February 9, 2026 at 12:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting
| Regular Board | |
| Attendance Taken on 2/9/2026 at 11:59 AM | |
| Lisa Brass | Present |
| Matt Dalrymple | Present |
| Kyle Fornoff | Present |
| Becky Jobman | Present |
| Ryan Sukraw | Present |
| Kelly Terrell | Present |
| Present: 6, Absent: 0 | |
|
Comments:
Dr. Allison Jonas, Superintendent Seth Ryker, Jr/Sr High Principal Josi Floyd, Elementary Principal Tomye McKenna, SPED Director & Assistant Elementary Principal Maggie Tiller, Director of Teaching & Learning Becky Vang, Business Manager |
|
| Regular Board | |
| Attendance Taken on 2/9/2026 at 12:00 PM | |
| Lisa Brass | Present |
| Matt Dalrymple | Present |
| Kyle Fornoff | Present |
| Becky Jobman | Present |
| Ryan Sukraw | Present |
| Kelly Terrell | Present |
| Present: 6, Absent: 0 | |
|
Comments:
Dr. Allison Jonas, Superintendent Seth Ryker, Jr/Sr High Principal Josi Floyd, Elementary Principal Tomye McKenna, SPED Director & Assistant Elementary Principal Maggie Tiller, Director of Teaching & Learning Becky Vang, Business Manager |
|
| Minutes | |
|---|---|
|
1. Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance
Rationale:
Mission Statement: A copy of the open meetings law is posted on the wall of the Board Room and is available to the public. |
|
|
2. Approve the Agenda
Rationale:
The Board reserves the right to rearrange the order of items as needed.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Attachments:
()
Links:
|
|
|
3. Recognition of Visitors
|
|
|
3.1. Celebration of Excellence
Rationale:
Today's presentation is by our 5th & 6th Grade Math Olympiad Team:
Seth Wahlgren (6th)
Mckenna Reiman (6th)
Lynzy Ostergard (6th)
Mathyis Studnicka (5th)
Presley Saylor (5th)
Discussion:
Ms. Klumpe introduced the Math Olympiad team who went over the program and presented a math problem and analysis to the board.
|
|
|
3.2. Public Participation
Rationale:
Board Policy 2009 - Opportunity for Public Expression. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO SPEAK: This is the portion of the meeting when members of the public may speak to the board about matters of public concern.
Discussion:
No public participation.
Links:
|
|
|
4. Action Items
|
|
|
4.1. Consent Agenda
Rationale:
1. Approval of Previous Minutes 2. Approval of the Treasurer's Report 3. Approval of the Warrants / Bills a. Petty Cash b. Student Activity c. Hot Lunch d. Bank Statement e. Summary of Accounts and Receipts f. Monthly Expenditure Report g. Check Journal 4. Excuse Absent Board Members
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
|
|
|
4.2. Personnel
|
|
|
4.2.1. Consider the resignation of certificated staff.
Rationale:
The following retirements have been received:
The following resignations have been received:
Discussion:
Dr. Jonas indicated there were no retirements or resignations to consider at this time.
Links:
|
|
|
4.2.2. Consider approval of contract(s) for certificated staff.
Rationale:
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Two staff contracts were presented to the board of education.
Links:
|
|
|
4.3. Discuss and consider approval of the Negotiated Agreement with Gothenburg Education Association for the 2026-2027 school year.
Rationale:
A tentative agreement was reached through the negotiation process. The Gothenburg Education Association has ratified the proposed agreement.
The proposed agreement recommends a $450 increase to the base and an additional step to the MA+27 and MA+36 columns. The projected overall increase in total compensation is 3.34%. Total compensation includes applicable health insurance through the Educators Health Alliance, which saw rates increase by approximately 7.25% from 2025-2026 rates. Overall, our district will spend approximately $225,000 more on wages for instructional staff next year. Our goal is to remain as close to 3% as possible while still remaining competitive with districts in our array with regards to both recruitment and retention. This year's ratified agreement accomplishes this goal. A big thanks to the negotiations team for their work on this matter.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
President Fornoff expressed appreciation to the GEA Negotiations Team for their work throughout the process and noted his gratitude for the district’s continued ability to recruit and retain high-quality staff. He reminded the Board that approximately 87% of the district’s overall budget is allocated to salaries and benefits, emphasizing the importance of remaining as close to a 3% increase as possible within current legislative guidelines.
Attachments:
()
|
|
|
4.4. Discuss and consider approval of administrative contracts for the 2026-2027 school year.
Rationale:
The Gothenburg administrative team is an outstanding professional group of leaders. District #20 will continue to benefit from their leadership. The Personnel Committee is proposing a compensation package for administrative staff that reflects an overall increase in total compensation of 3.34% for administrative staff. Administrative compensation is based upon comparability with schools of similar size and who are located within a similar geographic area. Total compensation used in the comparison includes applicable health insurance through the Educators Health Alliance which saw rates increase 7.25% from this year's rates.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
The Board of Education expressed appreciation to the administrative team for their dedicated work, recognizing the many hours contributed outside of the regular school day and commending them on a job well done.
|
|
|
4.5. Discuss and consider a contract for the Superintendent from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028.
