August 24, 2026 at 6:00 PM - Regular Meeting of the School Board
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I. Call to Order / Pledge of Allegiance
Discussion:
The Board of Education of Hermantown Independent School District No. 700 met in regular session on August 24, 2026. Chair, David Hokanson, called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.
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II. Mission Statement
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III. Roll Call
Discussion:
Members Present: Eric Griffith, David Hokanson, Jodi McShane, Ashley McFarland, Matthew Munger, Tim Peterson, Wayne Whitwam, Superintendent, Candace Nelis, Director of Business Services
Visitors: Sarah Turcotte, Jason Wilcox, John Wojciuk, Michael Michelizzi, Gretchen Appelwick, Chad Viergutz, Kristal Berg, Bill Wietman, Kammi Wietman, John Muenich, Lori Sinnott |
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IV. Approve Agenda
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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V. Approve Consent Agenda
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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V.A. Approval of Minutes of Previous Board Meeting: August 10, 2026
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V.B. Approval and authorization of audited vouchers for payment #119501-119557 charged to the following funds, ACH vendor payments #85913 and the Bank and Electronic Transfers:
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V.C. Approval of Personnel Items
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VI. Resolution to Accept Donations
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VII. Comments and Congratulations
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VII.A. Elementary, Middle, High School, and Community Education Reports
Discussion:
Muenich. Recognized Deanne Prisk's retirement after 27 years with the district as a paraprofessional. Also recognized new Activities Director, Nate Buck, for his work one week in with activities starting. Lastly, recognized Mike Pothast for a well-run in-service week for staff.
Appelwick. Recognized the custodians and maintenance team for their work keeping up with the buildings ahead of school starting. Also recognized Elementary secretary Jessica Lennartson who has been busy in the office lately. Elementary counselors Jen Larson and Kelsy Olin put together a successful New Student Orientation Night. Lastly, thanked Mike Pothast for his work during in-service week. Wietman. Also recognized Mike Pothast for his work during in-service week. The middle school leadership team met and developed and implemented a task tracker. Berg. Recognized Sarah Dennis and Jilli Peterson. Early Childhood had its staff development today. Train in a pyramid model for interventions. Whitwam. Recognized Sarah Turcotte and Hillarie Freeman for the extra work they have been doing while our HR Director is out on maternity leave. The last couple of weeks have been especially busy as we have been scrambling to fill a number of open positions at the last minute. |
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VIII. Recognition of Visitor Business
Discussion:
No Visitor Business.
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IX. Administrative Report
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IX.A. Chad Viergutz - Summer Projects Update
Discussion:
Director of Buildings and Grounds, Chad Viergutz, updated the Board on large projects that are taking place across the district, including:
The bleachers in the middle school gym turned out better than expected. Landscaping at the Elementary School will take care of flooding in the spring. The canopy at the middle school/high school entrance, which experienced water damage, is being worked on and will be done shortly. Replaced the carpet in 80-90% of the high school. Will focus on the middle school next year. Turf tank has been awesome for lining fields. Huge time saver on the custodians side. Saves about 16 hours of manpower. Big screens up at the football field and in the high school gym. |
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X. Correspondence
Discussion:
No Correspondence.
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XI. Superintendent's Discussion Items
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XI.A. Enrollment Update
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XI.B. Leadership Teams
Discussion:
The Leadership Teams that met to discuss the survey results really took ownership. I was very proud of the leadership teams.
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XI.C. Other
Discussion:
Lynda will be holding an auction on Sept. 15 for old Food Service equipment.
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XII. Committee Reports
Discussion:
No Committee Reports.
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XIII. Old Business
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XIII.A. District Policy Revisions: #413, #414, #418, #524, #526
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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XIII.B. Updates to the 2026-27 HES Student Handbook
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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XIII.C. Updates to the 2026-27 HHS Student Handbook
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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XIV. New Business
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XIV.A. Superintendent Evaluation Summary
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XIV.B. New Position Request for Elementary Floating Long-Term Substitute Teacher (Action Requested)
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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XIV.C. Board Resolution - Transfer of Funds Supporting Self-Funded Health Insurance Obligations
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XV. Adjournment
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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