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The Facts on Public Education in Minnesota are found here

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Districts Postings of Public Meetings

ALL Public Meetings are OPEN please attend

Continuing work in progress.....



Friday May 20th 2016 Special Meeting | 9:00 am | High School Conference Room

  • PDFof Meeting Posting


    • Tuesday May 17th 2016 16 Million Dollar Bond Referendum Passes ! Approx 786-Yes- 511-No



    Tuesday May 17th 2016 Paula Foley Data

  • PDFThe following information was obtained through a Data Practices Act request made pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13. Request from the St Cloud School District
  • Board Members in charge of investigating Paula Foleys Past | Justin Partee | Keirsten Eklie !


    • Monday May 9th 2016 Regular Meeting | 7:00 pm | High School Library

  • PDFof Board Packet
  • Enrollment numbers item 6a, show future number's for Kindergarten. The trend seems to be declining.


    • By clicking this link, you will see a PDF of A letter From the Supt. to the General public in regards to the upcoming referendum(Click and Read)


    This link, you will see a PDF of some supporting documentation regarding the referendum (Click and Read)


    • Budgetary Expenditures
    • A bar graph showing tax current tax rates
    • A absently voting form

    Attention, the Tax impact calculation is showing you the difference from the current Bond and the New Bond if it was to pass. It fails to show you how much your taxes would drop if the Referendum DOES NOT pass !


    A simple rule of thumb calculation is to look at your current land tax form (should have received one recently in the mail) Look for the Dist 690, Voter approved tax. Take that number and subtract 80%. That is approximatly what you would save if the referendum does not pass.

    Below is a picture of a typical Land tax form. The number you are looking for is in line 9A


    Click here for a larger view of the form



    Graduation Rate is one of the important markers for checking your schools success ! FYI this Number is a result of having an ALC. Spring of 2016 I'll check the rate again and see what the difference is without an ALC.



    2015 Graduation rate was at 95.5 %.(click and see)


    Graduation Rate is one of the important markers for checking your schools success ! FYI this Number is a result of having an ALC. Spring of 2016 I'll check the rate again and see what the difference is without an ALC.


    FYI- Stewardship of Public Funds


  • Craig Oftedahl Started his Superintendency with a fund balance of $100,942.
  • During his tenure,,himself and his administrative Staff had to deal with a declining enrolment. Over 250 students in approx 7 years (equals 1.25 million in lost revenue).
  • It Seems that Dist 690 will enjoy a Fund Balance of approx 1.5 Million. This is the last effects of Craig Oftedahls "Stewardship of Public Funds".
  • That's the highest it has been in the History of Warroad Public Schools
  • So when we talk about "Stewardship of public Funds", I can only hope that the New administration will do as good a job, "Stewarding" the Public Funds.
  • 2014 Graduation rate was at 93.6 %.
  • PDFOf, 2015 Year ending fund balance
  • PDFOf Page 45 of the 2015 Audit


    • Friday Sept 25th 2015 Special Meeting| 12:00 pm | High School Conference room

  • PDFOf the Agenda

    The Real Information About the ALC

  • The ALC was considered out of compliance because the name was not change from an ALC (Alternative Learning Center) to an ALP (Alternative Learning Program) back when the district quit the mid-level ALC. The MARRS coordinator should have change the site code at this time. (I have attached the forms needed to this.) All it takes is to simply change the school code from a 41 to 42. It does not take a resolution to do this. This was an oversight on the MARRS coordinator and there is no punishment for being out of compliance for this.
  • Mr Oftedahl and Ms Stodgel knew nothing about the October, 2014 survey regarding certification for ALC’s.
  • The Border Area Learning Center does and always has served the geographic area of at least 2 school districts
  • The Border Area Learning Center was established in cooperation with the Grygla school district. You had to have a cooperating school in order to get approved as an ALC. see attached PDFof Agreement with Grygla
  • Alternative Learning Centers and Alternative Learning Programs are designed for the student “at-risk” of not graduating. They are for students who are unsuccessful in the tradition public education setting.
  • An ALC, provides comprehensive educational services to enrolled students throughout the year. The ALC would meet the schedule of any student. If they wanted to come after school, at night, or on weekends, this was always available. There have been no problematic requirements that have affected the BALC’s compliance for years. Changing from an ALC to an ALP does not allow the school district to exercise greater flexibility in administering its alternative educational services. It does allow them to do less and not provide services to other districts.
  • lawyer analysis: While Minn. Stat 123A.05-09 discusses legal requirements for the establishment and operation of state-approved alternative programs, the education code does not at any point discuss the process for terminating such a program or for converting it from one type or another. So we did not violate any Statute.
  • With the closing of the ALC, the school district is not offering any services for “at-risk” students who attended the ALC. Credit recovery is not the same as an ALC. Most ALC students are not there for credit recovery. They are there because they need an alternative program separate from the “regular” high school. Very few of the ALC students are full-time. They usually are there for their required courses and take electives at the high school. The ALC cannot and does not offer welding, competitive sports, weight training, woods, etc. The number of full-time students varies from year to year.
  • The ALC does include credit recovery and can collect up to 1.2 FTE’s mentioned by the Supt. To collect the extra 0.2 of revenue, a student needs to complete more than 1020 hours (a regular school day for all year) of instruction first before the 0.2 applies. On average, the ALC collects $20,000 per year for extended services (credit recovery).
  • Again the ALC is not mostly students trying to recover lost credits. The state has always paid revenue to ALC’s. The state does not just recognize credit recovery programs that operate after school and on weekends, this is purely a funding issue. students attending the ALC during the school day, collect revenue for the time they are there. Just like the high school, elementary school, and angle school collect revenue. it is based on student attendance
  • by closing the ALC, the school district is forcing all students to take all their classes at the high school. Once they fail a class, they qualify for the “new” (not even set up yet) credit recovery program that will be offered after school and on Saturdays. Extra revenue will be paid if the student has attended the “regular school” for 1020 hours. Each student can only collect 0.2 of basic revenue, which would be approx. $1,000. That is the max that any one student can earn in a school year. For the school to bring in credit recovery revenue of $115,000 they would have to have 115 students attending credit recovery. If we have 115 students failing this year, then something is terribly wrong.
  • By closing the ALC, they are forcing kids who are bullied, severely depressed, abused, etc. and who not fit the regular mold back to the high school.


    • List of questions given to the Minnesota Department of Education, their responses are in parentheses.

  • What are the consequences for our district not changing from an ALC to an ALP when the mid level program was dropped? (MDE is focused on moving ahead in our joint efforts to serve students.) Do you know when that was? (No, I am sorry I do not, but this would be something I believe you could find out at the district level.) Why wouldn't we have been notified that we needed re-add the mid level program or change our designation?( I think it would be a daunting task for MDE to try to monitor and notify each district on their implementation of all of the education laws. It might be a good idea to research at the district level how, why and when it happened.)
  • Were we recognized as an ALC during that time? (You are still coded as an ALC.) Were we violating statute? (Statute says an ALC must run a comprehensive education program at the middle and high school level.) Was it illegal? (Again, MDE is focused on moving ahead with programs and support for our students.)
  • Is the funding the same between an ALC and an ALP? (Yes.)
  • Can an ALP collect revenue for targeted services in the elementary school? (No but you do not have a Targeted Services program.)
  • Do you have to be an ALP or ALC to collect revenue for credit recovery? (You could also be a Contract Alternative Program.)
  • Does a student need to fail a class before taking at credit recovery? or can they just sign up for it? (Credit Recovery is for students who have failed a class or have dropped out of school and missed a period of time. The key is they have to be behind their peers on not on track to graduate. It is not designed for students to take classes they do not need (additional electives for example) or to re-take a class for a better grade or to move ahead of their peers.)
  • Does a student need to be enrolled in the public school in order to take credit recovery?(No, you can enroll a private school student who is behind in graduation requirements. If you were an ALP, you would not have to.)
  • Does a student need 1020 hours before the 1.2 FTE can be applied, like at an ALC? (One of the good things about how MDE calculates ADM is that they fill the 1.0 glass first. So even if hours are earned in an extended day or year program, if the student was not enrolled from the first day of school until the last day, those membership hours earned in the extended learning program would fill up the 1.0 ADM glass first. After that is “filled” the hours change to extended ADMs, which are paid at a slightly lower rate.)
  • How much seat time is needed for earning credits through credit recovery? (This is a local decision. Credit awarded should be based on credit earned.)
  • When we first enrolled as an ALC in 1995, was it just for one year? (What was the process to continue the ALC? This was 20 years ago so those files would be in storage. I can tell you that most applications from that time period were for one or two years but there was often not an expiration date on the approvals.)
  • n 1995, the enrollment process required a cooperating school? What exactly did this mean? Did they have to meet with us on a regular basis? Is it like a coop? Is a cooperating school just a school that refers students to you? (Do you mean the approval process? If so, the approval process still requires that the application to be an ALC comes from a district that is working in cooperation with another district unless they are located in a city of the first class. How that occurs would be a local decision.)
  • .Is it correct, an ALC must serve other school districts while an ALP doesn't need to. (Yes- an ALC would be open to a student who qualifies for your program and for whom you have space. An ALP can determine that they will only serve district students.)


    • State of Minnesota Statute on closing a school !

