulfillment, and personal success in their years ahead. Onto our activities, we are coming down to the final days of our spring sports season. Since our last board meeting, we had the following news to share. Baseball finished as section runnerup. The boys won 20 games, which is the winningest season in more than a decade. Congratulations to our baseball team. Boys golf earned the Metro West Conference Championship, followed by the section championship, and the team qualified for state, which starts tomorrow at Bunker Hills Golf Club. We will be following the scores and wish our boys all the best. Girls golf finished third in sections. Nora, senior Nora Benson qualified as an individual for state, which starts tomorrow at Bunker Hills. So good luck to Nora. Boys lacrosse had a strong season competed in the first round of section champ competition and girls lac lacrosse earned the Metro West Conference championship for a second year in a row. The team finished a section runner-ups and special congratulations to senior Dylan Colin Collins who was named Miss Lacrosse. It's an award given to the most outstanding senior girls lacrosse player in the state and to Laya Nick who was named the Star Tribune player of the year. Softball won the section championship and qualified for state for the first time since 2014. The girls won five consecutive elimination games in route to claiming the section title. Congratulations to our softball team for placing sixth at state last week. And boys tennis were also the Metro West Conference champions this year. The teams finished as section runners up. Max Scansy and Anthony Peril qualified for state in doubles and finished in fourth place. Congratulations to our seniors who've contributed so much to the boys tennis team during their high school careers. Boys track and field earned the section championship and qualified eight individuals for state. The team finished sixth place with the following medalist. In the 1600, Gabe Helen was second place. Cooper Munch seventh place. In the 4x 800 relay, we had Liam Barkley, Sam Henkelman, Sean Henkelman, Davis Kelly, and Sam Chapman took eighth place. The 3200 meter Cooper Munch was sixth place. Povvault Luke Withro second place. Discus Nicholas Pascala Pulka, excuse me, seventh place. 800 meter Gabe Helen, eighth place. Congratulations to all of our boys for an outstanding seas and a great week at the state meet last week. And as we we were pleased with girls track and field just a minute ago, a few minutes ago to honor our state championship girls track and field team at the beginning of our meeting. They made history by capturing the program first ever state championship. So, congratulations again to our athletes, coaches, and families. And finally, a sincere thank you to our retirees and staff members who reached years of service milestones this year. What a wonderful breakfast celebration last Friday morning with funny, heartfelt, and memorable speeches. Our 202526 retirees are John Avalos for 34 years of service. Diane Bacon, 20 years of service. Julie Doyle, 24 years of service. Brenda Drestell, 26 years of service. Iris Ericson, 24 years of service. Jill Luke, 11 years of service. Gregory Push, 20 years of service. Wendy Sher, 20 years of service. And Janine Weisbeck, 22 years of service. We're going to miss these faculty and staff very very much. We're also honored the efforts of Greg and Amy Fish as our friends of education this year. I wanted to thank on behalf of the entire school district, the Oro Education Association for honoring the volunteer efforts of Greg and Amy. It was a lovely morning. And that concludes my report for this evening. >> Thank you so much. All good news. Um, we will now move on to board members questions and comments and we'll start with the finance and facilities committee report. Todd, >> uh, we did meet this week. I I'll keep it very brief because we're going to hear about it and it is a repeat of what we talked about before. Uh, we just went over the preliminary budget. Uh, we have a 1% growth in our student population. We will have a bal or a fund balance that is aiming at seven and a half percent. So, we continue to tick upward. Um, and I'll leave the rest to our business manager this evening to finish off, but we're looking good. Um, the only other thing that I would comment on that was new was a discussion around uh our watershed. Um, and keep in a line of sight. Uh, the district has to have a below 40% uh watershed. Uh, >> imper Thank you. >> Imperous surface. Thank you. >> Those are the words. Um, and we are uh around 30%. So any of the construction that we do uh on the campus, we just need to keep a mindful watch on what percentage we're sitting at because if we ever get past that threshold, um there's a lot of mitigation work that we would have to do that would cost us a considerable amount a considerable amount of money. And so this is uh one of those ones that you really want to have a forward-looking view on to make sure that we never get future boards into backed into a corner. So that's it. >> Thank you so much. Um, now we're going to do round robin and if there's any other other updates, Tim, I'll start with you. >> Well, I know most or all of us did this, but just noting the we did the uh Native American graduation ceremony which is a really wonderful event and then of course commencement and the retirement breakfast which have already been acknowledged. >> Thank you, Laura. So Tim and I were actually at community education advisory council last week too, but I'm going to report out on that one. Uh we got to meet the new uh the the activity center director Logan Halverson who is