School Board Meeting - May 19, 2026

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Recognition of state wrestling champions Noah Nicholson and Audrey Rogalski

Public comment on outdoor learning and student mental health at Stonebridge Elementary

Superintendent legislative session update: compensatory revenue, safe schools grants

Operating capital revenue flexibility for utility bills

Statewide health insurance for educators study/survey mandate

Paraprofessional qualification requirements aligned with special education

Proposed school trust land / school interest constitutional amendment

$250 million special education funding cuts in next budget cycle

Charter school funding disparities in legislative allocations

Elementary staffing model: class size ratios, teaching assistants vs. added sections

Board chair report: end of school year thanks

Votes (2)

Approve tonight's agenda

PassedUnanimous voice/hand vote, none opposed

Moved by Sarah · Seconded by Director Thelander

Approve consent agenda items A through F

PassedUnanimous voice/hand vote, none opposed

Moved by Chair Sherman · Seconded by Director Lower (Lauer)

Notable Quotes (10)

I've noticed an increase in students coming to me even in third grade with pre-existing anxiety disorders, depression and also an inability to cope with the pressures of their education.

Zach Singleton
Student mental healthPublic comment

the number one obstacle to getting kids outside more was the demand of instructional minutes. Every minute of the day already spoken for.

Zach Singleton
Outdoor learningPublic comment on teacher survey

If we want our children to move mountains, we first have to let them get out of their chairs.

Zach Singleton
Outdoor learningQuoting Nicolette Sowder

I would say for education, I'm disappointed in the session.

Dr. Funk
State fundingLegislative update

There is a charter school that is receiving $1 million of that 10 million.

Dr. Funk
Charter school fundingDiscussing compensatory revenue distribution

we have very good benefits in our district, and we would be getting less money in state aid than districts who weren't didn't have as good of benefits.

Dr. Funk
Health insuranceOn statewide health insurance proposal

That's an inaccurate narrative. So, we're going to look at both scenarios.

Chris
Staffing modelResponding to claim district will only add TAs

we don't want to TA our way out of this, but we also want to be able to make responsible fiscal decisions that still keep the integrity of learning in place.

Caitlyn
Staffing modelPresenting staffing model

I'm just a snap down go behind guy. I just throw them down go behind them.

Noah Nicholson
Wrestling recognitionAsked about favorite takedown

I think next year we're going to bring home team title.

Unidentified student wrestler
Wrestling recognitionClosing remarks to board

People (17)

Chair ShermanSchool Board Chair

Led recognition, public comment rules, chair report on end of year

Director ParkerSchool Board Director

Asked about historic teacher allocation and requested legislative spreadsheet

Dr. BeckerSchool Board member

Asked about paraprofessional certification requirements

SarahBoard director

Moved approval of agenda; asked about statewide health insurance impact

Director ThelanderSchool Board Director

Seconded agenda approval

Director Lower (Lauer)School Board Director

Seconded consent agenda approval

Director GrosvichSchool Board Director

Present at roll call

Director HockartSchool Board Director

Called at roll call

Director KelsenbergSchool Board Director

Present at roll call

JoanBoard clerk/staff

Conducted roll call, confirmed quorum

CaraDistrict staff

Questioned whether $2,142 figure was a typo

Places Mentioned

Stillwater Area High SchoolStonebridge ElementarySt. Paul, MinnesotaNorth Central College, IllinoisSt. Cloud school districtStonebridge school forest

Events & Meetings (4)

  • School board meeting, last week of school (regular evening meeting)
  • 2026 Minnesota High School Wrestling Championships, St. Paul
  • Minnesota legislative session ended the past Sunday
  • Prior board meeting discussion of school interest constitutional amendment

Ordinances & Resolutions (1)

Proposed Minnesota school trust/school interest constitutional amendment

Passed both houses; would increase state aid to districts from school interest investments; requires proactive voter yes; no property tax impact.

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School Board Meeting - May 19, 2026 - Lake Elmo Recorder