Mahtomedi Public Schools — Transcript
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Student Representative Report and New Mascot Initiative
Superintendent's Report and District Updates
Board Member Calendar Review
School Board and Superintendent Goals
Committee Reports
Votes (5)
Approval of Donations and Grants (August 2026)
Moved by Director Stout [0:19:12] · Seconded by Director Domen [0:19:22]
The board considered the approval of donations and grants totaling $13,568 for August 2026. It was noted that all donations and grants are appreciated and will be used to further the school district's mission and align with donor wishes.
Approval of Preliminary 2026-Payable 2027 Levy Certification
Moved by Director Witson [0:37:37] · Seconded by Director Peterson [0:37:46]
Director Ericson presented the preliminary levy certification, detailing the process, deadlines, and different categories of levies (voter-approved and discretionary). The total proposed levy for 2027 showed an increase of $47,000, or 0.2%, with the general fund levy decreasing by $326,000 and debt service increasing by $684,000, leading to an estimated 2% overall increase. The general fund unassigned balance was projected to remain above the 8% policy minimum. The board certified the preliminary levy at its maximum amount to allow for flexibility for state updates before the final approval in December.
Approval of the 2027-2028 Academic Calendar
Dissent: Director Domen and Director Stout voiced strong opposition regarding the frequency of four-day weeks.
Moved by Director Peterson [0:39:53] · Seconded by Director Donna [0:40:34]
The board discussed the proposed academic calendar, which included a post-Labor Day start to accommodate high school construction. Key points of contention included the number of four-day weeks in October, November, January, and February, which Directors Domen and Stout found challenging for working families. The Superintendent explained that the calendar committee considered feedback, trying to consolidate days off where possible, and that some decisions (like the placement of professional development days and avoiding long February breaks) were made to support academic goals and student attendance. The calendar also included a 6th and 9th-grade transition day.
Approval of Superintendent Goals
Moved by Director Donna [0:52:43] · Seconded by Director Stout [0:52:50]
The Superintendent's goals were presented for approval after having been reviewed during multiple study sessions. Board members noted that the goals were well-thought-out, closely aligned with the district's strategic plan, and represented an expansion of previous goals rather than a complete re-starting.
Approval of School Board Goals
Moved by Director Domen [0:54:53] · Seconded by Director Witson [0:55:01]
The School Board's goals were discussed and presented for approval. Board members commented on the excellent alignment of these goals with the Superintendent's goals and the district's strategic plan, characterizing them as well-rounded and a continuation of established objectives.
Notable Quotes (6)
Does anybody know what season it is? Excuse me. Anybody know what season it is? >> Hack season. >> Levy season. Yes.
The reason you levy to the maximum is just because of that reason if the state has has errors. But but yeah, at this point 2% is what uh what the state has for us based on all the estimates.
But I really don't like the way the calendar um has I know there's some days that we holidays or things that we can't adjust, but if you look at like October and November. Um there's just a bunch of four day weeks in there which is really challenging on families that have two working uh parents.
At what point in the summer are we going to be confidence that the uh certificate of occupancy will be available by the start for the high school by the 7th? Is there a point in time at which teachers need to be prepared to have some classes online or the school needs to start later? like what at what point do we know that we are confident that we can hit this seventh the September 7th date?
I would just add I appreciate um although you haven't had feedback, a lot of feedback since then, it's I just think we've done a good job discussing it and going through it and and also it was well thought out ahead of time.
I'll I'll add I like Oh, I like how they are so well aligned with the superintendent goals. So, I think we've really streamlined that over the last couple of years and it seems to work really well.
Ordinances & Resolutions (5)
This evening's meeting agenda.
A set of routine items approved in one motion.
Book for an upcoming author visit by Marita.
Reference material for board members, containing calendars and other documents.
Statute referenced for moving to close session regarding a personnel matter.