The Murray County Central School Board met Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, with several updates on enrollment, activities, finances and upcoming school events.
Superintendent Joe Meyer provided an update on the payment of claims and the district’s cash flow projection. The board approved contracts for co-curricular and overload assignments for teachers with additional assignments, as well as a lane change request for Isaac Harms.
A quarterly activity fund report and the district’s annual master fundraising list was shared. Transportation contracts with SW MN Christian Schools, Chandler Christian Transportation Association, Grant Prins and Jim Mitchell were presented. Consent agenda items were approved.
Elementary Principal Patrick Freeman reported on school enrollment, back-to-school conferences, professional learning, positive behavioral interventions and supports, Homecoming Week activities and a professional leadership conference.
High School Principal Tessa Dierks updated the board on all-staff workshop days, seventh grade orientation, enrollment numbers, Rebel Recognition, good news calls and Homecoming Week.
Meyer’s superintendent’s report included information about the back-to-school picnic, the 2026 fiscal year audit and upcoming workshops and trainings. He also reported that Heather Hoekman, Brent Miller and Mike Stelter have filed for the three open school board positions.
MCC was awarded $22,000 for the cyber security grant. The funds will help offset costs associated with cyber insurance, cyber security software, door access software and security camera software.
Fall community education activities have started.
Athletic Director James Wajer gave an update on participation in fall athletics. A total of 162 students in grades 7-12 are participating, including 93 boys and 69 girls. Marching band practices have begun, and auditions have been held for the upcoming musical. The musical will be presented November 13-15, 2026.
The board approved the proposed levy limitation and certification. Members also approved holding the public hearing of Truth in Taxation during the regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, Dec. 14, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the MCC High School Library.
The board also approved to remove Katie Will as an authorized signer on bank, investment and depository accounts and authorize the individual designated by the SWWC Service Cooperative to perform business manager duties and serve as an authorized signer on all district bank, investment and depository accounts and to authorize the superintendent and/or designee to execute any documents necessary to implement changes with the district’s financial institutions.
There was discussion regarding the permanent school fund which is a state trust fund established to benefit public schools. The fund was created from lands, including timber, mining, leases and other natural resource activities. The state manages the lands and investments associated with the fund and revenue generated from those assets is invested through the Minnesota State Board of Investment with the proceeds distributed to school districts according to state law. The Minnesota State Constitution requires the principal of the fund to be preserved, with investment earnings used for school purposes. The proposed amendment would adjust distribution policies in order to responsibly increase the amount of funding distributed to schools and students across Minnesota. The proposed amendment would not increase taxes.
The board also discussed the purchase of a shipping container to store an assortment of athletic equipment. Mr. Meyer will gather more information about purchasing a shipping container.
The board approved the high bids for the food service surplus items of two cafeteria tables, the pass-through stainless steel commercial cabinet and the gas commercial stainless steel oven.
The board gratefully accepted the following donations: In memory of Bruce and Patty Dysthe - $2,000 for drama – musical, Wayne Onken $1,500 for scholarship, Eugene Hergert - $1,500 for scholarship, Courtney Tomeraasen $1,500 for scholarship, Roger Huyink - $1,500 for scholarship, Jake Konkol - $1,000 for scholarship, Buzz Erlandson - $1,000 for scholarship, Class of 1955 - $548.83 for music department, Class of 1955 - $548.84 – athletics, Class of 1955 - $548.83 – drama, Slayton Fire Department Auxiliary - $250 for scholarship and Apex Clean Energy - $7,000 for scholarship.
The next monthly meeting of the MCC School Board is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 12, at 6 p.m. in the high school library.
