[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6286922,"mediaKeyId","2556101-0f4d143f95740b1eb2910cb393dfce8d","parentId",2556101,"title","Schmidy & Sons details routing, special‑education service and electric bus in Lakeville contract presentation","audioSeconds",2151,"startMs",1483000,"endMs",3634000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2556101-0f4d143f95740b1eb2910cb393dfce8d&start=1483&end=3634","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2556101-0f4d143f95740b1eb2910cb393dfce8d/thumbnail_1483000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6286922/Minnesota/Schmidy-Sons-details-routing-specialeducation-service-and-electric-bus-in-Lakeville-contract-presentation","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6286922-5dbea41941800364444037293f14b611/orig.mp4?Expires=1775205717&Signature=mZm1hJ0eImVcx2Uj-tWFDJY-8S5tS0zKcYBO8d7D4U-LQ2VOCld~mQIPGAal0148ggbhNgZpIAvpAx-mpxE6R7goX5Gb8OO1ANJwcX56OscJoucC0r3NgCva8ENa~MzHYzivxYqKSCtRG-gLP4W2Mqt4OvF34oB9IdgCY6nyFS7WWz8W002HPfOShtS95X1Kl20Irui5m~NKDk7BUyqEvA3sKqqcWTaIDHfgGmltKMLUbZ6wiCOERrz5JJyOriUwHllVJDNEjFjBalO9cOsywA67cvb56-1H7eDwxZQjff0IYo163akWFVt67hEeI-2f8MSBf3kiusw7QV1ZzNXlsw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lakeville Public School District, MN","date","2025-03-11T20:50:27Z","article","Schmidy & Sons representatives presented the district’s transportation report March 11, describing a four‑tier routing system that the company said allows fewer buses to serve more schools, curb‑to‑curb special‑education service, charter operations and an early‑adopter battery electric school bus in daily service.

The presentation, given to the Lakeville Public School District Board of Education, explained how pairing start times and staggered routes let the district operate a four‑tier schedule in which a portion of the fleet serves up to four schools in sequence. Presenter Mike Forbord, identified as a Schmidy & Sons representative, said the company runs 56 full‑size (Class C) routes and 56 special‑education routes, “transport roughly, 8 to 9,000 students a day,” and travels “over 10,000 miles, every day.”

Why it matters: district routing, fleet size and special‑education transport practices shape student ride times, staffing needs, capital replacement plans and emergency preparedness. Board members asked about long elementary ride times, behavior supports on buses, substitute‑driver information and the effect of adding a new elementary school on routes.

Key points from the presentation and board discussion:
- Four‑tier system and route counts: Schmidy & Sons described a four‑tier schedule that uses fewer routes by reusing buses across multiple school start times; 16 of the 56 buses serve all four tiers. The presenter said switching to a conventional two‑tier schedule would require “30 more buses” minimum to cover Lakeville’s student population.
- Ride times and geography: Some elementary route times can reach 45–60 minutes because of distance to rural stops (Lake Marion had a 60‑minute example). The company said it tries to limit routes to around 60 minutes and to pair shorter routes to reduce service gaps.
- Special‑education service: Schmidy & Sons said it operates curb‑to‑curb special‑education routes for more than 600 students; many special‑education routes include an aide and some students require wheelchair or walker accommodations. The company said driver route notes include student needs so substitute drivers have the same information.
- Behavior and safety: Drivers receive annual evaluations, monthly safety meetings and regular load counts. The district’s principals attend Schmidy & Sons’ start‑of‑year safety meeting to align expectations. The company described positive behavior reinforcement (\"proud plot\" tickets) and said principals may request video when incidents occur.
- Charters and fleet: Schmidy & Sons operates a separate charter fleet and ran nearly 1,200 charter trips last year; on busy elementary event days the company uses to‑and‑from buses to support large field‑trip movements.
- Electric bus pilot: Schmidy & Sons operates a 2018 E‑Lion battery electric Class C bus, described as the first in the Upper Midwest; the bus serves Lakeville South, McGuire and JFK and averages about 80 miles a day. The presenter said the company partners with Great River Energy and Dakota Electric on the project and that the technology “has its pluses and minuses” but can be a good fit for prescribed to‑and‑from routes.

