November 17, 2025 at 7:00 PM - Regular Meeting

1. CALL TO ORDER:  Pledge of Allegiance

2. MEMBERS PRESENT:

3. APPROVE AGENDA:  (ACTION) (ROLL CALL VOTE)

4. VISITOR'S COMMENTS:

5. SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS AND HONORS:

6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING MEETINGS:  (APPENDIX) (ACTION) (ROLL CALL VOTE)

7. SUMMARY OF BILLS:

7.A. CONSIDER AND APPROVE CLAIMS AND ACCOUNTS:  (APPENDIX) (ACTION) (ROLL CALL VOTE)

8. SUPERINTENDENTS REPORT:

1. November 4 Referendum Outcome
The results of the special election are now certified. Although the referendum did not pass, I want to thank our staff, board members, and community partners for the professionalism and engagement shown throughout the process. We have begun outreach with the Pope County Childcare Taskforce to determine next steps related to early childhood needs and available grant resources.

2. Childcare & Community Feedback
Post-election conversations have clarified that the community is not supportive of a school-funded childcare facility at this time. The childcare need in Pope County remains significant, and the Taskforce will meet in the coming weeks to examine alternative strategies and partnership options.

3. Personnel Committee & MTA Negotiations Update
The Personnel Committee has reached a tentative agreement with the MTA (teachers) employee group. The agreement remains within budget over the two-year contract and reflects responsible stewardship of district resources. The process was collaborative and efficient, with an agreement reached in three meetings.

A Special Board Meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 1 at 7:30 AM for formal ratification to maintain appropriate payroll timelines.

4. Early Childhood Expansion – VPK Seats Awarded
Minnewaska Area Schools was recently awarded additional Voluntary Pre-K (VPK) seats from the Minnesota Department of Education. This expansion allows us to serve more 4-year-olds in high-quality early learning programming and strengthens our kindergarten readiness efforts. Planning for implementation is underway.

5. Fall Activities Recognition
We recognize and thank all fall activity coaches, advisors, and students for a successful and positive season. Their leadership, teamwork, and dedication enrich the student experience and build strong school pride.
A special acknowledgment goes to the cast, crew, musicians, and staff of the Fall Musical under the direction of Jeff Iverson. The production was outstanding and showcased remarkable talent across all levels.

6. Staffing Update – Intervention Support
The district will be posting for a full-time intervention teacher to support student learning for the remainder of the school year. This position will be funded through Title programs and ensures continuity of services for students.

7. Fiscal Updates & FY25 Audit
CliftonLarsonAllen LLP has completed fieldwork for the 2024–25 audit and will present key findings and fund balance information this evening. Once finalized, the report will be distributed to board members.
District financials continue to track as projected.

8. Operational Reports
Monthly Summary of Bills, Investment Report, Food Service Report, Revenue & Expenditure Reports, and the Child Care Center Report are included in your packet for review.

9. Veterans Day & Community Engagement
The 20th Annual Veterans Day Program was a tremendous success. Thank you to all staff, students, and community partners whose efforts created a meaningful and memorable event honoring our veterans.

10. Legislative Roundtable – November 24
The district has been invited to participate in the regional Education Legislative Roundtable on November 24 at WIN Academy in Starbuck. This annual event brings together district leaders and legislators to discuss educational priorities affecting the region.

11. Strategic Planning – Blueprint 2030
Work continues on the Blueprint 2030 strategic planning initiative. We are refining district priorities, gathering stakeholder input, and preparing materials for a board workshop later this winter.

12. Looking Ahead
Upcoming events include:

• December 1 – Special Board Meeting at 7:30 AM (MTA Contract Ratification)

• December 15 – Truth in Taxation Hearing at 6:30 PM followed by the regular board meeting

• January 5 – Organizational School Board Meeting at 7:30 AM

• January 15–16 – MSBA Leadership Conference

Respectfully submitted,
Chip Rankin
Superintendent, Minnewaska Area Schools

8.A. INVESTMENT REPORT:

8.B. FOODSERVICE REPORT:

8.C. REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORTS:

8.D. LITTLE LAKERS CHILD CARE CENTER REPORT:

9. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 11172025 ACCEPTING DONATIONS TO THE SCHOOL DISTRICT: (APPENDIX) (ACTION) (ROLL CALL VOTE)

10. CONSENT CALENDAR:  (ACTION)

10.A. New Hires:

10.B. Change of Status:

10.C. Resignations:

11. PRESENTATION OF AUDIT FUND BALANCES: (APPENDIX) 

12. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF MEMORADUMS OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) FOR EMERGENCY EVACUATION AND REUNIFICATION SITES:

13. OTHER:

14. ANNOUNCEMENTS:  

15. ADJOURN:  (ACTION) (ROLL CALL VOTE)