Board approves policy updates, revised 2024–25 budget and release of probationary teachers

The South Washington County Schools Board of Education approved several policy updates, accepted a revised 2024–25 budget and passed a resolution to release probationary teachers during its March 27 meeting.

Superintendent Julie Nielsen introduced revisions to board policy and said the board policy committee reviewed the changes; the update package included several 400‑series personnel policies and two 500‑series student technology and nondiscrimination policies. “The policies being brought forward this evening have been reviewed and revised to reflect updates in Minnesota statute, definition of terms, legal references, and cross references,” Nielsen said.

The board voted to approve the policy package by voice vote after Sharon moved and Eric seconded the motion. The board did not request individual discussion and the chair recorded the motion as passing.

The board then approved the district’s revised 2024–25 budget. Chris Blackburn, director of business services, said the administration recommended approval after adjustments for student counts, state and federal allocations and labor expenses; he noted the district’s general fund balance as presented in administration materials differs from the board‑policy calculation because one measure includes restricted funds. Administration projected a board‑policy‑aligned general fund balance of 15.8% and recommended the revised budget. The motion to approve the revised budget carried by voice vote (moved by Simi, seconded by Sharon).

The board also approved a resolution terminating the teaching contracts of a number of probationary teachers at the end of the 2024–25 school year, as presented by Abby Baker, executive director of human resources and operations. Baker said reasons for nonrenewal include student‑driven scheduling, enrollment changes, curriculum shifts, collective bargaining transfer language, licensure issues and performance. The motion to approve the resolution was made by Simi and seconded by Eric; the board approved the resolution by roll call.

Roll call recorded the following votes on the probationary‑teacher resolution: Louise Saenz — yes; Ryan Clark — yes; Eric Tessimer — yes; Simi Petnick — yes; Katie Schwartz — yes; Sharon Van Leer — yes. Administration recommended the resolution; the motion passed.

Votes at a glance

• 8.1 Proposed policy updates (400 and 500 series): Motion approved (motion by Sharon Van Leer, seconded by Eric Tessimer). Specific policy references presented: 401 Equal Employment Opportunity; 402 Non‑Discrimination/Disability; 402.2 Non‑Discrimination (student); 403 Discipline/Suspension/Dismissal of School District Employees; 418 Drug‑Free Workplace and Drug‑Free Schools; 419 Tobacco‑Free Environment; 500‑series nondiscrimination and 524 Student Technology Acceptable Use and Safety. Details for each policy change were presented; the board approved the package by voice vote.

• 8.2 Revised 2024–25 budget: Motion approved (motion by Simi Petnick, seconded by Sharon Van Leer). Administration projected an unrestricted general fund balance aligned to board policy of 15.8% and recommended approval of the revised budget.

• 8.3 Release of probationary teachers (resolution): Motion approved (motion by Simi Petnick, seconded by Eric Tessimer). Roll call: Louise Saenz — yes; Ryan Clark — yes; Eric Tessimer — yes; Simi Petnick — yes; Katie Schwartz — yes; Sharon Van Leer — yes. Resolution terminates the listed probationary teaching contracts at the end of the 2024–25 school year; nonrenewal letters will be issued.

No amendments were recorded to any of the three motions. The board supplemented the administrative presentations with clarifying questions but did not take additional directive action at the meeting.