Board questions and follow‑up items:
- Director Baker asked whether the four‑tier system produced cost savings; the presenter replied that fewer routes mean fewer buses and estimated a two‑tier conversion would require about 30 additional buses.
- Baker also asked whether the district or company tracks behavior incidents by route length; the presenter said driver familiarity with long‑route students often reduces behavior issues and that monitors or aides are assigned based on need rather than strictly by route length.
- Director Baker asked how student medical or disability information is communicated; the presenter described route notes and special‑education documentation that drivers and substitutes receive and said the district’s safety meetings reinforce handling such situations.

No formal board action on transportation was recorded in the transcript; the presentation concluded with an invitation for board members to tour garages and attend safety meetings.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Education Meeting - March 11th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Schmidy & Sons representatives told the Lakeville Public School District board March 11 that the company operates a four‑tier routing system, 56 full‑size routes plus 56 special‑education routes and an electric bus pilot, and transports roughly 8,000–9,000 students each school day.","taxTitle","Lakeville Public School District, School Boards, Minnesota","taxId",13453,"location","Minnesota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6286926,"Students praise Lakeville Online Academy as district confirms elementary program will stay open",518,924000,1442000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2556101-0f4d143f95740b1eb2910cb393dfce8d&start=924&end=1442","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2556101-0f4d143f95740b1eb2910cb393dfce8d/thumbnail_924000.jpg","/articles/6286926/Minnesota/Students-praise-Lakeville-Online-Academy-as-district-confirms-elementary-program-will-stay-open","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6286926-2df77f4c2439958e263c62c0cce3bd88/orig.mp4?Expires=1775205717&Signature=BXsjnAU6yhavVIuH~1rMGB3zsjZD6XVDlbCnionHuke521uBJLiCqfE1Tiw-MUl6~mF7mLgYmlENulAtUCaBb8I8gDH9e-3QiCfUU4p5LNPbt5UXR2RJlS0VtV1seUQ2NG7vNs3IUWoPtTgcOInQYpuEsRoFyHn5Z95WSlmRI6qindGpk2m--EenzrCX3n4JNrVxvn1vQc9TyLqoRNR2BM69jd13MAluCstU89ziDWiKT9VJoe9J11VCFgJI7aBdSOfl4CILphizHPcKrcFpfo4GNSTFcqly1RsMIU4WdYPEos39dBfMINLqHcHhNj2OGcbeLNiKg6VbENazGsFArg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lakeville Public School District Superintendent Michael Bauman told the board March 11 that the district has “determined to keep [the] Lakeville Online Academy Elementary” program open after making staffing and programming modifications.

The announcement followed roughly 30 minutes of public comment at the start of the board meeting, during which current and former online academy students described the program’s flexibility, teacher support and role in their learning. Ninth‑grader Cadence Keppers told the board she had been enrolled in the district’s online program since fourth grade and credited teachers with helping her transition and stay engaged: \"Even though we weren't in physical classroom, each teacher made sure to create connection and bond and make the most of every get together,\" Cadence Keppers said.

Why it matters: the district’s decision preserves an option for families seeking a full‑time online elementary experience. Students and families told the board the option supports travel schedules, athletics and other family needs and that teachers provided individualized support.

Board members set the public comment rules before speakers addressed the board; the board did not respond during the public comment period, and the superintendent and administration said they would follow up individually on matters requiring privacy or further review.

