Cannon Falls School Board: votes to place assistant principal on leave, rescind 2024 Title IX policy, approve bonds and revise FY25 budget

The Cannon Falls School Board approved a series of personnel and financial actions at its meeting, including placing Assistant Principal Steven Strauss on unrequested leave of absence, rescinding and readopting model Title IX policy 05/22, authorizing general obligation facilities maintenance bonds, and adopting a revised fiscal year 2025 budget.

Placement of assistant principal on unrequested leave

The board adopted a resolution placing Steven Strauss on unrequested leave of absence effective June 30, 2025, citing financial limitations and discontinuance of a position. The board's resolution states that Strauss received written notice on March 11, 2025, was entitled to request a hearing within 14 days, and did not do so. The board voted in favor; members recorded on the roll call as voting "yes" include Clinton, Luke, Jody, Brandy and the board chair (see provenance). The resolution cites Minnesota Statutes section 122A.40, subdivision 10 in support of the personnel action.

Childcare leave

The board approved a childcare leave under the teachers' master agreement (Article 10, Section 7) for Sam Neiman for the 2025-26 school year. The superintendent recommended approval and the motion carried.

Title IX model policy 05/22

The board rescinded the 2024 version of model policy 05/22 and adopted the 2020 version after staff said a federal court decision vacated the 2024 federal Title IX rule, making the 2024 model policy ineffective. District counsel and staff advised that MSBA (Minnesota School Boards Association) recommended returning to the 2020 policy language. Board members voted to rescind the 2024 version and then to adopt the 2020 version; both motions carried.

General obligation facilities maintenance bonds, Series 2025A

The board approved a resolution stating official intent to proceed with issuing general obligation facilities maintenance bonds, Series 2025A, in the approximate principal amount of $775,000 to finance deferred capital maintenance projects listed in the district's revised 10-year facility plan for fiscal year 2025-26. The resolution cites Minnesota Statutes section 123B.595 and chapter 475. The board voted in favor; members recorded on the roll call include Clinton, Luke, Jody, Randy, Pete and the board chair.

Revised fiscal year 2025 budget

The board approved a revised FY25 budget that staff said tightens revenue and expenditure estimates and projects a modest increase to the general fund balance of $13,783 in the revision (final audited numbers will follow after the fiscal-year audit). Staff highlighted changes including updated ADM projections, increased special education reimbursement, an approximately $100,000 payment to an external retiree-benefits vehicle (MidAmerica) for severance/OPEB purposes, and adjustments in food service and community education revenues.

Other routine actions

The board approved the finance report, accepted a list of gifts and donations (detailed in the consent agenda), and approved the consent agenda. Several construction and CTE project closeouts were discussed in the finance report; staff said the CTE HVAC project is nearly complete and the district is finalizing electrical work and bond reimbursements.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution placing Steven Strauss on unrequested leave of absence (effective 06/30/2025): outcome approved; roll-call "yes" votes recorded in transcript: Clinton; Luke; Jody; Brandy; board chair; (see provenance). - Childcare leave for Sam Neiman (2025-26): outcome approved (motion carried). - Rescind 2024 model policy 05/22: outcome approved (motion carried). - Adopt 2020 version of model policy 05/22: outcome approved (motion carried). - Resolution authorizing general obligation facilities maintenance bonds, Series 2025A (approx. $775,000): outcome approved; roll-call "yes" votes recorded in transcript: Clinton; Luke; Jody; Randy; Pete; board chair. - Revised fiscal year 2025 budget: outcome approved (motion carried). - Finance report and consent agenda (including gifts): outcome approved (motions carried).

Board members and staff present made procedural motions and approved the items listed above; meeting minutes and formal resolutions will reflect the authoritative text and vote tallies.