Fergus Falls school board reorganizes, sets salaries and procedures

The Independent School District No. 544 board completed its annual reorganization meeting on Jan. 13 at the Community Ed Room in the Roosevelt Education Center, electing leadership, setting compensation and adopting administrative resolutions that shape governance for the coming year.

Presiding chair Melanie Cole called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m. Six trustees were present: Kirby Anderson, Jeney Christensen, Melanie Cole, Kelli Graff, Missy Hermes and Stephen Vigesaa. Superintendent Jeff Drake also attended. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and a quorum was established by acting clerk Missy Hermes. A motion by Stephen Vigesaa to adopt the agenda carried unanimously.

A public hearing on the Fergus Falls Public Schools tax abatement request began at 5:20 p.m., signaling continued consideration of development incentives that can affect district revenue and local tax burdens. The minutes provide no immediate decision on the abatement; any future action will determine how potential projects interact with school funding and municipal finances.

Board elections and officer appointments were completed by acclamation or unanimous votes. Melanie Cole was elected board chair by acclamation, Jeney Christensen was elected vice chair, Missy Hermes was elected clerk by acclamation and Stephen Vigesaa was elected treasurer unanimously. The board set basic trustee pay at $530 per month, with the chair receiving an additional $100 per month. The certified contract negotiations committee will receive a $500 stipend once per contract cycle.

Administrative and financial authorizations included designating the Fergus Falls Daily Journal as the district’s official newspaper and FM Bank as the district depository. The board adopted resolutions to authorize specific wire and ACH signers, approved temporary use of a signature scan until a new signature is prepared, and authorized the superintendent or board chair to contact legal counsel as needed. The board also acknowledged participation in the Minnesota School District Liquid Assets Fund.

Committee and representative assignments for 2026 were listed in the minutes, covering Region 1 Board representation, activities, curriculum review, finance, buildings and grounds, policy, wellness, the 544 Education Foundation, staff development, meet and confer, personnel and negotiation teams for multiple contract groups. The board adopted a resolution establishing expectations for member attendance, preparation, training and governance focus, signaling an emphasis on consistent participation and oversight.

The reorganization meeting adjourned at 5:53 p.m., followed by the regular board meeting. For Otter Tail County residents, these organizational decisions set the framework for how the district will manage public notice, financial controls, contract negotiations and strategic oversight in 2026. Watch for upcoming board agendas and public hearings—particularly on the tax abatement request—to track decisions that could affect local property tax dynamics and district priorities.