A central topic of the meeting was the approval of a salary increase for Superintendent Wagner for the 2024-2025 school year. The executive director introduced the item by referencing comparative data on superintendent salaries from other districts. One board member raised concerns about the absence of specific enrollment data in the salary comparisons, prompting clarifications on the accuracy and reliability of the reported salary information. Another board member analyzed the average cost per student, noting that excluding Rochester from the calculations led to an average of $50 per student, while the proposed salary was $60. Despite these concerns, the general sentiment was supportive of the increase, citing improvements in site security, e-communication, and strategic planning under Wagner’s leadership as justifications for the higher salary.

Further discussion emphasized that the vote was not a reflection of Wagner’s performance but a financial decision influenced by broader budgetary considerations. The importance of maintaining competitive salaries to attract and retain talent was underscored, with a focus on the district’s fiscal responsibility and adherence to a 12% fund balance guideline. The roll call vote resulted in a 4-2 decision in favor of the salary increase.

Superintendent Wagner also addressed the board, expressing enthusiasm for the new school year and emphasizing the importance of their strategic plan aimed at inspiring learners and cultivating growth. He highlighted the importance of safety within the school environment and the need for community caution during student drop-off and pick-up times. Wagner noted the positive turnout at recent elementary conferences and discussed the upcoming eighth-grade orientation event, designed to welcome students with engaging activities. He also mentioned the distribution of a postcard promoting enrollment and educational offerings, noting the increasing enrollment figures and the continued need for outreach to families.

The meeting featured a detailed presentation on the new Tigers Unite app and the associated Thrillshare platform, aimed at enhancing communication within the Albert Lea School District. The newly designed district website was noted for its improved visuals and user-friendly interface, serving as a primary portal for families considering moving to the area, enrolling their children, or potential employees evaluating job opportunities. The website includes a live feed connected to the Tigers Unite app and a calendar system that syncs events from individual school buildings to the district website, making it easier for the community to participate in school events.

The Tigers Unite app itself was described as a significant advancement in the district’s communication strategy, structured in two main categories: ‘rooms’ for classroom groups and a broader school app that acts as a social media feed for the district. This app allows teachers to communicate directly with parents and caregivers, with features for both individual and group messaging and read receipts to confirm whether messages have been received. The app aims to unify various communication methods previously used, described as “chunky” and “choppy,” into a streamlined system. Within a week of its launch, the associated Facebook page had garnered 849 followers, highlighting community interest.

There was a discussion about the operational nuances and protections regarding class data within the app and the potential for school board members to share content. The suggestion to include school board meeting dates in the public calendar was positively received. The emphasis was placed on the importance of maintaining an effective website and communication strategy, with a commitment to enhancing these efforts.

The meeting also covered the successful rollout of new furniture for elementary classrooms. Further discussions included reports on the Education Foundation meeting, upcoming events, and initiatives concerning the Fieldhouse project to celebrate the history of the school’s athletic programs through memorabilia and photographs.

The board also reviewed three policies, including one related to school resource officers, another focused on student attendance, and a policy concerning a local literacy plan mandated by the READ Act. The literacy plan is scheduled for annual updates, with a third reading and vote planned for the next meeting.