Rationale:
The Superintendent currently has a two-year contract that expires on June 30, 2027. At this time, the board will discuss and consider a motion to update the contract as presented.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
The Board of Education expressed appreciation to Dr. Jonas for her leadership and continued commitment to the district. President Fornoff noted that the Personnel Committee reviews the total compensation package when making comparisons across the array and remains committed to maintaining a competitive position within current legislative guidelines.
Links:
|
|
|
4.6. Impact Center Updates
Rationale:
The Impact Center Facilities Agency met on Monday, January 26, for its regularly scheduled meeting. Two items from that meeting require follow-up action by the Gothenburg Board of Education:
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
President Fornoff reported that he and Dr. Jonas both serve on the Interlocal Facilities Agency Board. He shared that there was significant interest in the recently vacant board member position and noted that several applicants would have been strong additions. Dr. Jonas explained that the proposed bylaw revision adjusts the reporting deadline to August, aligning it more appropriately with year-end fiscal and operational practices. Dr. Jonas also clarified that the Interlocal Facilities Agency serves as the unified governing body to ensure balanced representation among interlocal partners. This structure provides for equitable community representation on the Impact Center Board of Directors and ensures that curriculum-related reporting and decision-making reflect shared oversight among participating entities.
Links:
|
|
|
5. Informational Items
|
|
|
5.1. Multicultural Education Report
Rationale:
Mrs. Josie Floyd & Mr. Seth Ryker have prepared their annual Multicultural Education Reports.
Discussion:
Mrs. Floyd and Mr. Ryker presented their multicultural summaries linked in the board agenda.
Links:
|
|
|
5.2. Review and discuss Draft 1 of the 2026-2027 school calendar.
Rationale:
All teachers were given an opportunity to provide feedback on this proposed calendar. In addition, there are a few items on here that have been thoughtfully considered in response to teacher feedback.
As a first reading, there is no action needed. There is no "perfect solution" to a calendar, but I would encourage any parents who have feedback to please reach out to me directly.
Discussion:
Dr. Jonas reviewed the process for developing the school calendar and shared a strong preference from teachers for moving the start date to August 19 while maintaining the current structure of a two-week Christmas break and one-week spring break. The proposed calendar begins on August 19 and concludes on May 26, with two additional days built into the schedule. Dr. Jonas reminded the Board that if those days are not utilized, the end date would be adjusted earlier; if additional days are needed, the end date would be extended to ensure fulfillment of the contracted 185 teacher contract days. She noted that the proposed calendar maintains the same number of student contact days and staff contract days as the 2025-2026 calendar. Dr. Jonas encouraged parents with feedback to contact her directly, as the calendar remains in draft form until the March meeting.
Attachments:
()
|
|
|
6. Reports
|
|
|
6.1. Board of Education Reports
Rationale:
Committee Reports (Chair in bold)
Discussion:
Personnel Committee - Mr. Fornoff noted that the committee had completed instructional staff, admin, and superintendent contracts. The committee will meet soon to go over non-instructional staff raises.
Transportation and Facilities - Mr. Dalrymple highlighted the work that has taken place with upcoming capital improvement projects as well as vehicle replacement schedule for this summer. The committee has chosen to engage with Wilkins Group as an architectural firm and looks forward to the opportunity to working with them. The committee sent out an RFP for Architectural firms and had two great options ultimately selecting Wilkins Group for their proximity and customer service they provide. Finance - Mrs. Jobman highlighted that expenditures and revenue are on track for this time of year with state aid and apportionment payments arriving on time and as expected. Committee on American Civics - Mrs. Terrell confirmed they had not met yet. Policy Review - Mrs. Brass confirmed they had not met yet.
Attachments:
()
|
|
|
6.2. Administrative Reports
Rationale:
1. Topic Specific Administrative Reports
2. General Administrative Reports a. Elementary (Mrs. Floyd) b. High School (Mr. Ryker) c. Activities (Mr. Mroczek) d. Special Populations (Mrs. McKenna) e. Teaching and Learning (Mrs. Tiller) f. Superintendent (Dr. Jonas)
Discussion:
See attached reports.
|
|
|
7. Next Meeting
Rationale:
Last Month: Discussion to move from Monday, March 9th (Spring Break) to the THIRD Monday, March 16th.
Swede Activities: No Activities
Discussion:
The next meeting is scheduled for the third Monday, March 16th at 5:00 PM.
|
|
|
8. Adjournment
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
|
