School Board Member Handbook

Source: 2025 Organizational Chart 

Board Members  

Kyle Christensen, Chair

Becky DeWilde, Treasurer

Melissa Gorman, Clerk
Kelsey Jezierski, Director

Hannah Johnson, Director

Maggie Storlie, Vice Chair

Executive Staff 

Jason Berg, Superintendent of Schools

Lori Jensen, Executive Assistant

Directors 

Brianna Ostoff, Director of Community Education

Lisa Edwards, Director of Elementary Learning

Jane Houska, Director of Finance

Jess Ulrick, Director of Human Resources

Andrew Baldwain, Director of Instructional Technology

Dan Miller, Director of Operations

Chris Bussmann, Director of Secondary Learning

Dana Strop, Director of Special Services 

Principals 

Tracey Magnuson, Akin Road Elementary  

Kim Bollesen, Farmington Elementary

Rebecca Bican, Meadowview Elementary  

Kelly Galarneau, North Trail Elementary 

Shawn Peck, Riverview Elementary 

Joe Sage, Robert Boeckman Middle School

Andy Nelson, Levi P. Dodge Middle School 

Ryan Meyer, Farmington High School 

Source: About District 192; ISD 192 Fast Facts

ISD 192 Past and Present  

Farmington Area Public Schools, ISD 192, is a public school district located in the southern suburbs of the Twin Cities. The district has a long and proud history that is deeply rooted in the community it serves. As the community has changed from rural to predominately suburban, ISD 192 has changed to meet those new needs while maintaining a connection to its agricultural past.

Even before there was an official City of Farmington, there was a community school building serving the needs of local farming families and the families of merchants who set up shop around the train stop in what would come to be known as Farmington. The first school building in Farmington was built in 1865, the city was incorporated in 1872, and in 1884 Farmington High School officially graduated its first class. The oldest school building still in service today is the Tiger Legacy & Learning Center (TLLC), located at 510 Walnut Street. Originally built in 1913, the building has served learners of all ages and grade levels at various times. It is currently home to several early childhood and community programs.

While the population of Farmington and the surrounding area has grown and changed over time, quality education has remained a priority for the community. In a 2023 community survey, 92% of ISD 192 residents rated the quality of Farmington Area Public Schools as excellent or good.

Our Mission

The mission of Farmington Area Public Schools, a learner centered culture that radiates a dream of an entirely new educational world, is to ensure each learner continuously achieves one’s highest aspirations while demonstrating responsibility to communities through a system distinguished by:

•  Passion for continuous growth
• Honor of diverse perspectives
• Personal reflection which gives meaning to learning
• Agency with empathy
• Radical trust in self and others

Read more about the Strategic Framework.

Our Students

ISD 192 includes all of the City of Farmington, as well as a portion of Lakeville and several surrounding townships. Total population within the district has exceeded 36,000. Student population is about 6,300 and is expected to be stable for the next five year planning horizon. Farmington area students are more than great students - they are great people. The district's curricular and extra-curricular programming support their development as active, vital members of the community.

Our Staff

Farmington Public Schools employs nearly 1,000 people, including more than 550 licensed teachers. More than half of our teachers hold masters' or more advanced degrees. The district’s extensive and innovative staff development program ensures all employees continue to grow professionally, so they can provide the best education possible to our students.

Strategic Framework

The Farmington Area Public Schools, ISD 192 Strategic Framework is a guiding document that describes the purpose of the school district, its goals as an organization, and how those goals will be achieved. The primary function of the Strategic Framework is as an aspirational document, providing ISD 192 staff with an understanding of our collective purpose, our shared beliefs, and strategies for helping us achieve our district mission. The creation of the Strategic Framework is a collaborative process including staff members, community members, parents, and learners. Since implementing this process community satisfaction with the quality of education in ISD 192 has increased from 84% in 2015 to 92% in 2023. The Strategic Framework is reviewed and refined regularly and was most recently updated in the spring of 2022.

The focus throughout the ISD 192 Strategic Framework is on serving learners as unique individuals with varying needs and helping them to take an active part in and ownership of their own learning experiences. This document details the philosophical basis on which the school district operates, including belief statements, a mission statement, and guiding principles. It also includes objectives, strategies, and purpose statements for each strategy which further explain in more concrete terms areas of further exploration allowing the school district to put this philosophy into practice. 

The Strategic Framework informs how ISD 192 operates at every level and serves as a point of reference when planning, implementing, and evaluating the work of the district. As a professional document meant for educators to use in their daily work, it includes some language and concepts that are particular to education and in some cases specific to ISD 192. This Community Companion Guide has been designed to better share our Strategic Framework with our families and other community members. To this end, it includes a glossary of important terms and a summary explanation of each part of the Strategic Framework at the beginning of each new section. 

View our Strategic Framework Community Companion Guide on our district website. 

