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Written by: Missy Hermes

Parent Category: School Board

Category: Meeting Minutes

Published: 13 July 2026

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The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 

The regular meeting of the School Board of Independent School District No. 544 was held in the Otter Community Room, Kennedy Secondary School. Chair, Melanie Cole, called the meeting to order at 7:15 am. The following members were present: Kirby Anderson, Jeney Christensen, Melanie Cole, Kelli Graff, Missy Hermes and Stephen Vigesaa. Jeff Drake, Superintendent, and Renae Macheledt, Finance Director, were also present.

Missy Hermes, clerk, established a quorum. 

Stephen Vigesaa made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. The motion was seconded by Kelli Graff and carried unanimously. 

Reports were presented by: 

• Derek Abrahams – Activities

• Kirby Anderson – 544 Education Foundation, Finance

• Jeney Christensen – Buildings & Grounds

• Melanie Cole – Region I

• Kelli Graff – Staff Development, Wellness

• Missy Hermes – Curriculum Review, Policy

• Stephen Vigesaa – Activities, Meet & Confer

• Jeff Drake – Superintendent

General Consent Items

The following consent agenda was presented for approval: 

1. Minutes from the June 22, 2026 regular School Board meeting.

2. Bills and Treasurer’s Report - reviewed by Stephen Vigesaa & Missy Hermes:

3. Annual review of School Board Policies with no substantive changes: 

• Policy #506: Student Discipline 

• Policy #807: Health & Safety Policy 

• Policy #806: Crisis Management Policy 

4. Personnel

Certified Staff Hire:

• MaryBeth Peterson, computer technology teacher (.9503 FTE) @ Kennedy/MS, effective August 24, 2026

• Ciara Walls, social studies teacher (.3333 FTE) @ iQ Academy, effective August 24, 2026

Support Staff Hire: 

• Chelsee Fisher, special education paraprofessional @ Kennedy/MS, effective August 27, 2026

• Tracy Holdeman, head secretary @ Area Learning Center, effective August 17, 2026

• Elizabeth Hanstad, student services coordinator @ Kennedy/MS, effective August 24, 2026

• Brianna Gerhardson, special education paraprofessional @ Kennedy/MS effective August 27, 2026 

Support Staff Transfers: 

• Nick Grant, transfer from custodian-delivery operator @ Kennedy to evening custodian at McKinley, effective July 1, 2026. 

Support Staff Separations: 

•  Heather Johnston, special education paraprofessional @ Adams, effective June 4, 2026.

Individual Contracts effective 2026-2028  

• Technology Specialist, Susan Lewis

• Accountant, Jason Koehn

• Finance Officer, Marcy Clausen 

• Payroll & Benefits Manager, Sheri Smith 

• Food Service Director, Lance Wells 

• Assistant Director of Special Education, Julie Domino 

• Director of Community Education, Mary Matteson

• Human Resources Director, Amanda Griffin 

• Director of Special Education, Nancy Reard, including grade level increase from grade 11 to grade 13

• Director of Finance and Operations, Renae Macheledt, including grade level increase from grade 12 to 13

Kirby Anderson moved to approve the consent agenda. The motion was seconded by Jeney Christensen and carried unanimously.

Unfinished Business: 

1. Second Reading of New School Board Policy:

• Policy 524.5 - PERSONAL ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICES 

• Policy 534.5 - STUDENT SNACK GUIDELINES AND EXPECTATIONS 

Jeney Christensen moved to adopt the policies. The motion was seconded by Kelli Graff and carried unanimously.

New Business: 

1. Stephen Vigesaa moved to approve a wage adjustment for substitute staff positions for Certified Teacher substitutes to $184/day or $92/half day and Support Staff substitutes to $20.00/hour; effective 2026-2027 school year. The motion was seconded by Kelli Graff and carried unanimously. 

2. Jeney Christensen moved to approve a wage adjustment for non-affiliated support staff (Early Childhood Classroom Assistants, Noon Hour Supervisors, Student Support Aides) to $20.25/hour; effective 2026-2027 school year. The motion was seconded by Kelli Graff and carried unanimously. 

