The meeting began with a series of announcements, including the success of the 11th Ready Set Achieve event, which provided free school supplies, books, food, and other resources to 87 students. This event, held on August 20th, was a community effort supported by volunteers and donations from local businesses and individuals. The board expressed gratitude for the contributions, emphasizing the importance of community support in preparing students for the new school year.

In addition, the board celebrated the achievements of 11 students who received bilingual seals from the Minnesota Department of Education. These accolades included three Platinum seals, seven Gold seals, and one certificate, highlighting the students’ proficiency and linguistic skills. The board acknowledged the significance of these accomplishments and the value of recognizing students’ efforts in acquiring bilingual abilities.

The main focus of the meeting was the appointment of Michael Balman as interim superintendent. Board members discussed Balman’s qualifications and the importance of his familiarity with the district. Supporters of Balman pointed to his previous visibility in classrooms and the trust he has earned within the community. One board member noted, “I feel good about this decision,” citing Balman’s ability to address current challenges and continue positive initiatives.

Despite the support for Balman, concerns were raised regarding the timeline and transparency of the hiring process. Some board members highlighted the need for a clear and thorough selection procedure, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and understanding. One member remarked, “The process is extremely important here, not just here but in all that we do,” stressing that transparent communication with the community is important for maintaining trust and clarity in the board’s actions.

In response to these concerns, it was explained that the informal process involved consulting with the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA), which provided guidance on selecting retired superintendents interested in the role. The board acknowledged the need to ensure the community understands the rationale behind the interim hiring process to avoid confusion.

Further discussion revolved around the qualities and experience that make Balman a suitable candidate for the interim position. One board member emphasized the importance of passion and heart in a leadership role, qualities they believed Balman possessed. They highlighted that Balman’s understanding of the district’s needs and dynamics would help provide stability during this period of change.

Additionally, the board touched on the upcoming board retreat, where they plan to establish clear goals and review previous objectives. The retreat aims to ensure appropriate oversight of the district’s operations throughout the interim period and reinforce the board’s responsibility in maintaining effective governance.

Following the discussion on the interim superintendent, Acting Superintendent Dr. Emily McDonald provided an update on a ballot question regarding an operating levy set for November 5th. This levy aims to expand arts and music programs, improve media literacy, enhance academic and personal readiness services, and strengthen behavioral supports for students. Dr. McDonald outlined the planned communication efforts to educate the community about the levy, including informational meetings, a dedicated website, and outreach through newsletters and direct mail. She clarified the potential tax impact for residents and the importance of community understanding and support, given the complexities of the levy as presented on the ballot.

The meeting concluded with a transition into a closed session to discuss legal matters related to ongoing litigation involving the school district. The board’s legal counsel was set to provide advice on how to respond to the lawsuit.