  • PDFof Statute


    • Monday Sept 14 2015 Regular Meeting | 7:00 pm | High School Library

  • PDFof Board Packet


    • Wednesday Sept 2 2015 Special Meeting| 12:00 pm | High School Conference Room

  • PDFof Original Posting

  • Audio Of the ALC part 1

  • Audio Of the ALC part 2


    • Monday Aug 24th 2015 Special Meeting| 12:00 pm | High School Conference room

  • PDFof Original Posting

    This is a potential Violation of the open meeting Law, because you MUST list the specific topics of discussion/business. "Other Business" is too broad and does NOT meet the requirements for a special meeting.

  • PDFof the New, NONE Posted Agenda

    This agenda was NEVER POSTED at the Official place of Posting and is still not posted. Therefore the General public has never recieved the required 72 Hrs Notice ! If the Meeting happens it is AGAIN a potential violation of the open meeting Law !

  • Picture of posting from this morning

    the NEW agenda is not there ?

    • Agenda items :

    2. PDFof the NONE Posted Agenda

  • Audio Of the Meeting

    • Monday June 8th 2015 Regular Meeting | 7:00 pm | High School Library

  • PDFof Board Packet

    • Agenda items :

    1. Call the meeting to order
      1. Pledge of Allegiance
    2. Approve the Agenda
      1. Public Comments
    3. Communications and Visitors
      1. We Are Proud
      2. Administrative Reports
      3. Gary Olsen-Ehlers
      4. Architectural Resources - Parking Lot schematic design Kevin Piron and Nick Anderson
      5. Steve Bengston - Why we Play
    4. Unfinished Business
      1. Old School Property
      2. It Managed Services
      3. Lead Custodian Pay
    5. Consent Agenda
      1. Reading, Correction, and Approval of Minutes
      2. Consideration of Claims and Accounts
      3. Custodial Summer Help Hire
      4. Custodial Summer Help Hire
      5. Industrial Technology Teacher Resignation
      6. Early Childhood Family Education Resignation
      7. Teacher Resignation 1st Grade
      8. Elementary Teacher hire 5th grade
      9. Elementary Teacher hire 2nd grade
      10. Elementary Teacher hire 1st grade
      11. Special Education Teacher Hire
      12. Industrial Technology Teacher Hire
      13. Preventive Maintenance Contract
      14. 2015-16 School Lunch Price Increase
      15. Business Manager/Payroll Contract
      16. Food Service Supervisor Contract
      17. Technology Coordinator Contract
      18. Custodial Summer Help Hire
      19. Transportation Scheduler Resignation
      20. Elementary Teacher hire 2nd grade
      21. Custodial Summer Help Hire
    6. New Business
      1. Memorandum of Understanding
      2. TD & E Joint Agreement
      3. Casino Bubble Proposal
      4. Policy 427 Approval
      5. Final Budget 2014-15
      6. Preliminary Budget 2015-16
      7. City of Warroad- First Right of Refusal
      8. Eliminate Transportation Scheduler Position
      9. Create Transportation Supervisor Position
    7. Other Information
      1. Action Items
      2. Board retreat discussion
    8. Open Forum
      1. Public Comments
    9. Adjourn


    Tuesday June 2nd 2015 Special Meeting | 12:00- 13:00| High School Conference Room

    Agenda items :

    1. Call the meeting to order
    2. Approve the Agenda
    3. Supt Contract
    4. Adjourn


  • Audio Of the boards vote. Part1
  • Audio Of the boards vote. Part2
  • Audio Of the boards vote. Part3

  • Link To Grand Forks Herald Article about Warroad's 5 day decision


  • Audio Of Mrs Paula Foley addressing the members of the public during 2nd round of interviews


  • Audio Of Questions from the public. Part1
  • Audio Of Questions from the public. Part2
  • Audio Of Questions from the public. Part3
  • Audio Of Motion to extend offer and vote
  • Audio Of Board Chair Justin Partees Radio announcement Part 1
  • Audio Of Board Chair Justin Partees Radio announcement Part 2

    • more audio to come during the day .....


    May 5th 2nd Round of Interviews DON'T Happen ! Partee forgets to post meeting ?


    Apparently Board chair Partee forgot to make sure that the official posting for the 2nd round of Superintendent interviews actually got posted. Therefore, in order to NOT violate the 'MN Open Meeting Law', the 2nd round of interviews will have to be re-scheduled.


    May 6th Goals Committee Meeting at Elementary Conference Room 12:00 (noon)

    • Discussion Items
    • Curriculum/achievement Goal Finalized
    • A Link of Posting


    Monday May 11 2015 Workshop | 5:00- 6:30| High School Mini Theater

    Discussion items :

    1. Public Forum (4 Day week)


    Lake Superior schools OK’d to continue 4-day week,,click here for article



    Monday May 11 2015 Regular Meeting | 7:00 pm | High School Library

  • PDFof Board Packet
  • PDFof changes to Board Packet

    • Agenda items :

    1. Call the meeting to order
      1. Pledge of Allegiance
    2. Approve the Agenda
      1. Public Comments
    3. Communications and Visitors
      1. We Are Proud
      2. Administrative Reports
      3. Mark Lusby-Peterson Sheet Metal
    4. Unfinished Business
      1. Old School Property-Amendment to Purchase Agreement
      2. 2015-16 calendar and 4day.
      3. It Managed Services
      4. Lead Custodian Pay
    5. Consent Agenda
      1. Reading, Correction, and Approval of Minutes
      2. Consideration of Claims and Accounts
      3. Memorandum of Agreement- Bread Products 2015/16
      4. Policy 427- First Reading
      5. Retirement/Resignation Facilities
      6. Retirement/Resignation Secretary
      7. Secretary Hire Community Ed/Athletics
      8. Bus Mechanic Hire
    6. New Business
      1. Resolution Discontinuing and Reducing Educational Programs and Positions
      2. Math Teacher Hire
      3. Resolution Terminating assistant- Alicia Thompson
      4. Resolution Terminating assistant- Nick Fletcher
      5. Resolution Terminating assistant- Melissa Colliflower
      6. Resolution Terminating assistant- Megan Premo
      7. Resolution Terminating assistant- Samantha Jones
      8. Resolution Relating to the Termination and NON-Renewal of the teaching Contract of Holly Erickson
      9. Resolution Relating to the Termination and NON-Renewal of the teaching Contract of Brent Cole
      10. Resolution Relating to the Termination and NON-Renewal of the teaching Contract of Vitchita Ounchith
      11. Resolution Relating to the Termination and NON-Renewal of the teaching Contract of Patty Hodgson
      12. Board Clerk
      13. Second Interview Question Approval
      14. Facilities Supervisor Contract
      15. 2015-16 Resolution For Membership in the MSHSL
    7. Other Information
      1. Action Items
      2. Discussion and Parameters of Open Forum
    8. Open Forum
      1. Public Comments
    9. Adjourn


    Board decides to ask 2x Candidates for second Interview


    • Paula Foley

      • A Link of interesting information regarding Supt candidate Paula Foley. And I quote"Westwood Elementary School Principal Paula Foley that will end her tenure with the district while allowing her to collect as much as $271,497 in wages and benefits in the next two years."

      • A Link of Paula Foley's Evaluation done by MDE.

    • Melinda Crowley



    New superintendent Interviews


    will take place in the High School Library for the full board and Elementary Library for the Community/Staff Committee. Each interview is to last approximately one and a half hour, concurrent.


    Below is the Interview schedule

    Friday - April 24, 2015 @ 3:15pm Saturday - April 25, 2015 @ 8:30am
    Melinda Crowley Paula Foley
    Jackie Ward Michael Underwood

    Tuesday April 21 2015 Special Meeting | 12:00 (Noon) | District Conference Room

    Agenda items :

    1. Call the meeting to order
    2. Approve the Agenda
    3. Close Meeting for Negotiation Strategy Session
    4. Discuss Negotiation strategy- taped
    5. Close the closed Negotiation Strategy session
    6. Adjourn


    Monday April 13 2015 Regular Meeting | 7:00 pm | High School Library

  • PDFof Board Packet

    • Agenda items :

    1. Call the meeting to order
      1. Pledge of Allegiance
    2. Approve the Agenda
      1. Public Comments
    3. Communications and Visitors
      1. We Are Proud
      2. Administrative Reports
      3. Maureen Stodgell
      4. Audio Of Bob Johnson,Addressing 4-Day Legislation
    4. Unfinished Business
      1. Old School Property-Amendment to Purchase Agreement
      2. Audio Of 2015-16 calendar and 4day.
    5. Consent Agenda
      1. Reading, Correction, and Approval of Minutes
      2. Consideration of Claims and Accounts
      3. Coach Resignation
      4. Technology Coordinator Resignation
      5. Special Education Teacher Resignation
      6. Bus driver/Mechanic Resignation
      7. Bus driver Resignation
      8. Lifecare Rehabilitation Services Contract
      9. Food Service Hire
      10. Math Teacher Resignation
      11. Bus driver Hire
      12. Custodian Hire
      13. Food Service Retirement
    6. New Business
      1. Leave of absence Request
      2. Math Teacher Hire
      3. ESY Program Approval
      4. Parking Lot RFP Topographical Survey
      5. ALC Lease agreement
      6. Resolution Discontinuing and Reducing Educational Programs and Positions
      7. Resolution Relating to the Termination and NON-Renewal of the teaching Contract of Christy Olafson
      8. Resolution Terminating assistant- Natalie Heppner
      9. School Property
      10. IT Managed services
      11. Lead Custodian Pay Recommendation
      12. Audio Of Mr. Hontvets Request on 4 Day Public Open Forum.
    7. Other Information
      1. Action Items
      2. Superintendent-Search Community Member Picks
    8. Adjourn


