ISD 2142 school board members traveled to South Ridge from all across Northern St. Louis County for Tuesday’s board meeting.
Superintendent Brian Masterson launched the meeting with a series of updates.
The new cell phone ban has been going well, Masterson said. Board members Jarrett Bundy and Mallory Manick seconded the claim.
Masterson said he and finance director Kim Johnson received a positive review from the Minnesota Commissioner of Education on the district’s operating referendum and capital projects levy proposals.
Each school will hold an informational meeting on the two local ballot items, where Masterson will present facts and answer questions. Northeast Range’s meeting is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 5 at 6 p.m.
Masterson additionally reminded the board about Bois Forte family night for North Woods, Northeast Range and Tower schools, scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 23.
South Ridge principal Michael Johnson provided updates on his school’s performance and programs, following Masterson’s report.
North Woods boys basketball head coach Jessica Trunnell addressed accusations about her coaching ability. She resigned before the board, effective immediately.
Johnson reported an increase in career technical education (CTE)-certified instructors between 2026 and 2027, which could lead to an increase in state funding to support those programs.
CTE instructors additionally receive a salary boost for teaching these classes.
If the upcoming operating referendum does not receive voter approval, ISD 2142 will again instate a board-approved levy projected for over $6.8 million.
This levy is expected to be 1.51% lower than the 2026 levy: $6,829,836.83 for 2027, compared to $6,934,489.54 for taxes payable in 2026.
The district’s debt service is expected to drop 0.7% heading into 2027.
Some of these cost reductions arrive as student populations continue to decrease, requiring less operating capital and professional development payment.
Should voters approve the operating referendum and capital projects ballot items for November’s general election, the school board will underlevy by $1,359,093.
Final levy determinations will be decided in December.
The board tabled the approval of ISD 2142’s Indigenous Education Strategic Direction for 2026-2029, citing need for time to review the packet.
“We just got this today and we have not had any opportunities to look at it,” said board chair Lynn Hilde.
The board hired Sara DeBruzzi as Northeast Range Title I teacher, and Savannah Johnson and Debbie Moen as paraprofessionals at the school.
Masterson extended recognition to Babbitt EMS on the recommendation of Northeast Range principal John Vukmanich.
“There are so many school supplies that Northeast Range now has to not only make sure all the kids who are currently there have what they need, but any future kids that are coming,” Masterson said. “It wasn’t expected to be that large of a donation.”
Board member Chris Koivisto extended a thank you to Babbitt Street Department Director Tony Chamberlin for preparing the NER football field for a home game.
Crews mowed and flattened the field with a compactor.
“I think there’s a lot of excitement about having something like that happen,” Koivisto said.
