Battle Lake School Board October 13, 2025 minutes

The school board of ISD #542, Battle Lake, met in a regular session on Monday, October 13, 2025 in the media center. The meeting was called to order by Chair Paul Ness at 5:30 p.m. Members present: Sheila Newark, Paul Ness, Ashley Altstadt, Bennet Stich and Jonathan Hartman. Members absent: Sean Belmont. Others in attendance were: Rob Nudell, Ryan Severson, Pete Amundson, David Marso, Krys Marso, Dr. Misty Wilkie, Rachal Logan, Amy Wicklund and Elizabeth Klintworth. All in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Motion to adopt the agenda as revised to include letter G under new business of Special Education staffing needs. (Altstadt/Hartman) UC. Motion to approve the minutes of the regular September meeting as printed. (Newark/Stich) UC. Motion to approve the consent agenda items as follows: Teachers’ Seniority List for 2025-26, MSEA Seniority List for 2025-26, Afterschool Enrichment Program Handbook, School Policies 406-427 for a first reading and the 2025-26 Budget Publication Report as presented. (The budget publication can be found on the school’s website under the school board tab) (Newark/Hartman) UC. Connor Wicklund gave an update on events and activities in the school building that pertain to students. Motion to accept donations as specified: Ice cream for students from Big Fish Kayak, Free Gate Admission to Football Game by All Seasons, Pork Chops from an anonymous donor, chips from Larry’s Foods and cases of bottled water from Dollar General all for the Choir Fundraiser. (Stich/Hartman) UC. Pete Amundson gave an update on facilities and grounds. Ryan Severson gave his School Principal’s report and gave a power point presentation on the implementation of the BARR program and the effect it has had so far on our students and staff. Rob Nudell gave his Superintendent’s report. Board members gave updates on communications and meetings they have had with residents and community members within the past month. Dr. Misty Wilkie read a message to the board with information on American Indian History and respectfully asked to have some of her ongoing questions answered. Motion to approve and pay the bills in the amount of $836,693.70 that include checks #60739 – #60871, the electronic fund transfers of $2,895,755.78 and payroll checks #21961 – #21967 in the amount of $7,334.93. Also to accept the Treasurer’s report as presented and the K-12 enrollment number of 401 for October 1, 2025. (Newark/Hartman) UC. Motion to award the snow plowing quote for the 2025-26 school year to Christensen Construction. (Hartman/Altstadt) UC. A copy of that quote is on file in the district office. Motion to approve policies #401-#405 for a second and final reading. (Altstadt/Hartman) UC Those policies can all be found online through the school’s website. Motion to nominate Paul Ness as candidate for the LCSC board election. (Stich/Newark) Paul Ness abstained. MC. Motion to approve the pairing agreement with Ashby for ESports and Robotics as presented. (Newark/Stich) UC. A copy of the agreement is on file in the district office. Member Ashley Altstadt introduced the following resolution and moved for its adoption: Resolution of Governing Board Supporting Form A Application to MSHSL Foundation. The foregoing resolution was seconded by member Jonathan Hartman and upon a roll call vote being taken thereon, those voting in favor: Jonathan Hartman, Sheila Newark, Ashley Altstadt, Bennet Stich and Paul Ness; and those voting against the same: None. Whereas said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted. A copy of the resolution is on file in the district office. Motion to post a vacancy for an additional Special Education staff member. (Newark/Stich) UC. The next meetings of the school board are scheduled for Monday, November 10th and Monday, December 8th both beginning at 5:30 p.m. All of these will take place in the media center. With no more items of business remaining on the agenda, the meeting was adjourned by Chair Paul Ness at 7:15 p.m. Sheila Newark, Clerk (This publication constitutes the legal printing November 19, 2025 of the official minutes of this meeting.)