The urgent matter of funding for the school’s robotics program was among the first issues discussed. Aaron Kman presented a request related to the program’s logistics, explaining that the previous coach had used a personal trailer to transport the robot to competitions, a practice the new coach was unwilling to continue. Kman had already purchased a used trailer for $6,800 and needed financial assistance to prevent his checks from bouncing. His proposal included options for the school board to either buy the trailer, contribute towards its cost, or loan him the money. He stressed the urgency: “I kind of need the money that can my account sometime them later.” The board deliberated on this request, with one member comparing the trailer’s cost to the recent purchase of a mower, questioning why the trailer would seem less justifiable.

Following the robotics discussion, the board approved the meeting agenda and minutes from previous meetings without changes. They also accepted gifts, grants, and donations for the month.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to introducing new teachers through a video presentation. Superintendent Rick Ellingworth introduced himself and shared his excitement about joining the district, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in education. Each new teacher shared personal insights, such as teaching philosophies and dream vacation destinations. For example, Sydney, who will be teaching middle school and business, dreams of visiting Bora Bora, while Michelle, a special education teacher, expressed a desire to visit Ireland due to her Irish heritage.

Representatives from Countryside Public Health presented data from the Minnesota student survey, conducted every three years, highlighting declining participation trends across the state but noting Lac qui Parle Valley’s consistent engagement. The survey, involving students from grades five, eight, nine, and eleven, captures their perspectives and experiences, influencing funding and resource allocation for educational and health initiatives.

One of the most alarming findings from the survey data was the mental health trends, particularly among 11th-grade females, with a significant number reporting serious attempts or actual attempts at suicide. The representatives stressed the importance of using this data to understand student needs and inform public health strategies. They highlighted their commitment to reducing mental health stigma and bridging resource gaps within the five-county area they serve. The presentation emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between the school and public health to utilize the survey data effectively for the benefit of students and the community.

The board then shifted focus to various initiatives aimed at improving student health and well-being. This included tracking data on physical activity and food access, especially in food deserts. The implementation of diversified evidence-based programs, facilitated by a team of nurses, aims to equip students with tools to address health and wellness issues. One such program, the positive action curriculum funded by opioid settlement funds, reached 507 third graders across ten school districts and is set to be reintroduced for fifth and seventh graders.

Further discussions included observed trends in alcohol and substance use among students, revealing a decline in alcohol consumption but an increase in vaping and tobacco use. The implications of cannabis legalization in Minnesota were also anticipated to influence student usage patterns. The importance of data collection in shaping future programs and policies, particularly in rural schools, was emphasized, with a call for the voices of rural youth to be represented in curriculum decisions and legislative actions.

Financial matters were also addressed, including an update on monthly financial reports and the approval of board and construction bills totaling over $2.5 million. The board reviewed bids for audio-visual improvements in the auditorium theater, with Video Services being recommended as the lower bidder at $97,400. Discussions about budget management and potential savings from other line items ensued, and the contract was awarded without further discussion.

Construction projects, including the track and tennis courts, were discussed in detail. The contractor, GR and Dunck, had begun work on the track and planned to complete asphalt work on the tennis courts within the year. Drainage concerns for the tennis courts were raised, with suggestions to add more drain tiles while the area was open. Change orders for the HVAC project were also introduced, including modifications prompted by state plan reviews and the addition of an exhaust system for the indoor concession space at a cost of $122,700.

The board addressed the upcoming state mandate requiring school districts to implement a cell phone policy by March 15, 2025. Principal Swaty outlined two options based on a state-provided toolkit: complete elimination of cell phones or continuation of current practices allowing cell phone use during specific times. The existing handbook language, which includes provisions for holding phones overnight, was discussed, with proposed changes to allow students to retrieve their phones at the end of the school day. The idea of conducting a survey to gather community feedback on the cell phone policy was proposed.