Stillwater school board adopts new Spanish‑immersion curriculum, approves budget revisions and personnel action

The Stillwater Area Public Schools school board on Tuesday approved a package of routine and strategic actions, including adoption of a new curriculum for its Spanish‑immersion Amigos Unidos program and a spring budget revision.

In the meeting at the Oak Park Building, the board approved adopting the Benchmark Adelante curriculum for the Amigos Unidos dual‑language Spanish immersion program. Board member Alison Sherman moved the curriculum adoption; board member Andrew Thelander seconded the motion, which carried 6‑0.

Also at the meeting, the board approved a spring 2025‑26 budget revision that adjusts revenues and expenditures across funds since the fall revision. The motion to approve the budget revision was moved by Sherman and seconded by Katie Hockert; it carried 6‑0.

The board approved a resolution to continue membership in the Minnesota State High School League for 2026‑27 (motion by Thelander, second by Hockert; carried 6‑0) and approved a resolution rescinding the placement of teachers on unrequested leave of absence (motion by Chris Lauer, second by Sarah Grcevich; carried 6‑0).

Board members also noted that, beginning in the 2026‑27 school year, the district’s middle school athletic program will transition to funding management through the Community Education department. The program will remain district‑sponsored while Community Education manages its funding to help reduce district costs; the transcript records this as the board’s decision as part of its priority‑based budgeting process (no separate vote is recorded in the minutes for this funding transfer).

During the meeting the board approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from April 21 and May 5, 2026; payment of invoices for May 2–15, 2026; a PowerSchool subscription renewal for fiscal year 2027; new servers for the district’s camera/security bond project; and the human resources personnel report (motion by Alison Sherman, second by Chris Lauer; carried 6‑0).

Superintendent Dr. Funk provided a legislative update that touched on compensatory revenue, safe schools funding, operating capital, the district health insurance survey and paraprofessionals in Title I programs. The board chair offered brief remarks thanking the community for the year and wishing students and staff a restful summer break.

The board opened the meeting by recognizing student wrestlers Noah Nicholson and Audrey Rogotzke for winning state titles and receiving gold medals at the Minnesota high school wrestling championship. During the public‑comment period, Zach Singleton spoke in favor of outdoor learning.

The meeting was called to order at 5:41 p.m.; roll call initially recorded six members as present. Katie Hockert joined later at 6:09 p.m.; Pete Kelzenberg left the meeting at 7:10 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.