Profile of a Lifelong Learner

Our Strategic Framework includes three objectives - things we are trying to achieve through our strategies. These objectives are best measured through observation of and demonstration by learners. To help in this process we have identified indicators of these objectives that apply throughout our system. These are the true skills and dispositions, along with content knowledge, that our learners will need to create their own successful future. The indicators for each objective are outlined in the three Profiles of a Lifelong Learner below:

• Profile of a Lifelong Learner - Objective 1: All learners possess the capacity and resiliency to create opportunities and master challenges.  | (Downloadable PDF)
• Profile of a Lifelong Learner - Objective 2 Profile: All learners continuously achieve their academic and personal goals. | (Downloadable PDF)
• Profile of a Lifelong Learner - Objective 3: Each learner leads beneficial change locally and globally. | (Downloadable PDF)

How We Support Our Community 

ISD 192 supports the local community in many ways beyond providing education and enrichment opportunities for all through our Community Education programs and K-12 public education services. Farmington Area Public Schools is the largest employer in the City of Farmington. We also maintain the majority of recreational facilities in the city including sports fields, courts, gyms, parks, and the only public swimming pool in Farmington.  

How Our Community Supports Us

Farmington Area Education Foundation 

Source: https://www.faefoundation.org 

The Farmington Area Education Foundation’s mission is to support and enhance innovative educational opportunities by fostering community involvement and financial support for students in ISD 192. The Education Foundation, founded by community members in 1999, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization managed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is composed of community members, parents, and school district representatives.

The Education Foundation is designed to enrich and enhance the educational experience of students in the Farmington Area Public Schools. The Foundation is funded primarily through generous contributions from individuals, businesses and community organizations. 

Akin Road Elementary School
(Grades K-5)
Address: 5231 195th St. W.,
Farmington, MN 55024
Phone:(651) 460-1700
Enrollment as of 11/2024: 438

Farmington Elementary School
(Grades K-5)
Address: 500 Maple St.,
Farmington, MN 55024
Phone:(651) 463-9000
Enrollment as of 11/2024:  463

Meadowview Elementary School
(Grades K-5)
Address: 6100 195th St. W.,
Farmington, MN 55024
Phone:(651) 460-3100
Enrollment as of 11/2024:  580

North Trail Elementary School
(Grades K-5)
Address: 5580 170th St. W.,
Farmington, MN 55024
Phone:(651) 460-1800
Enrollment as of 11/2024:  587

Riverview Elementary School
(Grades K-5)
Address: 4100 208th St. W.,
Farmington, MN 55024
Phone: (651) 460-1600
Enrollment as of 11/2024: 543

Robert Boeckman Middle School
(Grades 6-8)
Address: 800 Denmark Ave.,
Farmington, MN 55024
Phone:(651) 460-1400
Enrollment as of 11/2024: 867

Levi P. Dodge Middle School
(Grades 6-8)
Address: 4200 208th St. W.,
Farmington, MN 55024
Phone:(651) 460-1500
Enrollment as of11/2024:  688

Farmington High School
(Grades 9-12)
Address: 20655 Flagstaff Ave.,
Farmington, MN 55024
Phone: (651) 252-2501
Enrollment as of 11/2024:  2,151

Tiger Legacy and Learning Center
(Early Childhood & Community Programs)
Address: 510 Walnut Street,
Farmington, MN 55024

Farmington Area Public Schools are governed by six board members, elected at large, representing all citizens within the boundaries. Board members are elected to four-year terms, with elections for three board seats held in November of even-numbered years and terms beginning January 1 following the election. To run for a seat on the Board of Education, candidates must file an affidavit of candidacy with the District office during the official filing period. Information regarding filing periods and upcoming elections is available on our district website.

Eligibility Requirements (Source: Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA))

To qualify for election to your local school board you must be:

•  at least 21 years old
• an eligible voter
• district resident for at least 30 days (M.S. 204B.06, Subd. 1)
• not a convicted sex offender (M.S. 205A.06, Subd. 1b)

Term of Office

School board members are elected to 4-year terms and take office the first Monday in January (M.S. 123B.09, Subd. 1). A member who has been appointed to fill the unfinished term of a member will need to run for election depending on when they were appointed. There is no limit on the number of consecutive terms a member can serve.

Filling Vacancies (Source: MN Statute 123B.09)

A vacancy on the Board shall occur when a member dies, resigns, or ceases to be a resident of Independent School District 192. In addition, if a member of the Board of Education is unable to serve on the board and attend its meetings for ninety (90) days or more because of illness or prolonged absence from the District, the board may, at any regular or special meeting thereof, through resolution, declare a vacancy to exist. All vacancies will be filled according to Minnesota Statutes.

The term of a member elected during a special election shall not exceed the term of the member they are replacing. Nor can the term of a board of education member be lengthened by the member’s resignation and subsequent selection by the board.

Minnesota Statute states that once the board approves an appointment, the appointed board member cannot be seated until 30-days after the appointment.

Board Member Expectations

Board Action:

No one person, or group of persons, acts in the name of the Board. When an item of business comes before the Board in the form of a motion, it is necessary that a majority of votes be cast in favor of the motion for the board to act. Members of the board are without authority to act independently as individual board members.

