Regular Board Meeting
Independent School District 564 – Board of Education
May 27, 2025
6:00 p.m.
DSC Board Room
A Regular Meeting of Independent School District #564 Board of Education was held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the DSC board room. The following board members were present: Ryan Walseth, John Syvertson, Mike Spears, Michelle Westerman, and Lindsay Gregory. Misty Hempel and Jared Kainz were absent.
Staff members present were: Dr. Chris Mills, Angie Dahlen, and Tanya Monson-Ek.
Also present were: April Scheinoha.
The pledge of allegiance was recited. Board Chair Walseth called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Clerk Spears confirmed that a quorum was present.
A motion was made by Michelle Westerman and seconded by John Syvertson to approve the May 27, 2025 agenda, as presented. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Lindsay Gregory and seconded by John Syvertson to approve the minutes of the May 12, 2025 regular school board meeting, as presented. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Mike Spears and seconded by John Syvertson to approve the bills as submitted and on file in the School District Business Office. Motion carried.
A motion was made by John Syvertson and seconded by Lindsay Gregory to approve the Treasurer’s Report as presented. Motion carried.
Public Comment: None
Recognitions:
A. Congratulations to Franklin Middle School on winning the MASSP Star of Innovation Gold Star Award. They are being recognized for their House of Uncommon Program.
B. Congratulations to Reid Froiland on being selected for induction into the MN State HS Mathematics League Hall of Fame.
C. Thank you to all ISD 564 staff for your help in obtaining a record low workers compensation modification rate of .62!! This is the lowest rate the district has obtained in over 25 years.
Reports:
A. Committee Report:
Ryan Walseth discussed his notes from the Finance Committee meeting on 5/8/25.
B. Superintendent’s Report:
Dr. Chris Mills discussed his notes from 5/13 – 5/27, Highlighting graduation ceremony, the Captivate Media school visit, and some more end of the school year activities. Dr. Mills was elected to the Region 8 Board for a 4 year term.
Business Action Items:
A. A motion was made by Lindsay Gregory and seconded by Michelle Westerman to approve the consent agenda as presented, and as appropriate, per negotiated contract, salary and benefits, and an acceptable background check. Motion carried.
Personnel:
1. Approve the employment of Denae Weatherford, Cleaner, FMS, effective May 26, 2025.
2. Approve the assignment of Malena Hanson, Title I Teacher, CES, effective August 25, 2025.
3. Approve the assignment of Carley Nelson, Title I Teacher, CES, effective August 25, 2025.
4. Approve the assignment of Danielle Schantz, Reading Intervention Teacher, LHS, effective August 25, 2025.
5. Approve the assignment of Kelly Melin, Elementary Education Teacher, CES, effective August 25, 2025.
6. Approve the assignment of Will Anderson, Elementary Education Teacher, CES, effective August 25, 2025.
7. Accept the resignation of Alexandra Lovejoy, Special Education Teacher, CES, effective June 30, 2025.
8. Accept the resignation of Laura Juve, School Counselor, LHS, effective June 5, 2025.
9. Accept the resignation of Bob Huot, Assistant Coach-Girls Hockey and Assistant Coach-Girls Softball, effective May 23, 2025.
B. A motion was made by Mike Spears and seconded by John Syvertson to approve the 2024-2025 Final Budget as presented. Motion carried.
C. A motion was made by John Syvertson and seconded by Mike Spears to Approve renewing our workers compensation insurance coverage with SFM Mutual Insurance Company through North Risk Partners for a period from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, at an estimated premium of $83,484. Motion carried.
D. A motion was made by Mike Spears and seconded by Lindsay Gregory to accept the Retirement of Robert Flick, after 27 years as Cleaner and Bus Driver, effective July 31, 2025. Motion carried.
E. A motion was made by Lindsay Gregory and seconded by Michelle Westerman to approve the Purchase of Service Agreement with Pediatric Partners for Speech & Occupational Therapy from May 27, 2025 through August 31, 2025. Motion carried.
F. A motion was made by Michelle Westerman and seconded by Lindsay Gregory to approve the Non-unit Salary/Wage Schedule. Motion carried.
G. A motion was made by John Syvertson and seconded by Lindsay Gregory to approve the following 2025 Summer Positions. Motion carried.
Special Education ESY (June 10-12 and 16-18; July 15-17; August 5-7 and 12-14, 2025; all sessions 8:00 a.m. to noon)
a. Thirteen (13) Special Education Paraprofessionals up to 36 hours each – Taelynn Pham, Megan Klamar
H. A motion was made by Michelle Westerman and seconded by Mike Spears to Approve the Band/Orchestra trip to Florida in 2026. Walseth Abstained. Motion carried.
Other:
Summer Meals will begin on June 2.
MEC Safety netting project came in under budget, other updates are happening at the MEC as well.
Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 6:34 p.m.
Ryan Walseth, Chair
Mike Spears, Clerk