Details from public commenters and the superintendent’s announcement:
- Cadence Keppers, a ninth‑grade student who attended Lakeville Online Academy (LOA) beginning in fourth grade, described prompt teacher responses, morning meetings and social events that helped maintain connections. She said her LOA teachers \"were helpful, responsive, kind and most importantly, patient.\" (Public comment.)
- A fourth‑grade student identified as Peter said he has attended LOA since kindergarten and praised the continuity of teachers: \"I am so glad the school board and the superintendent persevered and found a way to keep Lakeville Online Academy Elementary School from closing.\" (Public comment.)
- Quentin, a returning commenter and LOA student, thanked the board for the decision and said the school “gives families choices.” (Public comment.)
- Sixth‑grader Kylan Keppers cited flexible scheduling, quick teacher responses and morning meetings as strengths that helped students succeed and feel connected.
- Superintendent Michael Bauman acknowledged program changes to staffing and programming and explicitly announced the district’s decision to keep the elementary LOA program open as it moves forward.

Context and next steps: the superintendent said staff had made modifications to staffing and programming to continue the program; no board vote on the program’s status was recorded in the transcript during the meeting. The administration said it would follow up as needed with families and staff on individual concerns outside the public meeting, consistent with privacy rules.

The public comment period closed before the meeting moved on to the consent agenda and reports.","After public comments by current and former students, the Lakeville Public School District announced it will keep the Lakeville Online Academy elementary program open following staffing and programming adjustments.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6286912,"Board approves meeting agenda and consent items; adjourns",2319,618000,2937000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2556101-0f4d143f95740b1eb2910cb393dfce8d&start=618&end=2937","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2556101-0f4d143f95740b1eb2910cb393dfce8d/thumbnail_618000.jpg","/articles/6286912/Minnesota/Board-approves-meeting-agenda-and-consent-items-adjourns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6286912-940cca3252b2760de3d8cf62c8ed0d64/orig.mp4?Expires=1775205717&Signature=jNbqyOydM3kwopi6hY081O~LuWkjRXETI01N1vDeXwOtqCXmeCMqRD7Z80TEoPI~gPYk43gSRStXu6CROc09yTY~1yTk4ke9UuIwEkCxPTXg-uUhqzbZ3IBHP9mbdJj0RzCh2L8Lg5DdAWRQNPb8-NLw-Ycc8cGFUNbA2Td0YHDh5gI4YE535F-~rQFnC61n6zx9LaZuJqyO54UhpPdP3PLzOElc5j8jaQayVFuVejjgUVTfNi5ShXuLlPrUiAK9h1dKqL1OaEdzviYTrvg7dmpeOJQQBUgxpZmYcMa1TlE03u87-H1Nrr1B2TNHgRAt4~24jh-WgRENS55lKHC7DQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lakeville Public School District Board of Education approved the March 11 meeting agenda and the consent agenda and later voted to adjourn; each motion passed with unanimous voice votes recorded as \"aye.\" The transcript records the following procedural actions:

- Motion to approve the meeting agenda: moved by Director Amber Cameron; seconded by Paul Carbone. Outcome: approved unanimously (voice vote: \"Aye\").
- Motion to approve the consent agenda: moved by Director Kim Baker; seconded by Director Paul Carbone. Outcome: approved unanimously (voice vote: \"Aye\").
- Motion to adjourn: moved by Director Amber Cameron; seconded (multiple seconds recorded). Outcome: adjournment approved unanimously (voice vote: \"Aye\").

