All members of the Big Lake School Board were present for what would be a busy meeting on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.  

Director of Business Services Angie Manuel updated the board on current enrollment which has increased by 10 students since the beginning of the year.  However, that good news was tempered by her announcement that enrollment continues to lag behind what was budgeted by 77 Average Daily Membership, which translates to a funding gap of $850,000.  

MSHSL Grant Resolutions

Two resolutions were passed supporting applications to request funding from the Minnesota State High School League Foundation.  Form A requests money that can be used for free and reduced lunches, waiving participation fees, and supporting students by covering registration and transportation fees to conferences and seminars.  

Form B provides for training opportunities.  Activities Director Mark Kuisle told the board that last year’s funding from the MSHSL, supported the school’s Premier Sports Psychology Program and he again hoped to receive the same funding to continue the program in the future. 

Boys Swim/Dive and Girls Wrestling

A cooperative agreement between Big Lake, Becker, and Monticello schools was approved for boys’ swim and dive for students in grades 7-12 commencing in the 2025-26 academic year. The co-op allows the 3-4 students from grades 7-11 identified in last spring’s student interest survey to continue participating in boys swimming and dive. The agreement states that parents/guardians of participants will be responsible for providing all their transportation.  Also, they will pay 100% of any and all costs per participant.  The new participation fee was still unknown.  Kuisle hoped it would equal Monticello’s participation fee, which would avoid disagreements between schools.  He also estimated it would be close to the girls’ fee which is currently $500 per participant. 

Though no vote was required, the school board voiced its full intent and commitment for a girls’ wrestling team when approved by the MSHSL Board of Directors.  Kuisle said girls wrestling is growing by leaps and bounds and is an emerging sport.  Girls currently participate on the boys’ team.  The goal is to have MSHSL approve a statewide girls’ wrestling program by spring of 2027.   

Pool HVAC Improvements

Director of Buildings and Grounds TJ Zerwas presented a bid from South Haven based KNB Contracting.  Six bids were received and KNB had the low bid totaling $1,682,000.  That amount was approved 6-0.  Construction should begin by December 1, 2025.  Zerwas explained that the space was 30 years old and in need of improvements.