[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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",6117343,"mediaKeyId","2730498-e7777255035f66b5a97a6c086c3fdc5b","parentId",2730498,"title","Lakeville North teacher Kevin Bass and students build a custom 'chopper' as a hands-on STEM project","audioSeconds",472,"startMs",203000,"endMs",675000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2730498-e7777255035f66b5a97a6c086c3fdc5b&start=203&end=675","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2730498-e7777255035f66b5a97a6c086c3fdc5b/thumbnail_203000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6117343/Minnesota/Lakeville-North-teacher-Kevin-Bass-and-students-build-a-custom-chopper-as-a-hands-on-STEM-project","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6117343-a4a1049d9fc914087badf93a4addbf81/orig.mp4?Expires=1770998842&Signature=hzx~FpCnkbrt0XW-kh8iiFbjLQY01oPQjBXqU0imZckeCm-nmXi8ILJF~9m~MKDYdPXEZLxzkN8pIjctSSTNAfG6B89E6pioEgmopnK6q4711Az5AuqsxUhPR8kv6wpRTzElJ9bW7C4igScL-ee8HZt-CZoMlMrrlZ6p81UVFVEGcCZ0ISFoQSTmhfu1PJtszaXZ09GVITdHhMpIBT99bgP9-MqTcv3B64-DxLpVszeF7ASbGZJl~TpS1D7d4hK9w02ziAiqPdut0pkbbrY0rEyqBLJBBEGS2mvHRVMuaXRRRrzGQF93Y2uKh52uq4X16YtfRZJyGrCq12yrds1eHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lakeville Public School District, MN","date","2025-03-19T03:20:03Z","article","Superintendent Michael Bauman used the March 18 school board meeting to highlight a Fox 9 television feature about a STEM manufacturing program at Lakeville North (with participation from Lakeville South students) led by teacher Kevin Bass.

Why it matters: The program has leveraged community donations and industry partnerships to expand hands-on manufacturing, welding and machining opportunities for students who may pursue careers in trades. Bass and staff described donated equipment ranging from CNC plasma tables to stone cutters and power-coating gear, which expanded the program beyond the roughly $8,000 consumable budget the district allocates per year for such classes.

Project details and partners: The students are building a custom motorcycle (often called a “chopper”) that will be auctioned at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Bass credited local manufacturers and parts suppliers — he named a local company, BTD, whose president helped secure a 4x8 CNC plasma table — and industry partner Dennis Kirk, which is providing parts and filming progress segments that will accompany the auction.

Voices from the meeting: Kevin Bass told the board he feels “honored” to teach a program that prepares students for skilled careers; a parent in the audience described how Bass’s program gave her son, who has autism, the opportunity to enroll in a welding program at Dakota County Technical College. “I feel blessed and honored to be able to help kids find their career path,” Bass said.

Ending: Superintendent Bauman encouraged the public to read more about the program on the district website and applauded student success in both athletics and academics in the district’s “good news” portion of the agenda.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Education Meeting - March 18th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Superintendent Michael Bauman highlighted a Fox 9 feature about Lakeville North and South students building a custom motorcycle as part of a STEM/manufacturing program led by teacher Kevin Bass; the project has attracted donated equipment and industry partnerships.","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},6117348,"After months of debate, board removes directive to create replacement district poster series",2361,11665000,14026000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2730498-e7777255035f66b5a97a6c086c3fdc5b&start=11665&end=14026","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2730498-e7777255035f66b5a97a6c086c3fdc5b/thumbnail_11665000.jpg","/articles/6117348/Minnesota/After-months-of-debate-board-removes-directive-to-create-replacement-district-poster-series","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6117348-213ce5fafc0c1f7f44a13c12936d53b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770998842&Signature=N9VFgX~PoZKyc~7gZycLL4eMpdVYpA0eUF64LKNEJ8oF0HSiVbZgIFOcVepe~BLsjg9WlN00dDInVZV5H46h7Icg598G1ErEpUh6Mo-nF6A45vM50auRncsWxWzc7TZbNXTI8sLQz1J9A-Faoe-4cDPb1w82KiM3KtYcT9I5b2y843O-5LUmv~eoerZapO692XRwi9J~h81X2xox6BbDBkgvSCQgZ-dzf3ctAanIGJtDp2jQ2iQpifL2xaPIj6Bhlnzd7x9QAtkaw7DPBQt9xaBuq7ydTxHzCFKOxg1SNNJgB25iI227dTo6Z7nPWfuIeUurp~OlDjNWb3JhbOc6Hw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lakeville Area Schools board on March 18 amended its January action and removed a prior directive requiring the district to create and install a replacement, district‑sanctioned poster series.

