Board approves ISD 287 LTFM funding, several policies and declares vacancy as Paola Cole prepares to depart

The Richfield Public Schools board took several governance actions during its June 8 meeting.

Policy votes and consent items: After a brief consent-agenda approval, the board approved policy 614 (animals in schools and classrooms) on third reading and reviewed policy 616 (student publications) on second read. Administration said the publications policy was updated to align with federal law and MSBA guidance.

ISD 287 LTFM funding: Administration presented Intermediate School District (ISD) 287’s long-term facilities maintenance (LTFM) program and asked Richfield to authorize inclusion of the district’s proportionate share. The packet cited a district share of roughly $99,774 (the spoken transcript included a numeric inconsistency when read aloud). The board approved the resolution for ISD 287’s LTFM budget by roll-call-style assent.

Minnesota State High School League: The board voted to continue RHS membership in the Minnesota State High School League for 2026–27; administration noted fees (a $100 base fee, $160 per activity and $2.25 per student) and delegated league administration to the activities director. The board designated a board liaison to the league.

Donation acceptance: The board accepted an anonymous $719.15 donation to the RHS baseball team to fund nets at Lindale Fields.

Board vacancy: The board announced that Paola Cole will move out of district later this summer; under state law her residency will disqualify her from continued service and the board declared a vacancy effective Aug. 1, 2026. Administration outlined options for filling the seat (appointment via application/interview, inviting a former member, or appointing the runner-up from the last election) and said the board will revisit process decisions at future meetings.

The board closed the public session to enter a private closed session on labor-negotiation strategy under Minnesota Statute 13D.03.