By Norma Dittman Fulda School Board approved designated responsible persons, and district coordinators for the 2026-2027 school year during their Monday night meeting. Superintendent Michael Pagel was designated as the District’s Purchasing Agent, Federal Programs Director, and Activity Fund Coordinator. Other designated persons included: Jennifer Gerdes as Activity Fund Representative for Superintendent Pagel; building principals as Section 504 Coordinators; the Murray County Wheel Herald as the official newspaper; Squires, Waldspurger & Mace P.A. As Legal Counsel; First National bank as the official depository MN Liquid Assets, and Leading Edge Credit Union as depositor for investments; - Old National Bank as depositor for wire transfers.
Approved was the district’s membership in the Minnesota Rural Education Association, as well as membership in the Minnesota School Board Association.
Contracts were approved for Judy Busman as a secondary teacher for the upcoming year; Shannon Welling as a Summer File Clerk; paraprofessionals Olivia Wiener, Tami Wiener and David Cross for the 2026-2027 year.
Accepted was a resignation from paraprofessional Dustin Hakeneis.
A New Holland tractor rental agreement between the district and Westbrook Ag was approved.
The board approved the District Cardiac Emergency Response Plan, which will be added to the school’s Crisis Plan.
Worthington District received a request for the Fulda District to rejoin their gymnastics COOP, as a Fulda student has been active in the Worthington Southwest Area Gymnastics program. In order to be approved, an application must be submitted to Minnesota State High School League by the Worthington, Adrian, Heron Lake, and Fulda districts. The application process received Fulda School Board approval.
The revised 2026-2027 School Calendar was approved with 173 instructional days, 6 staff development days, and 1 in-service day, for a total of 182 days. A fundraiser request from Shannon Cowdin, Health and Physical Education Teacher, was approved. The fundraiser will be at Fulda Pool in the form of a movie and pizza swim-in, and perhaps scheduled for two dates. Funds raised will go towards the purchase of physical education equipment.
In the June Community Education report Susan Lee reported that 72 Senior Aquacise swimmers used the pool during the month. The number was lower due to the pool being closed for the water main break. One hundred twenty-one people swam during open swim.
Eighteen swimmers took swimming lessons in June.
The pool has been open 4-5 days per week for about four hours per day, thanks to the guards for being willing to work.
Maintenance issues included the water main break, and a broken water heater.
Letters have been sent out for donations for Fulda Community Education.
Athletic Director Greg Erdmann stated that the date for the Eligibility Meeting is set for August 10, 2026, 7 pm.
All Sports/Activities Calendars have been posted for the upcoming 26-27 seasons on the Fulda Public School website.
Elementary Principal Brett Perish extended his appreciation to the custodial staff for their hard work at the elementary school.
Upcoming events include the August Summer Programs, Regional Data Mine, and Paraprofessional Training day on August 13th.
High School Principal, Mike Pagel, also extended his thanks to the summer custodial staff in preparing the building for the upcoming year, and to the Summer Recreation and Summer School Instructional Staff for providing opportunities to district families.
He outlined the demolition that has been done at the high school to aid in the construction process.
Superintendent Pagel congratulated Vincent Bray, Mara Clarke, Ruth Ethridge, Brynlee Farris, Zoe Nelson, Emma Nielsen, Grace Sawadogo and Cullen VanderBeek for their participation in the National FCCLA Conference.
Recognition of District Groups and Supporters included: the FCCLA students who attended Nationals, Justin Ahlers, Brian Ackerman, Willie Sanow, Cody Ross for their work with the water main, and all the custodial staff.
The board heard the third and final readings and approved the new and updated district policies including 721 - Procurement Policy, and the 625 - Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence Policy.
Substitute teacher pay rate was set at $195 per day; paraprofessional, food service, and custodial substitute pay is $15.00 per hour for the 20262027 school year.
2026-2027 Activity Fees include registration fees of $15.00 for grades Pre-K (4 year of age); 6th grade at $15.00; registration for 7 - 12th grades is $20. One time Chromebook Insurance is $60.00. A motion was made, seconded and passed to permit a second Chromebook Insurance to be purchased at an additional cost of $60 if the student has already used their first insurance.
Breakfast and lunch are free to students with extra costs added for additional meals or second meals, and extra milk and sides.
The Speech fee is $55.00; One Act Play is $40. Sports Fees are $55.00 vor varsity and $40 for Jr. High. Family Maximums are $300 and Single Maximums are $150. Couples: $85; Single: $45; Sr. Citizen Couple: $45; Sr. citizen Single: $25; and a 10-punch card is $55.
Items receiving board approval under new business also included the Fiscal Year 2028 Long-Term Facilities Maintenance Revenue/Expenditure Plan, and the 2026-2027 Local Literacy Plan.
Bids were approved for bread, milk, fuel and softener salt for the 2026-2027 year.
The Resolution Authorizing the Issuance, Providing for Sale and Obligating the District for General Obligation School Building Bonds, Series 2026 A was adopted following a description obligation by Beth Downes, Ehlers Municipal Advisor.
Fulda School Board will meet in regular session on Monday, August 10, 6 p.m., in the Fulda High School Library.
