South Washington County Schools — Transcript
Thursday, January 22, 2026
Student Achievements and Activities
District-wide Construction and Facilities Updates
Financial Management and Bond Refinancing
Policy Revisions and Labor Agreement
Community Engagement and School Operations
Votes (5)
7.1 Construction Update
Tyrone Brookens and Alexander Sloum provided a comprehensive update on seven ongoing construction projects at various high schools and middle schools. Details included specific progress like concrete slabs, roofing, interior framing, and exterior walls for each site. The presentation highlighted the continuation of work through winter months and addressed the estimated completion timelines (Fall 2026 for middle schools/Eastridge, Fall 2027 for Park/Woodbury and other projects). Board member Melinda Doss inquired about the student impact of ongoing construction for projects not fully completed by the next school year.
8.1 Fiscal Year 2024-25 Audit Results
Moved by Simmy Pne · Seconded by Melinda Doss
Chris Blackburn presented the audit results for fiscal year 2024-25, conducted by Erin Nielson of LB Carlson. The district received an unmodified, or 'clean,' opinion, marking the 19th consecutive year the district has applied for the ASBO certificate of excellence in financial reporting. The board moved to accept the audit results.
8.2 Proposed Policy Changes
Moved by Sharon Vanlier · Seconded by Louise Hines
Superintendent Julie Nielsson introduced a set of six policy changes for approval, which had been previously reviewed by board members. These included updates to policies on the school district mission statement, employee recognition, district credit card program, and debt compliance, as well as the deletion of two policies (719 and 721).
8.3 Amending Resolution relating to General Obligation School Building and Facilities Maintenance Bond series 2026A
Moved by Simmy Pne · Seconded by Sharon Vanlier
Chris Blackburn presented a resolution to amend and restate the General Obligation School Building and Facilities Maintenance Bond series 2026A. The amendment adds a refunding component for two outstanding bonds (Series 2016A General Obligation Building Bonds and Series 2016A General Obligation Facilities Maintenance Bonds), prompted by a decline in municipal bond interest rates. This action is projected to result in a net reduction to future property tax levies of approximately $4.2 million for taxpayers.
8.4 Tenative agreement with office professionals
Moved by Louise Hines · Seconded by Melinda Doss
Mike Melany presented a tentative agreement with the Office and Professional Employees International Union Local 12 for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027. The agreement includes aggregate salary increases, a freeze on certain steps, increases in district contributions for health insurance, a third-party billing stipend for licensed healthcare specialists, license premiums for RN/LPNs, an increase in VIBA, additional vacation days, and an increase to the 403b district matching contribution. The union members had already approved the agreement.
Notable Quotes (7)
I'm totally impressed with the ability that the construction continues through the winter months.
So the cafeteria those new additions um for both schools we're targeting those kind of midsummer moving into those getting furniture and everything technology.
So with the amount of um work that needs to still be completed next school year, how um how disruptive or how how much how much student impact is that?
The district again received an unmodified or clean opinion and full sets of financial statements are available.
I really do appreciate it. And I appreciate how well you and the rest of the finance team have done to generate an clean audit for yet another year.
Refunding these bonds will result in a net reduction to future property tax levies of approximately $4.2 million. So that again directly goes back to our taxpayers via reduced property tax levy.
I know you've mentioned that when we do our um when Ellers helps us structure the bonds, it's to keep our keep um property taxpayers um flat flat, right?
Ordinances & Resolutions (12)
District's audited financial statements, received an unmodified/clean opinion.
School district mission statement policy, approved for changes.
Employee recognition policy, approved for changes.
District credit card program policy, approved for changes.
Policy slated for deletion.
Policy slated for deletion.
Policy including updates in section three on the post-issuance of debt compliance, approved for changes.
Resolution to add a refunding component to the previously approved bond series.
Original bond series for building construction and long-term facility maintenance, now amended to include refunding.
Outstanding bonds (Ultman bond) targeted for refunding.
Outstanding bonds targeted for refunding.
Collective bargaining agreement effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027, approved by the board.