Thanks to Lehner Law Office, Pace Automotive, and Minnesota Locks for their support.
The ISD 197 School Board approved next year’s budget and heard about a land acknowledgement plaque and mural at the high school.
Land Acknowledgement Plaque & Mural
Two Rivers rising seniors Aubrey McMahon and Clara Rebhan shared details about a land acknowledgement plaque and mural that’s coming to the entryway of Two Rivers High School.
- What: The mural depicts the nearby confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers and includes a land acknowledgement recognizing the Dakota people. The plaque explain the school’s name change, acknowledging the history of Henry Sibley and why Two Rivers was chosen as the new name.
- Why: “This process was an opportunity for rebirth and unity,” the proposed language for the plaque reads in part. “The image of two rivers merging symbolizes our unity, the coming together of our past and future, and a commitment to moving forward with respect and understanding. This plaque, dedicated in 2026, is a symbol of our commitment to education as well as our pride in learning, evolving, and gracefully moving with the current of time.”
- Who: Both the mural and plaque have been a student-led effort, with input from multiple groups. The Native Student Curriculum Advocates (NSCA) group, co-chaired by McMahon and Rebhan, has led the way.
- Funding: Costs for the mural and plaque come from state American Indian funds.
- Timing: The mural is currently being painted by students and the plaque is being finalized.
- Next: The students are exploring additional projects, including a native medicine garden, prairie restoration, more education about native experience, and repealing 1863 federal legislation making it illegal for Dakota people to live in Minnesota that’s obsolete but still in federal law.
Performance Pay & Coaching
District staff gave an update on the Alternative Teacher Professional Pay System (ATPPS). This program includes peer coaching and evaluation, new teacher mentoring, team collaboration, and performance pay and the report is a state requirement.
- Colleague observation: Allowing teachers to observe a colleague and participate in a coaching conversation instead of a traditional observation continues to be a popular and effective approach.
- Bonus pay: 100% of teachers earned their $1,300 bonus for completing their observations, the first time it’s hit 100%. 74% of teachers earned a $100 bonus for following their growth plan and meeting a student learning goal. 53% of teachers earned a $100 bonus for meeting a site goal set for specific schools.
Recognitions
Superintendent Peter Olson-Skog recognized the track and field team for sending 19 students to state. The team broke seven school records, one of which stood for 49 years.
Other Items on the Agenda
- Budget: After hearing a full presentation on the 2026-2027 budget at the last meeting, the school board unanimously approved the budget.
- Transfer: Thanks to approval from the state legislature, the board approved a one-time transfer of $4.5 million from the building construction fund to the operating capital fund. This is money leftover after an HVAC project came in under budget and the transfer gives the district flexibility to offset some general fund expenses.
- Contracts: The school board unanimously approved contracts for paraprofessionals, mechanics, transportation, building and grounds, and directors.
- Closed session: The school board had a closed session to discuss the superintendent evaluation.
Engage
- More: Agendas and minutes for ISD 197 School Board meetings are available online.
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