School board unanimously approves construction bid for Lake Elmo Elementary
The Woodbury School Board unanimously approved an earthwork construction bid for the new Lake Elmo Elementary School on January 7, clearing the way for site work to begin in early February. The decision came during the board's annual organizational meeting, where members also elected new leadership and debated how to advocate for better state funding of education mandates.
The board voted unanimously to accept Park Construction Company's bid for the earthwork at the new Lake Elmo Elementary School. The Minneapolis-based contractor's proposal came in on budget and on schedule, according to board member Mark, who noted that while individual bid items varied in cost, "overall we are on budget and on time." The approval allows construction to move forward with site preparation beginning in early February.
In routine organizational business, the board conducted elections for four leadership positions, all passing 7-0 with single nominees for each role. Chair Sherman, Director Kelzenberg, Director Hawker, and other board members were elected to their respective positions. The board also discussed committee assignments, which Chair Sherman will finalize based on member preferences for the next meeting.
A significant portion of the meeting focused on the board's legislative advocacy strategy. The board reviewed a draft platform for meetings with state legislators, debating how to address unfunded mandates—state requirements that schools must follow without adequate funding. Superintendent Funk argued that with a divided legislature unlikely to repeal mandates, the district should focus on securing state funding rather than pushing for repeal. Chair Sherman emphasized the tension: "if you're gonna mandate that we can't take that decisive action then you fully fund it or give us that control back," referring to restrictions on school discipline policies.
The board also heard an update from Lake Elmo Elementary Principal Pong Tola about the school's dual-language programs, diverse community, and current challenges including staffing shortages and enrollment above capacity. Board members were instructed to review the School Board's Code of Ethics policy and sign it by the next meeting.
The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to enter closed session to receive confidential legal advice regarding pending litigation involving a student, conducted under Minnesota state law protecting attorney-client privilege.
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Other Topics from This Document
School Board Committee Assignments
School Board Member Compensation Review
Review of Board Member Code of Ethics
Lake Elmo Elementary School Principal's Update
Legislative Platform for Advocacy
Also from this meeting
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