    Tuesday March 31 2015 Principals Negotiation | 12:00 pm (Noon)| District Office Board Room

    Agenda items :

    1. Call the meeting to order
    2. Approve the Agenda
    3. Starting Negotiate-Principals
    4. Adjourn


    Tuesday March 24 2015 Special Meeting | 6:00 pm | High School Library

    Agenda items :

    1. Call the meeting to order
    2. Approve the Agenda
    3. MSBA Interview Training for Board Members
    4. Develop Interview Questions
    5. Community Interview, Committee Discussion
    6. Adjourn


    Monday March 23rd 2015 Goals Committee Meeting | 12:00 (noon) | District Office Board Room


  • AudioPart 1
  • AudioPart 2
  • AudioPart 3

    • Monday March 9 2015 Regular Meeting | 6:00 pm | High School Library

  • PDFof Board Packet
  • PDFof Changes in Board Packet
  • PDF of Questions from Board Members regarding Packet
  • PDF of McFarlanes Response to the Administrations response on the Board Packet QnA March 2015

    • Agenda items :

    1. Call the meeting to order
      1. Pledge of Allegiance
    2. Approve the Agenda
      1. Public Comments
    3. Communications and Visitors
      1. We Are Proud
      2. Mark Lusby-Peterson Sheet Metal
      3. Administrative Reports
    4. Unfinished Business
      1. School Property
      2. Board Workshop
      3. Community Forum
      4. Bob Johnson
      5. Maureen Stodgell
    5. Consent Agenda
      1. Reading, Correction, and Approval of Minutes
      2. Consideration of Claims and Accounts
      3. Spring Coaching Contacts
      4. Intent to negotiate- MSEA1
      5. Intent to negotiate- Principal Group
      6. Paraprofessional Retirement
    6. New Business
      1. Leave of absence Request
      2. Bond Referendum
      3. 2015/16 Calendar
      4. Resolution Directing the Administration to make Recommendations for Reductions in Programs and Positions Therefore
      5. Trap Club Vehicle Use
      6. Brochure Approval
      7. Salary Range Approval
    7. Other Information
      1. Action Items
    8. Adjourn


    Monday March 9 2015 Meet and Confer Meeting | 5:00 pm | HS Library

    Agenda items :

    1. Call the meeting to order @ 5 pm
    2. Approve the Agenda
    3. Old Business
      1. Review Standards and Norms
    4. New Business
      1. Discuss EMW's 4Day Survey
      2. Discuss Future collaboration efforts
      3. Discuss Future Agenda Items
    5. Adjourn


    Monday March 9th 2015 Goals Committee Meeting | 12:00 (noon) | District Office Board Room



    New Content

    Friday March 6 2015 Special Meeting | 12:00 (noon) | District Office Board Room

    Agenda items :

    1. Call the meeting to order
    2. Approve the Agenda
    3. MSBA Superintendent Search discussion
    4. Adjourn


    Monday Feb 23 2015 Goals Committee Meeting | 12:00 (noon) | District Office Board Room


    Oftedahl Explaining Previous Business Manger Mistake. Audio link

    McFarlane remarks on Success for future grant. He is clueless. Audio link


    Tuesday Feb 17 2015 Special Meeting | 12:00 (noon) | District Office Board Room

    Agenda items :

    1. Call the meeting to order
    2. Approve the Agenda
    3. MSBA Planning Discussion over Superintendent Search

    4. Adjourn

    Some interesting Audio clips from meeting:

    1. Asked by MSBA, What do you as a Board Want in a Superintendent ?

      Audio link

    2. Your Board's Responses

      Audio link

    3. Board Discussing Great things about Dist 690

      Audio link

    4. Board Discussing Concerns about Dist 690

      Audio link

    5. Board Discussing Points of Pride about Dist 690

      Audio link

    6. The Experiance Level of Your Board

      Audio link



    Monday Feb 9 2015 Regular Meeting | 7:00 pm | High School Library

  • Downloadable Board Packet

    • Agenda items :

    1. Call the meeting to order
      1. Pledge of Allegiance
    2. Approve the Agenda
      1. Public Comments
        • Penny Questioning Past Board actions and knowledge of their positions, calling for incompetent Board member's resignation's

          Audio link

        • Deb Questioning The Board decision to goto 5 day last Fall.

          Audio link

        • Bob Questioning The Board on how is the district going to fund the $200K needed for 5 day.

          Audio link

    3. Communications and Visitors
      1. We Are Proud
      2. Administrative Reports
    4. Unfinished Business
      1. School Property
      2. Bob Johnson Request From Board Chair
        • Motion to combine positions was not an administrative recommendation.

          Audio link

    5. Consent Agenda
      1. Reading, Correction, and Approval of Minutes
      2. Consideration of Claims and Accounts
      3. Retirement resignation- Deb Lalim
      4. Food Service Resignation
      5. Intent to negotiate- EMW
    6. New Business
      1. Approve seniority List-EMW
      2. Approve seniority List-MSEA
      3. TD & E Committee
      4. MSBA Superintendent Search Survey
      5. MSBA Superintendent search Service Agreement
      6. Transportation Request
      7. Five-Day Week
    7. Other Information
      1. Action Items
        • Keirsten Eklie, trying to take Worlds Best Work Force off of Action Items List

          Audio link

    8. Adjourn


    Thursday Jan 29 2015 Special Meeting | 12:00 (noon) | District Office Board Room

    Agenda items :

    1. Call the meeting to order
    2. Approve the Agenda
    3. MSBA Presentation Superintendent Search

      Audio link on MSBA Proposal for Superintendent search

    4. Facilities Position Discussion Audio Link
    5. Adjourn


    Monday Jan 12 2015 Regular Meeting | 7:00 pm | High School Library

  • Downloadable Board Packet

    • Agenda items :

    1. Call the meeting to order
      1. Pledge of Allegiance
      2. Set New Board Member and Student Board Representatives
    2. Approve the Agenda

      Audio link on Partee trying to remove Maureen from Aganda

      1. Call For Nominations and Elect a Chair
      2. Call For Nominations and Elect a Vice Chair
      3. Call For Nominations and Elect a Treasurer
      4. Appoint a Board Clerk
      5. Public Comments agenda Items only

        Audio link on Point Of Order

      6. Vision Mission Values
    3. Communications and Visitors
      1. We Are Proud
      2. Audit Report

        Audio link on Fund Balance

      3. Administrative Reports
      4. Maureen Stodgell

        Audio link on Maureen Part A

        Audio link on Maureen Part B

    4. Unfinished Business
      1. School Property
    5. Consent Agenda
      1. Reading, Correction, and Approval of Minutes
      2. Consideration of Claims and Accounts
      3. Payroll Payment Authorization
      4. Facsimile Signature
      5. Depositories For School Funds
      6. Official Newspaper
      7. Official Notice Of Posting
      8. Set Regular Meeting Date and Time
      9. Seniority List EMW
      10. Seniority List MSEA
    6. New Business
      1. Board Member Compensation
      2. Joint Recreation Board Representative
      3. Policy Committee Representative
      4. Early Child Coalition Representative
      5. MSEA Unit I Negotiators
      6. MSEA Unit II Negotiators
      7. Education Minnesota Negotiators
      8. Principal Negotiators
      9. Goals Committee Representative
      10. Indian Education Committee Representative
      11. Communication Committee Representative
      12. Legal Services RFP

        Audio link on RFP Part A

        Audio link on RFP Part B

      13. Superintendent Search Discussion

        Audio link on Superintendent Search Discussion Part A

        Audio link on Superintendent Search Discussion Part B

    7. Other Information
      1. IRS Mileage Rate
      2. Action Items
    8. Adjourn

      Audio link on Adjourn


    Comments- - ....more to come



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    Some Facts about the Production of the ALC


    Back To Top

    Year ALC Enrolment Seniors class size # Seniors Attended ALC % of Seniors class that Graduated because of ALC
    95/96 87 107 21 20
    96/97 147 98 14 14
    97/98 125 94 21 22
    98/99 125 96 25 26
    99/00 117 103 24 23
    00/01 113 94 18 19
    01/02 94 102 21 21
    02/03 93 86 16 19
    03/04 93 104 15 14
    04/05 88 110 17 15
    05/06 87 98 17 17
    06/07 95 126 21 17
    07/08 108 113 27 14
    08/09 105 104 29 28
    09/10 102 84 25 30
    10/11 90 93 19 20
    11/12 72 81 33 41
    12/13 51 81 15 19
    13/14 47 82 14 17
    14/15 60 69 19 28
    totals 0 1925 411 20 year Avg @ 21 %

    PDFof Original Document



    Continuing Cost of Superintendent Search


    Back To Top

    Description Cost/Fee Running Total
    MSBA Fee $7,500 $7,500
    Special Meeting Feb 17th ~$258 $7,758
    Special Meeting March 6th ~$258 $8,016
    Special Meeting March 24th ~$258 $8,274
    Special Meeting April 16th ~$258 $8,532
    Special Meeting April 24th ~$258 $8,790
    Special Meeting April 25th ~$258 $9,048
    Special Meeting May 6th ~$258 $9,306
    May ,Site Visit ~$2500 $11,806
    Special Meeting May 21th | Board Approves Contract ~$258 $12,064

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    Why You Should Educate Yourself on the world of Public Education in Minnesota

    About


    The world of public education in Minnesota is a very diverse and complicated system that has evolved over many years. It is made up of the one of the largest Union of employees in the State. There are 337 public school districts with 2456 schools servicing 839,738 students being taught by 52,832 teachers.That said, this site will try to shed some light on the system, to better educate the general public on the internal workings of public education, and the role of your local school board.



