Votes at a glance: Richfield School Board approves $221,000 MDH health grant, $26,700 literacy grant, cooperative ski sponsorship and authorizes board member to

At its Oct. 6, 2025 meeting the Richfield School Board approved a package of routine and grant actions.

Key outcomes (roll-call results as recorded in the meeting):

- The board approved the meeting agenda by roll call (motion recorded as “motion by Director Paulson, a second by Director Liss”). The chair recorded the agenda approved by unanimous roll call.

- The consent agenda was approved (motion by Director Spencer; second by Director Banks Kupcho). Roll-call recorded unanimous ayes.

- The board authorized Director Ken Liss to serve as a paid substitute/temporary employee for the 2025–26 school year in accordance with the statute cited by staff (statute noted in the meeting as 123B.195, and a $20,000 annual earnings limit was referenced). Motion carried by roll-call vote with all six board members recorded as voting aye.

- The board adopted a resolution appointing the election judges listed in exhibit A for the upcoming school election (motion and second recorded in the meeting). Roll-call recorded unanimous ayes.

- The board approved acceptance of a Minnesota Department of Health school‑based health center grant to support the Richfield Health Resource Center, accepting $221,000 to cover the period through June 30, 2028; the grant will support student access to health and chemical‑health services, the student wellness council and related staffing. Motion carried by roll-call vote (unanimous ayes recorded).

- The board approved a grant agreement with the Minneapolis Foundation for literacy professional development (identified in the meeting as a Reimagine Education grant) in the amount of $26,700 to fund LETRS training and on‑site trainer time; the board recorded unanimous approval by roll call.

- The board approved a cooperative sponsorship agreement to allow Richfield students to participate on alpine ski teams hosted by Burnsville (in partnership with Burnsville and Shakopee); each school handles its own transportation. Motion carried by roll-call vote (unanimous ayes recorded).

- The board accepted a list of donations from community members and organizations (a multi‑item list provided in the agenda). Motion carried by roll call with unanimous ayes.

- The board voted to enter a closed session under Minnesota statute 13D.03 for labor‑negotiations strategy; roll-call votes were recorded as aye by Directors Kirk Spencer, Ken Liss, Tim Paulus, Paula Cole and Chair Eric Carter; Director Rachel Banks Kupcho registered a nay during the roll call as recorded in the meeting. The board moved into closed session.

Each of the above items was recorded on the meeting record and will appear in the official minutes. Several items (policy reads, purchasing administrative guidelines, Policy 201 and Policy 106) were presented as first or second reads and will be returned for a subsequent vote when indicated on the agenda.

Action items that authorize acceptance of grant funds will require the superintendent or staff to execute the indicated grant agreements.