The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

The regular meeting of the School Board of Independent School District No. 544 was held in the Community Ed Room at the Roosevelt Education Center. Chair, Melanie Cole, called the meeting to order at 5:15 pm. The following members were present: Kirby Anderson, Jeney Christensen, Melanie Cole, Kelli Graff, Missy Hermes, and Stephen Vigesaa. Jeff Drake, Superintendent, was also present. 

Missy Hermes, clerk, established a quorum. 

Jeney Christensen made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. The motion was seconded by Kelli Graff and carried unanimously. 

Reports were presented by: 

• Kari Love-Mainah – Washington DC (Middle School) Student Trip / June 2028

• Kirby Anderson – 544 Education Foundation, Finance

• Jeney Christensen – Buildings & Grounds

• Melanie Cole – Region I

• Kelli Graff – Staff Development, Wellness

• Missy Hermes – Curriculum Review, Policy

• Stephen Vigesaa – Activities, Meet & Confer

• Jeff Drake – Superintendent

Proclamation: Minnesota School Board Recognition Month - September 2026 

“Minnesota School Boards help Minnesota Kids Rise”

WHEREAS, Fergus Falls School District 544 recognizes the importance of public education in our community; and

WHEREAS, Fergus Falls School District 544 appreciates the vital role played by those individuals who, as local school board members, establish policies to ensure an efficient, effective school system; and

WHEREAS, school board members serve as a voice that enables our community to preserve local management and control of our public schools; and

WHEREAS, school board members are charged with representing our local education interests to state and federal governments and ensuring compliance with state and federal laws; and

WHEREAS, school board members selflessly devote their knowledge, time and talents as advocates for our schoolchildren;

WHEREAS, local school board members are strong advocates for public education and responsible for communicating the needs of the school district to the public and the public’s expectations to the district;

WHEREAS, Minnesota school board members help Minnesota kids rise;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Fergus Falls School District 544 recognizes and salutes the members of the Fergus Falls School School Board by proclaiming September 2026 as School Board Recognition Month.

General Consent Items

The following consent agenda was presented for approval: 

1. Minutes from the August 24, 2026 regular School Board meeting 

2. Bills and Treasurer’s Report - reviewed by Stephen Vigesaa and Jeney Christensen:

1. Personnel:

Certified Staff Contract Change:

• Barb Huffman, ESL teacher-contract adjustment to .6667 FTE; effective 8/24/2026

Support Staff Hire: 

• Jesus Carrillo, special education paraprofessional @ Kennedy/MS, effective 08/26/2026

• Paula Anderson, assistant server @ McKinley, effective 09/01/2026

• Mya Pangman, preschool classroom assistant @ Lincoln, effective 09/02/2026

• Sonja Holmgren, noon hour supervisor @ Kennedy/MS, effective 09/01/2026

• Kylie Wilson, para educator @ Kennedy/MS, effective 09/03/2026

• Tonya Zierden, special education paraprofessional @ Kennedy/MS, effective 09/04/2026

• Ashtyn Lill, noon hour supervisor @ McKinley, effective 09/15/2026

Support Staff Separations: 

• Brianna Lewis, para-educator @ Kennedy/MS, last day worked 06/04/2026

• Keith Myrvold, dishwasher @ Kennedy, last day worked 09/11/2026

• McKenzie Cunningham, para educator @ Cleveland, last day worked 10/02/2026

Stephen Vigesaa moved to approve the consent agenda. The motion was seconded by Kelli Graff and carried unanimously. 

Unfinished Business: 

   None

New Business: 

1. Kirby Anderson moved to approve the Appointment of Jeney Christensen as Ex Officio Representative to the Children’s Corner Board. The motion was seconded by Missy Hermes and carried unanimously.

2. Stephen Vigesaa moved to approve the Middle School Washington DC Student Trip for June 2028. The motion was seconded by Kelli Graff and carried unanimously.

3. Missy Hermes moved to approve the Staff Development Proposal for the Use and Implementation of Staff Development Funds for the 2026-2027 school year. The motion was seconded by Jeney Christensen and carried unanimously.

4. Stephen Vigesaa moved to approve the 2026-27 Collaborative Agreement Between West Central MN Communities Action (WCMCA) Head Start and Fergus Falls Public Schools ISD #544. The motion was seconded by Missy Hermes and carried unanimously.

5. Jeney Christensen moved to approve the Contract with Lake Region Healthcare for Physical Therapy Consulting Services; effective September 1, 2026  - May 31, 2027. The motion was seconded by Stephen Vigesaa and carried unanimously.

The next regular School Board meeting will be held at 5:15 pm Monday, September 28, 2026 in the Community Ed Room at Roosevelt Education Center.

Stephen Vigesaa made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:58 pm. The motion was seconded by Jeney Christensen and carried unanimously.  

A work session followed the regular board meeting to discuss facilities and school funding.