At its last regular meeting of the 2025-2026 school year, the School Board discussed the November 4th ballot initiative to increase funds for all public schools in Minnesota, the final design of the resurfaced tennis/pickleball courts, approved contracts, discussed the planning of the future facility projects, and celebrated the end of Mr. Dahlheimer's tenure as Superintendent.
Approval of Food Service Contract for 2026-2027
The school board reviewed and renewed the food service contract with Southwest Food Excellence (SFE) for another year, with Board Clerk Amy Weisser (also a member of the school wellness committee): "I think everyone on the [wellness committee] is overall happy with the improvements... and Eric [Sellman, General Manager/Head Cook] is doing a really good job."
Increasing Distributions from the Permanent Fund on the November Ballot
Board Treasurer Jeff Kalpin informed the Board about an important issue that all voters will have on their November 4th ballot - the Permanent Fund. Board Treasurer Kalpin expanded on this important ballot initiative: "For 165 years, Minnesota has had trust land that monies go to the public schools in Minnesota...basically the money earned on dividends and interest is divvied up among the Districts. It's not for higher taxes, but it has to be voted on to increase. What's that mean for Osakis? If it goes through, we could get up to $84,000 from the fund. This has been in the works for two years and this is the recommendation from the bipartisan legislative committee to put this on the ballot. I think we need to get information out on this because it is a good deal."
As of current estimates, the school district will receive $63,572 in 2025-2026 from the Permanent Fund. If this ballot initiative passes, the school district could receive an additional $24,000. Below is a summary of the issue from the Minnesota School Boards Association, you can click on it to hit a page with more detail:
There will also be local school board races on the ballot - candidates interesting in filing for one of the three school board positions available must do so between July 14th and July 28th in the District Office - the cost to file is $2.
Update on School Facilities Projects
Board Vice Chair Corey Goodwin discussed the current design process for the upcoming school improvements related to the approved referendum: "It is coming along nicely, they'll be ready for the bid process in December, so that keeps us on schedule. Meetings are going well, they are taking a lot of input from us.
Elementary Principal Shad Schmidt said: Bray (the architectural and design firm) has been awesome, they listen well and they respond quickly."
Board Chair Michael Collins overviewed the timeline for the ongoing improvements to the tennis courts: "The tennis court resurfacing will be a little bit of a process...with the new surface curing for 30 days and then being repainted and curing for another 7 days. The current courts are red and silver and the administration is recommending the traditional green and blue colors because the existing coloration is making it hard to see the lines."
Below is an example of what the courts will look like:
This design will allow for portable pickleball nets that will allow for regulation pickleball nets, and double the amount of pickleball courts for the community to use.
Updates from the Administration
In the Elementary Report, Principal Shad Schmidt discussed the approval from Ampact/Americorp of providing supplementary tutoring in elementary reading/math with the organization paying for one full time tutor and a part time tutor at the school for the upcoming school year.
In the High School Report, Principal Brad Hoffarth wrapped up many end of school year summaries on the students and programs and highlighted that the mental health team was providing support over the summer to students thanks to a grant they received from the Douglas County Mental Health Collaborative.
In the Activities Director's Report, Pat Kalpin, celebrated the success the Track and Field team experienced in their MSHSL post season:
The boys team took runner-up for the 2nd straight year at the Class A State Track and Field Meet.
Andrew Jones successfully defended his state title in the 300 Hurdles - setting a new Class A State Record in the event.
The following student athletes participated at the Class A State Track and Field Meet:
Girls 4x100m - Bella Weisser, Kaelyn Walker, Lillian Tenhoff, Harlie Schwope, Ally Boyer. Sophia Doiron
Boys 1600m - Chase Johanson
Girls Discus - Addie Kranz
The following student athletes placed at the Class A State Track and Field Meet:
Boys 4x100m - 2nd Place, and broke the previous State Class A Record - Trenton VanNyhuis, Andrew Jones, Tyler Wolbeck, Isaac Chisolm; Keaton Lien and Kegan Thole
Boys 4x200m - 2nd Place, and broke the previous State Class A Record - Trenton VanNyhuis, Andrew Jones, Tyler Wolbeck, Isaac Chisolm; Keaton Lien and Kegan Thole
Boys Triple Jump - 2nd Place - Trenton VanNyhuis
Boys Long Jump - 4th Place - Trenton VanNyhuis; 6th Place - Andrew Jones
Girls 100m Hurdles - 9th Place - Harlie Schwope
Girls Pole Vault - 2nd Place - Anne Marie Ruegemer; 6th Place - Harlie Schwope
Head Coach, Lee VanNyhuis was named Section 6A Coach of the Year; Assistant Coach Justin Dahlheimer was named Section 6A Assistant Coach of the Year.
Send-Off for Mr. Dahlheimer
Board Chair Dr. Michael Collins made the following remarks regarding Superintendent Justin Dahlheimer's years at Osakis Public School:
" The School Board extends its deepest appreciation to Mr. Dahlheimer for his three years of exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to our district as Superintendent, and for his many years of coaching where he mentored athletes as much as he coached them. His tireless work ethic, integrity, and countless hours invested--far beyond what was expected--have strengthened our schools in lasting ways. Through his financial expertise, the district was able to expand opportunities for students while also growing our fund balance, ensuring long-term stability. His leadership was instrumental in the successful passage of our building bond referendum, a milestone that will benefit generations to come. We are grateful for his service and for the strong, future-focused position in which he leaves our district. We wish him the best in his next professional chapter."
The next school board meeting will be on June 29th at 5:30pm to discuss and approve the 2026-2027 Preliminary Budget and 10-year Long-Term Facilities Maintenance Plan.
The next regular meeting of the school board will be on July 15th at 5:30pm.