The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
The regular meeting of the School Board of Independent School District No. 544 was held in the Otter Community Room, Kennedy Secondary School. Chair, Melanie Cole, called the meeting to order at 7:15 am. The following members were present: Kirby Anderson, Jeney Christensen, Melanie Cole, Kelli Graff, Missy Hermes, and Stephen Vigesaa. Jeff Drake, Superintendent, was absent.
Missy Hermes, clerk, established a quorum.
Kirby Anderson made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. The motion was seconded by Kelli Graff and carried unanimously.
Stephen Vigesaa offered the resolution of acknowledgements for the following and moved for its adoption:
Thank you to the Fraternal Order of Eagles 2339 for their generous donation to the Girls and Boys Golf Program at Fergus Falls Public Schools
Thank you to Matt McGovern for the generous donation of funds from the Dell Trust for the golf simulators at Fergus Falls Public Schools
BC Woodshop for their donation of 2x4 boards to the Rainbow Club for their mural at Fergus Falls Public Schools
The motion was seconded by Jeney Christensen and upon roll call vote being taken, the following voted in favor thereof: Kirby Anderson, Jeney Christensen, Melanie Cole, Kelli Graff, Missy Hermes, and Stephen Vigesaa;
and the following voted against same:
None.
Whereupon said motion was declared duly passed and the resolution adopted.
No reports were presented
General Consent Items
The following consent agenda was presented for approval:
Minutes from the regular School Board meeting held on March 9, 2026
Bills (March 10 - 23, 2026)
Personnel
Certified Staff Hire:
Jenna Woidyla, LTS Elementary Teacher @ Adams, effective 03/17/2026
Certified Staff Leave of Absence Request:
Kristi Angus, language arts teacher; request for leave of absence for the 2026-2027 school year
Certified Staff Retirement:
Paul Anderson, 6th grade teacher @ Kennedy/MS, effective 06/05/2026
Support Staff Separations:
Harleyann Johansen, special education paraprofessional @ Lincoln/Head Start, effective 04/02/2026
Jennifer Pangman, dishwasher @ Kennedy, effective 04/15/2026
Internal Transfer
Michael Donoho, transfer from technology systems manager to technology repair specialist (individual contract - part time) @ Kennedy/district wide, effective 07/01/2026.
Coach Hire:
Madison Holden, head adapted bowling, effective 2025-26 school year
Renee Erickson, head volleyball coach, effective 2026-27 school year
Additional fundraising request for Nordic Ski team for June 2026
Missy Hermes moved to approve the consent agenda. The motion was seconded by Jeney Christensen and carried unanimously.
Unfinished Business:
None
New Business:
Jeney Christensen moved to approve the 2025-27 Contract Between ISD #544 and the Fergus Falls Principals Association; effective 07/01/2025. The motion was seconded by Kirby Anderson and carried unanimously.
Missy Hermes offered the following resolution and moved for its adoption:
RESOLUTION ON THE RETIREMENT OF PAUL ANDERSON
WHEREAS Paul Anderson began his employment with the Fergus Falls Public Schools in 1989, and
WHEREAS Paul has been a valued employee with the Fergus Falls Public Schools for the past 33.5 years, and
WHEREAS Paul has been a dedicated teacher for the district and,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Fergus Falls School Board to thank Paul Anderson for his 33.5 years of service to the Fergus Falls Public Schools.
The motion was seconded by Kelli Graff and upon roll call vote being taken, the following voted in favor thereof: Kirby Anderson, Jeney Christensen, Melanie Cole, Kelli Graff, Missy Hermes, and Stephen Vigesaa;
and the following voted against same:
None
Whereupon said motion was declared duly passed and the resolution adopted.
The next regular School Board meeting will be held at 5:15 pm Monday, April 13, 2026 in the Community Ed Room, Roosevelt Education Center.
Stephen Vigesaa made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:23 am. The motion was seconded by Jenney Christenson and carried unanimously.