School Board Meeting - 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
Full Document Analysis
Votes (2)
Approve tonight's agenda
Moved by Sarah · Seconded by Director Thelander
Approve consent agenda items A through F
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.
the number one obstacle to getting kids outside more was the demand of instructional minutes. Every minute of the day already spoken for.
If we want our children to move mountains, we first have to let them get out of their chairs.
I would say for education, I'm disappointed in the session.
There is a charter school that is receiving $1 million of that 10 million.
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.
That's an inaccurate narrative. So, we're going to look at both scenarios.
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.
I'm just a snap down go behind guy. I just throw them down go behind them.
I think next year we're going to bring home team title.
People (17)
Noah NicholsonStillwater Area High School wrestlerWon Class AAA 127-lb state title, pinning opponent in 24 seconds; senior
2 quotes
Won Class AAA 127-lb state title, pinning opponent in 24 seconds; senior
“I wrestled my kid two years ago, I think. I majored him that time, but it was like pretty pretty easy match.”
Asked about prior matchups with finals opponent
“I'm a senior. So, next year I'm going to North Central College in Illinois and I'm going to be studying mechanical engineering and business while also wrestling.”
Asked about future plans
Audrey RogalskiStillwater Area High School wrestlerWon girls state title 6-4 over Alora Wagner; finished 26-0; junior
2 quotes
Won girls state title 6-4 over Alora Wagner; finished 26-0; junior
“I actually wrestled the same girl in the finals two years in a row. Last year, I like tech'd her in the second period and then this year, she definitely scouted me out a lot better, but same results.”
Asked about finals opponent
“I kind of started because my older brothers were doing it and I would kind of just like mess around in the hallways and stuff and my dad would kind of just get sick of me. So, he just threw me in the room.”
Asked how long she has wrestled
Zach SingletonThird grade teacher and school forest coordinator, Stonebridge Elementary10-year district teacher; presented two years of outdoor-learning observations
3 quotes
10-year district teacher; presented two years of outdoor-learning observations
“Indisputably, the results told me one thing. Kids need to be outside.”
Describing his school forest experiment
“It seems as though there is a direct connection between how much pressure we put on children academically and their behaviors.”
On rising anxiety and behaviors
“Children cannot bounce off walls if you take away the walls.”
Quoting author Erin Kenny
Dr. FunkSuperintendentDelivered legislative update and answered board questions
4 quotes
Delivered legislative update and answered board questions
“I would say for education, I'm disappointed in the session.”
Opening legislative update
“our taxpayers throughout the state received $250 million in one-time revenue that they're going to have their car tabs reduced for 1 year”
Criticizing legislative priorities
“There is a charter school that is receiving $1 million of that 10 million.”
On compensatory revenue distribution
“if they don't vote yes, it's a vote no. So people have got to proactively... we have to do a really effective job of educating the populace on that.”
On constitutional amendment ballot question
Chair ShermanSchool Board ChairLed recognition, public comment rules, chair report on end of year
Led recognition, public comment rules, chair report on end of year
CaitlynDistrict administrator (learning)Presented flexible elementary staffing model with teaching assistants
1 quote
Presented flexible elementary staffing model with teaching assistants
“we don't want to TA our way out of this. Um but we also want to be able to make responsible fiscal decisions um that still keep the integrity of learning in place.”
Explaining new staffing approach
ChrisDistrict administrator (staffing)Represented staffing side of model; addressed 'inaccurate narrative' about TAs
1 quote
Represented staffing side of model; addressed 'inaccurate narrative' about TAs
“That's an inaccurate narrative. So, we're going to look at both scenarios.”
Responding to claims district will only add TAs
Director ParkerSchool Board DirectorAsked about historic teacher allocation and requested legislative spreadsheet
Asked about historic teacher allocation and requested legislative spreadsheet
Dr. BeckerSchool Board memberAsked about paraprofessional certification requirements
Asked about paraprofessional certification requirements
SarahBoard directorMoved approval of agenda; asked about statewide health insurance impact
Moved approval of agenda; asked about statewide health insurance impact
Director ThelanderSchool Board DirectorSeconded agenda approval
Seconded agenda approval
Director Lower (Lauer)School Board DirectorSeconded consent agenda approval
Seconded consent agenda approval
Director GrosvichSchool Board DirectorPresent at roll call
Present at roll call
Director HockartSchool Board DirectorCalled at roll call
Called at roll call
Director KelsenbergSchool Board DirectorPresent at roll call
Present at roll call
JoanBoard clerk/staffConducted roll call, confirmed quorum
Conducted roll call, confirmed quorum
CaraDistrict staffQuestioned whether $2,142 figure was a typo
Questioned whether $2,142 figure was a typo
Places Mentioned
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)
Passed both houses; would increase state aid to districts from school interest investments; requires proactive voter yes; no property tax impact.