No formal roll‑call tallies or recorded dissents were included in the transcript; the minutes show voice votes in which the chair asked for ayes and recorded unanimous approval.","Procedural motions — approval of the meeting agenda, the consent agenda and adjournment — passed unanimously during the Lakeville Public School District board meeting on March 11.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6286917,"Student Nutrition outlines rising participation, federal rules and local farm initiatives",1902,3622000,5524000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2556101-0f4d143f95740b1eb2910cb393dfce8d&start=3622&end=5524","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2556101-0f4d143f95740b1eb2910cb393dfce8d/thumbnail_3622000.jpg","/articles/6286917/Minnesota/Student-Nutrition-outlines-rising-participation-federal-rules-and-local-farm-initiatives","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6286917-4094b24ab6cc819dde00b46ece5e5082/orig.mp4?Expires=1775205717&Signature=YU4wNXFyxhtA2hM3C9DYIooU2nMNxP3QosQS-bREOPIniFmXAPqOkKiTyWyRY3tiALevlNXh1Z1vTypiVPRdBvOWApi7bSttR5hdigRvuzNjLhQbJ6Lgcy0r2X~CPpeVp0658ivR5KMAgQyEcqSzWWfrC9YO5MdxyOeYBOkf06mh4xkLLs4d3lOyNkhc9JShRX6eKqRdx~pTkGLmv9tu70Gs6sKkUZ2xC5cuaLy9jz27JAsskcSQrX9cQqtuHvrjtAYRSPaq-kuUEzZe0Rp4lfCNc1tVnxCH1Ssg32Nqsoe2WGtDt3~hBWoOQ7pj3KXKzRFTMUmGr1dFpHxvRFDQGw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kristen Rezak, director of Student Nutrition for Lakeville Public School District, told the board March 11 that the district has seen meal participation rise since Minnesota’s free school meals began and that the department is working to balance nutrition rules, kitchen capacity and variety.

Why it matters: increased free‑meal participation affects staffing, kitchen equipment needs and students’ time to eat. Rezak said the district now serves more than 8,200 free lunches per day and that tighter cafeteria windows at some grade levels have reduced students’ available eating time.

Key points from the presentation:
- Regulatory and funding framework: Student Nutrition operates under USDA regulations and Minnesota Department of Education review cycles. The O2 food service fund must remain separate from the district general fund; revenue sources include USDA reimbursements, staff meal purchases and a la carte sales.
- Participation and direct certification: Participation rose after Minnesota included Medicaid in direct certification; Rezak said direct certification increased eligible students in the district and that participation doubled at breakfast in the first year of Minnesota free school meals. This school year the department reported feeding over 8,200 students free lunches daily.
- Lunch service constraints: Rezak said elementary students have a 20‑minute window from entering the cafeteria to clearing trays; middle school lunch periods were consolidated from six to three in recent years, increasing line pressure; high school students have about 30 minutes. The department said reduced available eating time can leave students with \"only 10 minutes to eat\" in some cases, which staff and board described as stressful for students.
- Menu planning and cultural offerings: The district offers a daily vegetarian option at elementary levels and said it is expanding scratch‑cooked items where equipment allows. Rezak highlighted recent cultural menu items such as sambusas and chicken tikka masala and said the district will repeat popular items. The department also described its grab‑and‑go and breakfast cart strategies that boosted high school breakfast participation.
- Food‑service innovations and local sourcing: the district purchased local apples through an agreement with Montgomery Orchard and received a $5,000 First Bite Farm to School grant from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to expand local produce purchases; Highview Elementary also received a $10,000 Dakota County grant to pilot reusable trays and silverware.
- Special diets and safety: The nutrition office requires a licensed clinician's special diet statement to accommodate medical dietary needs and said it tries to mirror the regular menu with allergen‑free alternatives. Managers keep ongoing communication with school nurses and families about menu accommodations.

Board discussion highlights:
- Director Amber Cameron asked about reusable or compostable serviceware; Rezak said Highview received Dakota County funding for reusables and that the district is moving away from styrofoam and toward compostable or reusable options when feasible.
- Director Anderson asked whether local fund balance could be used for more local purchasing; Rezak said the department is spending down fund balance for equipment and staffing and is pursuing incremental steps to increase local purchases within procurement rules.

No formal board action on student nutrition was recorded in the transcript; the department offered tours of kitchens and invited board members to review operations.","The Lakeville Public School District’s student nutrition director briefed the board on USDA regulations, growing free‑meal participation after Minnesota’s free school meals policy, menu planning, cultural menu items and local purchasing grants.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Schmidy & Sons details routing, special‑education service and electric bus in Lakeville contract presentation

Students praise Lakeville Online Academy as district confirms elementary program will stay open

Board approves meeting agenda and consent items; adjourns

Student Nutrition outlines rising participation, federal rules and local farm initiatives