    Below is a link to the Minnesota Department of Education's Website. The link will direct you to our Districts 'Report Card'. You will be able to see how Dist 690 officially compares to other districts in the State.


  • Official Report Card Link

  • SLEDS Report Card Link

    • Public Education at a glance ! this link will show you the "Minnesota Education Statistics Summary"

  • Summary Link


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    School Board

    What is the role of your local School Board


    As the entity legally charged with governing a school district, each school board is responsible to its community to govern efficiently and effectively. This obligation imposes some fundamental duties on the board.


    Vision

    • The board, with community input, envisions the educational future of its community and then formulates the goals, defines the outcomes, and sets the course for its district. An effective board:
    • Provides direction through its planning and goal-setting efforts and by evaluating progress toward goal achievement.
    • Develops a well-crafted district vision statement, goals, and outcomes that enable the board to monitor district performance and evaluate success.
    • Ensures that the district vision, goals, and outcomes are articulated in written board policy, reflected in every part of the organization, and mirrored in the budget planning and implementation efforts.
    • Uses clear, focused, attainable, and measurable goals and outcomes to make sure gains in student achievement are being made.


    Structure

    • To achieve its vision, the board establishes a structure and hires a superintendent to accomplish that vision. An effective board:
    • Creates an organizational structure and environment in which all students are provided the opportunity to attain their maximum potential.
    • Selects and employs one person — the superintendent — as the district’s chief executive officer to lead and manage the district and holds the superintendent accountable for district performance and compliance with written board policy.
    • Evaluates the superintendent’s performance and its own performance annually.
    • Delegates the authority to the superintendent to recommend and evaluate all district staff within the standards established by written board policy and subsequently acts on the superintendent’s recommendation(s) at its meeting(s) as required in statute.
    • Accepts ultimate responsibility for the care, management, and control of the district.
    • Understands that the day-to-day operations of the district will be conducted by the staff.


    Accountability

    • The board is accountable to the community for constantly monitoring the conditions affecting the district as a whole. An effective board:
    • Has a duty to itself and the community to determine whether the authority delegated to the superintendent is being used as intended.
    • Uses data and other indicators as the basis for assessing progress toward district goals and compliance with written board policy.
    • Recognizes the distinction between “monitoring data” (data used by the board to address accountability) and “management data” (data used by the staff for operations).


    Advocacy

    • The board advances its vision by focusing on student achievement, partnering with the community, and being proactive in addressing issues that affect education on local, state, and national levels. An effective board:
    • Uses ongoing, two-way communications to build trust and support among community, board, superintendent, staff, and students.
    • Focuses on community-wide concerns and values that best support student achievement rather than being overly influenced by special interests.
    • Utilizes a system of public relations that allows it to formalize the flow of information into and out of the district.


    Conduct and Ethics

    • The board, as a whole, provides leadership to the community on behalf of the district by conducting its business in a fair, respectful, legal, and responsible manner. An effective board:
    • Takes full responsibility for its activity and behavior.
    • Encourages its members to express their individual opinions, respect others’ opinions, and vote their conscience.
    • Speaks with one voice after reaching a decision.
    • Spends its time on board work rather than staff work.
    • Provides for orientation and ongoing training for all board members.
    • Follows its established policies, including the chain-of-command, by directing people with concerns to the appropriate staff.
    • Sets an example of respectful and civil leadership.


    for supporting data click here

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    Superintendent

    Superintendent Evaluation Process


    Every year it is the duty of the school board to evaluate the districts Superintendent. There is a well established process for carrying out that task. This process is outlined in Dist 690's policy 304 Superintendent Contract, Duties and Evaluation.It basically states that it is the responsibility of the board to have in place a set district wide goals in order to link the performance of the Superintendent to the goals set by the board. And I quote from the policy "Individual goals that are based on district goals and are mutually agreed upon between the Superintendent and the Board at the beginning of the evaluation period". I would also like to quote the following, "Measurements that are mutually agreed upon by the Superintendent and the Board at the beginning of the evaluation period"


    The new board members take office Jan 2013. In June the Superintendent evaluation is normally due. From the time they took office until the first time the board chair alerted the board members that we needed to start the evaluation process NO District wide goals had been changed from the last years goals nor had any new/different goals been set by the sitting board's goals committee. May 14 2013 is when the Chair sent out the first in a series of emails regarding the Superintendent evaluation.In those emails he had stated that he was going to use forms that had not been through the board and are not currently the ones listed in the policy 304. I intervened and told the chair about policy 304. It was clear that he had NO idea about this process. On July 15 2013 Justin Partee (the board chair) stated that him and Keirsten Eklie, and I quote " The plan is to have Keirsten and I review the synopsis with Craig by the end of the month. I have not set that meeting up yet, as I would like to have all items to start the synopsis process. I will include a copy of the synopsis to each of you as well as some type of report on the meeting with Craig. If you have any question or suggestions, please pass them along.". I again intervened and let the board chair know that that is NOT how the process happens, That we MUST follow our Districts Policies. The policy clearly states the exact steps/process (please read the policy 304).In the end the correct forms were used and the correct procedure was followed. Keep in mind that the average results of that evaluation are based on 4x new board members that had never evaluated a public education Superintendent.


    Let’s talk about the 2014 evaluation for our superintendent. Remember, it is up to the Goals Committee to review the district-wide goals and bring any changes, if any are needed, to the board for board approval. These goals are what you link your superintendent to in his review in order to set/align the future path/vision of the district. In an email dated October 28, 2013, from Keirsten Eklie, she requested a Goals Committee meeting to discuss changes in the evaluation criteria. In the meeting, she presented what she thought would be a good review form. That is all that happened in that meeting. There was NO vote to adopt the different system, NOR was there any motion by the board at that time to adopt this new form format. At about this time, the State of Minnesota mandated that all districts go through a World’s Best Work Force (WBWF) process in order to increase public awareness/input and to look at what our community thinks the district’s goals should be. So now the focus of the Goals Committee had shifted to completing this mandate by the deadline given to us by the state. There was NO MORE discussion about Keirsten Eklies new matrix during the period of October 2013 until April of 2014. The only item left to complete for the WBWF was a survey of the public. This survey was done at the open house for this school year in May.

    So where does that leave us? Well, after much debate, the board finally passed a motion to use the newer form. That was made official April 2014. The superintendent review would take place on August 28, 2014. According to District #690 policy, April 2014 would be the beginning of the evaluation period because of the ratification of the new evaluation form. However, after reading the evaluation, it is apparent that is not the beginning date used. The current board had total disregard for the WBWF mandated process and results. In addition, there are items in the superintendent’s evaluation that have absolutely nothing to do with his job. One of those items is the Action Items Register - something done by me, not the superintendent. This goes to show the competence level of our board.PDF of the 2014 Superintendent's Evaluation.


    The Time-lines below have information pertaining to this article.


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    Information gathered from the Data Request!



    Real Cost of Combining Positions


    Results from the Data Request from Jan 2015 regular Board meeting


    click here to see Partees Email explaining decision


    Partees Motion to combine position cost District


    Before Board voted to Combine Positions


    Transportation Director Facilities Director Annual Cost to District
    $52,059 $51,845 $103,904

    After Board voted to Combine Positions


    Transportation Director Facilities/Transportation Director Transportation Scheduler Annual Cost to District
    0 $65,000 approx $40,000 $105,000

    Addition Cost incurred by the District


    Because of this Boards failure to understand what they were doing !


    Unemployment Cost Employee #1 Unemployment Cost Employee #2 Unemployment Cost Employee #3 Total additional cost for unemployment
    Approx $8,000 Approx $6,000 Approx $9,000 $23,000


    Data Request from 10/27/14


    Email dated Aug 25 2014 @ 8:27 am- Justin Partee received an email from Darby Zentner stating , and I quote "Justin, effective immediately I resign my position on the school board"


    PDF The actual email

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    Summary of Board Member Actions in a Time-Line format

    Time-Line 2013

    Continuing work in progress.....


