Thanks to Zak’s Auto Service for their support.
In addition to hearing reports from the principals of Friendly Hills and Somerset, the school board honored supportive local businesses, ambitious young pilots, and fans of pretzel buns at Monday’s meeting.
Recognitions
- Sabrina Kintz and Jeff Wolfer, who head up ISD 197’s nutrition program, were honored for their work and especially for being responsive to student feedback. Connor Millibrand, an elementary student, recently started a petition to get pretzel buns added to school menus. After the petition got hundreds of signatures and attention from district administration, Kintz and Wolfer got to work sourcing pretzel buns, which are now a standard option on cheeseburger days. They’ve also used surveys, focus groups, and taste tests in the past to ensure students have nutritious options they like to eat.
- Colton Hammil, a student at Two Rivers, was honored for his achievement in aeronautics. He already has his pilot’s license, recently participated in a student panel at the Minnesota Aerospace State Hub, and has landed an internship in the field. His involvement highlights Two Rivers’ commitment to career and technical education opportunities. Hammil was thankful to his teachers for helping him access these opportunities, and to his family for sparking his interest in aerospace.
- Frank Hanzal, owner of CBL Floors, and member of the South Robert Street Business Association, was honored for his work creating a new class geared toward helping students understand and thrive in the world of work. This five-week course for eighth-graders includes guest speakers from employers, guides to identifying and building skills, and the ins and outs of applying, interviewing, and saving money. Hanzal was especially thankful to the teachers and administrators who helped him make the class a reality.
Friendly Hills Site Report
Principal Chris Hiti and Associate Administrator Kira Fischler provided a report on Friendly Hills Middle School.
- They highlighted the school’s philosophy: One team. Every student. They place a strong emphasis on every employee, not just teachers, interacting with and building relationships with students.
- They also prioritize making learning fun, interactive, and engaging. This includes teachers dressing up to make lessons fun, instruction in a variety of styles and settings, and lots of chances to connect learning to the real world through field trips, outside speakers, and pen pal opportunities.
Somerset Site Report
Principal Amy Kujawski provided a report on Somerset Elementary School.
- This is Kujawski’s first year as Somerset’s principal, and only her second year working in an elementary setting, with most of her experience coming at middle schools. She had high praise for her teachers’ abilities to meet younger learners where they are.
- Kujawski highlighted the school’s approach to a new phonics-based reading curriculum that is showing great results already, with over 90% of students proficient on a recent standardized test.
Other Items on the Agenda
- Strategic plan: Cari Jo Drewitz, director of curriculum, instruction, and assessment, presented the board with a resolution to adopt their Strategic Implementation Plan for 2026-2027. This plan was introduced at the October 26 meeting, and passed unanimously.
- Academic calendar: Drewitz also presented academic calendars for the next two years for approval. These calendars were also introduced at the October 26 meeting, and both were approved unanimously.
- Election results: The board took the formal step of canvassing the school board election results, meaning they officially accept the numbers reported to them for the school board election and Capital Improvements levy. Incumbents Sarah Larsen, John Vaupel, and Marcus Hill won reelection, and the Capital Improvements levy passed.
Engage
- More: Agendas and minutes for ISD 197 School Board meetings are available online.
- Watch: You can watch the meeting online. Superintendent Peter Olson Skog and Board Member Marcus Hill gave a video recap of the meeting.
We make local news freely available, but it’s not free. Join now to support local news and keep your community informed.
