REGULAR MEETING Minutes
Board of Education
January 20, 2026
Ind. School District 739
Kimball, MN
Vice Chair E. Helgeson opened the meeting at 6:00 with members Gallagher, Mancini, Lindberg, and Libbesmeier in attendance. Member K. Helgeson was present virtually. The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all.
Eric Helgeson was elected as School Board Chair. Kurt Helgeson was elected as School Board Vice-Chair. Mike Gallagher was elected as School Board Clerk. Allan Mancini was elected as School Board Treasurer.
Motion by Gallagher, seconded by Lindberg to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried 6-0 via roll call vote.
Motion by Lindberg, seconded by Libbesmeier, to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion Carried 6-0 via roll call vote. The Consent Agenda included:
Approve minutes from the December 15, 2025 Regular meeting
•Approval of Bills
•Treasurer’s and Quarterly Reports
•Approve hiring Emily Fischer, Executive Assistant/Finance Assistant, beginning January 5, 2026
•Approve hiring Abigail Truenow, Cubs Club Paraprofessional, Category 3, Step 3 of the ESP Contract, effective January 5, 2026
•Approve hiring Bethany Van Lith, Elementary Paraprofessional, Category 3, Step 3 of the ESP Contract, effective January 5, 2026
•Accept Retirement from Barry Strand, High School Teacher
•Resolution Accepting Donations
Mrs. Bonnifield reported the following:
•Snow Days activities for this week
•Staffing Update
•Professional Development Update
•Positive PASS survey results (Social Emotional Health Survey)
•Paraprofessional Recognition Week
Mr. Timmerman reported the following:
•Paraprofessional Recognition Week
•One Book One School Initiative
•Achievement and Integration Grant Info
•Standards-Based Report Cards for students in Grades K-3 information
Mr. Widvey reported the following:
•ESP Contract Update
•EMK MOU Update
Motion by K. Helgeson, seconded by Gallagher to approve Phased Retirement Request for Patty Markwardt contingent on the board receiving amended letter stating a start date of July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027. Motion carried 6-0 via roll call vote.
Motion by Lindberg, seconded by Gallagher to approve Seniority Listing for Teachers for 2025-2026 School Year. Motion carried 6-0 via roll call vote.
Motion by Libbesmeier, seconded by Mancini to approve the Pay Equity Report. Motion carried 6-0 via roll call vote.
Next meeting dates: Benton Stearns Education District Board Meeting: 1/21
School Board Meeting: 2/19 at 6:00 pm
Motion by K. Helgeson, seconded by Mancini to adjourn: 6:44 pm
Mike Gallagher, Clerk
(published in the Tri-County News, wednesday, february 19, 2026)
Legal Notice
Maine Prairie Township
Change of Meeting Date
Notice is hereby given that the Maine Prairie Town Board will meet on March 3, 2026 at 7:00 pm at the Maine Prairie Township Hall, 7551 Dellwood Road, Kimball, MN. The reason for the change of meeting is due to the Township Election and Annual Meeting to be held on March 10, 2026.
Patty Nelson, Clerk/Treasurer
Maine Prairie Township
(published in the Tri-County News, wednesdays February 19 and 26, 2026)