    Nov 2012 - Normally in an election year there is only 3x positions up for election. During the election of Nov 2012 3x of the sitting board members, "Gary Daniels", "Sarah Jenn" and "Tom King" decided not to run again for a second term. This left the field wide open for the 3x seats from the 2008 election. Now because the members that the other side of the board had also a vacancy (form the Nov 2010 election) the total number of seats available was 4x. ONLY 4x Candidates ran. Which means they all ran unopposed and of course were elected to the board. These 4x board members all came from the same building/company at one of our local businesses


    Jan 3 2013 Special Meeting - New members are sworn in and they took the Oath of office. By taking the Oath they are agreeing to uphold any and all Dist 690 Polices and procedures. In a abnormal move these 4x new board members elected Justin Partee(new to the community and from Texas) as Chair ??? even though there were 2x more experienced board members that should have had that position supporting school board minutes


    Jan 15 2013 Regular Meeting - On the agenda under new business is 6A Community Education/Activities Director/Dean of students Position..It was the intent of our administration to make room for early childhood and at the same time give the Principals a hand in dealing with behaviour issues. It was motioned by McFarlane and seconded by Friesner to strike the recommendation from the Superintendent. Budget adjustment was tabled. Action Items were still in place.


    Jan 22 2013 Special meeting - Odyssey ware was on the agenda. The motion passed to buy the pilot system. This was brought forward by the administration in order to 1. test how this type of system could be implemented in our school and 2. Possibly use it to try and get more "Home School" families to register at our district. (therefore creating more state funding). Budget adjustment was tabled. Action Items still in place.


    Jan 29 2013 Special meeting - On the agenda was the extension of the retirement incentive, foreign language curriculum, the format of Community Education/Activities Director and the 5 day week. The board wanted different options for the Community Education/Activities Director . At this meeting it was very apparent that the new board members had an agenda. That agenda was to move as fast as we can to 5 day weeks, reorganize the Community Education/Activities Director position. Budget adjustment was tabled. Action Items still in place.


    Feb 11 2013 Regular Meeting - Bullying was the main issue and the Chief of Police was at the meeting and said the collaboration was excellent between the District and the local police. Mr Nash updated the board on the Odyssey ware and the Language curriculum. Budget adjustment was tabled. The only item in the budget adjustment was the Community Education/Activities Director. Motioned by Friesner and seconded by McFarlane to strike using the Actions Items. motion passed.


    Feb 20 2013 Special Meeting - This meeting was filled with many different budget cuts bought forward by the administration team. Eliminating the Community Education/Activities Director was NOT on the list. McFarlane made the motion to eliminate the position and it was seconded by Friesner, Johnson made a motion to table the original motion, after a roll call vote the motion to table passed.


    Feb 21 2013 Special Meeting - Closed for Strategy session for negotiation.


    March 5th Dist 690 Posted Principal Job Elementary


    March 25th Regular Meeting - Agenda was filled with various teacher cuts, creation of a new Business Manager/Payroll position.


    April 15th Regular Meeting - In the Unfinished business the Community Education/Activities Director was put back on the agenda. McFarlane withdrew his previous motion to eliminate the position. No Actions Items register.


    April 30th Special Meeting- Business manager/payroll position and Administrative restructure proposal was on the Agenda. The business manager position had 6x candidates and were interviewed by a committee of 6x people from administration, office employees and a board member. The committee unanimously selected Jay Hardwick. In the meeting the board voted 5:1 NOT to take the recommendation of the committee.PDF of Jay Hardwicks response letter. FYI, within the following 2 weeks and before the May Regular board meeting there was another committee formed. that committee selected Jay Hardwick by a vote of 4:2 (Keirsten and Brian McFarlane voted no)the recommendation to Hire Jay Hardwick was NOT brought to the May meeting.


    May 13th 5:30 pm, Meet and Confer- The agenda listed a retention policy for children moving from Kindergarten to 1st.This was an informational meeting.


    May 13th 6:00 pm, Public Meeting needed to for the public's input on closing the old school- This meeting was required by State Law in order to officially close a public building. On the agenda was "Review cost of operating Old Elementary School", and public comments. There was not many people in attendance.


    May 13th 7:00 pm, Regular Board Meeting - In the new business section of the agenda there were 2x resolutions, Closing of the Old Elementary and records retention schedule. The closing of the building was tabled. Retention Policy passed. No Actions Items register.


    May 16th 12:00 noon, Goals Committee Meeting - Discussion items , Mission and Vision, Google items, next steps.


    May 21st 12:00 noon, Board workshop - Discussion items , Old Elementary, staff structure, Budget.


    June 10th 7:00 pm Regular Meeting - In the new business the Board approved both the Final budget for 2012/13, and the initial Budget 2013/14.a Referendum Revenue Authorization Election in 2013, was passed. Resolution to close the Old Elementary Building was passed. A resolution for the sale of general obligation Aid Anticipation, was passed. A motion to RE-post the Business Manager/Payroll position.passed. No Actions Items register.


    July 7th biz manager resumes


    July 31st Applicants for Fac/Trans Manager just 3x


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    Summary of Board Member Actions in a Time-Line format

    Time-Line 2014

    Continuing work in progress.....


    Monday Dec 15 2014 Regular Meeting | 6:00 pm | High School Library

    Agenda items :

    1. Call the meeting to order
      1. Pledge of Allegiance
    2. Approve the Agenda
      1. Public Comments
        1. PDF of Maureen speech.

          Audio on Maureen's Speech


        2. Audio on Mrs Landin's Speech


        3. PDF of Chase's Speech

          Audio on 13 year old Chase's Speech


    3. Communications and Visitors
      1. We Are Proud
      2. Susan Marvin

        1. Audio on Susan Marvin's Speech


      3. Bonding Bill Discussion - Mark Carlson, Missy Okeson
      4. Administrative Reports

        1. Audio on the preliminary results from the state auditor, on Dist 690's Financial position.


      5. Unfinished Business
        1. Property Update
        2. Aquatics Director Contract
      6. Consent Agenda
        1. Reading, Correction, and Approval of Minutes
        2. Consideration of Claims and Accounts
      7. New Business
        1. Students School Board Representative
        2. Conflict of Interest Affidavit for RBJ & Assoc LLC
        3. Certification of Payable 2015 Levy
        4. Email Clarification on Resignation

          1. Audio on Darby's resignation and the motion for the resignation of both Darby and Justin.

        5. Legal Services RFP

          1. Audio on Sending out RFP's

      8. Other Information
        1. MREA Vote
        2. Region 1 Vote
        3. Action Items
        4. Insurance Information and Data Request
        5. Plaque Presentation

          1. Audio on Plaque Presentation

        6. Bob Johnson

          1. Audio on My Last Meeting's Words

        7. Superintendent Contract

          1. Audio on Oftedahls Contract part 1

          2. Audio on Oftedahls Contract part 2

          3. Audio on Oftedahls Contract part 3

      9. Adjourn


      Dec 8th 2014 Truth in Taxation | 7:00 pm | District Office High School Library

      Board members in attendance: Tim Fast, Bob Johnson

      Agenda items

      1. Truth in Taxation, Power Point and Discussion explaining all about the Districts tax revenue and how it is used.
      2. Adjourn

      By Clicking the play button you will hear the Truth in Taxation Meeting from Dec 8th 2014.


      Clicking here will take you you the Truth in Taxation slide presentation



      Monday Nov 24 2014 Special Meeting | 6:00 pm | High School Library

      Agenda items :

      1. Call the meeting to order
      2. Approve the Agenda
      3. USAquatics Proposal For Filtration Project (Tom Schaeffer) Proposal possible Approval
      4. Adjourn

      Comments- Board approved the USAquatics Proposal. This project will be funded using an pool maintenance endowment.


      Friday Nov 14 2014 Special Meeting | 12:00 pm(noon) | District Office Board Room

      Agenda items :

      1. Call the meeting to order
      2. Approve the Agenda
      3. Review Snow Removal Quotes and Award to Vendor
      4. Adjourn

      Comments- After much debate the contract was awarded to Laznicka Construction for the winter season 2014/15


      Nov 12 2014 Special Meeting | 6:00 pm | District Office High School Library

      Agenda items :

      1. Call the meeting to order
      2. Approve the Agenda
      3. Discussion between Board of Education and Superintendent on reasons for the action taken not to negotiate and not enter into a subsequent contract, the intentions of the Board of Education, and the ways in which any concerns by the Board of Education might be addressed.
      4. Adjourn

      Comments- I have obtain a copy of the recording of the meeting. Within the first 3 min of the recording the Board Chair references a MN state statute 181 and District policy 406. The Chair's quote "employee performance data, IS protected under MN statute 181 and the Warroad District policy 406". So I looked it up 181......it has to do with employment by the state and wages and many other things BUT NOT protection of "performance information" of our Superintendent. District Policy 406, doesn't even have the word "performance" in the entire policy. Because the Superintendent had his review in an open meeting, all "performance data" could have been discussed with NO wavier requirement.The Superintendent has made ALL of his performance reviews public during the entire time of his Superintendency.


      recording time 5:35 - 9:08 : During this period the Superintendent had asked the question, "What are the intentions of the Board". The only 2x Board members that spoke were Justin Partee and Bob Johnson. Justin stated that it was his personal intention to create an exploratory committee, post the Superintendent job opening and move forward. Bob Johnson stated that his intention was to re-enter into a contract with Mr. Oftedahl. The rest of the Board made NO comment. ...... There is a lot to know.....the best would be just listen for yourself by clicking the play button below. You will hear the entire meeting.


      Remember, this list below is what the meeting is all about.

