October 12, 2026

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 Roosevelt Education Center. Chair, Melanie Cole, called the meeting to order at 5:15 pm. The following members were present: Kirby Anderson, Melanie Cole, Kelli Graff, and Stephen Vigesaa. Missy Hermes and Jeney Christensen were absent. Jeff Drake, Superintendent, was also present. 

Kirby Anderson, acting clerk, established a quorum. 

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

Melanie Cole offered the resolution of acknowledgements for the following and moved for its adoption:

Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Monday, October 12, 2026 

Today, we join communities across Minnesota in recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day and honoring the histories, cultures, and lasting contributions of Indigenous peoples. Minnesota is home to 11 sovereign Tribal Nations, whose traditions, knowledge, and contributions continue to shape our state's identity and communities.

As educational leaders, we have an important opportunity to foster understanding, celebrate the diverse experiences of our students and families, and strengthen relationships with the communities we serve. Indigenous Peoples’ Day reminds us of the value of listening, learning, and ensuring that every student feels a sense of belonging in our schools.

Thank you to:

• Fergus Falls 544 Education Foundation for their donation to fulfill the classroom wishlists at Fergus Falls Public Schools

• John Demuth and Trilogy Real Estate for the donation to Marissa Silbernagel’s classroom at Adam’s Elementary School

• Minnesota Veteran’s Home for their generous donation of medical equipment and supplies to the Nursing Assistant Program at Fergus Falls Public Schools

The motion was seconded by Stephen Vigesaa and upon roll call vote being taken, the following voted in favor thereof: Kirby Anderson, Melanie Cole, Kelli Graff, and Stephen Vigesaa; 

and the following voted against same: 

None. 

Whereupon said motion was declared duly passed and the resolution adopted.  

Reports were presented by: 

• Lance Wells - Food Service

• Kirby Anderson – 544 Education Foundation, Finance

• Melanie Cole – Region I

• Kelli Graff – Staff Development, Wellness

• Stephen Vigesaa – Activities, Meet & Confer

• Jeff Drake – Superintendent

General Consent Items

The following consent agenda was presented for approval: 

1. Minutes from the September 28, 2026 regular School Board meeting 

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

1. Personnel: 

Certified Staff Hire:

• Jenna Woidyla, long term substitute teacher .4235 FTE @ Cleveland, effective 10/01/2026

Support Staff Hire: 

• Amber Maltais, assistant server @ Cleveland, effective 10/19/2026

• Ahna Fischer, dishwasher @ Kennedy, effective 10/26/2026

• Cierra Olson, special education paraprofessional @ Kennedy, effective 10/21/2026

Support Staff Separations: 

• Sonja Holmgren, noon hour supervisor @ Kennedy/MS, last day 10/23/2026 

Support Staff Retirement: 

• Patricia Becker, Cafeteria Assistant Server @ Cleveland, effective 10/14/26

Coach Hire:

• Jake Kringen, head boys tennis coach, effective 03/29/2027

• Chris Grabowska, head girls softball coach, effective 03/15/2027

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

Unfinished Business: 

None

New Business: 

1. Stephen Vigesaa moved to approve the Snow Removal and Lot Salting Services Agreement with Outdoor Renovations Landscape and Nursery, Inc.; Effective October 15, 2026 - September 30, 2027. The motion was seconded by Kelli Graff and carried unanimously.

2. Kirby Anderson moved to approve the Bid from Masters Plumbing for the Cleveland Heat Pump Replacement Project for $1,035,000. The motion was seconded by Kelli Graff and carried unanimously. 

1. Stephen Vigesaa moved to approve the Child and Adult Care Food Program Contract for Vended Meals to Children’s Corner; Effective October 13, 2026 - August 31, 2027.  The motion was seconded by Kelli Graff and carried unanimously.  

1. Kirby Anderson moved to approve the 2026-2027 Assurance of Compliance and Mandated Reporting. The motion was seconded by Stephen Vigesaa and carried unanimously.  

1. Stephen Vigesaa moved to approve the Fall 2026 Memorandum of Agreement between University of Minnesota Crookston (UMN Crookston) and ISD 544 - outlining fee structure for the College in the High School (CIHS). The motion was seconded by Kelli Graff and carried unanimously.

1. Stephen Vigesaa offered the following resolution and moved for its adoption: 

RESOLUTION ON THE RETIREMENT OF PATRICIA BECKER

WHEREAS Patricia Becker began her employment with the Fergus Falls Public Schools in May 2017, and

WHEREAS Patricia has been a valued employee with the Fergus Falls Public Schools for the past 9 years, and

WHEREAS Patricia has been a dedicated cafeteria assistant server for the district and,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Fergus Falls School Board to thank Patricia Becker for her 9 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, Melanie Cole, Kelli Graff, 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, October 26, 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 Kirby Anderson and carried unanimously.