# School Board Business Meeting - September 24, 2026


**Body:** SoWashCo Schools
**Date:** September 23, 2026
**Jurisdiction:** SLED

**Tags:** Education, Grants & Funding


The SoWashCo Schools Board held a business meeting on September 24, 2026, at the District Service Center in Cottage Grove, Minnesota. Key procurement-related discussions included the approval of a preliminary tax levy of approximately $135 million for 2027, representing a 1.4% increase over the prior year, which funds about 25% of the district's general fund revenues. The board also reviewed and approved a two-year health insurance contract with Health Partners for 2027-2028 following a competitive RFP process involving multiple insurers. The district decided to remain fully insured rather than move to a self-funded plan for 2027, with the option to reconsider in 2028. Additionally, the board approved six policy changes, including updates related to violence prevention and extracurricular transportation. The meeting included an informational presentation on the district's cardiac emergency response plan, which is funded through the general fund without state resources. No new capital projects or vendor contract awards were reported. The board also discussed ongoing challenges with bus driver shortages and provided updates on the Minnesota Permanent School Fund ballot measure that could provide additional funding to schools without tax increases.

**Source:** SoWashCo Schools