      1. Reasons for the action taken not to negotiate and not enter into a subsequent contract
      2. the intentions of the Board of Education
      3. and the ways in which any concerns by the Board of Education might be addressed.


      PDF of Worls Best Work Force

      Audio link on the Board Meeting from Nov 12.

      If you listened to the recording, you will find that The Superintendent asked very specific questions. These questions were directed at each board member.Most of the talking was done by only 2x board members. And that there was not a long list of "reasons" for the boards 4:2 vote action on Oct 20 2014. When the discussion went into the "what are the intentions of the board, again only 2x board members really spoke up. In addressing the last item on the agenda it was very clear that NO ONE on the board knew of any action taken by the board in order to address "the ways in which any concerns by the Board of Education might be addressed".



      Monday Oct 20 2014 Regular Meeting | 7:00 pm | High School Library

      Agenda items :

      1. Call the meeting to order
        1. Pledge of Allegiance
      2. Approve the Agenda
        1. Public Comments
      3. Communications and Visitors
        1. We Are Proud
        2. April Symes-Art Trip
        3. Administrative Reports
      4. Unfinished Business
        1. Building Property
      5. Consent Agenda
        1. Reading, Correction, and Approval of Minutes
        2. Consideration of Claims and Accounts
        3. MSHSL Foundation Grant Application
        4. Arena Association Agreement
        5. Paraprofessional Resignation
        6. Food Service Hire
        7. Winter Coaching Assignments
        8. Paraprofessional Hire
      6. New Business
        1. Snow Removal Bid
        2. Special Education Director Services
        3. Assistant Technology Coordinator Contract
        4. Aquatics Director Contract
        5. Intent to Negotiate-Superintendent
        6. Create an Elementary Position
        7. 2014-15 Budget
      7. Other Information
        1. Action Items
      8. Adjourn

      Comments- High school trip was tabled- Old Elementary was sold to Marvin Lumber and Cedar Company- ....more to come


      April 14 2014 Regular Meeting- In this meeting approx 15 different employees were terminated in an effort to keep the budget balanced. Also this is the meeting that the board actually ratified the new Superintendent goals. These goals of course are not tied to the district goals because the current board has not worked on this issue. So this would mark the official start of the evaluation process according to district policy 304.



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    Summary of Board Member Actions in a Time-line format

    Time-Line 2015

    Continuing work in progress.....


    Monday Jan 12 2015 Regular Meeting | 7:00 pm | High School Library

    Agenda items :

    1. Call the meeting to order
      1. Pledge of Allegiance
      2. Set New Board Member and Student Board Representatives
    2. Approve the Agenda

      Audio link on Partee trying to remove Maureen from Agenda

      1. Call For Nominations and Elect a Chair
      2. Call For Nominations and Elect a Vice Chair
      3. Call For Nominations and Elect a Treasurer
      4. Appoint a Board Clerk
      5. Public Comments agenda Items only

        Audio link on Point Of Order

      6. Vision Mission Values
    3. Communications and Visitors
      1. We Are Proud
      2. Audit Report

        Audio link on Fund Balance

      3. Administrative Reports
      4. Maureen Stodgell

        Audio link on Maureen Part A

        Audio link on Maureen Part B

    4. Unfinished Business
      1. School Property
    5. Consent Agenda
      1. Reading, Correction, and Approval of Minutes
      2. Consideration of Claims and Accounts
      3. Payroll Payment Authorization
      4. Facsimile Signature
      5. Depositories For School Funds
      6. Official Newspaper
      7. Official Notice Of Posting
      8. Set Regular Meeting Date and Time
      9. Seniority List EMW
      10. Seniority List MSEA
    6. New Business
      1. Board Member Compensation
      2. Joint Recreation Board Representative
      3. Policy Committee Representative
      4. Early Child Coalition Representative
      5. MSEA Unit I Negotiators
      6. MSEA Unit II Negotiators
      7. Education Minnesota Negotiators
      8. Principal Negotiators
      9. Goals Committee Representative
      10. Indian Education Committee Representative
      11. Communication Committee Representative
      12. Legal Services RFP

        Audio link on RFP Part A

        Audio link on RFP Part B

      13. Superintendent Search Discussion

        Audio link on Superintendent Search Discussion Part A

        Audio link on Superintendent Search Discussion Part B

    7. Other Information
      1. IRS Mileage Rate
      2. Action Items
    8. Adjourn

      Audio link on Adjourn


    Comments- - ....more to come


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    News Flash


    Email From Rep Tim Miller, Flexible Learning. Quoted below


    Tim Miller 1:02 PM (3 hours ago)
    To me, Thanks Bob. The bill has been included in the House Education Omnibus bill. I am told the same has, or will be done in the Senate omnibus bill. This is a very good thing because it holds a strong position in its next stop, Conference Committee between the House and Senate. I am told this should occur in early May. After that, Governor's signature.While I don't know for sure the final outcome, I am encouraged we will end up with something that, at the least, will protect schools with current 4-day weeks.Simply put, all things are moving forward as planned. Stay tuned for Conference Committee.

    Email From Rep Tim Miller, Flexible Learning. Quoted below


    ""Tim Miller 8:57 AM (2 hours ago)
    Bob, Thanks for writing me. I apologize for the slow reply. I had break last week and I was a little slow on my emails. As of now the bill is held over for inclusion in the Education omnibus bills in both the House and Senate. Basically, that means it is only two steps away from becoming law. It needs to make it in conference committee (between the House and Senate) and to be signed by the governor. Since the House and Senate are already on the same page, the only real hurdle is the Governor. He opposes it. However, he cannot line item veto it out of the education omnibus bill. If its in there he has to take it all or veto it all.There is some baby sitting of the bill and things can still happen, but I am encouraged. We shall see!""
    Representative Tim Miller
    House District 17A
    415 State Office Building
    100 Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
    Saint Paul, MN 55155
    651-296-4228


    Email From MDE about Flexible Learning. Quoted below


    "The proposal to allow districts to enter into flexible learning year programs without approval by the Education Commissioner was included in the Senate and House omnibus education policy bills. The Senate bill has been passed to the Senate floor where it is awaiting action. The House bill was passed to the Education Finance Committee where it is awaiting action. The Governor’s education policy bill did not include any changes to flexible learning year."


    MN Senate puts "Flexible Learning"" in the Education Omnibus Bill !


    And I quote !


    "MSBA is pleased that the Senate bill would allow school boards to authorize Flexible Learning Year programs without the approval of the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Education and would also allow school boards to start the school year on September 1 for the 2015-16 school year only. In addition, MSBA appreciates the attention that the bill gives to teacher licensure — most specifically to requiring a streamlined process for out-of-state teaching candidates."

    Link to MSBA Connect website

  • Justin explains that there is NO official reason for Superintendent non renewal

    Audio link

  • Brian McFarlane explains that there is NO need for cuts and we have money for 5 day ?

    Audio link


    • Past Board Packet Questions the Board members have and the answers that the Administration team has given over the last 5 months. It is important that you understand the level of "Micro Management" that is being done to our current Administration and Staff !


  • McFarlanes Response to the Administrations response on the Board Packet QnA March 2015
  • Packet QnA March 2015
  • Packet QnA Feb 2015
  • Packet QnA Jan 2015
  • Packet QnA Dec 2014
  • Packet QnA Nov 2014 pages 1-50
  • Packet QnA Nov 2014 pages 50-100
  • Packet QnA Nov 2014 pages 101-150
  • Packet QnA Nov 2014 pages 151-200
  • Packet QnA Nov 2014 pages 201-


    • Link to The Today Show talking about 4day school week study


    Link to School Board Meeting Roles and Responsibilities/check-list Document


    A Phone Call From the Superintendent at McCray !


    House File 197, and Senate File 162 deal with Local Control of Flexible Learning.


    Senate File 88 deals with "Grandfathering" in the 8 Schools that are currently using 4 day.


    Time Line: The Education Omnibus Bill will be sitting on our Governors desk, 2nd 1/2 of April, 1st part of May.


    I had received a call from Brian Koslofsky Superintendent of McCray Public Schools. He informed me of the status of the legislation that is currently being proposed both in the House of Representatives(File 197) and Senate(File 162). Also there is a file regarding "Grandfathering" in all schools that are currently using a flexible learning schedule(Senate File 88). These files are all wrapped up in the Education Omnibus Bill. The Education Omnibus Bill will hit the Governors desk the 2nd half of April, 1st part of May. If Signed Warroad District 690 will have the power to decide locally if we want to stay a Flexible learning/4day School !


    Superintendent Koslofsky also clued me into a couple of maybe unknown facts about Non 4day Schools in Minnesota

    • 70 Schools in the State ARE NOT meeting the Minnesota Department of Education's(MDE) min required hrs
    • 33 Schools in the State ARE NOT meeting the MDE min required Contact Days
    • ALL the 4day Schools ARE meeting both contact hrs and #days required by MDE
    • In Reading 50 Schools are ranked BELOW the lowest 4day School
    • In Math 60 Schools are ranked BELOW the lowest 4day School



  • McFarlanes Response to the Administrations response on the Board Packet QnA March 2015

    • Real Cost of Combining Positions


    Results from the Data Request from Jan 2015 regular Board meeting


    click here to see Partees Email explaining decision


    Partees Motion to combine position cost District


    Before Board voted to Combine Positions


    Transportation Director Facilities Director Annual Cost to District
    $52,059 $51,845 $103,904

    After Board voted to Combine Positions


    Transportation Director Facilities/Transportation Director Transportation Scheduler Annual Cost to District
    0 $65,000 approx $40,000 $105,000

    Addition Cost incurred by the District


    Because of this Boards failure to understand what they were doing !


