In a discussion, the board examined a resolution advocating for increased internal control over financial allocations. The proposal seeks to allow the school board to shift funds between various accounts without requiring state-level approval. One participant explained, “it’s just asking can we internally shift dollars ourselves as elected officials instead of the elected officials.” This measure emphasizes the need for flexibility in managing capital funds, which are currently restricted. The board recognized that while capital funds and Long-Term Facilities Maintenance (LTFM) funds are separate, allowing for internal transfers between these accounts could better address urgent needs. As one individual noted, “it would certainly make a nice would give us an option I guess to slide that if we needed to.”

The resolution aims to alleviate these constraints, enabling the school to respond more effectively to pressing financial needs without state-imposed restrictions. The board also clarified that this resolution does not entail immediate tax increases but seeks to ensure more effective financial management.

Funding challenges faced by the Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton School District were another topic. A speaker highlighted the collaboration among superintendents in Clay County, including those from Barnesville and Moorhead, to address regional educational issues. The speaker noted Barnesville’s impending funding initiatives, including three ballot questions aimed at securing additional resources and a capital project levy. The speaker expressed concern about maintaining financial viability, stating, “I’m kind of running out of ways to cut,” underscoring the urgency of finding sustainable funding solutions.

The conversation also touched on the historical context of local optional revenue (LOR), established in 2013 at $424 per student and consolidated to $724 by 2014 without an inflation adjustment. The speaker pointed out that rising costs have eroded this funding’s value, explaining, “after a while, the 724 is not 724 anymore.” The proposal presented aimed to incrementally increase the LOR authority to $950 in the first year, $1,050 in the second, and $1,100 in the third. This increase could help maintain manageable class sizes, acquire instructional materials, and improve technology.

Additional context on Clay County’s financial landscape was provided, detailing that local patrons would contribute over $8 million, while the state would provide just over $3 million towards educational funding. The speaker emphasized the importance of local control, stating, “Let the local board control their school,” and questioned why state mandates should govern local decisions. The need for local decision-making powers to allocate resources where they are most needed was a recurring theme, with the speaker proposing greater flexibility to redirect existing funds to address urgent needs effectively.

The board also discussed several school initiatives, including the DGF Elementary report from Principal Wayne, who described the start of the school year as highly successful. Wayne credited the collective effort of staff across various departments, including transportation, food service, and maintenance. He mentioned ongoing principal visits to classrooms and the introduction of a new curriculum for social skills, “Be Good People,” led by social workers, with author Kevin Lren scheduled to visit in October.

The Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) initiative continues with “Rebel Pride Fridays,” recognizing five students and one staff member weekly. Wayne elaborated on the mentorship program for new teachers. The board also discussed the Dad’s program, emphasizing plans to reorganize and increase participation, and the “Nurtured Heart” approach to positive communication with students.

Superintendent reports included strategic plan updates, with the superintendent planning a meeting with principals to review accomplishments and adjustments. The board expressed gratitude for the contributions of its members and highlighted a collaborative approach among staff and administration, focusing on continuous improvement and community involvement.

The board addressed several routine items, including the approval of bills totaling $1,433,468 and the acceptance of various resignations. They also discussed lane changes related to staff compensation, with an annual cost of approximately $330,000, and approved donations from local sources.

Policy updates included adjustments to the employee leave donation policy and the student attendance policy, clarifying that the attendance requirements apply only to middle and high school students. An important memorandum of agreement concerning the non-certified staff contract was addressed, introducing a speech-language pathologist assistant position and provisions for a potential special education teacher assistant position.