3. Missy Hermes moved to approve a wage adjustment for accompanist to $22.50/hour; effective 2026-2027 school year. The motion was seconded by Kelli Graff and carried unanimously. 

4. Jeney Christensen moved to approve the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Concurrent Enrollment Program Contract Between ISD 544 and the State of Minnesota; effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. The motion was seconded by Missy Hermes and carried unanimously.

5. Missy Hermes moved to approve Revisions to current School Board Policies:

• Policy #208: Develop, Adoption, and Implementation of Policies

• Policy #402: Disability Nondiscrimination Policy

• Policy #410: Family and Medical Leave Policy 

• Policy #423: Employee-Student Relationships

• Policy #455: Substitute employment procedure - non-licensed personnel 

• Policy #507.5: School Resource Officers 

            The motion was seconded by Stephen Vigesaa and carried unanimously.

The next regular School Board meeting will be held at 7:15 am Monday, July 27, 2026 in the Otter Community Room at the Kennedy Secondary School. 

Stephen Vigesaa made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 am. The motion was seconded by Kelli Graff and carried unanimously. 

A Strategic Planning Meeting followed the regular board meeting to discuss facilities, finance, policy and strategic planning, along with a policy committee meeting Kennedy School Otter Community Room

Details

Written by: Missy Hermes

Parent Category: School Board

Category: Meeting Minutes

Published: 22 June 2026

Hits: 558

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 

The regular meeting of the School Board of Independent School District No. 544 was held in the Otter Community Room, Kennedy Secondary School. Chair, Melanie Cole, called the meeting to order at 7:15 am. The following members were present: Kirby Anderson, Jeney Christensen, Melanie Cole and Missy Hermes. Kelli Graff and Stephen Vigesaa were absent. Jeff Drake, Superintendent, was also present.

Missy Hermes, clerk, established a quorum.

 Kirby Anderson made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. The motion was seconded by Jeney Christensen and carried unanimously. 

Melanie Cole offered the resolution of acknowledgements for the following and moved for its adoption:

Thank you to the following: 

• Eric and Amanda Magnusson for their generous donation of a 2005 Ford Taurus to the Automotive Program at Kennedy Secondary School

The motion was seconded by Jeney Christensen and upon roll call vote being taken, the following voted in favor thereof: Kirby Anderson, Jeney Christensen, Melanie Cole, and Missy Hermes; 

and the following voted against same: 

None. 

Whereupon said motion was declared duly passed and the resolution adopted.

Reports were presented by: 

• Jeff Drake, Superintendent

General Consent Items

The following consent agenda was presented for approval: 

1. Minutes from the regular School Board meeting held on June 8, 2026 

2. Bills (June 9 - 22, 2026)

3. Personnel

Certified Staff Hire:

• Aleisha Gardin, speech language pathologist @ Lincoln, effective August 24, 2026

• Brandon Lee, special education teacher @ Area Learning Center, effective August 24, 2026

Support Staff Hire: 

• Karin Tungseth, counseling office assistant/district facilities coordinator @ Kennedy School, effective August 17, 2026

• Maggie Tordusson, noon hour supervisor @ Lincoln, effective 09/01/2026

Support Staff Transfer: 

• Amanda Graves-Felbaum, transfer from noon hour supervisor to ECFE/preschool classroom assistant, effective 08/26/2026

Support Staff Separations:

• Abby Dlouhy, server/assistant cook @ Kennedy School, last day worked June 04, 2026

• Michelle Peasley, special education paraprofessional @ Lincoln, last day worked May 27, 2026

Coach Separations: 

• Derek Abrahams, Head Boys Tennis Coach, effective June 08, 2026 

• Devonie Smith, Head Girls Softball Coach, effective, June 18, 2026

Individual Contracts effective 2026-2027  

• Behavioral Specialist, Mara Pausch 

Individual Contracts effective 2026-2028  

• Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), Jenny Albertson 

• Facilities Supervisor, Doug Anderson 

• Mechanical Supervisor, Ed Shea 

• Secondary School Nurse, Jaine Sem 

• Technology Specialist, Jesse Thorstad 

• Technology Specialist, Rhonda Maack 

• HR/Payroll Specialist, Brenda Harrington 

Jeney Christensen moved to approve the consent agenda. The motion was seconded by Kirby Anderson and carried unanimously. 