Background: The poster series controversy began earlier this winter when the board directed staff to replace a previously installed “Inclusive” poster series with new posters emphasizing academic excellence and inclusion. Two of the original posters were identified in pending litigation; the board’s January directive sought a replacement series to reflect the board’s guidance. The March 18 meeting included extended public comment, multiple motions and detailed discussion about process, policy and the district’s role in producing wall graphics.

What the board decided: After debate and several procedural votes, the board voted to amend the January 28 directive and remove the requirement that the administration produce a districtwide replacement poster series. The amendment passed in roll-call form with all members voting in favor, as recorded in the meeting transcript.

Administrators’ approach and operational steps: Superintendent Michael Bauman said administration will proceed to remove the posters that the board previously directed taken down during spring break, consistent with the earlier board action. Bauman also said staff will follow district policy and guidance while the board considers any further policy work. He emphasized the transition is intended to reduce legal and operational risk while giving the district time to consider whether a centralized poster program is appropriate.

Board debate and key themes: The meeting included strong, often emotional statements from board members and residents. Some directors said the district should stop “being in the poster business” and let individual schools and principals manage hallway messaging; others argued it is important for the board to approve messaging placed on walls to remove any questions about process or public-forum claims. Several members pressed for the board to review and, if necessary, revise policy 5.35 (the policy referenced in litigation) before describing or approving additional district signage. Director Brian Thompson described the debate as “a sad state of the world if we can’t even say a statement that everyone is welcome,” encapsulating the intensity of the discussion.

Legal and procedural context: Board members and staff repeatedly referenced process questions that had been raised in the litigation and in public comment — whether the posters had been adopted with adequate stakeholder involvement and whether their placement created an impermissible “public forum” under the board’s policies. Several members urged the board to study policy 5.35 and related procedures before directing new district-level signage.

Next steps: Administration will remove the specific posters the board previously ordered removed during spring break as directed by the board’s earlier vote; the board will schedule further review of policy 5.35 and may return with policy changes or more specific guidance at a later meeting. The board’s amendment rescinding the obligation to produce a new districtwide poster series also ended the immediate effort to install a new district series this spring.

Ending: The board’s March 18 amendment replaces the January directive to create a new districtwide poster series with a directive to follow policy and to pursue policy review; no new districtwide poster program will be produced unless the board later gives a fresh directive.","Following extended public comment and multiple motions, the Lakeville board amended its January directive and will not require a district‑issued replacement poster series; staff will remove the two posters identified in litigation and follow existing policy while the board revisits policy 5.35.",{"_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},6117353,"Board approves 5% medical and 6% dental premium increases for 2025–26; district share to cover half",3042,8154000,11196000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2730498-e7777255035f66b5a97a6c086c3fdc5b&start=8154&end=11196","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2730498-e7777255035f66b5a97a6c086c3fdc5b/thumbnail_8154000.jpg","/articles/6117353/Minnesota/Board-approves-5-medical-and-6-dental-premium-increases-for-202526-district-share-to-cover-half","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6117353-eafd827826754327348ccfddb71e5db1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770998842&Signature=ip1mYWgQkkSuU0JURPunPhAesIHqB25Gcmf-YIvapebjvrYC5lDT4UsTocZYot8vP~sI8EhwSjkVQQUz9vbR23SZKtv~6EmcNcJwidiTsHHbSlseh7lMM81t--qiQQ0Dor2mBXqXgEujwLqqvjV-uibEbdh7Y5iw7jG3b-HFsE~qmv0fitz~kaIxTwGr20t2K7~WLdL~0d5dPEyQks3F9sSsejmFDvNeyMpqoUPaFpWbHct0kJFVaL-s-gQpCVGFYLDUvbCMYTx04V7HAKbTMubQHXkHBzqJ5lL1czQi5AoW-BpqFOTs2GS~I9274MlWpuRNGd39QlEx5hDPcZOvDQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lakeville Area Schools board on March 18 approved recommended renewals for the district’s self‑funded medical and dental plans: a 5% increase to medical renewals and a 6% increase to dental for the 2025–26 plan year.

