District 196 board approves student handbook changes, insurance renewal and calls fall elections

The Independent School District 196 school board on June 9 approved several routine and binding items: the district’s 2025–26 student rights and responsibilities handbook, renewal of the district’s property and casualty insurance through the Alliance for Liability and Property Services (ALPS), a 27-item consent agenda, and a resolution calling both the general and a special school board election for Nov. 4, 2025.

The board voted 6–0 to adopt the handbook after a second reading that added two late changes: (1) an updated definition of directory information to reflect a 2025 Minnesota legislative change that prohibits treating parent contact information as directory information, and (2) new language addressing student use of artificial intelligence, including teacher permission and a requirement that students cite AI usage when applicable. Jill Coyle, presenting the item, said the additions were reviewed between the first and second readings and recommended for inclusion.

The board also approved participation in ALPS, the seven-district property and casualty insurance pool, and authorized the administration to bind coverage. Administration reported the district’s cost for fiscal year 2025–26 is $2,406,415.64, an 11.9% increase attributed to higher property values, loss history and market conditions. Board member Jackie announced she would abstain from the insurance vote to avoid any perceived conflict of interest; the insurance renewal passed with five yes votes, zero no votes and one abstention.

Separately, the board unanimously approved a resolution calling this fall’s school board elections. The district will conduct its regular general election for three full four-year terms and a simultaneous special election to fill the remaining two years of a separate seat; both elections will be held Nov. 4, 2025, with polls open 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Candidate filing will run July 29–Aug. 12; a $2 filing fee or a 500-signature petition will be accepted and candidates must provide proof of residence at filing.

The consent agenda — which included 27 items ranging from personnel actions to contracts, student-teaching agreements and financial reports for April 2025 — passed on a 6–0 voice vote. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn that carried 6–0.

Votes at a glance - Approve agenda with two modifications (remove special communication request; move reports): motion moved by Board Member Anna, seconded by Leah; outcome: approved 6–0. - Approve consent agenda (27 items including minutes, contracts, financial reports): motion moved by Catherine, seconded by Leah; outcome: approved 6–0. - Approve 2025–26 Overview of Student Rights and Responsibilities (district student handbook, second reading and adoption): motion moved by Jackie, seconded by Katherine; outcome: approved 6–0. Coyle presented; changes noted: directory information definition and AI/digital-tools language. - Approve ALPS property and casualty insurance renewal and authorize administration to bind coverage (cost to district reported as $2,406,415.64): motion moved by Leah, seconded by Isaac Howden; outcome: approved (yes 5, no 0, abstain 1) — Board Member Jackie abstained. - Approve resolution calling general and special school board elections for Nov. 4, 2025 and establish filing period (July 29–Aug. 12): motion moved by Jackie, seconded by Sikowden; outcome: approved 6–0. - Motion to adjourn: motion by Jackie, seconded by Anna; outcome: approved 6–0.

Context and what changed The handbook vote incorporated two late edits highlighted by Jill Coyle: a statutory-driven change removing parent contact information from directory data and new classroom-facing language on artificial intelligence that requires teacher permission and citation when students use AI. The ALPS renewal reflects market-driven premium increases; the administration said the package covers property, liability, auto, crime, excess property and liability, errors and omissions, equipment breakdown, pollution liability and cyber liability. The election resolution responds to a pair of timing issues for expiring and appointed seats and will produce two concurrent ballots on Nov. 4.

What’s next The budget administration presented a preliminary 2025–26 budget at the same meeting for a first reading; the board will consider the budget for final approval at its June 23 meeting. The district will publish the budget book after the second reading. The district will also continue planning for a technology capital-levy renewal and future bond issuances discussed elsewhere on the agenda.