Action of the School Board

March 23, 2026

The School Board received testimony from Sara Nelson, Christie Eckstrom, Gina Newlander, Mara Niedermayer, Maggie Minge, Nolan Zielske, Jessica Ploehn, Tamarie Smith, and Michelle Powers.

The board approved the resolution in compliance with Minnesota statutes and the action is considered a routine matter conducted annually by the board.

The board took action to approve the resolution on a unanimous vote. The action is considered a routine matter conducted annually by the board.

Michelle Vargas, chief financial officer, presented a read of an amended budget for the current school year for School Board consideration. This is considered a routine business action and a necessary step for stewardship in financial management. The mid-year adjustment updates student enrollment along with revenues and expenditures based on prior year actuals and current year trends. Expenditures are reduced by 1.1% while revenue is increased by .3%. The unassigned fund balance is projected at 11.9% of expenditures, within school board policy guidelines. The School Board discussed the amendment process and other factors involving the budgeting process and will consider approval of the amended budget at a future meeting.

Watch the presentation.

Michelle Vargas, chief financial officer, presented a preliminary FY27 general budget timeline for decision making which includes a series of financial planning assumptions for the district. She also provided a snapshot looking forward to the FY28 budget. The School Board is expected to consider approval of the 2026-27 budget in June. By state law, the School Board is required to approve a budget by July 1, 2026.

Watch the presentation.

Dr. Jennifer Cherry, chief human resources officer presented a working agreement for education support professionals with Anoka-Hennepin Education Minnesota. The agreement was within the budget parameters provided by the School Board and it was approved on a unanimous vote.

Dr. Jennifer Cherry, chief human resources officer and Todd Mensink, director of labor relations and benefits, provided the School Board with an overview of the 2026-27 health insurance options and rates. Working from a recommendation from the district’s insurance committee which were based on significant employee feedback. Changes in plan design were recommended as a cost savings measure while maintaining quality coverage. Approval of a new plan design to incorporate a High Deductible Health Plan design was approved by the school board on a unanimous vote.

Watch the presentation.

1. Minutes from March 9, 2026 School Board work session.
2. Retirements, resignations, terminations, layoffs and recalls, leaves and modified leaves of absence, and appointments.
3. Cash disbursements report.
4. Cash balance report.
5. Donations and scholarships report.
6. Monthly revenue and expenditures.
7. 410.0 Paid Leave policy, second read.
8. 605.0 Shared Time policy, second read.
9. District achievement and integration plan.
10. #26051B snow plowing and removal, region 8.
11. Immunization exclusions as required by state statute 121a.15.

School Board work session, April 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the Sandburg Education Center, 1902 Second Ave., Anoka, MN 55303.

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