What administration recommended: Brenda Elbrick and consultant Aaron Casper of National Insurance Services presented plan performance and recommended increases based on 24 months of claims. Casper told the board that the district’s medical claim mix has shifted (about 31% pharmacy this period versus 24% the prior year), with specialty drug and GLP‑1 class spending contributing to upward pressure. He noted the district’s virtual-care program and a reduced‑cost provider network had helped offset some cost and that stop‑loss protection and internal reserves lowered the renewal base.

Why it matters: The insurance committee recommended a 5% medical renewal and a 6% dental renewal. District staff noted collective-bargaining agreements and employment contracts set a cost‑sharing formula: the aggregate increase will be split approximately 50/50 between the district and employees (that is, the district picks up about 2.5 percentage points of the 5% medical increase). Administration estimated the district’s share of the medical increase at roughly $750,000 for the coming plan year.

Board action and vote: Director Amber Cameron moved to approve the renewals; the motion was seconded by Director Paul Carbone. After discussion of program performance and reserve levels, the board approved the renewals (the meeting transcript records unanimous approval; detailed roll-call votes were not read aloud beyond that announcement).

Key facts from the presentation: the district’s medical claims (12-month view) were presented near $25.5 million with pharmacy rebates reported; the district’s specific stop‑loss is $200,000 per claim; current Fund 20 reserves were described as roughly 25% of expected claims. Administration told the board it is actively evaluating pharmacy carve‑outs and other cost‑containment strategies in response to rising pharmacy share.

Next steps: Administration will finalize rates and implement the renewal effective July 1, 2025; benefits committee work on pharmacy strategies and reserve targets will continue and staff will provide implementation details to bargaining units during upcoming contract negotiations.

Ending: The board authorized staff to proceed with the renewals and continue committee work on pharmacy cost mitigation and reserve policy.","After review by the insurance committee and consultant National Insurance Services, the board approved a 5% increase to the district’s self‑funded medical plan and a 6% increase to dental rates for the 2025–26 plan year; administration estimates the district share is roughly half the aggregate increase per bargaining agreements.",{"_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},6117357,"Board approves three-year auditing contract with CliftonLarsonAllen",456,1750000,2206000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2730498-e7777255035f66b5a97a6c086c3fdc5b&start=1750&end=2206","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2730498-e7777255035f66b5a97a6c086c3fdc5b/thumbnail_1750000.jpg","/articles/6117357/Minnesota/Board-approves-three-year-auditing-contract-with-CliftonLarsonAllen","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6117357-2e5b8f31548cf4a39123e5013f2c8953/orig.mp4?Expires=1770960806&Signature=AYXWu5HjQLtIMX7as6rFr4n8M4zAY1sQCKBqdliFtx~tYAvz6yWhMgRx0Tf49Lc4UDU0G7L5EE3TLVMHSJH2lT7vrz~rn5H2WVKxHI~vvsABN-eLAfF0dk80UJDzNjZD1iKOtgimvpyi-llve66hYMq3r1Hx9OEZCCMgKBwDOPiFXEjrjot2Ltv95mq7YaRmcBf4U8qy-E8AsZDWtvaERZ7UJj50KU~ZkDUj~2qN6uzp4mlp5Hq-DP1lilB7GMSWNcENPaZI2s0F86VN2EM0U8zfyTHI8kbt9kRn7FVXvt4PBnpNhFayrTq-iDJgtLOtpRMH4kZOp34p4rMPua4hfA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lakeville Area Schools School Board on March 18 approved a three‑year auditing contract with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) to perform the district’s annual financial audits.

