Regular Board Meeting
Independent School
District No 561
August 19, 2025
Community Center
The school board Independent School District #561 met in regular session on Tuesday, August 19, at 8:00 p.m. in the community center. The following members were present: John Lovly, Neil Jensen, Tim Hruby, Rozlynn Johnsrud, Leah Bothum and Joe Rubischko. Also present: Superintendent Loberg, Principal Carlson, Business Manager Kelsie Steiger-Krein, GEA members Mrs. Stephanie Olson and Mrs. Lindsay Rystad and ICS Project Manager Austin May.
A motion was made by Johnsrud, seconded by Hruby, to approve the August 19, 2025, meeting agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
ICS Member Austin May provided the board with an update on the building project.
A motion was made by Hruby, seconded by Jensen, to approve the July 15, 2025 regular meeting minutes. Motion carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Johnsrud, seconded by Rubischko, to approve payments for checks # 47639 – 47732 and wire payments as listed in report #3.1 A & B, as listed in report 3.1.1. Motion was carried unanimously.
Financial reports were reviewed. Superintendent Loberg reported the district shows an investment balance of $2,067,279.73 on July 31st, 2025. (See reports #3.0 attached to the official board minutes).
Business Manager Kelsie Steiger-Krein gave an update on the upcoming audit.
Patron Concerns: None
Student Council Reports: None
Goodridge Education Association Report: None
Classified Staff Report: None
Instructional Reports: None
Old Business: None
New Business:
A motion was made by Jensen, seconded by Bothum, to approve the overall pricing from the multiple contractors in the grand total amount of $128,517.23 for Proposal Request #5 – Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry Plan Review Changes, as presented by ICS in report #8.3. Motion carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Bothum, seconded by Rubischko, to tentatively approve the six regular bus routes and 1 type III route as presented for the 2025-2026 school year, with the authority given to administration to make changes in the best interest of the district as presented in report #8.1. Motion carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Lovly, seconded by Johnsrud, to approve the Fall Pair Sports Meeting Minutes as presented in #8.2. Motion carried unanimously.
Personnel:
A motion was made by Hruby, seconded by Jensen, to approve the hire of Lois Anderson, Second Grade Long-Term Substitute Teacher. Motion carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Rubischko, seconded by Johnsrud, to approve the hire of Robin Johnson, Elementary Special Education Teacher. Motion carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Jensen, seconded by Bothum, to approve the hire of Greg Monson, JH Football Coach. Motion carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Johnsrud, seconded by Hruby, to approve the resignation of Tami Comstock, Dishwasher. Motion carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Rubischko, seconded by Jensen, to approve the hire of Jamie Dale, Dishwasher. Motion carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Bothum, seconded by Johnsrud, to approve the hire of Kristy Larson, Part-Time Food Service Aide. Motion carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Hruby, seconded by Bothum, to approve the hire of Joanne Tharaldson, Type III Route Driver. Motion carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Rubischko, seconded by Lovly, to approve the transfer of Madison Paulson from Para to Type III Route Driver. Motion carried unanimously.
Donations:
A motion was made by Bothum, seconded by Jensen, to approve the donations as listed in report #10.1. Motion carried unanimously.
Trustee Reports:
Member Johnsrud gave an update on the NWRIC meeting.
Open Forum: None
Administrative Reports:
Principal Carlson gave an update on the Open House and the start of the school year. Principal Carlson gave an update on the Safety Plans related to the construction project. Principal Carlson gave a technology update.
Superintendent Loberg thanked Principal Carlson and all of the Staff for all the work that went into preparing for the early start this year. Superintendent Loberg gave an update on Fall Sports and reported that he is working on adding Flag Football to Community Ed this year. Superintendent Loberg gave an update on the roofs for the building project.
The next regular meeting was set for Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 8:00 p.m.
At 9:03 p.m the Board went into close sessions to discuss certified negotiations.
At 9:17 p.m the meeting was re-opened.
A motion was made by Hruby, seconded by Rubischko, to approve the 2025-2027 certified contract as negotiated. Motion carried unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 9:18 p.m.
Attest:
John Lovly, Chairperson
Leah Bothum, Clerk