STRIDE Academy Board of Directors

Board Attendance:

Stephen Schueller; Treasurer
Andy Lyman; Vice Chair
Tina Barak; Chair
Pamela Holubetz; Director
Carie Essig; Director
Kimberly Carlson; Secretary
Erica Louis; Director

Administrative Attendance:

Eric Skanson; Executive Director
Nathan Schwieters; Director of Operations
Heather Ebnet; Middle School Principal

Angie Lichy; Elementary Principal
Erin Tronbak; Curriculum/SVA
Tanner Bechtold; Technology Director
Niki Krier; Director of Special Education
Kate Hill; Human Resources Director

Organizational Meeting Agenda

Call to Order

Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance

Mission Statement

STRIDE Academy nurtures individuals while fostering leadership and empowering students to attain their highest potential in a community-centered environment.

Conflict of Interest Declaration

No member of the Board of Directors, employee, officer, or agent shall participate in selecting, awarding, or administering a contract if a conflict of interest exists.

Approval of Agenda
Consent Agenda

A consent agenda is a streamlined approach to handling routine matters in meetings, allowing multiple items to be approved together without discussion or debate. Any Board member may request that an item be removed from the Consent Agenda for separate consideration prior to the vote.

Approval of September 17, 2026 Board Meeting Minutes
Personnel Recommendations

Recommended Approval of Employment

9/24: Fathi Mohamed; Elementary SPED Para
10/6: Faduma Warsame; Middle School SPED Para
10/8: Khader Ogle; Middle School SPED Para
10/19: Deb Jokela, SPED Coordinator

Recommended Acceptance of Resignations

10/1: Stephanie Gonzales; ML Para
10/2: Mohamed Ahmed; SPED Para
10/12: Rachel Smilovici; SPED Teacher
10/13: Jaweriya Abdi; SPED Para

Recommendation Involuntary Reductions

10/14: Holly Schultz; 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher
10/14: Trevor Sawyer; MS Physical Education Teacher
10/14: Sarah Behrend; Building Substitute Teacher
10/14: Val Dahl; 1st Grade Teacher
10/14: Chris Lichy; Transportation Coordinator

Financials

September Financial Report
September Supplemental Information

Public Comment

Each person addressing the council shall give their name for the record. Each person making a public comment is limited to three minutes. Comments should be kept courteous and professional and directed to the board. After the speaker makes their statement, they will be seated without further comment, dialogue, or debate.

Reports

Executive Director
Cabinet Reports

Director of Operations: Nathan Schwieters
Director of Special Education, Niki Krier

Standing Committee Reports

Academic Excellence
Governance; 10/20/26
Finance; 10/21/26

Unfinished Business

Policy Updates – Second Reading

Policy 709 – Student Transportation Safety
Updates school bus definitions and first-aid kit requirements for Type III vehicles. STRIDE-specific terminology and dates must be added.
Policy 721 – Procurement Policy
Updates state and federal purchasing requirements and adds employee purchasing limits, emergency purchasing authority, subrecipient monitoring, and conflict-of-interest requirements. STRIDE must designate authorized positions and spending limits.
Policy 722 – Public Data and Data Subject Requests
Adds protections for participants in Minnesota’s Safe at Home program. STRIDE must identify accepted payment methods and designate its responsible data-practices officials.

New Business

Policy Updates – First Reading-No Updates

Approval of HVAC Controls Upgrades and Yale Mechanical Proposals
Administration requests board approval to accept Yale Mechanical’s proposals and proceed with HVAC controls upgrades at the elementary and middle school buildings, totaling $330,713.72. The project includes replacing 52 middle school rooftop unit controllers and upgrading the elementary building automation system, with centralized web-based monitoring and control. These improvements are intended to address temperature, humidity, and ventilation concerns while improving energy efficiency and system reliability.
Discussion of Revenue Opportunities for the Upcoming School Year
Discuss potential opportunities to increase revenue for the upcoming school year through enrollment strategies, facility rentals, programs, events, and fundraising. This discussion is intended to build awareness and gather initial feedback to guide further exploration. No action is requested.