Why it matters: Minnesota school districts must use an independent auditing firm to complete annual audits of district finances. Administration said it issued a request for proposals, received two responsive bids and selected CLA as the best overall value for the district.

What the board heard: Bill Holmgren (district finance staff) summarized the RFP results and the evaluation matrix. He told the board two firms submitted proposals: the incumbent and a prior firm the district has used. Holmgren said CLA’s proposed staffing mix and per‑hour rates made the CLA proposal the best value despite a slightly higher maximum contract price. “There’s more hours involved with CLA, and the difference is only $400 between the two different proposals,” Holmgren said.

The vote: Director Amber Cameron made the motion to approve the contract; Director Kim Baker seconded. The board voted to approve the three‑year contract with CliftonLarsonAllen unanimously; administration did not record an itemized roll-call vote in the meeting minutes.

What it covers and next steps: Holmgren explained the auditing firm will perform required annual audits and the single audits the district is required to run on federal programs that exceed the federal single-audit thresholds (for example, nutrition and special-education funding). The contract begins with the 2024–25 audit cycle and covers three years as a standard district practice.

Ending: The board authorized the administration to finalize and sign the contract with CLA. The district will continue to post audit outcomes and findings in its public financial reports.","The Lakeville Area Schools board approved a three-year contract with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) for annual financial audits after a request‑for‑proposal process; administration cited a $400 difference in total cost compared with the alternative.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6117361,"Lakeville board hears wide-ranging debate over attendance-area adjustments, staff proposes refinements",915,2477000,3392000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2730498-e7777255035f66b5a97a6c086c3fdc5b&start=2477&end=3392","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2730498-e7777255035f66b5a97a6c086c3fdc5b/thumbnail_2477000.jpg","/articles/6117361/Minnesota/Lakeville-board-hears-wide-ranging-debate-over-attendance-area-adjustments-staff-proposes-refinements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6117361-04e26360b94525e7d2cc86b678a9c8b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770998842&Signature=H-8hmlj5D0y4W5uG-Xyf3Zr-ZXWfweQ6U8ZAcWCdhF94bav4Qpqogyb-wQEK5LG24C-idx-QY-gz4w0n-wdXZNOvGxmTfA~B3rTvYFdsI2SUw1~hOg2Rmg~7QImlonr8o1tH2iRnh5bINHW80Qr4pbQa-z7VtycLw5Bmp~vGKzNgTco9AjsP2ef-vVTGUGangXidiHBH7Qy7BS~oy-z5aspQWL55x-iI8sC48EyQahwp306IHQaaG3bVEHA1OjFQkK4c0lKOLdD1hxt4E5LFYs7kOSrGeaGNPj3MvfxIILfrkFJp2oMFZ6fmYhubIjpBrLCwVl9La198jQqFSMlp~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lakeville Area Schools administrators on March 18 presented revised attendance-area adjustment recommendations after Highview Elementary and Century Middle School enrolled more students than the district's modeling predicted.

The presentation and roughly two-hour discussion centered on whether the district should make targeted boundary refinements now or pursue a broader, districtwide rework like the process completed last year. Tracy Bridal, the district's director of technology and data services, said staff partnered with TeamWorks International for the modeling and used a Guiding Change document with more than 20 criteria to balance stability, equity and transportation efficiency. “Adjusting school attendance areas isn’t just drawing lines on a map. It really is an intensive, complex process requiring months of careful analysis, collaboration, and problem solving,” Bridal said.

Why it matters: Highview Elementary opened recently and came in about 14.8% above model predictions, and Century Middle School reached enrollment the staff described as approaching or exceeding what architects call the building's functional capacity. That led the district to convene a refinement team to recommend limited boundary shifts and to identify tradeoffs among capacity, transportation cost and neighborhood continuity. The board did not vote; staff asked for input.

