School Board Business Meeting - October 23, 2025
Thursday, October 23, 2025
Roll call
Pledge of Allegiance
Approval of agenda
Comments to the board
Consent items
Superintendent evaluation summary
Proposed policy changes
Open enrollment resolution
Minnesota State High School League grant resolutions
Superintendent report
Areas of Interest (5)
- School office professionals and staff are in tense contract negotiations, citing inflation and loss of take-home pay.
- The board is facing public controversy regarding state-mandated policies on gender identity in school sports.
- District faces ongoing critical bus driver shortages, threatening route cancellations.
- New open enrollment capacity limits set for 2026, with several elementary and middle schools reaching maximum capacity thresholds.
- Board approves superintendent performance evaluation, highlighting strengths in communication and leadership.
Votes (5)
Approval of agenda
Moved by Not specified · Seconded by Simei Pnak
Approval of consent items
Moved by Not specified · Seconded by Sharon Vanlair
Approval of 300/600 series policies
Moved by Sharon Vanlair · Seconded by Simei Pnak
Approval of open enrollment resolution
Moved by Not specified · Seconded by Louise Hines
Approval of Minnesota State High School League grant resolutions
Moved by Sharon Vanlair · Seconded by Eric Tesmer
Notable Quotes (2)
I'm against boys in girls sports. I think it's unfair and it's a highly unpopular policy.
So the financial package for these employees could come out to be 1 cent per hour increase.
People (6)
Jed SwinsonCommunity memberParent/resident concerned about district sports policies.
1 quote
Parent/resident concerned about district sports policies.
“I'm against boys in girls sports. I think it's unfair and it's a highly unpopular policy.”
Advocating against policies regarding transgender participation in school sports.
Jennifer JohanssonOffice coordinatorRepresenting office professionals in contract negotiations.
1 quote
Representing office professionals in contract negotiations.
“Many of our office professionals are first the first people our students, families, and community encounter.”
Advocating for better wages and benefits for office staff.
Joy GillsonDistrict procedure nurseHealthcare specialist speaking on behalf of bargaining group.
1 quote
Healthcare specialist speaking on behalf of bargaining group.
“The district has told our negotiation team that the school board has tied their hands.”
Addressing wage concerns for school staff.
Ebony RedwineCommunity memberParent expressing appreciation for community education programs.
1 quote
Parent expressing appreciation for community education programs.
“Kids Club has been a cornerstone in my children's growth, providing structure, consistency, and joy.”
Praising the Kids Club program at Bailey Elementary.
Julie NielssonSuperintendentReporting on district events and policy changes.
Reporting on district events and policy changes.
Kelly JansenAssistant SuperintendentPresenting open enrollment and grant resolutions.
Presenting open enrollment and grant resolutions.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (2)
- October 23rd, 2025 at 6 p.m., District Service Center, Cottage Grove, Minnesota
- October 28th, 2025 at 4 p.m., District Service Center (Negotiations meeting)
Ordinances & Resolutions (3)
Administrative and graduation requirement policy updates.
Policy establishing enrollment limits and school capacity thresholds.
Request for funding to support student athletics and fine arts activities.