Public Comment:

While the public is encouraged to attend Board of Education meetings to become better acquainted with the operation and programs of the schools, they are not public forums. Most school districts include an opportunity for the public to comment on agenda items during the meetings; however, this is a time for board members to listen rather than engage in a discussion. School districts are encouraged to hold town halls and other events that allow for constructive commentary and two-way communications.

Closed Sessions: 

State law provides that all meetings of governmental bodies (including school boards and multi-member bodies created by the boards) shall be open sessions unless a closed session is expressly permitted by law. For the most part, closed sessions are normally held to discuss student and personnel matters. A governmental body may hold a closed session only by an affirmative public vote of majority of members present at the meeting and only to the extent a closed session meets the guidelines established by Minnesota Statute 13D.03 or 13D.05.

Minnesota Open Meeting Law: 

The Minnesota Open Meeting Law requires that meetings of governmental bodies generally be open to the public. This information brief discusses the groups and types of meetings covered by the open meeting law, and then reviews the requirements of and exceptions to the law and the penalties for its violation. See attachment.

Parliamentary Procedure

Parliamentary procedure is a set of rules for conduct at meetings that allows everyone to be heard and to make decisions without confusion.

Why is Parliamentary Procedure Important?

Because it's a time-tested method of conducting business at meetings and public gatherings. It can be adapted to fit the needs of any organization. Today, Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised is the basic handbook of operation for most clubs, organizations and other groups. It is important that everyone knows these basic rules.

Organizations using parliamentary procedure usually follow a fixed order of business.

Below is a typical example:

1. Public Comment
2. Call to Order
3. Adoption of Agenda
4. Consent Agenda
5. Informational Items (reports)
6. Action Items
7. Board Member Reports
8. Adjourn

The method used by members to express themselves is in the form of making motions. A
motion is a proposal that the board take action or a stand on an issue. Each individual member can:

•  Make motions
• Second motions
• Debate motions
• Vote on motions

There are Four Basic Types of Motions:

1. Main Motions: The purpose of a main motion is to introduce items to the membership for their consideration. They cannot be made when any other motion is on the floor, and yield to privileged, subsidiary, and incidental motions.
2.  Subsidiary Motions: Their purpose is to change or affect how a main motion is handled and is voted on before a main motion.
3. Privileged Motions: Their purpose is to bring up items that are urgent about special or important matters unrelated to pending business.
4. Incidental Motions: Their purpose is to provide a means of questioning procedure concerning other motions and must be considered before the other motion.

There are Three Other Motions that are Commonly Used that Relate to Voting:

1. Motion to Table - This motion is often used in the attempt to "kill" a motion; however, this is inappropriate. This motion is to set aside a motion temporarily at the same meeting. Once the motion is tabled, the option is always present, however, to "take from the table," for reconsideration by the membership at the same meeting.
2. Motion to Postpone Indefinitely - This motion is used to kill a motion by postponing it to an indefinite time.
3. Motion to Postpone Definitely - This motion is used to put off making a decision until a definite time in the future.
   
   Parliamentary Procedure is the best way to get things done at your meetings. But, it will only work if you use it properly.

• Allow motions that are in order.
• Have members obtain the floor properly.
• Speak clearly and concisely.
• Obey the rules of debate.
• Most importantly, BE COURTEOUS.

School Board Call for Items/Agenda Procedure

1. The 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month (following a board meeting) the board chair sends out a call for items from all board members.
2. The call for items from board members is due by Thursday 5 p.m. to the chair.
3. On the 2nd & 4th Friday, the board chair sends all items to board members and the superintendent.
4. Board members have the weekend to review. Any additions are due by Monday at Noon (1st & 3rd).
5. The Executive Committee will meet on Monday or Tuesday (1st & 3rd) to review agenda and items.
6. An update to the board is sent from the chair no later than Tuesday afternoon.
    

Board Policies

All School Board policies are available on the district website at www.farmington.k12.mn.us. The School Board reviews policies as the legislature approves changes as well as on a three-year cycle for district specific policies.

Assign a Mentor

The Board Chair is responsible to assign each board member a mentor.

MSBA Phase I and II Training

This is to be scheduled by the Executive Assistant and completed in December or at the MSBA Conference in January. The Executive Assistant will set this up for each board member. The Board Chair will review with the new members.

Pre-work before the new Board Member(s) begin their term 

Access to Resources

•  Meeting set with Superintendent after elections
• MSBA access
• School Board email account and ISD192 Google account
• If a board member needs a computer, please notify the Executive Assistant
• http://www.farmington.k12.mn.us - Go under District 192 for School Board Information
  • School Board Meeting Information
  • Agendas
  • Meeting Videos

School board Meeting Schedule 

• The School Board meets regularly on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month.
•  When School board meetings fall on a holiday the School Board Meeting will be held the following day.

Packet each Candidate receives when filing for School Board  

• MSBA: Running for School Board
• Registered Voter List Request
• Map Order Form
• Polling Place List Request
• Accepted Absentee/Mail Ballot
• Placement of Signs
• MN Automatic Dialing
• Campaign Cybersecurity
• Precinct Finder Request
• IRS Filing
• Election Candidate Information Form
• Affidavit of Candidacy
• Campaign Manual