Read more: June 22, 2026 board meeting minutes

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Written by: Missy Hermes

Parent Category: School Board

Category: Meeting Minutes

Published: 09 June 2026

Hits: 804

Speakers:

• Matt Shirkey – Administrative Accountability

• Jacob Yeske – Policy

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 

The regular meeting of the School Board of Independent School District No. 544 was held in the Otter Community Room at Kennedy Secondary School. Chair, Melanie Cole, called the meeting to order at 7:15 am. The following members were present: Kirby Anderson, Jeney Christensen, Melanie Cole, Kelli Graff, Missy Hermes and Stephen Vigesaa. Jeff Drake, Superintendent, and Renae Macheledt, Finance Director, were also present.

Missy Hermes, clerk, established a quorum.

Stephen Vigesaa made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. The motion was seconded by Jeney Christensen and carried unanimously. 

Resolution on Acknowledgements

• None

Reports were presented by: 

• Renae Macheledt – FY27 Budget

• Kirby Anderson – 544 Education Foundation, Finance

• Jeney Christensen – Buildings & Grounds

• Melanie Cole – Region I

• Kelli Graff – Staff Development, Wellness

• Missy Hermes – Curriculum Review, Policy

• Stephen Vigesaa – Activities, Meet & Confer

• Jeff Drake – Superintendent

Read more: June 8, 2026 board meeting minutes

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Written by: Missy Hermes

Parent Category: School Board

Category: Meeting Minutes

Published: 26 May 2026

Hits: 843

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 

The regular meeting of the School Board of Independent School District No. 544 was held in the Otter Community Room, Kennedy Secondary School. Chair, Melanie Cole, called the meeting to order at 7:15 am. The following members were present: Kirby Anderson, Jeney Christensen, Melanie Cole, Kelli Graff, Missy Hermes, and Stephen Vigesaa. Jeff Drake, Superintendent, was also present.

Missy Hermes, clerk, established a quorum.

Kirby Anderson made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. The motion was seconded  by Kelli Graff  and carried unanimously. 

Melanie Cole offered the resolution of acknowledgements for the following and moved for its adoption:

Thank you to the following: 

• Reliant Student Transport for their donation to MAAP STARS at the Area Learning Center for student expenses at the MAAP STARS State Conference

  Read more: May 26, 2026 board meeting minutes

Details

Written by: Missy Hermes

Parent Category: School Board

Category: Meeting Minutes

Published: 12 May 2026

Hits: 3174

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 

The regular meeting of the School Board of Independent School District No. 544 was held in the Community Education Room, Roosevelt Education Center. Chair, Melanie Cole, called the meeting to order at 5:15 pm. The following members were present: Kirby Anderson, Jeney Christensen, Melanie Cole, Kelli Graff, Missy Hermes, and Stephen Vigesaa. Jeff Drake, Superintendent, was also present.

Missy Hermes, clerk, established a quorum.

Stephen Vigesaa made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. The motion was seconded by Kelli Graff and carried unanimously. 

Melanie Cole offered the resolution of acknowledgements for the following and moved for its adoption:

Thank you to the following:

• Dorn & Co, Service Food, The Market, and American Legion Post 30 for their donations to MAAP STARS at the Area Learning Center for student expenses at the MAAP STARS State Conference

The motion was seconded by Jeney Christensen and upon roll call vote being taken, the following voted in favor thereof: Kirby Anderson, Jeney Christensen, Melanie Cole, Kelli Graff, Missy Hermes, and Stephen Vigesaa; 

and the following voted against same: 

None. 

Whereupon said motion was declared duly passed and the resolution adopted. 

