The Stewartville Public School District school board held its annual organizational meeting and elected Nicole Raymaker chair, Christie Cook vice chair, Ryan Ravenhorst clerk and Stephanie Keefer treasurer, the board announced during the meeting. The board also approved Laura Kokus as board secretary, adopted its 2026 meeting calendar, confirmed committee memberships and approved routine organizational items by voice votes that carried unanimously.

The board approved the agenda and then moved through nominations and appointments, with several items passing on 7-0 voice votes. A single omnibus motion approved consent items numbered 10 through 24. During that discussion, a board member noted that the IRS has increased the mileage reimbursement rate, and district staff (including “Dan,” named in the discussion) recommended retaining the district’s current reimbursement of $0.67 per mile "in light of our financial situation." The board approved the consent motion with that guidance in place.

The board reviewed Policy 209, the district’s code of ethics for school board members. The chair read the policy’s opening statement and board members took turns reciting assigned sections covering duties to set policy rather than implement it, relations with the superintendent, compliance with federal and state law, open-meeting requirements and avoiding conflicts of interest.

Board members also discussed logistics for the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) conference, arranging group check-in and session planning and assigning members to review applications between Jan. 12 and Jan. 24 with decisions scheduled around the Jan. 21/24 timeline.

Before adjourning, Miss Selfridge read a prepared district statement on the community’s ongoing recovery from the Dec. 12 tragedy. "We acknowledge the profound pain and trauma that continue to impact our students, staff, families, and community members," she said, and added that the district’s "highest priority remains [students’ and staff] safety, well-being, and emotional health." She thanked community members and organizations for their support and asked for continued prayers.

The board adjourned at 7:21 p.m. and will convene again according to the approved 2026 calendar.