extremely impressive coming to us from the National Sports Center in Blaine. So she has a lot of experience um or we're really lucky to have her. She's got some great ideas. Uh we had a really great presentation from Nick Tainter about the state of the budget and the the one word that he used to sum it up which I loved was stable. Very very good. Um, as as you may know, that's a smaller fund that's only about 4.6 million in change, but very very balanced on the revenues and expenses going forward. Uh, we had a presentation from Deb Slamowski on their summer enrollment. Uh, they are uh last year at this point 6333 this year 6,846 registrations. And so those are not individual students, but they are individual camp registrations. So they are continuing to grow that program. They are growing staff this year. They have a total of 76 enrichment staff. Uh they've also got a lot of students this year working. This is a first job for for many kids and they are mindful of that and training them in and helping them learn how to be employees as well as having them work with the younger children. So it's really a win-win. Um great meeting. Uh the one note the family color dash is the run that they do every year. They will continue it this year, but it had been at the middle school and due to construction, they are not going to be able to hold it there potentially this year. So, be on the safe side. They're moving that to Discovery Center, but you should see messaging about that. It is not until August 6th. And that concludes my report. >> Thank you, Todd. Did you have anything else you want to share? Okay, Wendy. >> Um, two things. Well, I've been on maybe five legislative recap calls. um all the same information I'd presented all year. So, I won't go into all of that. Um the only two things that I um do you want to share? I don't know. Can I pass out? It's MSBA. Um it's from their website. They I'm sorry. Yes. MSBA. This is Oh, did you Did we get one? No. Okay. But I'm passing it out. I don't know if it's different. This is information about the permanent school fund. Um take one and pass it down. um which more information will be coming forth about that. Um so just some information for you and I know I've talked about it all legislative session but um here's just some information. And then the other is um just um was posted last week. MSBA has um a new campaign called Minnesota Kids Rise um advocating and promoting public education across Minnesota. So last week was the first um was the website went live and they're going to be rolling out a campaign all year. So there'll be more to come from them. That concludes my report. Thank you Wendy Gavin. >> I'm the report. >> I just have two quick things. Um the Spartan Parent Association met on May 20th for the high school and they were just sort of wrapping up everything. Um they continue to they they've done such a nice job of of reviewing what they actually use versus what they don't and so they they got rid of constant contact for example which costs a lot of money because they were finding that it wasn't worth it and that they have other ways to do it. So um um it's just a great group of people and they're they're looking for additional leaders for next year. Um I also met with um the I sat in on the Orno Foundation for Education board meeting on May 19th. Um they were really celebratory around the suare which people it did very well financially but it also was just a lot of fun and um the word of mouth on the street was that uh people were definitely going to who didn't go this year are definitely going to go next year as well as people wanting to come back. Um it was just a really fun night. Um they sold a total of 272 tickets and they had 19 student volunteers. Um and then we met with them with their leadership afterwards and um as we always do and that was a very that was a really good meeting as well. Um and that concludes my report. Um next up is old business. The first is the 2027 2028 academic calendar. Dr. Flesher. >> Thank you Madam Chair. Um before you for action tonight is the 2728 school calendar. As I mentioned previously, given the calendar options, we will start after Labor Day in 2728 so that our semesters can be balanced um at secondary levels. Does anybody have any questions before we um so the recommendation is that we uh vote to approve the version one of the 2027 2028 academic calendar starting September 7th, 2027. Do I have a motion to approve? >> So moved. >> Do I have a second? Second. >> Any discussion? All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. Any opposed? Okay. Terrific. Thank you. Next up is uh 8B policy review second reading. Dr. Flesher. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Policy 625, responsible use and for technology and artificial intelligence is before you. Revisions were sent to all board members last week with just minor tweaks. Um so it is ready for action. The recommendation is that we approve this policy. Uh do I have a motion to approve? >> Some moved. Do I have a second? Second. Any discussion? >> I thought it was worth reading uh some of the updated language very briefly. Just uh for those who didn't read it, it specifically states, "This policy seeks to ensure student learning remains focused on requisite cognitive skills and productive struggle. Students must be provided with the opportunity to develop the skills needed to conceptualize, reason, and write as well as edit their work free of AI first and foremost. I I thought that was very good language to recognize. AI is not maybe the devil, but they do need to learn how to do things without it before using it, which is a important distinction. >> Yeah, loved the term productive struggle. Um, thank you for for calling that out. Any other discussion or comments? Okay. Uh, I'm going to uh call the question. Uh, all those in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstain? Okay, terrific. Thank you so much. >> Next up is uh any other old business hearing? None. We'll move on to nine, new business. A resolution for continuation of membership in Minnesota State High School League. Um Dr. Flesher. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. This is a routine resolution that we've done annually. Um it's now completed in the June timeline. similar to last year and we're bringing it to the board for action tonight. >> So the recommendation is that we approve this resolution uh for membership in the Minnesota State High School League uh for 2026 2027. Do I have a motion to approve? >> So moved. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? Okay. Hearing none. All those in favor say I. >> I. I. >> Any opposed? Any abstains? Okay. Terrific. Moving on. Um, next up is 9B, population estimate certification. Dr. Flesher. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Before you tonight is another action item. It's another annual resolution certifying to the state demographer the approval of the use of the 2024 census population estimate verification of 13,410 for the 26 payable 2027 revenue calculation. This population verification is an annual requirement related to our levy. >> Thank you. >> Do I have a motion to approve? >> So moved. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Okay. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Okay. Terrific. Um, moving right along. Next up is uh 9C 2026 2027 preliminary budget approval. Dr. Flesher. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I welcome Mr. Nick Tainter, our director of business services, to the board table for presentation this evening on the proposed budget for the 2627 school year. This is an action item. Uh our facility finance, as Mr. Madson pointed out, um our facilities and finance committee spent time last week in reviewing details and discussion regarding the proposed budget. I turn it over to Mr. Tainter. >> Thank you, Dr. Flesher, Madam Chair, and the steam board members of Orno. Thank you for having me tonight presenting the preliminary budget, the official preliminary budget. Um in your packets, uh you have the uh larger uh budget book um for your review. Um but I'll highlight some things in the presentation tonight. Um first of all, I want to mention that um to you just as a reminder to you and all the and and the public that um annually a budget um is required by state statute to be approved by the board u prior to June 30th for the following year. So that's tonight. Once you approve it, um you will meet that you'll check that box um for for the coming year on items required. Um let's see. Okay. All right. Uh start out with um you know, of course, as to the public is a good reminder. Um stewardship is obviously one of our core values. Um you can as you can see how that budget um and and and how that budget advances the mission in different areas. I want to really point out that the focus is obviously classroom and academics of the district. 82% of the general fund operations go directly into the classroom while 82% of the general fund uh expenditures are um go to the people we uh the people that serve those students um throughout the district. Um so I uniquely um 82% um both ways but um again very strong indication of our support of the mission and the fiscal stewardship of the district itself. Um as always uh our strategic plan and mission and vision are on the website. So I'll invite those to um look up the that information uh when when when necessary. and uh certainly all that's there and again how it how very much so the budget plays into the mission and vision and driving of that home. Um there are eight funds, seven listed on here, but I'll mention uh there there are eight funds within the district. Uh the general fund is actually split up into two different funds. Um, and one is uh the day-to-day operations, the operational fund, and then there's a capital fund, capital expenditure fund that includes our long-term facility maintenance, as well as uh tech levy um and our cap our capital projects levy, which is our tech levy, and then our uh LTFM fund funding. Um all those have a specific purpose and they're um very o overseen by MDE and and annual reviews. um whereas the operations um really structures around the operations of the classroom that's required. Then we have the food service fund which of course is always the the fund that just strictly goes into student um uh student nutrition um as as well as a few of the others um like Miss Waller mentioned earlier the community service fund who had been reviewed uh who had been reviewed last week at their council meeting. All these funds make up the funds of the Orno district. Um, one thing I do want to and why this matters is because stat there are statutory restrictions that require these funds to stay in the funds that they support. There's not a whole there's not a there's very little exception of using funds to transfer between the funds themselves. Uh, as Mr. Mr. Matson had mentioned earlier uh 1% growth in the enrollment which is very stable um and and and and key to again um offsetting some of the lower increases that we get from the general general education uh fund allowance from the state uh as well as the tax levies too. So again, balancing more, you know, 1% growth, which is very marginal um and along with some of the increases in the state uh funding um allows