The most consequential decision involved the modification of graduation requirements. For current seniors and juniors, the credit requirement remains at 46 credits. However, starting with the class of 2027, students will need to earn 47 credits to graduate. This change comes with the introduction of a state-mandated personal finance class for all 10th-grade students in the upcoming year. Additionally, from the class of 2028 onwards, ninth graders will be required to take a career exploration course. This initiative aims to help students explore various career options early, enabling them to make informed decisions about their future educational pathways. The school will collaborate closely with Riverland Community College to expand programs such as welding, with potential additions of carpentry and electrical training.

In a move reflective of changing student needs, the board decided not to assign lockers to all 1,229 students due to underutilization. Instead, students can request a locker anytime, with a booth available during the open house for this purpose. Seniors will retain designated lockers in the senior hallway. This decision mirrors practices at other schools and frees up space for flexible learning options within the high school.

Addressing the growing issue of food deliveries during school hours, the board introduced a new policy to curb disruptions caused by services like DoorDash and Uber Eats. Any food deliveries between 8:30 AM and 3:00 PM will be turned away at the door, though students can still receive deliveries outside these hours by meeting the delivery person outside the building. This policy aims to minimize interruptions and financial impacts on the district’s food service program.

The board also revisited the topic of senior privileges, particularly the reopening of campus for seniors during lunch and study halls. This shift from the previous closed campus policy intends to instill responsibility among seniors, allowing them to demonstrate accountability. Requirements for seniors include maintaining a 90% attendance rate, passing grades in all classes, and adhering to disciplinary expectations for at least ten days. A parent or guardian must sign a release form. Seniors will check in and out using an electronic system through a designated door.

While these measures received mixed responses from board members, the emphasis was on peer accountability and maintaining student safety. Concerns were raised about students potentially struggling to return on time from lunch if they have only 25 minutes to leave, eat, and return for their next class. However, the board emphasized that the presence of hall monitors would remain unchanged.

The board also discussed updates to policies regarding student activities and attendance. Aligning with the Minnesota State High School League and the Big Nine Conference, the updated academic eligibility criteria now allow students to fail an elective class without facing immediate ineligibility for participation in events, provided they are making progress toward graduation. However, students failing a required class must make up that credit before participating in events. Chemical violation penalties were also clarified, particularly concerning marijuana, which remains a controlled substance for students. The penalties now include the loss of eligibility for two consecutive contests or two weeks of the season, with quicker eligibility reinstatement for students participating in treatment programs.

A new parent code of conduct was introduced to address concerns about adult behavior during sporting events, holding parents accountable and aligning with initiatives to ensure a positive environment for student participants. Celebrations for students signing national letters of intent for college were also discussed, with plans to hold two special meetings throughout the year to recognize these achievements.

The board also tackled the issue of chronic absenteeism, with reports of an increase in students missing 10% or more of the school year. The policy now allows for nine unexcused or excused absences per semester, down from ten, after which families must provide a doctor’s note for absences. This change aims to emphasize the importance of consistent attendance and address the growing issue collaboratively.

Staffing adjustments in relation to enrollment numbers were a key topic, with an increase of approximately 183 students compared to the previous year. Recruitment strategies included participation in career and college fairs and targeted job fairs for special education vacancies. A total of 27 special education staff members were hired for the upcoming year, alongside several others from elementary and secondary education. An expanded mentoring program for new staff was also discussed, featuring summer onboarding sessions and a three-day onboarding process.