By Robert Williams

Editor

The Frazee-Vergas Hornets wrestling team will conduct the 2025-26 season with two head coaches after a request from current Head Coach Travis Nagel to reduce his full-time position to half-time was approved by the school board Monday, Nov. 11.

Nagel had expressed interest in continuing as a co-head coach with someone else and after the district completed the hiring process Michael Miller was recommended for this position and approved unanimously Monday night.

The pair will share duties outlined by program needs (elementary through high school) and expectations laid out by Activities Director Nick Courneya.

Miller wrestled in Frazee and was a two-time state entrant placing as the 2016 runner-up in the Class A state tournament.

Miller wrestled at Concordia College in Moorhead after high school and is currently a sixth grade teacher at the elementary school.

The wrestling season got underway on Monday, Nov. 17 with the first tournament scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6 in Wadena.

Activity fees

Students who leave a sport in the opening week of the season will now have their activity fees reimbursed. The school board approved criteria in regards to if a student starts an activity and wants to withdraw prior to the start of the” sixth practice or the start of the first scheduled event.” All reimbursement requests must be submitted within two (2) weeks following the date of the first scheduled event.

Requests received after this deadline will not be considered.

Busing

The board approved a five-year contract between the district and Anderson Bus Company to run through 2029 for bus service. Anderson Bus Service recently celebrated its 100th year in business and Owner Ted Anderson was inducted into the Hornet Hall of Fame earlier this fall.

Busing costs are approximately $5,000 per day, according to Board Clerk Tyler Trieglaff.

Comp plan

Superintendent Terry Karger, and both principals provided a lengthy review of the Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness District Plan for 2025-26. The strategic plan is intended to serve as a foundational document to align district educational initiatives from pre-K to post graduation and serve as a blueprint to create a quality workforce equipped with the skills for the 21st century. The plan was developed from input and involvement of administrators, board members, teachers, parents, students, business leaders and community members.

Enrollment

The district received enrollment option applications for out of the district to: Detroit Lakes (1) and into the District: (1) from Detroit Lakes.

Guests

Members of FFA, KAOTIC Robotics and cast and crew members of the upcoming musical Newsies, Jr., made presentations to the school board.

Hornet Pride

Monetary Donations:

Sanford Health donated $120 for Hornet Kids (Latchkey) to purchase a thermometer and probes.

In-Kind Donations:

Hornet Kids (Latchkey)- Jane’s Pumpkin Patch, McDonald’s (Perham).

Mental Health

The Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC) Employee Assistance Program contract for 2026 and 2027 was received and reviewed for the next two-year period. This allows for staff to access one short term counseling session through LMHC at the school district’s expense once per year for each employee and family member, if needed.

Report cards

According to Elementary Principal Travis Nagel, the elementary will no longer be printing report cards. Nagel noted going digital will take advantage of already existing technology and be a benefit to elementary students as they transition to high school.

Staffing

The board approved the following hires:

• Reese Hanson as a Long Term Substitute Paraeducator

• Aaron Boyer as a Full-Time CTE Instructor