us to be stable and that's a key part part of this whole presentation. You'll notice that it's stability that's that's gotten us here and we'll continue to to thrive um as sustainability is is a key marker there. Um we've obviously recovered since um enrollment, but again just slow growth and that's our intention. Um 1% on average, one to two% on average, but mainly it's been 1% the last several years. Uh then we get to the general fund. So I'll focus more on the general fund. Um that's most uh risky as well as um you know, the one that that obviously has nothing really restricted tied to it. Um but I want to mention that 70% of our funds come from the state. Uh another 24% come from property tax levy. So that's just to give you some barometer where all the money is coming from. um 70% on average about what we usually normally get um and have historically you'll see a slimmer margin uh surplus for the next fiscal year which is pretty normal. Um we've got a lot of um unknowns. We're still uh settling some negotiating contracts with the bargaining units. Um so we've got some placeholders in there based on what um we believe uh or what the board has given direction on last summer. Um I also want to mention that salaries and benefits that um 80 82% of our operating expenditures make up salaries and benefits whereas a smaller margin in purchase services um which would be your contracted services whatnot and supplies and materials and capital outlay fund balance versus the board policy. So essentially I'm showing you that you know last year it was we we're close to or just above the 5% minimum fund balance based on the actual results of the audit. Above 5%'s the minimum and we continue to grow that balance. Um we should we're still expecting about a 6 and a half% um total unassigned fund balance at the end of this fiscal year and then uh another bump of almost a percentage the following year with with that. Now some restrictions will be released and those kinds of things. So that that helps our balance grow a little bit quicker. But knowing that um overall is we just want to stay that course of increasing it slightly um to at least 10 to 12% should be where our marketer should be um at the end of the day. Um and again why this matters and and and there's a lot of unforeseen expenditures enrollment swings um you know Moody's rates are bonds um which then result in lower uh interest rates if you have a higher um rating um you get lower interest rates um based on bond holder investors and that's right now we're um AA3 rating and uh and it's very stable um means a slight thinner margin. Um so if we wanted to get to A2 or higher to to to save on more interest um we could grow that fund balance reserve and that's what the boards um would like to do over the next few years. Lastly uh we've got the budget overview all the funds. So again like I mentioned the eight funds that uh we listed out um earlier um here are kind of the what we've uh what we've seen in actuality um along with our budgeted uh I'm sorry recently revised budget that was approved in April and then with the FY27 budget um forecast for this next year and again all kind of going to said that the general fund is the most sensitive and that's again that's showing that slight surplus overall but overall um growth you you can see the growth of expenditures have grown over the ne last several years and continue to do so. You'll see, you know, take out building construction because that can really um swing from year to year of when we use the funds for building purch uh construction purposes. Um but overall a solid growth over the over the last few years but and again very stable. With that, I will open up to questions and board discussion and the recommendation is is up there in case you need a refresher. what to say when you make your motion. >> This is a maybe a strange question, but how long have you been in this role? >> Uh, two years. >> Yeah. So, you should feel really good about this. We've had some really good finance and facilities meetings. And what we hear at the board level from people who aren't on finance and facilities is they feel it like they are informed. And um, so I just wanted to compliment you on taking over and running with it. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Does anybody have any questions or anything else? >> Just speaking to your We feel very well informed. This is not the first time we've seen this. There are no surprises. It's very, very stable. So, thank you. The word of the night. >> Yeah, exactly. >> Yeah. Okay. Well, the recommendation is that we approve the 2026 27 preliminary budget as presented. Do I have a motion to approve? >> So moved. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. Any discussion hearing? None. Uh all those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Okay. Thank you. Uh next up is uh 9D. Appoint election clerk for 2026 school board election. Dr. Flesher. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. We actually have now three more routine resol resolutions related to the fall election. The first of this these are the is to an appoint an election clerk for the 2026 um fall school board election. Um and I'll just mention the others and then we could proceed with voting. That is an action item. The second is establishing dates for the filing of affidavit of its of candidacy and that is um a roll call vote. Oh no. Yes it is. Yes. And then the last is a resolution to call the school district general election for board members and that is also a roll call vote. Thank you. >> Terrific. Um yeah, because I messed that up last time, I definitely noted it this time. Okay, so the the appointment for the election clerk for 9D, the the board of uh the recommendation is that we approve the appointment of Kristen Palm to serve as election clerk for the administration of the November 3rd, 2026 school board election. Um, do I have a motion to approve? >> So moved. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. Any discussion? >> We're we're grateful. She will be very good in that role. We appreciate it. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Okay. All those in favor say I. >> I. I. >> Any opposed? Okay. Terrific. Thank you very much, Kristen. >> Uh, next up, uh, 9E. Uh the recommendation is that the board of education approve the resolution establishing dates for filing affidavit of candidacy relating to the upcoming election of school board members. Those dates, the filing period are July 14th, 2026 through July 28th, 2026th here at the Orno Schools District Office. Do I have a motion to approve? >> So moved. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. Any discussion? Okay, we will do the roll call. Tim, >> I >> I >> I >> I >> I >> I >> terrific. Thank you all. >> Um, next up is 9F, the recommendation that the board of education approve the resolution calling a general election on November 3rd, 2026 relating to the election of school board members. Um, this the adoption of this resolution is required to formally call the November 3rd, 2026 Orno Public Schools general election for the purpose of electing three school board members to the school board for for four-year terms. Do I have a motion to approve? >> So moved. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? Okay. Uh, this will also be a roll call. Tim, >> I >> I >> I >> I >> I >> I >> wonderful. Thank you. All right. Next up is the curriculum report curriculum adoption. Dr. Flesher. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, it's my honor this morning or this afternoon, this evening. Holy cow. Wow. It's been a day. Um, I welcome Dr. Dr. Aaron Rulan, executive director of learning accountability, and Miss Michelle Naylor, who is with us this morning, uh, Orno High School social studies teacher and curriculum implementation lead to the board table for discussion and a brief update regarding the social studies curriculum review process. As you are aware, um, new Minnesota social studies standards will be implemented during the 2627 school year. We spent the year studying what we need for our students and will present to you tonight our recommendations. and we look forward to updating you on this important work. And I turn it over to and thank Dr. Rulan and Miss Naylor for all of their incredible work. >> Thank you, Dr. Flesher, Madam Chair, and members of the board. We're going to actually start um we're going to pass out a couple examples of the materials that we'll be making a recommendation to adopt. So, there's a a middle school US history book that this way. And then high school level US history and world history books. So um as we're presenting please feel free to peruse those those textbooks which u we think are wonderful resources. Yes. >> Um so I want to start um with gratitude to the committee and to Michelle. The leadership uh was phenomenal. Um we'll talk in a moment about specifically how they fit in but uh we couldn't do this work without phenomenal teacher and administrative leaders. So thank you to you and to them. We align everything we do with vision, mission, goals. Um, social studies education is integral to this. Um, you think about that concept of ethical citizens who impact the world. Um, it's part of being a well-rounded student and um, it's just crucial for our kids. We we also think about mission and that's one of the frames for tonight as well. And I think you're going to see this throughout that uh the materials we're recommending to you, the processes are really about that highest potential for our students and exceptional student experiences. There may not be another content area that spans the goals better than social studies. Um when you think about um knowledge of history, rigor, ethical decision making, um connection, social studies education speaks to all of these and it shows up in her profile of a graduate as well. So these pieces of our profile of a graduate in the areas of scholarship, character and connectedness are just wrought with examples of how social studies education impacts our kids. Civics, um, empathy and caring, um, all the knowledge building that occurs through the study of social studies. Um, when you think about connectedness, understanding others, and having perspective about people um, who are similar or different than you. I mean, all those things are just critical for our students. Um, and as they move into their future. So, Dr. Flesher mentioned it's important to note that the state social studies standards have changed. Um, these highlights are are part of those changes. Um, and as always, the state laws and MD guidance impacts our work. Um, there are things like inquiry embedded into these new standards. Um, there are shifts to um, disciplinary literacy. Um, there's additional ethnic study standards. Um, And I think it's important to also know that most of the themes across grade levels have remained relatively consistent. So um the K through three um grades are really about foundations of social studies. Um uh third grade studies um the ancient world. Fourth grade the geography of North America and um uh I'm sorry I'm one behind. Uh third grade geography of North America I'm sorry. about fourth, sorry, geography of North America is fourth grade. Um, fifth grade is history of North America and then sixth grade is