The Spring Grove School Board met September 21 in the school’s learning resource center, where members approved several routine business items and heard updates from district administrators.
Chairperson Stephanie Jaster called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Other board members present were Ashley Olson, Rhan Flatin, Kelly Rohland and Jaster. Lisa Myhre and Mariah Klug were absent.
Also attending were Superintendent Gina Morken, Principal Matt Rosaaen, District Accountant Tanya Elton, and head of maintenance, Brent Messner.
Consent Agenda Approved
The board unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included the meeting agenda, minutes from the August 17 school board meeting, the treasurer’s report, and paying the bills.
The board also approved contracts for Sam Morken as assistant junior high basketball coach, Alisha Solum as fall play director, and Kelsey Morken and Lexi Thorson as student council advisors.
Administrative Reports
Principal Matt Rosaaen reported on several school activities and updates, highlighting a busy start to the academic year. He shared information about the Eagle Bluff trip, an Innovation Studio update, the district’s behavior chart, homecoming activities, and orientations held for students in grades 5, 7 and 9. Rosaaen also noted that Lexi and Jeannine provided a confidentiality presentation for staff. In addition, he reviewed fall activities and reported that ninth and 10th grade students attended career day September 17 in Caledonia, giving them an opportunity to learn more about career pathways and future planning.
Superintendent Gina Morken began her report by thanking the school board members for their dedication and service to the school district. She recognized their work on behalf of students, staff, families, and the broader Spring Grove community, noting that September is Minnesota School Board Recognition Month.
Morken announced that the school will have funds available to build the shed. She said the district continues to work through items on the construction punch list as projects are finalized and remaining details are completed.
School staff and members of the board also watched two videos on cybersecurity. The videos served as a reminder of the importance of protecting district information, following safe technology practices, and remaining alert to potential online threats.
Morken also shared the Minnesota School Boards Association web link regarding the Minnesota Permanent School Funds, mnmsba.org/advocacy/permanent-school-fund/. The information would help board members answer questions from voters and community members about the fund and its connection to Minnesota schools.
Action Items
The board approved the proposed 2026 payable 2027 property tax levy at the maximum level. Superintendent Morken explained on the expanded agenda that “this level allows for any changes between now and when the proposed levy is provided to the county auditor at the end of the month, and then to the state.” She also explained that the school’s levy is determined by the foundation formula, enrollment, operating referendum, and allocations for Health and Safety, Community Education, and Q Comp. A chart was also provided that shows the levy’s history starting in 2014.
The board also accepted a quote from Daktronics for the scoreboard. The cost is $6,440 and installation is $1,750.
The board also approved a resolution to waive 2% of the school’s basic revenue for the staff development requirements. Morken confirmed that the school always provides staff development that the staff is interested in.
The second reading was held for the MSBA policies included in the June 2026 Policy Newsletter and approved by the board.
The Truth in Taxation hearing is scheduled for December 21 at 6:01 p.m., followed by the regularly scheduled board meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
Leave a Reply