Board Minutes

USD 426 Board of Education Regular Meeting

Monday, January 13, 2025

BOE Meeting - 12:00 P.M.

Pike Valley Board Office

Unapproved Board Minutes

The regular Board of Education meeting for USD 426 began at 12:01 p.m. Vice-President Troy Isaacson called the meeting to order. Roll call was answered by Board Members Sharon Segerhammar, Troy Isaacson, John Garman, Superintendent Steve Joonas, Troy Carlgren, Brandi Bray, Mason Runft Principal Mike Gritten, and Principal Jeremy Miller. Board President Bryan Rickard arrived at a later time. 

Sharon Segerhammar moved, seconded by Brandi Bray to adopt the agenda and the additions/corrections as listed below. Motion passed 6-0.

New Business:
E. Approve Calendar Change
F. Extension of Officers

Troy Carlgren moved, seconded by Brandi Bray to approve consent agenda. Motion passed 6-0.   

The following is approved:  

  1. Approve Minutes of December 9th Regular Meeting 

  2. Approve Donations

  3. Approve Financial Reports and Payment of Bills

Derek Bruna, with Bruna Auditing Services, presented the findings of the 2023-2024 Fiscal Year Financial Audit.

Mrs. Gritten and 7th and 8th grade students presented their Future City project. The team will be competing in Topeka on January 18th. 

Bryan Rickard entered the meeting at 12:28 p.m.

Vice-President Troy Isaacson turned the meeting over to President Bryan Rickard.

Troy Isaacson moved, seconded by Sharon Segerhammar to have a 45-minute recess. Motion passed 7-0. The meeting recessed at 12:36 p.m and returned to open session at 1:18.

Sharon Segerhammar moved, seconded by John Garman to enter executive session at 1:18 p.m. for thirty minutes to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel; to protect the privacy interests of an identifiable individual. Motion passed 7-0. Entering into executive session were Board members, Superintendent Steve Joonas and Principal Mike Gritten. Principal Jeremy Miller entered executive session at 1:20 p.m.. Brandi Bray left executive session at 1:36 p.m. The Board returned to open session at 1:48 p.m. 

John Garman moved, seconded by Mason Runft to enter executive session at 1:48 p.m. for five minutes to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel; to protect the privacy interests of an identifiable individual. Motion passed 6-0. Entering into executive session were Board members, Superintendent Steve Joonas, and Principals Mike Gritten and Jeremy Miller. The Board returned to open session at 1:53 p.m. 

Troy Isaacson moved, seconded by Troy Carlgren to enter executive session at 1:53 p.m. for five minutes to discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative or representatives of the body or agency. Motion passed 6-0. Entering into executive session were Board members, Superintendent Steve Joonas, and Principals Mike Gritten and Jeremy Miller. The Board returned to open session at 1:58 p.m.

Sharon Segerhammar moved, seconded by Troy Isaacson to enter executive session at 1:58 p.m. for five minutes to discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative or representatives of the body or agency. Motion passed 6-0. Entering into executive session were Board members, Superintendent Steve Joonas, and Principals Mike Gritten and Jeremy Miller. The Board returned to open session at 2:03 p.m.

John Garman moved, seconded by Troy Isaacson to enter executive session at 2:03 p.m. for five minutes to discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative or representatives of the body or agency. Motion passed 6-0. Entering into executive session were Board members, Superintendent Steve Joonas, and Principals Mike Gritten and Jeremy Miller. The Board returned to open session at 2:08 p.m.

John Garman moved, seconded by Troy Isaacson to approve the agreement for 2025-26 school year with Bruna Auditing Services as presented.  Motion passed 6-0.

Troy Carlgren moved, seconded by Sharon Segerhammar to extend the JR/SR High Principal contract for Principal Jeremy Miller for two years. Motion passed 6-0.

Troy Isaacson moved, seconded by John Garman to approve the bank fund transfers for appropriate expenses as presented. Motion passed 6-0.

Sharon Segerhammar moved, seconded by Mason Runft to approve the calendar change on January 29th, 2025 for an early-dismissal as presented. Motion passed 6-0.

Brent Melby had questions and concerns about Board responsibilities and expectations regarding coaches.

Mr. Gritten presented the Elementary Principal’s report.

Mr. Miller presented the Jr/Sr High School Principal’s report.

Mr. Joonas presented the Superintendent’s report which included the following items: Elementary School plumbing, Roof Project completion in Courtland, Needs Assessment; community football meetings scheduled in the spring; Addiction and Suicide meeting will be on January 20th at 6:00 p.m. taking place at TAGs restaurant in Scandia.

Troy Carlgren moved, seconded by Sharon Segerhammar to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed 6-0. 

The meeting adjournment time was 2:48 p.m. Those in attendance at the January 13, 2025 Board of Education meeting were the above Board members, Superintendent Steve Joonas, Principal Jeremy Miller, Principal Mike Gritten, Brent Melby, Leigh Gritten, Crystal Lieb, Ren Langston, Paige Garst, Bentley Melby, Lucy Calkins, Kyra Evert, Tianna Reeves, Emberlyn Simon, Kaylee Wiezorek, Lauren Strnad, Sam Johnson, Alessandro Mejias, Caleb Woodard, Nathan Jaimes, Joshuah Budreau, and Business Manager/Board Clerk Morgan Barnhart.

_____________________________________________________________

Attest:  Board Clerk


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