1.  Fall Staff Development was extremely successful and busy throughout the district and within each building. There was a lot of great information shared and discussion taking place. Carla Nolan did a great job with help from building principals and other directors to lead staff development for new teachers and all staff during the weeks leading up to the first student days. It was incredible how much we were able to accomplish and lay the ground work for the entire school year in the few short days we had together.  

2. A great beginning to school for our students. As always,thanks to all the parents and students for their flexibility at the beginning of the school year. In particular, I want to thank everyone for their feedback and information related to our update to our Skyward system. If you continue to have feedback on this transition, please continue to reach out to us. Many questions were answered as we communicated frequently with our families.

3.  The 2026 MSBA Leadership Conference is slated for Thursday, January 14, and Friday, January 15, 2027, at the Minneapolis Convention Center. 

4.   The annual Truth in Taxation meeting will take place during our regular meeting on December 7, 2026 at 6:30 pm-Agenda Item.

5. The Becker All School Reunion took place on Thursday, September 10 at Pebble Creek Golf Club. I was unable to attend, but Mayor Mark Kolbinger addressed the group on behalf of the city and school district. 

6. Construction update-Roofing has been ongoing for the past few years, and I am pleased to share that we are nearly fully complete with our projects that were part of our referendum. McDowall is tying up a few loose ends and then finance will reconcile all of our payments as we continue to move forward.

7. Joint Meeting with City, County, Township, and School District. We had a joint meeting on August 20th at City Hall. Much of the time was discussing the road construction and the impacts on each of our entities, and some other topics relevant to each group such as bus stops, upcoming public meetings, and more.

8. September is Minnesota School Board Recognition Month, and I want to take a moment to thank our board members for the time, leadership, and thoughtful stewardship they provide on behalf of our students, staff, and community. This year’s theme, "Minnesota School Boards Help Minnesota Kids Rise," is a great reminder that the decisions you make and the service you provide help create opportunities for every student to learn, grow, and succeed. Thank you for your service.
 

Minn. Stat. 13D.05, subd. 3(a)
A school board may close a meeting to evaluate the performance of an individual who is subject to its authority. 

I recommend approving the personnel items as presented.

Minnesota's Truth in Taxation Law requires school districts to provide a public hearing before adopting a tax levy for the following year.  This meeting must take place between Nov 25 and Dec 28 of 2026.  I recommend holding the annual Truth in Taxation meeting during our regular meeting on Dec 7, 2026 at 6:30 PM.  

Kevin Januszewski and I recommend approval of the transfer of $15,000 to the Early Childhood Screening Fund Balance from the General Fund (retroactive to June 30).

The first "levy run" typically contains errors.  Kevin Januszewski will work with MDE to correct the calculations over the next few weeks.  He will review the preliminary Payable 2027 levy information at the school board meeting.  

The Pay 27 Preliminary Levy will have an increase due to indoor air quality improvements as compared to the Pay 26 Levy. Kevin Januszewski and I recommend approving the maximum preliminary certification.  

A presentation covering the 26-27 budget and the Payable 27 Levy will be provided during the December regular board meeting.  The final levy amount will need to be approved by the board at that time.