The meeting began with an enrollment update revealing a slight increase in student numbers compared to the previous year. However, both the eleventh and twelfth grades showed a decrease, each down by two students. The superintendent acknowledged the positive trend and expressed hope that these students would remain in the district long-term. In preschool, it was reported that all classes were full, with waiting lists for both four-year-olds and three-year-olds.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the issue of staffing, particularly in special education. At New Heights, six new registrations over the weekend led to an increase in enrollment. The administration explored ways to improve open house events, splitting them between New Heights and Salt Point to accommodate families. Concerns were raised about the growing number of students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), with one principal noting that approximately eight out of fourteen new students came with such plans. This increase has heightened demands on special education staff. Similar trends were reported at South Point School, where the principal expressed concerns regarding the influx of students with special needs. The principal noted the positive atmosphere created for students returning to school.

In the middle school, class sizes were a concern, with some sections reaching up to 30 students. This situation created challenges, particularly in elective classes, which had larger enrollments due to scheduling conflicts. The principal highlighted the successful integration of a new Spanish class and emphasized the need for support in managing large class sizes.

At the senior high, the principal reported that the school housed 625 students, with 136 identified as needing special education services, a portion of the population. There were ongoing discussions about staffing, particularly regarding paraprofessional support, with a current total of 11.5 paraprofessionals, including a librarian.

The board also discussed the qualifications of paraprofessionals. Currently, 33 paraprofessionals meet federal qualification requirements. In contrast, 70 do not meet these requirements. Efforts are being made to support these individuals in understanding the statute and fulfilling the requirements. A program referred to as Paraeducator is set to assist in this process, including assessments in math, reading, and writing that all paraprofessionals must take. The importance of meeting these qualifications was emphasized, particularly concerning federal funding and employability. Concerns were raised about potential funding losses for special education if the paraprofessionals do not meet the qualifications.

An update was provided on the work of Deca, the homeless liaison, who has been assisting families in securing housing and essential items like school supplies. A report on the English Learner (EL) population revealed that there are currently 14 languages represented in the school district. Screening is underway for potential English language learners, with specific numbers being gathered from various schools.

The meeting also covered the rollout of training programs for preschool and paraprofessionals, specifically mentioning the letters training and the ongoing online literacy and language academy. There was optimism about the training initiatives, despite a few challenges with vendor responsiveness.

A request for a health aide position was made due to increasing medical needs within the district. The demands on school staff were rising, with the number of students requiring special medical attention growing. The current school nurse was responsible for servicing both public and non-public schools, adding to the workload. The need for additional help was described as critical.

Further details were shared regarding at-will contracts for district staff, with 3% raises offered to various groups. Adjustments were made for specific positions, including a larger increase for the tech director and the addition of a bilingual liaison. The absence of a financial report was explained due to a crash of the finance director’s hard drive, with hopes that data could be recovered soon.

The board moved on to the consent agenda and subsequent agenda items, including the approval of the preliminary 2024 payable 2025 levy. A school-based mental health agreement with Aluma was also up for approval, alongside a memorandum of understanding with the East Grand Forks Education Association regarding earned safe and sick time.

A point of discussion revolved around the purchase and contract for a digital sport board at the Senior High football and soccer gym. Concerns were raised about the financial implications of committing to a ten-year payment plan while contemplating hiring additional staff. The commitment to the digital sport board was defended as a necessary investment, with funds from sponsors expected to assist in paying it off sooner than the ten-year timeline.

Concerns were also raised regarding the insufficient staffing levels to support students with specific health needs, particularly at New Heights. The need for additional personnel, including paraprofessionals and health aides, was emphasized to ensure the safety and care of students with conditions such as Type 1 diabetes, food allergies, and seizures.

In addition to health staffing issues, a proposal was made to upgrade the bus camera systems to improve safety and accountability. The financial implications of the upgrade were discussed, with reassurance that it was not an expensive undertaking. The board acknowledged the urgency of the upgrade given prior incidents and the need for immediate access to video footage for accountability.