The most significant agenda item focused on the proposed financing for the purchase and remodeling of Light the Way Church, aimed at enhancing the district’s transition program. Chris Blackburn, the Director of Business Services, presented the details, explaining that the project would include acquiring the church located at 7,000 Jamaica Avenue South in Cottage Grove, remodeling its structure, and expanding it by 9,000 square feet. The estimated cost of the project, excluding financing expenses, stands at approximately $9.19 million.

To finance these improvements, the district plans to issue certificates of participation (COPs) with a 15-year term, with debt service expected to be funded through the district’s annual lease levy. Blackburn noted that the school board had previously approved the submission of review and comment documents to the Minnesota Department of Education, which had been reviewed by the commissioner without any public comments.

The financing plan also included a resolution for a lease purchase agreement and the sale of COPs. Blackburn emphasized that the lease purchase would not constitute a general obligation of the district, and debt service payments would be subject to annual appropriations by the school board, funded through property tax levies. Jod Zeso from Ellers provided further insights, noting that the proposed issue amount was $9.95 million and anticipating a premium bid. The board discussed the anticipated credit rating and the bidding process, with Zeso explaining that fewer bids were expected compared to general obligation bonds.

Zeso also detailed the parameters of the resolution, designed to protect the district by allowing the rejection of bids exceeding a 5% interest rate, providing flexibility to delay the sale if necessary. The schedule for the upcoming steps, including a due diligence call and an expected closing in October, was also outlined. The financial schedules attached provided estimates of the project costs and anticipated interest rates. A motion to approve the resolution was made, seconded, and passed unanimously after further inquiries about the potential impact of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts on the bond issuance process.

Another topic was the approval of proposed policy changes presented by Superintendent Julie Nelson. The updates included revisions to several policies, specifically the 200 and 300 series, along with policy 516 regarding student medication. These changes were approved unanimously following a motion and seconding.

The board also addressed a matter concerning board compensation. Superintendent Nelson highlighted discussions from the August 8th workshop about increasing board member compensation to $10,000 per year. A motion to approve this change was made, seconded, and passed unanimously.

The meeting included a discussion on a settlement and release of claims with Commercial Kitchen Services Corporation and Merchants Bonding Company. Abby Baker, the Executive Director of Human Resources and Operations, presented the matter, clarifying that it was related to a contract settlement involving new coolers and freezers installed at two schools. The district found the installations did not meet project specifications and, after unsuccessful resolution attempts with the contractor, declared the contractor in default. The settlement, which allows the district to retain approximately $66,000 in outstanding balances, was approved unanimously following a roll call vote.

Additionally, the board discussed a resolution to terminate a construction contract related to a flooring project at Woodbury High School. This action, directed by the district council, was unanimously approved to facilitate further resolution of the matter.

A policy change concerning the grading of courses was also introduced. The new legislation mandates that both postsecondary education opportunity (PSO) classes and College in the Schools (CIS) classes be either weighted or unweighted uniformly. Currently, CIS classes are weighted while PSO classes are not. The proposed change aims to weight both types of classes, addressing students’ expectations during course registration. The board discussed methods to communicate this change to students, particularly during the registration period.

Superintendent Julie Nelson concluded the meeting with highlights from recent district activities, including the opening of the South Washington County Schools Academy, welcoming new teachers and providing professional development. The event featured many experienced teachers who had transferred from other districts, alongside new educators and returning alumni. The superintendent also mentioned participation in local events such as the St. Paul Park parade and the upcoming Woodbury Days, emphasizing community engagement and school spirit. An all-staff welcome back event scheduled for August 27th at Eastridge High School was also highlighted, focusing on literacy training to commence soon after.