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Staples-Motley board approves multiple hires, accepts $7,667 in donations and signs off on finances
Summary
At its March 23, 2026 meeting the Staples-Motley School District board approved several personnel hires and a fundraiser request, accepted $7,667.41 in donations and grants, approved February financial disbursements and receipts, reviewed policies with no changes and approved sealed bids; one community member spoke during public comment.
The Staples-Motley School District board met March 23, 2026, at the district office and approved a series of routine personnel, financial and policy items before adjourning at 6:58 p.m.
Chair Wright called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and a roll call established a quorum with Members Frisk, Freeman, Trout and Reese present; Member Reeck was absent. The board voted to add an agenda item and then adopted the agenda.
Under the consent agenda the board approved minutes from the March 2 meeting, a fundraiser request from the Staples-Motley High School Music Department and a slate of hires. The approved hires included Aaron Carter as Middle School Musical Director; Avaya Brandt as an elementary paraprofessional; Keri Bendson for MS/HS food service; Brian Sams, Heather Sams and Selket Jewett as assistant speech coaches; Kip Hines as head speech coach; and Krista Heldman as district nurse. The board also approved an Independent Contractor Agreement with Lake Wishuknew LLC.
The board approved a resolution to accept grants and donations totaling $7,667.41. Business Manager Hill recorded thanks in the minutes to Staples-Motley Music Boosters, Staples-Motley Wrestling Boosters, Staples-Motley PTC, Ethan Ellingsen, Staples Lions Club, Special Olympics MN, Central Building Supply, Lakewood Health System, Wadena Dairy Queen and the Hospitality MN Education Foundation.
Business Manager Hill presented the financial report. The board approved February disbursements and receipts. The minutes list a General Fund balance of $715,765.27 and General Fund February receipts of $1,233,941.11; Food Service balances and receipts were also recorded in the financial report.
Middle/High School Principal Ferdon presented a cabinet report listed on the agenda; the meeting minutes do not include the presentation's details in the transcript. Member Reese moved and Chair Wright seconded motions to approve the review of ISD2170 412.1 (Credit Card Policy) and to approve MSBA policy reviews with minimal or no changes; both motions carried. Policies specifically referenced in the record included 203.6, 531, 533, 705 and 211.
The board approved sealed bids for miscellaneous items (motion by Member Freeman, second by Member Frisk). During the School/Community Forum, John Dottenwhy spoke; the transcript notes his appearance but does not record the substance of his remarks.
The meeting concluded after routine scheduling and reports; the board adjourned at 6:58 p.m. The board listed upcoming meeting dates including April 6, April 20 and May 4, 2026.
