School Board Meeting - Jan. 20, 2026
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Public comment regarding teacher immigration and job loss
Student report on upcoming school activities
Superintendent report on school security and ICE concerns
Board discussion on legal counsel oversight
Minnesota School Board leadership conference presentation
Board consent agenda approval
School board member committee assignments
Pre-sale report on district bond issuance
Areas of Interest (4)
- Stillwater district faces parent backlash over loss of immigrant teacher due to immigration filing error.
- Concerns raised regarding district accountability and potential malpractice regarding immigration legal counsel.
- Superintendent clarifies school protocols regarding ICE and provides assurances that schools remain safe spaces.
- Financial update: District to issue over $90M in bonds for facility maintenance and completion of ongoing building projects.
Votes (3)
Approval of tonight's agenda
Moved by Director · Seconded by Director Hawker
Approve consent agenda items A, B, C, E, and F
Moved by Director Lowour · Seconded by Not specified
Approve school board member committee assignments (Item D)
Moved by Not specified · Seconded by Director Hucker
Notable Quotes (2)
If federal law enforcement were to come to one of our schools, the district is prepared. Staff are trained to follow established protocols.
I personally heard from Senator Amy Klobuchar's office, Senator Tina Smith's office, and Congresswoman Betty McCollum's office that they heard our community voices.
People (6)
Superintendent FunkSuperintendentReported on security, immigration, and student support.
1 quote
Reported on security, immigration, and student support.
“As a school district, we do not promote one political view over another. Our responsibility is to provide a safe and supportive environment.”
Addressing community concerns regarding immigration activity.
Molly McCertie YatesParentAdvocated for the return of an immigrant teacher at Lake Elmo.
1 quote
Advocated for the return of an immigrant teacher at Lake Elmo.
“There is work to do and we need to get this teacher back with a visa and Stillwater Public Schools need to sponsor him.”
Call to action for the school board.
Tim MortonParentConcerned about school security and legal failures regarding teacher status.
1 quote
Concerned about school security and legal failures regarding teacher status.
“What failures took place? What could have happened to prevent those failures? Is this attorney still on retainer?”
Questioning district accountability.
Piera KaiserParentAdvocated for continued education access for immigrant students.
1 quote
Advocated for continued education access for immigrant students.
“Education is a right and right now the kid there's kids that can't go to school, immigrant or non-immigrant.”
On student rights and equity.
AuroraStudentPresented on student activities and school device policy.
Presented on student activities and school device policy.
Jodi ZazbaRepresentative, EllersPresented the bond sale pre-report.
Presented the bond sale pre-report.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (2)
- January 6: Email notification regarding teacher absence
- Pre-meeting: Student and staff school board conference presentation