Minnesota studies. Uh, seventh grade is United States history and eighth grade is global studies. And then what we don't have tonight is um we don't need to do a lot with our high school scope and sequence because we've made those changes previously. So, as you know, um, our students take nth grade human geography, their semester full length AP course, and that's going extremely well. Um, and US and American history and then a plethora of wonderful electives. So those things won't change in our recommendations tonight. So this study process and the recommendations before you certainly take all those things into account, but what's at the forefront is the needs of Oro students and that's always the most important thing. So these are some of the perspectives we started with. Um these highlighted our review process but I I thought Michelle Michelle signs off in her emails with a particular perspective. So, I'd love for her to share that perspective as well. >> Um, well, it's kind of a long one, but this is what I really kept in mind as we were work doing doing this important work and it's from um a somebody who might give you a blast from the past. It's from John Steinbeck. It's from an essay that he wrote um and it's my three teachers had this thing in common. They all loved what they were doing. They did not tell. They catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizon sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. And that is very inspiring to me and it's one of the things that keeps me going as a teacher and that's why it's on my email. But I think it's also really important to remember that we are the most important thing we can do as social studies teachers is light a fire in students to learn more about themselves, about their communities, and about the world. And um there are a lot of also phenomenal quotes up here um of both current scholars that we study like John Hattie as teachers. Um your job is not to get through the curriculum. Your job is not is to um not to get sorry your job is to get the kids engaged in authentic real world exciting tasks. So your job is to have an impact across those many notions. Um so basically saying kind of a similar thing to what John Steinbeck said in 1955. Um and then Confucious who you know he's an old one oldie but a goodie. Um so yeah, education breeds confidence, confidence breeds hope, hope breeds peace. So and there are other quotes there too. So yeah, we tried to keep that in mind as we were bringing people together to remember our our vision beyond just the day-to-day classroom stuff. So >> So as a reminder to the board and the community, we engaged in a similar process to how we would normally approach curriculum review. Um we always treat that as a learning process. Um it's a program evaluation model. So we look at different dimensions of the programming across K12. Um we always varied needs, staff and students of course um parents and community expectations, the efficacy research. So we did look at efficacy research in this area um hallmarks of excellence and then state standards and statutes. The committee had nine teacher and administrative leaders and that included Adam Lamparski, Beth Pearson, Kelly Buckner, Brian Kapora, Brian Bazard, Michelle Naylor, Charlie Bull and Amy Steiner. So thanks to them um they represented us well. We um also had a number of conversations across different stakeholder groups um including our curriculum accountability council um as well as our administrative team and and individual conversations as well. Um so our our goal was to study and to make recommendations for curriculum adoption and also to consider courses and professional development. So we were already well on our way as we entered this. Um Michelle's going to talk in a moment about ornal looks. The team developed ornal look force based on all those mission, vision, beliefs, values, the things that we valued as well as the school district. We also used rubrics from the American Institutes for Research and ED reports that guided our work and choosing high quality social studies materials. Um, and then we had two workshops throughout the year. One was a visioning and foundations workshop and and the other review and recommendations workshop. So we tried to keep or we did keep the vision of Oro schools in mind and like Erin noted at the beginning social studies is such a um powerful force within that vision and vision statement. So we what we developed in that first meeting were some of our core beliefs and values. So using some of the national research, but then also looking at our unique community, we decided that our core beliefs and values were critical inquiry and sourcing, multiple perspectives and empathy, civil discourse and disagreement, evidence-based discourse and um connection and relevance. And all of these things speak to um the standards becoming more elevated in critical or elevating critical thinking um which I think a key shift within the standards. Um and so our resource review, so during that first um meeting, we also came came to the conclusion that what we were going to look for within the resources were materials and digital resources that supported meeting all students needing needs, including accessibility with considerations for timely updates. We didn't want to get resources that would be outdated quickly. Um, which is important obviously in any curriculum, but especially in social studies. Um, and we think we found resources that have timely updates. We think we found resources that meet all of these uh criteria. So, and then authentic and primary sources that provide varied perspectives. This was something that was