Reports were presented by: 

• Amelia Lemar – Curriculum Director

• Kirby Anderson – 544 Education Foundation, Finance

• Jeney Christensen – Buildings & Grounds

• Melanie Cole – Region I

• Kelli Graff – Staff Development, Wellness

• Missy Hermes – Curriculum Review, Policy

• Stephen Vigesaa – Activities, Meet & Confer

• Jeff Drake – Superintendent

General Consent Items

The following consent agenda was presented for approval: 

1. Minutes from the April 27, 2026 regular School Board meeting

2. Bills and Treasurer’s Report - reviewed by Stephen Vigesaa and Kirby Anderson:

3. Personnel

Certified Staff Separations:

• Peter Phillips, social studies teacher @ Alternative Learning Center, effective 6/5/2026

Support Staff Hire: 

• Sandra Richards, special education paraprofessional @ Adams, effective 5/11/2026

Support Staff Transfer: 

• Amanda Graves-Fellbaum, temporary transfer from ECFE/preschool classroom assistant to noon hour supervisor, effective 5/22/2026

Support Staff Retirements: 

• Lisa Barker, head custodian @ McKinley, effective 06/15/2026     

Support Staff Separations: 

• Maggie Torgusson, noon hour supervisor @ Lincoln, effective 5/19/2026

• Theresa Herzberg, special education paraprofessional and Kennedy / MS, effective 5/7/2026

Jeney Christensen moved to approve the consent agenda. The motion was seconded by Kirby Anderson and carried unanimously. 

Unfinished Business: 

None

New Business: 

1. Stephen Vigesaa moved to approve the Agreement with Lakes Country Service Cooperative in the amount of $37,590 for Direct Mental Health Support to Students – effective 07/01/2026 - 6/30/2027. The motion was seconded by Missy Hermes and carried unanimously.

2. Missy Hermes moved to approve the Purchase of Service Agreement for the Transportation of Children & Youth in Foster Care Placement effective 7/01/2026. The motion was seconded by Jeney Christensen and carried unanimously.

3. Missy Hermes moved to approve the 2026-28 Contract Between ISD #544 and the Fergus Falls Food Service Association; effective 07/01/2026. The motion was seconded by Stephen Vigesaa and carried unanimously.

4. Jeney Christensen moved to approve the Three-year Renewal Quote for Frontline Absence Management and Applicant Tracking System in the amount of $51,955. The motion was seconded by Stephen Vigesaa and carried unanimously.

5. Stephen Vigesaa moved to approve the Reorganization of Custodial Staff.  Addition of new Custodial Supervisor @ Kennedy / Roosevelt  (1 FTE - grade 9) to be posted internally.  Reassignment of 2 Head Custodians (KSS & REC).  Addition of 1 custodian at Roosevelt.. The motion was seconded by Jeney Christensen and carried unanimously.

6. Missy Hermes moved to approve the Additional .6 FTE ASD Certified @ District wide effective 2026-27 School year. The motion was seconded by Kelli Graff and carried unanimously.

7. RESOLUTION PLACING A CONTINUING CONTRACT/TENURED TEACHER ON UNREQUESTED LEAVE OF ABSENCE UPON ACQUIESCENCE OF SUCH PLACEMENT

WHEREAS, the School Board of Independent District No.0544 adopted a resolution proposing placement of (TEACHER NAME) on unrequested leave of absence on April 13, 2026, on the grounds of financial limitations.