    Unemployment Cost Employee #1 Unemployment Cost Employee #2 Unemployment Cost Employee #3 Total additional cost for unemployment
    Approx $8,000 Approx $6,000 Approx $9,000 $23,000


    Our Board wants exactly what we have in a Superintendent, Listen for yourself

    Some interesting Audio clips from meeting:

    1. Asked by MSBA, What do you as a Board Want in a Superintendent ?

      Audio link

    2. Your Board's Responses

      Audio link

    3. Board Discussing Great things about Dist 690

      Audio link

    4. Board Discussing Concerns about Dist 690

      Audio link

    5. Board Discussing Points of Pride about Dist 690

      Audio link

    6. The Experiance Level of Your Board

      Audio link


    Because of so much traffic to this website I had to shut down audio temporarily !

    I was able to get the audio files back on-line. They look a little different but should work fine. The problem was that over 1500 people tried to download audio files at one time causing the system to crash :-) Thanks for your understanding.


    Board Chairs Lies to Grand Forks Herald


    Justin Partee flat out lies to the GF Herald. and I quote "Partee said the district overspent by $350,000 last year, and "no one was held accountable for this." The Fact is that the districts fund balance as audited by "Brady Martz"" which is required by the State of Minnesota and came in higher than expected.It is the Board that approves the Budget and the Superintendent and Administration DID NOT over spend the approved Budget by $350,000 !! lookup the school board minutes yourself. June 10th 2013 a motion was made and passed unanimously to approve the 2012/13 Budget ! At the same meeting the Board approved the Initial Budget for 2013/14 ! Both have since been audited. There is NO report or findings from the auditor saying that the District overspent ! The Board never approve the final budget for 2013/14. Even with NO approve budget 2013/14 the Superintendent and Administrative team were successful increasing the fund balance by $78K ! This number was confirmed by the Auditors in there 2013/14 audit.


    Justin Partee fails to mention that the 2013/14 performance review, Superintendent Oftedahl had improved from 2.6 in 2012/13 to 3.2 out of 5 in 2013/14 ! And there was never any corrective actions done to help improve his performance 2012/13 or in 2013/14.


    Link to Grand Forks Herald article


    Sage's Letter to Editor !

    Letter Signed by Past Board Members

    Quoted from Warroad Pioneer's Dec 2nd Issue

    To the Editor:

    “A board should wrap their arms around the institution and keep their fingers out.” (Anonymous quote.) It will become quite obvious in the following analysis that a majority of the present Board of Education, Independent School District #690, does not share this age-old advice. Rather, they have been constantly engaged in micromanaging the Warroad School. The cost to the District monetarily and in terms of morale have been devastating! Consider the following examples of taxpayer dollars that have needlessly been frittered away, money that could have been used to educate the students and alleviate some of the budget stress the Warroad School has been under. Example one: In excess of $30,000 paid in Unemployment Compensation when the school Board voted to eliminate the positions of Facilities Director and Transportation Director.The Transportation Director was months away from retirement when the decision was made!The only person that met the Board’s established qualifications for the newly combined position was not offered the job; instead the Board employed an individual that was with the District a matter of months. The dollar amount does not include associated legal fees. Example two: Filling the position of Office Manager. After turning down the recommendation of two separate committees, the Board hired an individual that cost the District in non-productive work days. The employee was allowed to be on site three days, every other week, at a salary of approximately $55,000 per year. Example three: The frivolous and unwarranted allegation leveled at the Superintendent for bullying. Legal costs to the District were in excess of $25,000. Example four: Allowing for up to $5,000 in moving expenses for a new employee; something unheard of in this district. Example five: The nonrenewal of the Superintendent’s contract will cost the School District monetarily in as yet to be determined amounts and has divided the community into two camps! Consider that the four Board members that voted not to renew have been on the Board for less than a term. Example six: The legal costs to the District for the year 2013 were in excess of $126,000. Some of that amount is no doubt legitimate and unavoidable; however, there is a great deal as outlined previously that was not. Consider also the unethical, if not complete violations of the Open Meeting Laws of the State of Minnesota that were engaged in. For instance, there have been discussions between board members via email that have not been made public until forced to; motions on items not on the agenda have been considered; and notice of intent to negotiate have not been publicly posted. Lastly, the morale within the District is at unprecedented low levels. One long-time observer maintains that morale has never been so low. “The best morale exists when you never hear the word mentioned. When you hear a lot of talk about it, it’s usually lousy.” (Dwight D. Eisenhower, quoted from the Minnesota School Boards Association Journal, Vol. 63, No. 3) Employees are in fear of the unknown. In short, a majority of the Board of School District #690 has lost the trust and confidence of too many people. If the members in question, that are on the Board, cannot grasp the concept that they are to govern and not to administer, as well as follow the Code of Conduct as outlined by Minnesota School Boards Association, then they should resign.

    • Brian Sage
    • Art Brandli
    • Gary Daniels
    • Ed Furuseth
    • Phil Heppner
    • Liz Hardwick
    • Pat Mohrbacher
    • Tom King
    • Darin Spenst


      • "Nov 12 2014 Special Meeting

      Justin sends email to Board members instructing them that the meeting today is only about giving the Superintendent 30 min to convince board why he is the right man for the job !

      Read his contract, it states quite the opposite. And I quote the contract, "Superintendent may request a meeting with the school board to discuss its intentions, the reasons therefore, and ways in which the concerns of the School Board might be addressed by the parties."PDF of Superintendent's Contract. Read for yourself.


      Board Chair Violates Open Meeting Law

      Board Chair Justin Partee scheduled meetings to negotiate with our District's Principals. Under the rules of the "Open Meeting Law"(OML) it is required by LAW to publicly post all negotiation meetings with any bargaining group that works Public school District.The Violations took place Aug 21st 2014, Sep 15th 2014,Oct 23rd 2014. When a school Board assigns Board members to Negotiation committees, the committee are covered under the OML. I will quote the OML "Committees are covered by the OML(even if the committee is comprised of fewer members than a quorum of the board)"

      Public Employment Labor Relations Act (PELRA), states and I quote again "Negotiations themselves are public meetings". If it is a public meeting, then it MUST BE POSTED.


      click here for the explanation of the "Open Meeting Law"


      The first time the Open Meeting Law was violated is when the board went into a special closed meeting in July of 2013. The violation occurred when the board took 2x actions on issues that were NOT listed on the posted Agenda for that meeting

      below is audio of the Regular Board meeting Nov 10th 2014. You will hear our Board Chair clueless, on when and when not, the, Minnesota "Open Meeting Law" applies.

      Click here for Audio link

    Back To Top

    Quotes From Petition

    Here are just some of the things being said about our Superintendent !


    PDF Petition Signatures


    PDF Petition Comments


    Jeff Wagner SAINT PAUL, MN I know Craig to be an honest hardworking educator that always puts students first.


    Gordon Christian WARROAD, MN I believe the school board made the wrong decision to not negotiate Craig Oftedahl's contract with no valid reasons to do so.


    Kyle Thoreson EVELETH, MN Craig is a great man who is serious about education and the well being of the kids in his care. I've known Craig for 20 years and he's never made a decision as a teacher, coach, AD and now Superintendent that he didn't feel was best for the kids. CHOOSING to lose him from your school and community is just plain wrong. If there are contentious issues, they should be discussed and settled professionally. If this decision by the Warroad school board stands, you will have done a severe disservice to your students.


    Shawntae Holter WARROAD, MN He is the best man for the job.


    Steven LaDuke WARROAD, MN Craig has done a great job


    Karen and Conrad Hontvet WARROAD, MN It is the right thing to do!!


    LaVonne Fast WARROAD, MN I believe that the 4 school board members are doing an injustice to Mr Oftedahl, and he deserves to stay on as Superintendent


    Gabe Richards WARROAD, MN I support Mr. Oftedahl. He is a tireless supporter and promoter of Warroad Schools and the Warroad community. He is a good person and a tremendous leader. In a tight-knit community such as Warroad we should be going out of our way to keep and support quality individuals like Craig Oftedahl.


    Miriam Heppner WARROAD, Mr. Oftedahl has done a great job of serving our school district. He listens, considers, and even welcomes others' opinions, and then makes decisions for the good of our school district. Sadly, we cannot say the same for some on the school board. They have forgotten that they were elected to serve others (our school district).


    Anni Daedlow WARROAD,I believe Mr. Oftedahl is familiar with our school district and has done a good job of managing things during economically "troubled" times and decreased enrolment. The non-renewal decision was a questionable and rash decision.


    Tracy Fast WARROAD, The reasons for not negotiating a continued contract with Superintendent Oftedahl are unclear to me and they have not been supported by examples or details beyond the performance appraisal. Thankfully, Mr. Oftedahl has demonstrated the foresight to work beyond the goals set forth in April 2014 and as used as basis for his performance appraisal. Mr. Oftedahl has supported ideas even when not popular to create new learning opportunities. At times, the School Board has chosen to go another direction. Yet, Mr. Oftedahl epitomizes the values of ISD #690….RESPECT, INTEGRITY, RESPONSIBILITY, COMPASSION, SERVICE. To me, this is Warrior Pride!