key throughout the educational experience for students from young learners to older learners, but it's especially important in the high school where we have such a variety of electives and students um students need authentic primary authentic sources and they need primary sources. They need to be able to read um primary sources to really understand the these differences in perspective across space and time. Um curriculum that is connections current issues and events. Um that was also important to us especially as we look to build new courses like government. Um robust and embedded assessment materials and processes. Um I think this kind of it reminded me of what you were saying about the AI um statute like this is important to us right now. um high levels of student engagement in classroom routines and that's something we're working on across levels as well and inquiry orientation approach to teaching and deep learning which is again a big shift in the standards. So to recommendations, so we were fortunate um that we um started with a base of arts and letters, our K5 literacy curriculum being really strong in social studies um knowledge building. Um in fact, several of the units are explicitly aligned with social studies standards. So um it's a it's a it's a great place to start. So really, we're coming to you tonight knowing that that core resource will be building upon arts and letters at the K5 level. Um, we also know that we need to do some project-based learning to to supplement and to fill gaps where there are gaps in the standards and we already have a team lined up to do some work around that this summer. Um, so regardless of um what we do next, that's going to be important. We are recommending to the board that we renew the resources that used um K3 and four five that are more in the supplemental range but they provide important uh scaffolding for teachers and that's Scholastic News at the K3 level and at the 45 level TCI um which is a a digital resource that teachers can use to supplement um uh their work with students. And then at the middle school, um, with costs, um, Northern Lights is really the one strong resource that's available statewide for students on Minnesota history. That's the Minnesota Historical Society. Um, seventh grade intends to renew um, the book that's um, coming around. Um, that book is actually we have plenty of of copies of that, so we're actually not going to recommend purchasing more of those. Um, we're just renewing the digital resources. and then a renewal of the um geography tci geography alive at eighth grade. So that as you know that that curriculum is very inquiry based, very project based and that provides a really nice um foundation for some of the content learning that that they need. Um and then the big purchase in this recommendation is um to um purchase McGraill core resources in um US history, world history and then the AP courses. Um so that's the most substantial investment >> own government. Yes. Yep. >> Um, so and Michelle, was there were there other things you wanted to say about that McGraill text that kind of made it >> Yes. Well, with the number of teachers or number of teachers teaching a variety of classes within the social studies department at the high school, we really felt like it was important for us to streamline the type of textbooks that we are offering because McGraill has a um all of their textbooks are using the same assessment platform. all of their textbooks are using a similar digital platform where you can g uh gather primary sources from. And so because yeartoyear teachers might slot in to a different class, we thought it would be particularly helpful for them to have that knowledge already so they could really hit the ground running. Um and obviously we support them in a lot of other ways but that di the digital literacy can be a barrier especially because textbooks aren't their online platforms can be there's a learning curve to understanding them and um the social studies team that we brought in to work with from McGraill were very very very excited about the types of resources that are offered for differentiation um within the McGraill platform. So that was really great to see >> and it really was it really stood alone on those resources. So things like um um students being able to annotate things and then save them for later or um having things read aloud to them. And these are these are accessibility things plus uh they have an option to um change the level of the text so that you can provide different levels of text for different students and it's not just you know reducing the grade level but also increasing the complexity of the text which I think is really really wonderful for our high school students. Um yeah, and the annotation um a lot of inquiry embedded into the into the text and we're excited to get into the tools. >> So the the total recommendation um the total cost of all of this is $190,000 but the new expenditures are $161,000 which is within the target that um we had discussed earlier in the year. So with that um pending board approval so the approves tonight, these would be the next steps we would take. Um, we would procure the resources through our office. Um, summer curriculum development, that's going to happen for sure. We need to, um, continue to work on that. And, um, one of the ways we're going to do that is that K5 curriculum alignment with arts and letters and coherence. So, um, this recommendation really, um, prioritizes coherence. Um, and the the term we talked about was coherence over coverage. So certainly we need we need to meet the standards but we need to have coherence with our with our English