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   The first Northland School Board meeting of the year was held on Wednesday, January 7 at 5:30 p.m. and began with the nominations for officers. A motion was made to re-elect Marc Ruyak as the Board Chair,  Bill Wake, Vice Chair; Linda Knox, Clerk and Tyler Seifert, Treasurer and keep all committee assignments for board members the same as last year with one committee being added to the list. That committee was the wellness committee and Linda Knox was assigned as the board representative. All committee assignments are posted on the district website, www.isd118.k12.mn.us.

   The next item on the agenda was to set the regular meeting dates and times. Ruyak asked all board members if the second Wednesday of the month still worked for everyone. After looking at the yearly calendar to check for any other conflicts it was agreed the second Wednesday of each month worked, with the exception of October and November. Those months the regular meetings will be held on the first Wednesday of the month. All regular board meetings will begin at 5:30 p.m. 

   The board also scheduled three work sessions for the year, which will be held on the third Wednesday of February, May and August at 5:30 p.m. All meetings will be held at Northland High School. 

   Board expense reimbursements were approved with everything remaining the same and the mileage rates to coincide with federal rates. Also, the board designated the Pine Cone Press-Citizen as the district’s official newspaper.

   The board then conducted the regular meeting business with hearing reports from Administrators. Elementary Principal Janessa Green shared celebrations from December as school has only been back in session for three days. It was mentioned third through fifth graders are enjoying playing games at the end of their lunch period; the Longville Women of Today once again played “Santa’s Helpers” by bringing gifts for the elementary students to choose from to give family members and students, with academic achievements, were once again picked for the “Stars of Honor” and attended a basketball game down in Minneapolis with family members.

   High School Principal Mary Yakibchuk gave an update on where staff was in the process of choosing a new Social Studies curriculum. She apologized to the board for not having correct e-mails for the members that are on that committee to include them, but assured them she has correct e-mails now and they will be invited to the next meeting. It was also mentioned that it has been over seven years since the school purchased a new social studies curriculum and it has been very difficult for the department to create daily work for students as the old curriculum is not supported anymore.

   Finally, Superintendent Mark Morrison gave his short update to the board. It was stated the school’s Chevrolet Suburban did not pass inspection, therefore a request to purchase a 2026 Chrysler Pacifica minivan had been placed on the agenda. Morrison also mentioned he opted to go with a model that had all-wheel drive due to the winter road conditions in the area. The board approved the purchase of the minivan for the amount of $45,360.06.

   In other Board action:

   • Approved the 2025-2026 Northland Remer Education Minnesota seniority list.

   • Approved a resolution directing administrators to make recommendations for reductions in programs and positions and reasons thereof.

   • Accepted the resignations of science teacher Rod Anderson effective the end of the 2025-2026 school year and kitchen helper Mark Schultenover effective Jan. 30.

   • Approved the hire of Cody Washburn as custodian effective Jan. 12.

   • Approved the 2025-2027 At-Will Employment contracts with Brenda Horner, Food Service Director and Jennifer Welk, Community Education Coordinator; the 2025-2026 At-Will Employment contract with Kerry Ruyak, Nurse and the At-Will Employment contract with Tina Anderson, Executive Secretary.

   The board’s next regular meeting will be Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 5:30 p.m. at Northland High School in Remer.

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