What staff proposed: The district presented two modeling paths. Staff said the model the board previously accepted (model D3) showed Highview and Century reaching problematic levels sooner than anticipated; a different model (E3) would have prioritized different schools but created other imbalances. To limit immediate disruption, staff recommended preliminary area changes targeted at the elementary and middle levels that move some homes out of the Highview/Century attendance areas and into neighboring schools, while leaving high-school feeder paths unchanged. Tracy Bridal said the recommendation avoids moving students who are already enrolled at Highview or Century and applies to students who begin a new school year after Sept. 2, 2025.

Key clarifications and rules staff presented: incoming kindergarteners who already live in the Highview attendance area may remain at Highview unless their family elects otherwise; incoming sixth-graders currently living in the Century attendance area may continue to Century; siblings of current Highview or Century students who are not yet enrolled will be assigned to the new attendance areas; new district open- and intra-district transfers enrolling after the start of the 2025–26 school year will follow the revised assignments. Transportation eligibility will follow the district’s standard rules (elementary: 0.8 miles/ middle & high: 2 miles, safety zones aside). Bridal emphasized transportation and cost as constraints and said the refinement team will meet regularly going forward.

Numbers and capacity context: Douglas Nienow, information systems and data supervisor, shared the staff’s capacity analysis. Using October 2024 enrollment and kindergarten registration data, staff reported Highview at about 658 students versus a predicted 573 in the selected model and Century at roughly 950. Staff cited architectural guidance that 90% of building capacity “feels full” and said Century and Highview are operating near or above that target. The district noted that if the current pattern of residential construction continues, the pressure could grow; staff modeled five‑year scenarios that showed the proposed refinements should reduce overcrowding at Highview while keeping several other elementary sites well under capacity.

Board and principal concerns: Jason Bakke, principal at Century Middle School, told the board the building’s staff and students are managing but under stress: “Right now, our wheel teachers at Century Middle School are seeing 958 students. Next year, that’s predicted to go up to 988.” Bakke described impacts on locker space, cafeteria throughput and hall congestion and said those noninstructional pressures affect the student experience. Several board members pressed staff for alternatives such as additions, modular classrooms and magnet programming; staff said additions and modulars would take longer and require funding decisions and that magnet options raise transportation and cost questions.

Public comments woven into the discussion: Parent Lindsey Witt told the board she lost roughly half of her school’s PTO and a large share of families to last year’s attendance-area changes and urged the board to prioritize proximity and minimal disruption over small numeric improvements: “You would literally draw a line down the middle of our street separating kids who throw a football between their yards.” Another commenter said the district should “spend the time to thoughtfully solve the problem with minimal disruption for Lakeville students.”

Next steps and staff caveats: Staff said the recommended boundary refinements would be brought forward for additional board input and that any final action would be scheduled later after additional outreach and technical work. Bridal and Superintendent Michael Bauman said staff intend to keep a refinement team meeting regularly, watch permitting and housing market signals, and return with detailed maps, bus-route impacts and the number of students who would be reassigned. Bridal noted that the district will not move currently enrolled students unless families opt to transfer.

What remains unresolved: Several board members urged a more comprehensive rebalancing rather than incremental fixes, citing landlocked neighborhoods and longer-term growth forecasts; others argued a large-scale redo would cause more disruption than it would solve. Staff emphasized the tradeoffs and asked the board for clearer priorities (minimize moves, equalize utilization, reduce transportation cost, or accelerate additions) to guide any broader redesign.

Ending: District staff said they will produce updated maps, sibling and open‑enrollment counts by school, and transportation modeling for a future board meeting. The board did not vote on any boundary changes at the March 18 meeting.","Board and staff reviewed attendance-area adjustment models after Highview Elementary and Century Middle School exceeded predicted enrollment; staff proposed targeted boundary refinements rather than a systemwide redo and flagged sibling, open-enrollment and transportation rules that would apply if adopted.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Lakeville North teacher Kevin Bass and students build a custom 'chopper' as a hands-on STEM project

After months of debate, board removes directive to create replacement district poster series

Board approves 5% medical and 6% dental premium increases for 2025–26; district share to cover half

Board approves three-year auditing contract with CliftonLarsonAllen

Lakeville board hears wide-ranging debate over attendance-area adjustments, staff proposes refinements