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Lake of the Woods board adopts 2025–26 budget, appoints new superintendent and awards food-service contract
Summary
At its June 23 meeting the Lake of the Woods School Board approved the 2025–26 budget, appointed Scott Simmons as superintendent effective July 1, 2025, approved personnel moves and awarded the food-service bid to Performance Food Services after staff reported lower pricing and local representation.
The Lake of the Woods School Board on June 23 approved its 2025–26 school year budget, confirmed personnel actions including the hire of Heather Northrup and retirements of two long‑time employees, and voted to award the district’s food‑service contract to Performance Food Services.
Board members voted by voice to adopt the budget after a staff presentation that showed a conservative all‑funds shortfall estimate of about $214,184 and outlined revenue assumptions. “We are being conservative on our revenue estimates given the uncertainties this year,” the presenter said.
In personnel actions the board approved several appointments and accepted retirements. The board approved hiring Heather Northrup as the main office secretary with an expected start date of Aug. 11. The board accepted the retirements of Jackie Pearson, head cook (24 years), and Lisa Beckrand, pool coordinator (27 years). The personnel motions carried by voice vote.
The board also approved resolution 2024/2025‑37 naming Scott Simmons as an identified district official, with the appointment effective July 1, 2025. The resolution grants the superintendent/proxy authority to add and remove names for district administrative matters.
On procurement, staff reported that Jackie (food‑service lead) solicited bids from US Foods and Performance Food Services; Performance’s bid was roughly $4,000 lower on the reviewed line items, had lower commodity‑delivery pricing and no commodity storage fee. The board voted to award the 2025–26 food‑service bid to Performance Food Services, noting the contract can be discontinued with 60 days’ notice and that staff may use alternate suppliers as needed.
Other approvals included routine minutes and financial items, Minnesota State High School League membership for 2025–26, a resolution calling a bond election to authorize school building bonds and capital project levy authorization, and a wage increase to $17/hour for part‑time summer mowing staff. All motions recorded in the meeting were approved by voice vote.
The board closed the meeting with remarks recognizing retiring staff and welcoming the incoming superintendent. The meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m.
