August 5, 2025 at 5:30 PM - Study Session
| Agenda |
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I. Call to Order
Speaker(s):
Ms. Alison Sherman, School Board Chair
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II. Roll Call
Speaker(s):
Ms. Alison Sherman, School Board Chair
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III. Pledge of Allegiance
Speaker(s):
Ms. Alison Sherman, School Board Chair
Description:
I pledge Allegiance to the flag
of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all. |
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IV. Approval of Agenda
Speaker(s):
Ms. Alison Sherman, School Board Chair
Description:
Once quorum has been established the School Board Chair will request approval of the meeting agenda.
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V. Consent Agenda
Description:
The consent agenda is a meeting practice which packages routine reports, Board meeting minutes, and other non-controversial items not requiring discussion or independent action as one agenda item. The Board will approve this ‘package’ of items together in one motion.
A. Payment of Invoices, July 12 - August 1, 2025 & Off Cycle Payments from Previous Register
B. District Handbook Approval |
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V.A. Payment of Invoices - July 12 - August 1, 2025 & Off Cycle Payments from Previous Register
Speaker(s):
Ms. Marie, Chief Financial Officier
Description:
A copy of the register and reports has been distributed to the Board members.
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V.B. District Handbook Approval
Speaker(s):
Ms. Carissa Keister, Chief of Staff
Description:
Every fall the district is required to inform families of district policies and required notices, as well as the rights and responsibilities of our students and their guardians. All of this information is included in the district’s Student Handbook (https://www.stillwaterschools.org/our-district/student-handbooks). The handbook is published electronically and can be found on the district’s website. Families are expected to review the handbook each year and complete a sign off form within PowerSchool. This year’s handbook has been updated to reflect recent changes in legislation. The handbook contains summaries of important policies, with links for families to view the full policies. Families will be receiving multiple communications from their child’s school, as well as in district communications, directing them to the online handbook and the required sign-off form. |
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VI. Business Items
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VI.A. Action: Language Access Plan
Speaker(s):
Ms. Carissa Keister, Chief of Staff
Description:
Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, all Minnesota school districts are required to adopt a formal Language Access Plan to ensure families with limited English proficiency have equitable access to information and services. Stillwater Area Public Schools’ plan outlines how interpretation and translation services are provided to families. It also defines how families can request services and how district staff will ensure ongoing access. This plan has been developed by members of the Communications Department and Office of Integration, and reflects input from school leaders, district staff and best practices. It is a living document that will continue to be adapted based on staff and family feedback. Board approval of the district’s Language Access Plan is requested, as required for 2025-26 implementation.
Attachments:
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VI.B. Action: Metropolitan Transportation Network, Inc. (MTN) Agreement
Speaker(s):
Superintendent Mike Funk
Description:
The agreement is included for your review.
Attachments:
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VI.C. Report: Adventure Club Update
Speaker(s):
Ms. Annette Sallman, Executive Director of Community Services
Description:
With the implementation of new school start and end times this fall, family demand for school-age care has increased across all grade levels. The report includes current waitlist numbers, compares enrollment trends to previous years, and outlines how the district is working to expand access to after-school opportunities where possible through staffing and programming.
Attachments:
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VI.D. Report: Transportation Update
Speaker(s):
Ms. Carissa Keister, Chief of Staff and Mr. Tom Risley, Transportation Supervisor
Description:
To provide the School Board with an overview of key transportation readiness efforts for the start of the 2025-26 school year, including early release of bus routes, response to family inquiries, and operational improvements.
The district's new transpiration supervisor, Tom Risley, will also be introduced at this time. This item is for information only. No board action is requested at this time. |
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VI.E. Report: Multi-Grade Classrooms
Speaker(s):
Ms. Caitlyn Willis, Executive Director of Elementary Education
Description:
To inform the school board about the implementation of multi-grade classrooms at four of our elementary schools for the 2025-26 school year, explain the rationale behind the decision, and outline the support being provided to staff and families.
No board action is required at this time. This item is for information only. |
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VII. Workshop Topic
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VII.A. Understanding Student Enrollment
Speaker(s):
Ms. Marie Schrul, Chief Financial Officer, Mark Drommerhausen, Executive Director of Operations and Ms. Carissa Keister, Chief of Staff
Description:
Student enrollment drives both the financial health and operational planning of the school district. During this discussion, staff will provide the board with a high-level overview of how enrollment works in Minnesota public schools. Topics include how enrollment generates funding, how it is used for facilities and program planning, and strategies the district is using to address enrollment growth and retention. The board will have time to consider how governance can support the district’s goals.
Attachments:
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VII.B. Board Discussion: Board’s Perspective On Current Enrollment Situation
Speaker(s):
Ms. Alison Sherman, School Board Chair
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VIII. Closed Session
Speaker(s):
Ms. Alison Sherman, School Board Chair
Description:
Pursuant to Minnesota Statute 13D.05 Subd. 3, a public body may close a meeting to evaluate the performance of an individual who is subject to its authority. The public body shall identify the individual to be evaluated prior to closing a meeting.
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IX. Adjournment
Speaker(s):
Ms. Alison Sherman, School Board Chair
Description:
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