The meeting’s primary focus was on fiscal matters, with the board addressing the approval of the preliminary levy for the 2024 payable 2025 fiscal year. The preliminary levy, initially projected to increase by 4.88%, was adjusted to a 4.32% increase following corrections in levy calculations due to ongoing reviews by the Department of Education. This adjustment is part of the board’s annual review and planning process, which occurs in August and September. The board has already engaged in finance committee discussions to ensure informed decision-making.

Alongside the levy approval, the board discussed preparations for audits of three different fiscal years. Auditors were scheduled to be on-site the following week to review the previous fiscal year. The board is concurrently operating in the current school year while also beginning preliminary planning for the next year’s budget. This thorough approach aims to maintain financial stability and transparency within the district.

In addition to fiscal planning, the board authorized the review and comment submission to the Minnesota Department of Education for the Riverview HVAC Improvement project and the high school outdoor facilities improvements. These submissions are necessary prerequisites for potential ballot measures.

The board also addressed amendments to the bylaws of the Benton-Stearns District agreement, focusing on real estate arrangements and future lease agreements. These amendments are important for setting the groundwork for the district’s long-term planning and facility management.

Community engagement was another significant theme during the meeting. The board highlighted the ongoing initiative of conducting 100 interviews in 100 days aimed at fostering community involvement.

Student achievements were recognized, with acknowledgments of recent accomplishments by student-athletes. Avery Schad, Max Smith, Mike Hammock, Seth Davidson, and Molly Stawick were all commended for their outstanding performances in their respective sports. This recognition underscores the district’s dedication to celebrating student success both in academics and extracurricular activities.

The meeting also included a detailed report from the student representative, who provided an overview of the start of the school year across various schools in the district. The report highlighted activities at Oak Ridge, Pine Meadow, and Riverview schools, emphasizing the importance of routines and shared expectations for student success. The high school’s “Saber Splash” event, which welcomed ninth graders, and the upcoming homecoming festivities themed “Ho Down for Hoko,” were also discussed.

A board member expressed gratitude towards the Sartell-St. Stephen Education Foundation for sponsoring a back-to-school breakfast for staff.

Further discussions included negotiations with the par group, focusing on salary and benefits proposals and refining contract language. The legislative network, now referred to as “Schools Advocating for Pair Funding,” scheduled its first meeting for the Friday preceding the regular meeting in October. Although the operations and facilities committee had not met since the last session, they were expected to resume discussions soon.

The meeting transitioned to action items, with motions presented and approved for various approvals, including the agenda and the review and comment submission to the Department of Education. The proposed levy for 2024 payable in 2025 was also approved without dissent. Adjustments to the BCD District agreement and bylaws were approved.

Finally, the board moved to a second reading of policies 206 and 504, which had been added to the agenda earlier in the meeting. The session concluded with a closed discussion on ongoing negotiations with the par group, as permitted under Minnesota statute 13D.3, to seek feedback from the full board on the negotiation progress.