Battle Lake School March 9, 2026 Minutes

The school board of ISD #542, Battle Lake, met in a regular session on Monday, March 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, Bennet Stich, Sean Belmont, Jonathan Hartman and Paul Ness. Member Ashley Altstadt joined via interactive technology. Members absent: None. Others in attendance were: Rob Nudell, Pete Amundson, David Marso, Connor Wicklund, Elizabeth Klintworth and many other staff and community members. All in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

Motion to adopt the agenda as revised.  (Stich/Belmont) UC.

Rachel Logan addressed the board about Family and Community engagement.

Motion to approve the minutes of the regular February meeting as printed. (Ness/ Stich) UC.

Motion to accept the following donations as specified: Benevity $400 – Advanced Biology.  LRHC $250 and Ottertail Rod and Gun $1500 both for Fishing League.  Ottertail Power $100 and Caulfield Studios $250 both for Summer Rec. (Altstadt/Newark) UC.

Motion to approve the following consent agenda items:  School Policies Series 800 for a second reading. School Policies Series 900 for a second reading.  Achievement and Integration Budget for 2026-27 as presented.  Letter of retirement from LeRoy Kamrath as bus driver effective April 10, 2026. (Belmont/Ness) UC.

Connor Wicklund gave a report on student life and activities in the school building.

David Marso gave his update on Activities and Athletics.

Ryan Severson was not in attendance, but had a written Principal’s report for the board to review.

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.

Motion to approve the following:  payment of the monthly bills in the amount of $173,903.34  including checks #61214-#61303; Electronic fund transfers in the amount of $521,883.37; Payroll checks #21982-#21983 in the amount of $449.08;  And Enrollments per grade for K -12 of 388.  (Newark/Ness) UC.

Motion to approve the overnight trip for the eight students to attend Nationals in Nashville from May 6 -10.  (Ness/Stich)  UC.

A Cultural Survey will be sent out to all staff from the Meet and Confer Committee.

The next meetings of the school board are scheduled for April 13th  and May 11th both beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the media center.  With no more items of business remaining on the agenda, the meeting was adjourned by Chair Jonathan Hartmen at 7:03 p.m.

Sheila Newark, Clerk

(This publication constitutes the legal printing April 22, 2026 of the official minutes of this meeting.)