WHEREAS, said written notice of the proposed placement on unrequested leave of absence was mailed to (TEACHER NAME) by certified mail on  on April 14, 2026; and

WHEREAS, said written notice of the proposed placement on unrequested leave of absence contained a statement setting forth the reasons for the proposed placement as well as a statement that (he/she) was entitled to a hearing before the School Board provided (he/she) make a request in writing within fourteen days of receipt of said notice, and that if no hearing was requested within said fourteen day period it constituted acquiescence by (TEACHER NAME) to the School Board's proposed action, and

WHEREAS, no written request for a hearing was received by the School Board or Superintendent from (TEACHER NAME) as of April 30, 2026; and

WHEREAS, said failure to make written request for a hearing within fourteen days after receipt of notice of proposed placement on unrequested leave of absence constitutes acquiescence by (TEACHER NAME) to said placement on unrequested leave of absence;

BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, by the School Board of Independent District No.0544 that (TEACHER NAME) be and hereby is placed on unrequested leave of absence as a teacher of Independent District No.0544 on the grounds of financial limitations at the end of the 2025-26 school year effective June 30, 2026, in accordance with the District Master Agreement and pursuant to Minn. Stat. 122A.40, subd. 10.2 without pay or fringe benefits.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a notice of placement on unrequested leave, together with a copy of this resolution be forwarded to said teacher personally and that an affidavit of same be placed in (his/her) personnel file, together with a copy of the notice and resolution.

NOTICE OF PLACEMENT OF UNREQUESTED LEAVE OF ABSENCE UPON ACQUIESCENCE OF PLACEMENT

Dear Ms./Mr.,

You are hereby notified that at a meeting of the School Board of Independent District No. 0544 held on May 11, 2026, a resolution was adopted by majority roll call vote of the full membership of the School Board, placing you on unrequested leave of absence (- - FTE) as a teacher of Independent District No. 0544 on the grounds of financial limitations at the end of the 2025-26 school year effective June 30, 2026 according to the District Master Agreement and pursuant to Minn. Stat. 122A.40, subd. 10.2 without pay or fringe benefits.  

For the reinstatement process please refer to the District Master Agreement (Article 14 - Unrequested Leave of Absence).

A copy of the resolution duly adopted by the School Board is attached hereto for your information.

Please keep the HR Director advised in writing of your address at all times until your reinstatement rights have expired, so that the District may notify you of any available positions for which you may qualify.

Sincerely,

Missy Hermes, clerk

School Board of Independent District No. 544

1. Claire Gothier (.1667 FTE)

2. Laurie McNallie (.3333 FTE)

3. Mariah Minkkinen (.25 FTE)

4. Heather Schreder (.2916 FTE)

5. Ann Skoe (.3333 FTE)

6. Lisa Theisen (.4167 FTE)

Melanie Cole offered the resolution and moved for its adoption. The motion was seconded by Kirby Anderson and upon roll call vote being taken, the following voted in favor thereof: Kirby Anderson, Jeney Christensen, Melanie Cole, Kelli Graff, Missy Hermes, and Stephen Vigesaa;

and the following voted against same: 

None. 

Whereupon said motion was declared duly passed and the resolution adopted.

8. Stephen Vigesaa moved to approve the Art, Music and Spanish curriculum for the 2026/27 school year. The motion was seconded by Jeney Christensen and carried unanimously.

9. RESOLUTION ON THE RETIREMENT OF LISA BARKER

WHEREAS Lisa Barker began her employment with the Fergus Falls Public Schools in December 1990, and

WHEREAS Lisa has been a valued employee with the Fergus Falls Public Schools for the past 36 years, and

WHEREAS Lisa has been a dedicated Head Custodian for the district and,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Fergus Falls School Board to thank Lisa for her 36 years of service to the Fergus Falls Public Schools.

Jeney Christensen offered the resolution and moved for its adoption. The motion was seconded by Kelli Graff and upon roll call vote being taken, the following voted in favor thereof: Kirby Anderson, Jeney Christensen, Melanie Cole, Kelli Graff, Missy Hermes, and Stephen Vigesaa;

and the following voted against same: 

None. 

Whereupon said motion was declared duly passed and the resolution adopted.

The next regular School Board meeting will be held at 7:15 am Tuesday, May 26, 2026 in the Otter Community Room at the Kennedy Secondary School. Please note change to Tuesday due to the Memorial Day holiday, and in time and location for summer.

Stephen Vigesaa made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:02 pm. The motion was seconded by Kirby Anderson and carried unanimously. 

A work session followed the regular board meeting and discussed 2026 graduation and policy.