    Maureen Stodgell WARROAD, Your decision to not renegotiate Superintendent Craig Oftedahl's contract is without merit. I have attended almost every school board meeting for the past 20 years. I have never seen such unethical, unprofessional, and uneducated decisions as those being made by Justin Partee, Brian McFarlane, Kiersten Eklie, and Darby Zenter. From the very first meeting, it was evident that you were running your own agenda. You refuse to answer questions or get input from teachers, other school employees, students, or the taxpayers. You are supposed to be representing us all but for some reason you think you are smarter then all of us. None of you has a background in education and don't understand that a school cannot be run like other businesses. Your actions show that you do not care about the education of our students. I told you over a year ago that you were destroying our district. Not renegotiating with Mr. Oftedahl is wrong. It is not about his performance, it is about a personal vendetta by you 4. You have not given any valid reasons for firing Mr. Oftedahl. At the school, it feels like a family member has died. We need Mr. Oftedahl to keep our school on the right track. He has been the superintendent for 8 years and has always done what is best for our students and district during tough economic times. You will not find a better person to be the leader of our district. Please renegotiate Superintendent Craig Oftedahl's contract immediately, before we lose a great leader to another district. Also, the 4 of you should resign so we can have school board members who do not have their own personal agendas. We need members who support our administrators, staff, and students; not members who are doing their best to hurt the education of our students.


    Sandra Nichols WARROAD, Mr. Oftedahl is a great superintendent, who is highly respected. He is very professional and takes his job very seriously. I have the most upper respect for him. His contract should be re-negotiated. We need him!


    Yeng Thao WARROAD, He is one of the best of the best.


    Darrell Shaugabay WARROAD, I think it is the right thing to do!


    Tracey Brodshaug WARROAD, Because he has does a good job


    Tim Roberts SAINT CLOUD, Mr. Oftedahl is the best superintendent Warroad school district has ever had.


    Lyla Knutson WARROAD, He has been a very big part of the Warroad school and loved by all of our children who grew up here!!


    Brandon Sutherland MOORHEAD, Mr. Oftedahl was a great teacher and a great coach. He's always had the best interests of the students in mind and has obviously done a phenomenal job with the budget.


    David Forney EVERETT, I'm signing because I can NOT stomach sitting around watching this from half way across the country. Mr. Oftedahl is far more than just a coach and teacher more than a good dad and husband, more than a good man and mentor. He has poured his heart and life into Warroad school district. To think anyone is going to find anyone that cares more about the kids of Warroad, is far more removed than I. I have told Coach O this and I don't mind who knows it, between being a student in his class, a student of the game in the basketball program, deaths, and being his teachers aid I have spent far more time with him than my own dad. When I left Warroad and was told I could never get a job in this economy or make it in school, I did both. I have cut my hair, shown up with a positive attitude, given an honest effort, regardless of circumstances I have shown up...quitting was never an option, and today I can put my head on the pillow and sleep like a baby knowing I have to get up and do it all again tomorrow. That is the Coach Oftedahl in me today! Do the right thing here people!


    Logan Bender WARROAD, He is very good to the students!


    Erika Knott ROSCOE, I had Mr. O as a teacher and loved him and beleive he's done Warroad school district good.


    Abby Erickson COPENHAGEN, DENMARK. Mr. Oftedahl and his family are valuable members of the Warroad Community. As a Warroad native and WHS Alum, the community we have is something I was always taught to respect and take pride in, and I know many others can say the same! As a member of that community, Mr. Oftedahl has served diligently in the Warroad school district and seen it through many changes, such as the introduction of the four-day school week, and is in a far better place to understand the needs of the students, teachers, faculty, and community members than any who could be found to "replace" him.


    David Pederson ROOSEVELT, I feel the Board of Education set up the Superintendent to fail, and then used that failure to justify non renewal


    Lynn Hoy WARROAD, They don't have a real reason why they let him go


    Maureen Greiner MINNEAPOLIS, The current school board members in Warroad are a bunch of donkeys who wrongfully think they should be the people making this decision and really sticking it to this 'old boys club' they've produced in their minds. When in actuality they are a bunch of total douchebags nobody anywhere outside of their 'old douche club' has an ounce of respect for, and who should probably stick to what they know best...shitting out another generation of moronic dbags for them to tell how special they are to follow their footsteps. Mr. Oftedahl has done nothing but try to better the district, balance the budget and make informed decisions that benefit not himself or the fake 'old boys club' but the Warroad school district.


    Johnathan Bue WARROAD, I am signing this petition to have Craig Oftedahl re-instated. He does a very excellent job and needs too keep his job. I'm very angry at the fact that the board members could not give reasons to why they did not want him there. I think they need to re-think about the decision, look back at what he has done for the school and there students, and finally see how much he loves to do what he is doing. I hope you get your contract re-instated Craig Oftedahl.


    Julie Salin WARROAD, I'm signing because I believe Mr. Oftedahl is an excellent superintendent, I believe he's done his job well with what he's had to work with. It is very wrong that the board hasn't given a reason for their actions.


    Mitchell Roberts WARROAD, Craig does a great job in our school district he is a hard worker, and keeps good contact with the students, teachers, parents, and the community. He is easy to talk to, and very helpful. I don't understand why his contract was not renewed, and I want to see some good reason's for taking a perfectly good superintendent away from our school district.


    Stacie Clark WAUBUN, Mr. Oftedahl is very good at his job - and it isn't an easy one. Answering to staff, students, taxpayers and board members and trying to make decisions in the best interests of all those parties. My husband worked there for 3 years and while I didn't agree with a few of his decisions on a personal level he was always fair, honest and willing to listen. Watch out what you wish for school board - you are highly unlikely to get someone better than him. I too, would like someone to explain the reasoning behind the boards decision.


    Claudia McFarlane WARROAD, If the State Board of Education can't find a fault in Mr Oftedahl's work, how can our board?


    Lindsey Burroughs WARROAD, I'm signing because I felt like he has done a good job and is capable of change. He is very nice to work with.


    Stacey Erikson ROOSEVELT, mr.oftedahl takes pride in his work and students, i believe it is a disservice to all involved if he leaves our school system


    Emily Gryskiewicz WARROAD, I believe they should give a reason, or renegotiate.


    Danae Scheef WARROAD, I went to Warroad High School and I admired Mr. Oftedahl. He was always supportive of every sport and he did his job well. His foot was always open when I needed to speak with him. He is easy to get along with and he is respected by most of the student population. I think the board has done a horrible thing and they have not even given any reason for it.


    Terence Sadler WARROAD, Besides the leadership, character and professionalism Mr. Oftedahl exhibits daily, he has education and students at the forefront of every decision. The general fund was $300k when he became Superintendent, it was raised to as much as $1.1 mill, and was last reported at about $850k. Our district has never been in statutory operating debt. We continue to offer every academic and extra curricular program and more today since beginning the budget reduction process 14 years ago. Mr. Oftedahl and the rest of the administrative team have continually made difficult decisions to work within the budget while maintaining the integrity of our programs. Mr. Oftedahl has overwhelming support of from every department in our district. That says a lot about the professionalism and character of the person, especially since he and his team continually as all staff to do more, for less to give the students the best education possible.


    Dianne Whaley ROOSEVELT, I feel the.decision was wrong not to renew Mr Oftedahl contract.


    Charles Coombe INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Craig is a gentlemen with the top priorities being Family, School and Town! You should be considered lucky to have such a guy!


    Hannah Maunu WARROAD, Mr. Oftedahl is a great man and has a huge heart for the Warroad school and our community. I'm believe he greatly deserves to be our superintendent.


    John Horner WARROAD, the current board ignores procedure and appears to be motivated by nothing more than ego.


    Jeremy Culleton, Mr. Oftedahl has guided our school through tough economic times. Mr. Oftedahl works tirelessly to help deliver the very best to the students of our community. He also helps to inspire our staff. In the last 5 years, Mr. Oftedahl has stood along side me as we developed and built one of the top Technology Education Departments in the state. This program continues to grow today. He has stood by me and our department as we have found outside money to bring in new technology, tooling and unique programs to our students. He has had a huge hand in developing our relationship with Marvin Windows giving our students real world experiences. I strongly feel that without Mr. Oftedahl's vision and belief in myself and other staff members we would not have some of the very best programming available to high school age students.


    Cary Eades SIOUX FALLS, I care about the future of Warroad and it's school system. Lived in Warroad 11 years, and worked for ISD 690 for 10. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Mr. Oftedahl's leadership, character, and work ethic. He is a great man.


    The quotes from the Petition just keep coming ! more to follow........

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    Different Ways to Contact Us

    Contact Us


    My name is Bob Johnson, I am a citizen at District 690 in Warroad Minnesota. This website was created in order to better inform the public on what is happening in our School District. Please, if you have any comments or suggestions, use the form below. FYI- you must scroll down on the form to get to the "Submit" button.



    Our mailing Address is :

    • WGOBC Headquarters
    • Bob Johnson
    • 30137 County Road 5
    • Warroad, MN 56763

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