The new director of grants and special projects highlighted the various initiatives funded by these grants. One notable grant is a full-service community school grant for Richardson Elementary, which will begin as a planning grant to assess community needs. Additional grants were secured for supporting students experiencing homelessness and for initiatives funded by 3M, which include career exposure events and a donation for energy-efficient window film installation. The board expressed its pride in the director’s efforts and the collaborative work of district leaders in securing these funds.

Following the grant discussion, the meeting introduced Andy Beaton as the new secondary assistant superintendent. Beaton brings extensive experience in public education, having worked as a special education paraprofessional, social studies teacher, and principal at several high schools. He expressed enthusiasm for the district’s focus on equity and excellence and shared personal anecdotes about his family and professional background.

The renewal of the 2016 operating levy was another significant topic. A director outlined the renewal process, noting that recent legislative updates allow for a one-time renewal of existing levies under the same terms. The current levy generates approximately $792,183 per adjusted pupil unit (APU) and is recommended for renewal to maintain existing tax levels. The discussion included the historical success rate of similar renewals and the cost savings of avoiding elections. The board voted to renew the levy until 2036, emphasizing that it is a continuation of existing taxes rather than a new tax.

The superintendent provided updates on back-to-school preparations, highlighting the positive atmosphere among returning staff and the successful welcome-back events for various groups. Approximately 65 new teachers have joined the district, including 11 international teachers from the Philippines. These new hires bring diverse perspectives and extensive experience, primarily in special education, and will be integrated into various schools throughout the district. Community members have expressed a desire to assist these teachers, notably in finding housing and providing necessary household items.

The district’s efforts to improve staff recruitment and retention were discussed, noting a reduction in employee vacancies from 131 to 98 compared to the same period last year. The district has strategically increased its in-house transportation workforce to reduce reliance on external contracts. The introduction of the My Ride K12 app aims to improve communication with families, providing real-time updates on bus locations and schedules.

Student attendance was addressed as a issue, with the district implementing various support and intervention plans at each school site. Efforts to improve attendance include engaging students in extracurricular activities and forming a district attendance oversight committee. The Minnesota Alliance for Youth has awarded the district five positions through an AmeriCorps program to enhance student attendance, offering support such as health care and tuition awards for participants.

The meeting also included updates on construction projects within the district, notably at Tartan High School, where ongoing construction will necessitate relocating the main entrance for an entire year. Efforts to mitigate parking reductions involve collaborations with local churches to provide additional parking spaces. The Webster Education Center is transitioning to house the Harmony K12 program, with a community health clinic expected to open next fall.

Policy revisions and adoptions were significant, focusing on ensuring compliance with new legislative changes. Two new policies, concerning library materials and student sex non-discrimination under Title IX, were adopted, alongside revisions to thirty-seven existing policies. These updates reflect recent statutory changes and aim to enhance the district’s governance and operational efficiency.