The board voted to approve cooperative agreements for high school dance and Nordic skiing programs. These cooperatives are necessary because the schools involved—Woodbury, Park, and East Ridge—do not have enough athletes to sustain these activities independently. A representative from Woodbury High School noted that the school already has a successful cooperative agreement for girls’ hockey, which has seen an increase in player numbers. However, the current numbers for dance and Nordic skiing are low, prompting the need for a cooperative arrangement to ensure these sports continue to be available to students.

The team operates under one unified identity with maroon uniforms but competes as separate entities in their respective sections, leading to logistical complications. East Ridge and Woodbury participate in Section 3, while Park competes in Section 1. This division necessitates splitting resources like coaching staff and training facilities, impacting team cohesion and morale. A representative explained that inexperienced skiers sometimes must compete at the section level, which is akin to “asking a ninth-grade basketball player to go into a varsity basketball game.” This situation results in either placing unprepared athletes in competition or forfeiting spots in races, which detracts from the team’s overall performance and morale.

The dance team cooperative was also discussed, with Christine Schaefer presenting. East Ridge has had no team for three years, and Park can only commit six dancers. Woodbury has twelve committed athletes, but overall participation remains below ideal levels. The board considered forming a co-op among the three schools to allow for a more competitive and effective dance program. They discussed the history of the dance program’s development and the shift in student participation from cheerleading to dance, noting the higher commitment levels required in external dance studios compared to high school programs.

The board also addressed several construction updates for the district’s middle schools. Assistant Superintendent Tyrone Brookens and architects from W Architects presented information about renovations at Woodbury, Oak, Cottage Grove, and Lake Middle Schools. The update included detailed floor plans, design concepts, and timelines for the projects, which aim to enhance security, repurpose spaces, and reflect community values.

At Woodbury Middle School, the renovation includes improving security at the main office, repurposing the former pool area for educational use, and enhancing the music area. The architects emphasized the importance of meeting the project goals outlined by a voter-approved advisory committee. The redesign aims to establish a secure entry sequence and alleviate traffic congestion with a new bus road. The project is currently under budget.

The projects at Cottage Grove and Lake Middle Schools are designed to create secure entries and remodel administration areas. The Cottage Grove project includes a stormwater retention pond due to increased impervious surfaces from the addition, allowing for landscaping updates. Similar updates are planned for Lake Middle School, including a special education hub with sensory rooms and expanded restroom facilities. The timeline for these projects is set, with construction expected to start in January 2026 and completion by fall 2026.

The board approved the renewal of the district’s workers’ compensation insurance with SFM Mutual Insurance Company. The renewal reflects an increase in total premium, primarily due to rising payroll and a slight increase in the experience modification rate. The proposed premium exceeds $1.1 million. Since 2014, the district has benefited from a unique retention plan, receiving over $890,000 in rebates for favorable claims experience, with the most recent check amounting to over $777,000. The administration recommended approval of the renewal, which passed without opposition.

Chris Blackburn, the Director of Business Services, presented the preliminary tax levy for taxes payable in 2025. The proposed levy amount is approximately $128 million, a 1.2% increase from the previous year. The increase does not equate to a direct rise in taxes for all property owners, as the increase in property tax values may offset this. The administration sought approval for the maximum preliminary levy, which passed without any comments or questions.

The board also approved a purchase agreement for Light the Way Church, intended for the special education transition program. The property will be acquired for $1.7 million, funded through certificates of participation to be issued later in the fall. The board unanimously approved the resolution to purchase the property.

Additionally, the board reviewed and approved easements with the City of Cottage Grove for hydrant access and amendments to existing storm sewer easements, as well as a stormwater management facilities agreement for Oldman Middle School. These agreements outline responsibilities for construction, repair, and maintenance of the facilities.

Superintendent Julie Nielson reported on recent activities, including the City of Woodbury’s annual development tour and riding along with bus drivers to emphasize the importance of pre-trip checks and the new GPS tracking system for bus routes. The board members were acknowledged for their service with bundt cakes from the executive cabinet.