October 27, 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 October 27, 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, Wayne Whitwam, Superintendent, Lance Takkunen, Director of Business Services

Visitors: Jason Wilcox, Sarah Turcotte, Lori Sinnott, Lindsey Beier, Michael Pothast, Bill Wietman, Miranda Gustad, Michael Michelizzi, Dacia Selzer, Brent Chouanard-Nguyen, Kristal Berg, Gretchen Appelwick, Miranda Chambers

Discussion:  Appelwick. Elementary conferences were very well attended. We had about 98% attendance. Thanked the PTO for providing Papa Clyde's catering for dinner. The Elementary Scholastic book fair had another banner sale. We made $14,000 for the library. The Booster fundraiser wraps up tomorrow with the Glow Run. Students will be running laps in the gym during their specialist time. We are currently at $32,000 and the goal is $40,000. This year's money will go into the PTO pot and then we will see what we can put aside for Phase 2 of the playground. The playground is just about ready to open. Our maintenance team has been working really hard on filling the holes and then putting down the mulch to the correct depth. We will look at it on Wednesday and decide if we can use it starting Thursday. We hope to do a grand opening for kindergarten and first grade. We will go over expectations and do a little ribbon cutting. This is subject to change. Thanks again to the volunteers, PTO, and the District for making this all happen. The kids are super excited. 
Whitwam. Recognized Mike Sweeney for moving dirt for three+ days to get the elementary playground done. Also recognized Gretchen, the Hermantown PTO, the maintenance team and volunteers for their work in getting this project completed. 
Berg. Community Education received the MCEA Project Award for DORA. Recognize Kaitlyn Koehler for the award as she is the one that made it come to life. Shout out to all of my coordinators as they have been very busy going out to Halloween events and giving up their weekends. 
Peterson. Recognized the Hermantown National Honors Society for their help at the Hermantown Legacy Fund's Taste of Hermantown event. They did an amazing job and are an amazing group of young leaders. 
Griffith. Thanked Gretchen for spearheading the playground project and for getting it completed so quickly. 

Discussion:  No Visitor Business. 

Discussion:  TOSA: Curriculum and Staff Development Coordinator, Michael Pothast presented MCA results from the 2024-25 school year and also presented the Comprehensive Career and Civic Readiness Report (CACR).  

Discussion:  No Correspondence. 

Discussion:  Really hasn't moved. Down from previous years, but holding steady. 

Discussion:  Little bit bigger project than we anticipated. Paid $10,000 to tear down the old playground. Paid the foreman for three days + an extra two days. Ended up paying for rubber mulch instead of wood chips.  
 

Discussion:  The 2026 MSBA Leadership Conference is January 15-16. Asked Board members to reach out if they are interested in attending.  
 

Discussion:  Received notification that trailers and fencing should be gone by November 1. The final punchlist walk through is scheduled for November 6. Called ICS and they have an inspector that will do a walkthrough prior to the 6th and spend a day with us going through the arena to pass on to Kraus-Anderson. 
Jan 2 is the official ribbon cutting for NorthStar Ford Arena and will be open to the community. On Jan. 3, the girls JV/Varsity will play vs. Two Harbors, and the boys Varsity/JV will play vs. Eden Prairie. Technology and lighting still needs to be done once it is handed over. 

Discussion:  Griffith. Attended the Hermantown PTO meeting last week. Currently focused on raising funds for the playground. Putting out a call for anyone that wants to volunteer.