January 12, 2026 at 6:00 PM - Regular Meeting of the School Board

I. Call to Order / Pledge of Allegiance

II. Mission Statement

III. Roll Call

IV. Approve Agenda

V. Election of Officers

V.A. Chair

V.B. Vice Chair

V.C. Clerk

V.D. Treasurer

VI. Approve Consent Agenda

VI.A. Approval of Minutes of Previous Board Meeting: December 22, 2025

VI.B. Approval and authorization of audited vouchers for payment #118025-118124 charged to the following funds and the Bank and Electronic Transfers:

VI.C. Approval of Personnel Items

VI.D. Designate the firm of Squires, Waldspurger & Mace, PA as the District’s legal counsel for the 2026 year

VI.E. Designate the Hermantown Star as the official newspaper for the district for the 2026 year

VI.F. Authorize the use of the Hermantown School District's website as an alternate dissemination of information method

VI.G. Set the mileage reimbursement rate at the IRS Standard Mileage Reimbursement rate for 2026 (72.5 cents per mile)

VI.H. Designate Wayne Whitwam as the Local Education Authority Representative

VI.I. Authorize and designate Wayne Whitwam and Lance Takkunen to lease, purchase and contract for goods and services within the budget approved by the School Board

VI.J. Designate Wayne Whitwam to sign leases, purchases, and contract for goods and services

VI.K. Authorize Wayne Whitwam to approve contracts up to bid law threshold

VI.L. Authorize Wayne Whitwam to approve change orders on projects up to $25,000

VI.M. Authorize members of the Principals' Unit to approve contracts for D.J.s, yearbooks, photos, graduation rentals, and speakers for Staff Development

VI.N. Designate US Bank, North Shore Bank of Commerce, Minnesota School District Liquid Asset Fund, Centricity Credit Union and PMA Securities as depositories for all School District monies for the 2026 year

VI.O. Name Lance Takkunen, Shelly Janson, and Faye Sarvela as designated representatives for the purpose of making electronic fund transfers on behalf of the School District

VI.P. Compensation for Board Members shall be $110, Chair; $105, Clerk; $100, All Other Members

VI.Q. The Board may authorize the use of a credit card by any officer or employee otherwise authorized to make a purchase on behalf of the district. If a district officer or employee makes or directs a purchase by credit card that is not approved by the School Board, the officer or employee is personally liable for the amount of the purchase. A purchase by credit card must otherwise comply with all statutes, rules, or district policy applicable to School District purchases

VII. Resolution to Accept Donations

VIII. Comments and Congratulations

VIII.A. Elementary, Middle, High School, and Community Education Reports

VIII.B. Elk's Senior Students of the Month: Mya McQueary & Lukas Flaada

IX. Recognition of Visitor Business

X. Administrative Report

X.A. Scott Larson - CTE Update

XI. Correspondence

XII. Superintendent's Discussion Items

XII.A. Enrollment Update

XII.B. MSBA Leadership Conference

XII.C. Arena

XII.D. Other

XIII. Committee Reports

XIV. Old Business

XIV.A. Resolution Supporting Use of Cooperative Facilities Levy to Pursue State Matching Dollars for Construction of New Northern Lights Academy Facility

XIV.B. Superintendent Mid-Year Evaluation Summary

XV. New Business

XV.A. Video Board

XV.B. 2026 Committee and Outside Assignments

XV.C. New Position Request for Junior Varsity Knowledge Bowl Coach

XVI. Closed Session for the Purpose of Contract Negotiations

XVII. Reopen Meeting to the Public

XVIII. Adjournment