language arts work and that that would be our goal for this. Um we would bring in professional development in the fall. The vendors have those alternatives available. Um the PLC's would focus on this and their work and they're already really excited about doing that work and their content PLC's. And then um just know that there's a strong commitment in this group to collective advocacy and continuing to do good work on behalf of students. So um That commitment is there for sure. So, we'd entertain questions um at this point. >> I always look around and you guys are staring at me every time it goes questions. >> You haven't passed the book, Todd. Just >> Oh, >> yeah. >> Did you look at it? >> No. >> Well, you can look at it. >> Okay. >> This is just coming from a place of ignorance. Um what is the level of utilization of textbooks versus the digital? So how of where do kids spend most their time gaining their knowledge on these courses when they have both ex accessible to both? >> I think it really depends on the grade level and the type of class they're taking. Um, I would say that at the AP level, there's a real balance of online resources and textbooks. Um, and we always say like it is a good idea to read your textbook even if you feel like you, you know, know enough. Um, so we we do assign textbook reading. Um, and it's heavier in some classes than it is in others. Um, and then on the on level classes, we there's a lot of instruction around textbook literacy like students are not used to looking at textbooks but I think um I think that in the future there's going to be people are going to be looking more to textbooks in the next five years. Um I think there's going to be a little bit of a shift. So I'm trying to learn more about that and be prepared for it. And that would be the level where there's likely the most use of any sort of text resource. Um at the elementary level again with our English language arts curriculum, lots of authentic text, almost exclusively authentic text. Um so the assessment tools there are or the um technology is really the assessment tools that give teachers immediate feedback about how the kids are doing. And then we just had some conversation at the middle level is an important part of our end of the year conversations. And what we found out was heavy utilization of the text resources um authentic text as well in addition to the textbook. So um so our teachers clearly have that propensity and then we use technology strategically um when it meets the needs of the students or it provides teachers some sort of feedback or information that benefits them in their instruction. >> Looking through the books um What I appreciate, I said this at our curriculum meeting, um it seems very um user friendly that you know when you get to high school, you're not learning how to read the text, yet the text becomes so much more complex than maybe they've had before. Um and so the text features, the organization seems to be make the text accessible. um for a variety of students who may otherwise struggle through it. So I appreciate that about these samples here. >> Yeah. Thank you. One thing McGra Hill said and you I think you really do see it with the textbook is that this wasn't just like a sometimes you get a new textbook and it's the old textbook with a new cover, but these books were a complete redesign using feedback from students around the country, but particularly in Minnesota. Um, and I I really can see that within the books. So, >> I always like to hear that when the teachers are excited about it. Um, because that is everything because if they're not excited, they're definitely not going to get the kids excited. So, the fact that they are geared up for this is fantastic. Any other questions or comments? I appreciate that the um forth thinking you guys were having on if teachers change classes or grade levels that we heard at the retirement that uh some teachers have shifted grades. Uh I think that's fantastic that whatever we can do to try to help that as you make this change alleviate some of the the hurdles. Um not that our state uh girls track team minds hurdles because they set record but the older we get the more I don't like hurdles. Um, >> so I really like that and I think also the consistency as you talked about of total redesign of the books, but having some so that you know what you're going to get as a as a student. You're reading this. I know kind of where I can look for certain things of where the highlights are or questions or I think that's wonderful. So that's awesome. Thank you. >> Okay. Well, the recommendation is that we approve the social studies curriculum for the upcoming school year. Do I have a motion to approve? >> So move. Do I have a second? >> Okay. Uh, any discussion? >> Okay. All those in favor say I. >> I. I. >> Any opposed? Okay. Wonderful. Thank you so much. Thank you for your good work. >> Any other new business? Hearing none, I'll just draw your attention to the June enrollment in our packet at the end. Um, the next regular meeting will be held on Monday, August 17th. It'll be a while, 2026 at 7 PM in the District Office assembly room here at the Orno District Office. Um, we are now, um, I would like to move to recess pursuant to Minnesota statute section 13D dot period 05 subdivision 3A to move into a closed session to evaluate the performance of school district personnel at 8:10 p.m. Do I have a motion to approve to move into a closed session? So moved. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Great. Sorry, I have to do a little homework. Um, okay. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Any abstain? Okay. Wonderful.