Speakers:
Matt Shirkey – Administrative Accountability
Jacob Yeske – Policy
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 at 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, and Renae Macheledt, Finance Director, were also present.
Missy Hermes, clerk, established a quorum.
Stephen Vigesaa made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. The motion was seconded by Jeney Christensen and carried unanimously.
Resolution on Acknowledgements
None
Reports were presented by:
Renae Macheledt – FY27 Budget
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
General Consent Items
The following consent agenda was presented for approval:
Minutes from the May 26, 2026 regular School Board meeting
Bills and Treasurer’s Report - reviewed by Stephen Vigesaa and Kirby Anderson:
General Fund
$2,341,210.66
Food Service
$102,343.34
Community Ed
$13,026.37
Construction
$0
Debt Service
$56,980.54
Trust
$1,948.45
Activities
$26,373.93
TOTAL
$2,541,883.29
Personnel
Certified Staff Hire:
Diane Wicklund, special education teacher @ Cleveland, effective 08/24/2026
Madeline Godwin, social studies teacher @ Area Learning Center, effective 08/24/2026
Support Staff Transfers:
Darin Muchow, transfer from head custodian to custodial supervisor, effective July 1, 2026
Support Staff Separations:
Cindy Rogness, secretary @ Area Learning Center, effective June 17, 2026
Mars Ness-Ludwig, para-educator @ Area Learning Center, effective June 4, 2026
Renewal of Probationary Contract :
Stephanie Ewert, special education paraprofessional at McKinley, effective 2026-27
Kaylie Elshaug, special education paraprofessional at McKinley, effective 2026-27
Jaedyn Juran, special education paraprofessional at McKinley, effective 2026-27
Individual Contracts effective 2026-2027
Truancy Interventionist/Office Assistant, Lynn Johnson
Educational Interpreter/Aide, Lea Starzl
Individual Contracts effective 2026-2028
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), Jenny Albertson
Curriculum Director, Amelia Lemar
Jeney Christensen moved to approve the consent agenda. The motion was seconded by Kelli Graff and carried unanimously.
Unfinished Business:
None
New Business:
Stephen Vigesaa moved to approve the FY27 Membership with Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) and Policy Services; $9,947. The motion was seconded by Jeney Christensen and carried unanimously.
Kirby Anderson moved to approve the ISD 544 FY27 Financial Budget. The motion was seconded by Stephen Vigesaa and carried unanimously.
Jeney Christensen moved to approve the Statement of Work from Eide Bailly for FY26 Audit Services; estimated cost $42,000. The motion was seconded by Kirby Anderson and carried unanimously.
Jeney Christensen moved to approve the Amendment to Children’s Corner Lease Agreement. The motion was seconded by Stephen Vigesaa, Kirby Anderson, Jeney Christensen, Melanie Cole, Missy Hermes, and Stephen Vigesaa voted yes. Kelli Graff voted no. The motion carried.
The next regular School Board meeting will be held at 7:15 am Monday, June 22, 2026 in the Otter Community Room at Kennedy Secondary School.
Stephen Vigesaa made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 am. The motion was seconded by Kirby Anderson and carried unanimously.
A work session followed the regular board meeting to discuss the Strategic Planning Session Agenda.