The Murray County Central School Board approved leave requests, new hires and teacher contracts during the May 11, 2026 meeting.
Under old business, the board approved the previously tabled leave request for Michael Helgeson for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year. The board also approved Helgeson’s leave request for the 2026-2027 school year, but he must notify the board by November 1 if he plans to return.
Superintendent Joe Meyer discussed long-term subs Mark Holton and Emma Johnson, new hire secondary teacher Krista Keller, the termination of paraprofessional Mersades Buderus and the leave request by elementary administration assistant Lauren Risacher. The board approved hires and contracts for elementary and secondary teachers for the 20262027 school year.
Elementary Principal Patrick Freeman reported an enrollment of 373 students. Elementary events were recapped. Mrs. Boerboom, Mr. Sandrett, Mrs. Walker and Freeman will work on updating the district literacy plan this summer. The district is shifting from an elementary-focused literacy plan to a kindergarten through twelfth grade plan. The Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) celebration day, featuring MCC students versus students competitions, will be held on May 15. The end-of-the-year awards assembly and sixth-grade recognition program will be held on May 19 at 10 a.m. in the MCC auditorium. Kindergarten graduation will be held on May 19 at 8:30 a.m. in the MCC auditorium. There are currently 51 students enrolled in kindergarten and 10 students enrolled in junior kindergarten for next school year. Technology replacement plans, including new iPads for primary grades and Chromebook replacements for upper elementary students, are being finalized.
High School Principal Jacob Scandrett reported on teacher appreciation week, MCA testing, prom and the senior class trip. Seventh-grade orientation will be held on May 13. The senior walk is scheduled for May 13 at 11 a.m. The senior awards program will be May 15 at 8:30 a.m. with graduation rehearsal following at 10 a.m. Sixty-two seniors will graduate on Friday, May 15 at 6 p.m. in the competition gym. The last day of school is Tuesday, May 19 with an early dismissal. The teachers’ last day is Wednesday, May 20.
Meyer provided a legislative update. Legislature has until May 18 to finalize their work. Meyer secured a $26,011 county opioid grant for fiscal year 2027 to continue funding one additional day per week for school mental health and social worker Greg Scheitel, along with the continuation of Emily’s Hope curriculum. The grant will cover salary, benefits and curriculum costs. Scheitel provided a monthly report. Open enrollment benefits began April 24 and were due May 8. Property and casualty liability insurance rates through agent Carisa Clarke with Currie State Bank from the past five years were reported. Rates have increased significantly over the last five years.
The board approved an outof- state request for the band and choir trip to Orlando, Florida.
The first reading of the district’s cardiac emergency response plan, with a flowchart, was conducted.
A used 2021 Chevy Silverado work truck has been purchased. The board approved to declare the 2006 Chevy Colorado truck as surplus property.
The board gratefully accepted the following donations: Boxtops for Education - $39.90 for high school student activity and Minnesota Department of Health - $3,000 for hydration station.
Board members designated Meyer as the Identified Official with Authority to authorize user access to Minnesota Department of Education secure websites.
The next monthly meeting of the MCC School Board is scheduled for Monday, June 8, at 6 p.m. in the high school library.
The board adjourned into a closed session to conduct Meyer’s evaluation.
