Mahtomedi Public Schools — Transcript
Monday, March 23, 2026
Zephr Learning Showcase Recognition
Recognition of Chelsea Pette (MIA Middle School Social Worker)
Student Representative Report
Superintendent Report
Approval of Donations and Grants (February 2026)
Approval of Achievement and Integration Plan (2027-2029)
Approval of Budget Assumptions for Fiscal Year 27
Approval of Transfer to Reduce Deficit in Reserve for Operating Capital
Approval of W Architects and Engineers Agreement
MSBA Legislative Update
Facilities Committee Report
Votes (5)
Approval of Donations and Grants for February 2026 totaling $11,632.23
Moved by Director Donna [0:34:54] · Seconded by Director Domen [0:34:58]
The board discussed the nature and purpose of the donations and grants received. A question was raised regarding specific drama donations for new speakers, confirming they would not cover the entire cost but are part of overall support. The board emphasized appreciation for all contributions furthering the district's mission.
Approval of Achievement and Integration Plan
Moved by Director Donna [0:52:16] · Seconded by Director Dolman [0:52:20]
Dr. Riel provided an extensive overview of the Achievement and Integration (ANI) plan, its purpose, eligibility requirements, historical participation, and current goals for 2027-2029. Key discussions included how ANI funds benefit all students, not just targeted groups, the state's oversight of the plan, and the 'braiding' of funding sources to maximize flexibility. The new plan includes goals to reduce suspensions, increase proficiency in reading/math, boost AP/College in the Schools participation for marginalized students, and enhance partnerships with District 622.
Approval of the Budget Assumptions for the Fiscal Year 27
Moved by Director Domen [0:58:34] · Seconded by Director Peterson [0:58:38]
Mr. Ericson presented the budget assumptions, highlighting a projected balanced budget for FY27, a significant improvement attributed to the voter-approved operating referendum. Key metrics discussed included enrollment forecasts, a 2.69% increase in the basic education formula, and the substantial portion of the budget dedicated to wages and benefits. The finance committee reviewed these assumptions, expressing satisfaction with the positive financial outlook.
Approval of the Transfer to Reduce the Deficit in Reserve for Operating Capital
Moved by Director Peterson [1:02:11] · Seconded by Director Donna [1:02:15]
Mr. Ericson detailed the plan to transfer funds to address a state-mandated deficit in the reserve for operating capital. The deficit was incurred due to a large smartboard technology purchase in 2023-2024, which received prior state approval. The plan outlines two transfers totaling $1.32 million to bring the deficit to zero by FY27, ensuring compliance with state reporting requirements.
Addition of item 11E, the Approval of W Architects and Engineers agreement
Moved by Director Donna [1:05:07] · Seconded by Director Peterson [1:05:11]
The board approved the agreement with W Architects and Engineers for architectural services. A director inquired about the magnitude of the $1.7 million fee, to which Mr. Ericson responded that the 6.23% fee for basic services was considered competitive and appropriate, particularly given the renovation-heavy nature of the project. He also highlighted the firm's flexibility in liability shifting and positive working relationship.
Notable Quotes (9)
Can I ask for Dennis? And you know when the hats go around at Frozen, is that all the money they made there where it says drama donations to get the new speakers?
Do the dollars fund just the kids who are racially and economically behind in reading or does this money cover every student in the district?
It's about how do we build skills so that out of school suspension isn't the one and only. We're also having conversations about what additional support can those roles do that might keep students in school and learning and potentially out of their regular classes, but we're keeping them on site to do some academic work and some skill building.
If we don't make progress against the goals, is it safe to assume that the funding is potentially revoked or what what happens?
The voter approved operating referendum that's put in place that shows up in the 2627 budget. So that's about $2 million and that has resulted in in us having a balanced budget for the first time in a number of years. So that was very good news.
Just one quick thing. Tim, I just wanted to say congrats. Good job. It was great to see the the budget balanced and the fund balance within board parameters. So, thank you.
We did run our uh we were a were able to get a state approval to run the reserve for operating capital into a deficit and so that's what we requested. They granted that request and now they've come back and said hey can you look at your plan rework it and then have the board approve the transfers.
I certainly have no issues with W um serving as ar as our architect, but um I guess I don't would just love some perspective on the fee given your experience with and probably diligence surrounding their their proposal.
And uh when and I did look um you know in my experience a six we're at 6.23% of construction cost and that I felt was right in line to actually under where we would probably see these especially for a project that is a lot of renovation.
Ordinances & Resolutions (11)
Three-year plan (2027-2029) submitted to the state to close academic and opportunity gaps, reduce disparities, and increase integration.
A snapshot publication summarizing stories and data from the 2024-2025 school year.
A thick publication detailing summer opportunities for the community.
Document outlining key financial assumptions for the upcoming fiscal year, guiding budget planning.
A plan detailing the transfer of funds to eliminate a deficit in the reserve for operating capital, as required by the state.
Contract for architectural and engineering services for district building projects.
State legislative bill proposing a fixed 4-5% education funding distribution from the permanent school fund annually.
State legislative bill to remove misleading language about property tax increases from school district referendum ballots.
State legislative bill to distribute 1.2 million in sales from the Minnesota State High School League Foundation to school districts for transportation assistance and activity fee reduction.
State legislative bill to allow school districts to designate graduation venue rental as 'instructional use' for lease levy funds.
State legislative bill to repeal the K-3 suspension ban.