Board approves minutes, a tenure contract and capital purchases; schedules work session and moves into closed session on bargaining

The Brainerd Public Schools Board approved several routine and action items and set follow‑up work for budget and policy matters.

After a motion to approve the agenda as amended passed, the board approved minutes from Jan. 12 through Feb. 2. Director Donnellinger moved (second Director Brecken) to approve the consent calendar with three items removed for separate action.

A late addition to new business — a recommendation to issue a 2025–26 contract and grant tenure to Sarah Vang — was moved by Director Ward, seconded by Director Donnellinger, and approved by roll‑call vote.

The board approved procurement for Forest View curtain replacement and boiler upgrades after staff explained the equipment is more than 20 years old and failing and that the expenditures will be paid from LTFM (local facilities) funds. A vote was held after discussion of procurement through Sourcewell and a board member noted an abstention recorded where Sourcewell was the vendor.

Earlier in the meeting, Director Ward attempted to keep the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative (PBEC) items on the regular agenda and urged moving forward on a legislative effort he said could recover $1,000,000 for the general fund; that motion failed for lack of a second. The board later scheduled a Monday work session (08:30–10:30) primarily to review the PBEC and to consider adding discussion of pursuing legislative approval for a $1,000,000 transfer into the general fund.

The board also heard a business services update noting the building construction fund balance and a projected unassigned deficit of about $1,900,000 for 2026–27; staff said a budget revision will be presented next month.

Finally, the board voted to move into closed session to discuss collective bargaining strategy with legal counsel, citing ongoing mediation with the teachers’ and educational assistants’ unions and significant remaining differences on finances and benefits.

Outcome summary: agenda approval (passed); motion to keep PBEC on the regular agenda (failed for lack of second); minutes approved (passed); consent calendar approved with removals (passed); tenure contract for Sarah Vang approved (passed); Forest View curtain/boiler purchases approved (passed; at least one abstention noted); motion to enter closed session approved (passed).