Park Rapids board approves personnel actions, hears enrollment uptick and schedules ribbon cutting

The Park Rapids Area School Board on Sept. 15 approved a package of consent items that included multiple resignations, new hires, postings for paraprofessional positions and the first reading of Policy 413 (Harassment and Violence).

On a motion by Morgan with a second from Diekmann, and with Chairperson Safratowich recorded as recused, the board approved payments presented for September 2025; the minutes of the Sept. 2 working meeting; assurance of compliance with state and federal laws for 2025–26; resignations from Angela Mattern (custodian), Andrea Thelin (recess monitor) and Chrystal Harris (playground monitor); and new hires including Gabi DeBlieck, Mandy Transgrud, Hannah Holmquist and Rebecca Skaro as paraprofessionals and Tera Garlie as high school cook helper (5 hours/day). The board also approved postings for three special education paraprofessional positions at Century School and for an Indian Education paraprofessional at 3.25 hours per day, and accepted Ella Ehler as a volunteer tennis coach.

Principals and directors reported operational items: Principal Jeff Johnson said enrollment is up and staff are monitoring class sections and staffing; Principal Mike LeMeir said the district is focusing on a unified building concept and collecting data on new programs. The Special Education Director reported that the district's ADSIS report was submitted to the state and that the district has the second-highest special education child count in 30 years. The superintendent announced a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Friday, Sept. 26 at 1:30 p.m.

The board also recorded the first reading of Policy 413 (Harassment and Violence) and approved the 2025–26 hockey contract and fall lane changes as part of the consent agenda. The meeting recessed at 6:42 p.m.; later the board entered a closed session under Chapter 13D to discuss negotiation strategies and adjourned at 7:56 p.m.