November 24, 2025 at 6:00 PM - Regular Meeting of the School Board

Discussion:  The Board of Education of Hermantown Independent School District No. 700 met in regular session on November 24, 2025. Chair, David Hokanson, called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.

Discussion:  Members Present: Eric Griffith, David Hokanson, Jodi McShane, Ashley McFarland, Matthew Munger, Tim Peterson (absent), Wayne Whitwam, Superintendent, Lance Takkunen, Director of Business Services

Visitors: Jason Wilcox, Sarah Turcotte, Bill Wietman, Lori Sinnott, Melanie Olson, Brent Chouanard-Nguyen, Alex White, Janelle Wourms, Nathan Wourms, Marte Kitson, Connie Adamec, Gretchen Appelwick, John Muenich, Kristal Berg

Discussion:  Muenich. Congratulated Ken Ahlberg and Nick Allen on three sold-out shows for the spring musical, The Wizard of Oz. Recognized Spanish Teachers for the Fall Ball last Saturday. 
Wietman. Celebrated the Hermantown sixth graders for showing their Hawk Pride. They took it upon themselves to create a group chat, organized over the weekend and showed up in teal on Monday to support one of our teachers. 
Appelwick. Thanks to Elementary and Middle School Counselors, Scott Larson and Andy Olson for organizing and running the STEMpathy Career Fair. Received great feedback from our third and fourth graders about their experience. 
Whitwam. The STEMpathy Career Fair was impressive to witness. National substitute teacher day. Appreciate our substitutes. 
Griffith. STEMpathy Career Fair was great as a presenter and as a parent. The students did a fantastic job in the fall musical under the direction of our teachers. 

Discussion:  No Visitor Business.

Discussion:  Nathan Wourms, Chair of the Hermantown Music and Arts Boosters, presented to the Board about their purpose and updated the Board on their current fundraising targets, including new lights and sound system for the auditorium.  

Discussion:  No Correspondence. 

Discussion:  Enrollment holding steady. 

Discussion:  Northern Lights Special Education Cooperative is in need of a building for special education setting 4 students. They are losing their current building due to Carlton closing and combining with Wrenshall. As a cooperative, we are looking at a couple of options, including the lease or purchase of St. Rose in Proctor or building on land in Carlton County, which would require each of the districts to agree to levy funds for the building with matching funds from the State.   

Discussion:  The boys varsity locker room is basically completed in the new arena, and the girls varsity locker room is very close to being done and should be done by next week. The sound system is currently being installed. The Activities Director and staff are currently working on how to monitor doors for events, as there are many more doors to monitor in the new building.  

Discussion:  McShane attended the Hermantown Legacy Fund meeting. Lois Fichtner's family created the Lois Fichtner Scholarship which is $50,000 annually.  
Griffith attended the Hermantown PTO meeting. Looking at more playground equipment to purchase and how to better help teachers at the Elementary school. 
Griffith also attended the Community Ed quarterly meeting. They discussed how to get kids that are a little older to still be involved in classes and learning opportunities. What are barriers? Need to get older adults involved somehow, as well.
McShane and McFarland attended the Activities Liaison Meeting. The committee went through the Activities Handbooks and reviewed guidance for Booster Clubs. Also, discussed the track coach that was reinstated.