School Board / Policies

Dassel-Cokato School Board

The school board is the governing body of the school district, and the six members are local citizens elected to four-year teams. Members are required to comply with laws and regulations enacted by the Minnesota Legislature and the Minnesota Department of Education. The board approves budgets, hires staff, establishes curriculum and determines policy.

Role of the School Board

Pictured left to right: Andy Engh, Andy Bohnsack, Jenna Kantola, Bonni Halverson, Katie Niska, Cindy Miller

School Board Meeting Times

School Board Schedule:

Regular Monthly School Board meetings occur on the fourth Monday of each month, unless otherwise noted.

Work Sessions School Board meetings take place on the second Monday.

Both meetings are typically held at 5:00 pm
Meetings are held in the District Office Board Room. Enter District Office Door E.

2026 Work Session Dates

January 5 (Reorganization)
February 9
March 9
* April 21 ^{(Tuesday @ 5:30)}
May 11
June 8
~~July 13~~ ^(Canceled)
~~August 10~~ ^(Canceled)
September 13
October 12
November 9
December 14
*Indicates a change to the schedule

2026 Regular Meeting Dates

January 26
February 23
* March 30 ^{(@ 5:30)}
* April 27 ^{(@ 5:30)}
* May 26 ^(Tuesday)
June 22
July 27
August 24
September 28
October 26
November 23
December 28
*Indicates a change to the schedule

MEETING AGENDAS

meeting minutes

2026 Edward H. Otto Award Recipients

Edward H. Otto Partner in Education Award Recipients — 2026 Ed Otto Award Recipients Brent Minkkenen, Mary Kotila, Amanda Zeidler

Edward H. Otto Partner in Public Education Award

During the 2001-2002 school year the Board of Education established the Edward H. Otto Partner in Public Education Award. This award was established in recognition of Superintendent Ed Otto’s 20 years of dedicated service. Superintendent Otto continually promoted community involvement in the schools. This award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to the district’s mission of providing a quality public education to students of all ages.

The purpose of the Partner in Public Education Award is to:

Recognize the years of dedicated service to our district by former Superintendent of Schools, Ed Otto and
Provide the district with an annual opportunity to recognize a person(s) in our community who has significantly contributed to the district’s mission of providing a quality public education to everyone in our community.

Those to be considered for this honor:

Eligible for consideration for this award will be non-employees who by donating their time, ideas and energy have made tremendous contributions to ISD 466’s public education efforts.

Any employee, volunteer, community member, or board member (past or present) can nominate candidates for consideration of this award.
This award is not intended to recognize length of service achievements or ordinary leadership posts, but is to recognize high energy, singular dedication and outstanding levels of service to our youth and to the goals of public education.

Partner in Public Education Award Past Recipients

2002	Steve Benda	Bruce Bohnsack	Susan Bohnsack
2003	Dorothy Danielson	Ken Neu
2004	Peggy Smith	Mayme Martinson
2005	Paul Thinesen	Georgiann Walker
2006	Irene Bender
2008	Wendy Seefeldt	Lyle Walker
2009	Melissa Weckworth
2010	Beth Davison
2011	Bob Gasch
2013	RC Grossheider
2015	Mike Sylvester
20116	Kevin Dahlman
2017	Cate Kraemer
2018	Keith Dahlseng	Paulette Dahlseng
2019	Thomas Rammel
2020	Teresa Harmala
2021	Andrew Engh
2023	Peter Bortnem	Dawn Gillman
2024	Brett Mayfield	Chuck Keskey	Gary Hoikka
2025	Karen Aho	Ruth Anderson
2026	Brent Minkkenen	Mary Kotila	Amanda Zeidler

Board Members

Questions or concerns?

Before appealing to the school board with an issue or problem, citizens are urged to contact the teacher, then the building principal or department administrator, then the Superintendent of Schools in order to reach a successful closure of an individual issue. If these procedures are unsuccessful, then arrangements will be made for the concerned party to formally address the school board.

Andy Engh - Board Chair

"My goal as a member of the school board is to work with all members of the district and community to achieve our common goal, which is the success of our students. It is important for me to uphold our community values, hear all thoughts and ideas, and help guide decisions that will give our students opportunities to succeed in whatever direction they choose after graduation. I believe in Dassel Cokato Schools' mission and look forward to serving you."

Term: 2023-2026

Andy Bohnsack- Vice Chair

"In partnership with our communities and district staff, my goal as a board member is to promote academic excellence by putting students first in everything we do. I will work cooperatively to build transparency and trust as we responsibly allocate taxpayer funds. The strength of our communities lies in the families and individuals that choose to live here. I feel its important for me to be available to answer questions, address concerns, and help develop big ideas for our district's future."

Terms: 2021-2024, 2025-2028

Cindy Miller - Clerk

"My goal as a board member is to celebrate, strengthen, and support the students and staff of Dassel Cokato Public Schools. Our schools are the heart and soul of our communities, representing all that unites us and the differences in our midst. With that premise in mind, I will work cooperatively with board members, parents, and the community to uphold the exceptional educational experience that is and has been the protocol for Dassel Cokato Schools. Together, we can continue this standard of excellence as we move forward."

Terms: 2021-2024, 2025-2028

Bonni Halverson - Treasurer

"My goal as a Dassel-Cokato School Board member is to create a positive experience for all students and staff at the Dassel Cokato School District. I want to gain the trust of the Community that chose me to represent them by having the interest of the Students of our District First while valuing the beliefs and values of our Community. I chose to run for the school board to help make a difference in the lives of the students, staff, and the community. I believe my role as a DC School Board Member is to LISTEN to and RESPOND to the Community's concerns and help carry out the District's Priorities to the Public and also be a constant support for staff to allow them to teach our students to the best of their ability. "

Terms: 2023-2026

Jenna Kantola - Director

"My goal as a school board member is to faithfully serve the Dassel-Cokato community in the duties elected. As a first-year member, I believe that can best be carried out by seeking out learning opportunities, listening to stakeholders, and asking questions to better understand."