Lake, met in regular session on Monday,
February 9, 2026 in the Media Center. The
meeting was called to order by Chair,
Jonathan Hartman at 6:00 p.m. Members
present: Sheila Newark, Sean Belmont, Bennet
Stich, Paul Ness and Jonathan Hartman.
Members absent: Ashley Altstadt. Others in
attendance were: Rob Nudell, Ryan Severson,
Pete Amundson, Elizabeth Klintworth
and several staff member and other community
members. All in attendance recited the
Pledge of Allegiance.
Motion to adopt the agenda as printed.
(Newark/Ness) UC.
`Motion to approve the minutes of the regular
January meeting as printed. (Ness/Stich)
UC.
`Motion to approve the following donations
as specified: Networks for Good/Ashley Altstadt
$500 – Advanced Biology. Ottertail
Lake Bridge Ladies $60 – Student needs.
(Stich/Belmont) UC.
Motion to approve the following consent
agenda items: Policy Series 800 for a first
reading. Policy Series 900 for a first reading.
Letter of resignation from Logan Stans effective
January 20, 2026. Hiring of Amanda
Lanter as a Special Ed Teacher. Retirement
of from Dirk Siems effective February 24,
2026. 3-week medical leave request from
Eric Olson. Hiring of Maleah Brandner as
Long-Term Sub for 2nd grade from January
27 through February 16. One year Leave of
absence request from Lisa Young beginning
fall of 2026. Resignation from E-Sports
Advisor Brady Speicher effective at the end
of the 25-26 school year. (Belmont/Newark)
UC.Connor Wicklund gave a student report.
Mrs. Jenny Roisum gave an update on
Community Ed events and classes.
Mr. Severson gave the Principal’s report.
Mr. Nudell gave his Superintendent’s
report.
Chair Jonathan Hartman acknowledged
visitors and gave those who had requested to
speak in front of the board, time to do so.
Dr. Misty Wilkie, parent, addressed the
board about policies #206, 603 and 901.
Abigail Vondal, parent, voiced concerns
about alleged bullying
Sally Avant, 2005 Battle Lake graduate,
read her letter to the school board.
Board members gave updates on committee
meetings, conversations and encounters
with residents and community members that
they had in the past month.
Motion to approve the following: payment
of the monthly bills in the amount of
$299,574.94 including checks #61135-
#61213. Electronic fund transfers in the
amount of $984,446.67. Payroll check
#21981 in the amount of $500. And Enrollments
per grade for K-12 of 392. (Ness/
Stich) UC.
Motion to approve the calendar for the
2026-27 school year as presented. (Ness/
Belmont) UC. A copy is on file in the district
office and will be posted to the school’s website.
The board acknowledged receipt of the
2024-25 Comprehensive Achievement and
Civic Readiness Report as presented by
Janell Kraemer. This report replaces the prior
World’s Best Work Force report. It will be
posted to the school’s website.
Motion to begin the process of retaining a
student from the junior class to be the next
representative to the board. There will be an
application and interview process to select
the next representative. (Newark/Stich) UC.
Motion to approve the proposal from True
North in the amount of $9000 to do a new
strategic plan for the district. (Ness/Stich)
Motion to approve the addendum to the
Facilities Usage and Fees Policy #902 as presented.
(Newark/Stich) UC.
Motion to approve the overnight trip for
the BPA students that earned their right to
compete at the State BPA contests in the
Twin Cities March 5, 6 & 7, 2026. (Ness/
Stich)
Next meeting is set for March 9, 2026
beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the media center.
With no more items of business remaining
on the agenda, Chair, Jonathan Hartman
called the meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Sheila Newark, Clerk
(This publication constitutes the legal printing March
18, 2026 of the official minutes of this meeting.)