A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation by Darren Strel, the executive secretary of the Minnesota Rural Education Association (MRA). Strel provided an overview of the MRA’s mission, which advocates for Greater Minnesota education by integrating diverse stakeholders such as staff, administration, and school boards. This approach, he noted, enhances problem-solving efforts by incorporating multiple perspectives to ensure equitable access to high-quality educational opportunities for rural students.

Illustrating the reach of the MRA, Strel displayed a map highlighting districts served by the organization and emphasized the importance of their advocacy role in legislative matters affecting rural districts. He detailed the MRA’s communication efforts and its connection to a national organization, stating, “What the legislature does impacts us… so MRA is part of the national Rural Education Association.” Strel invited board members to participate in the upcoming Greater Education Summit, a conference aimed at addressing rural education issues.

During the presentation, Strel mentioned legislative accomplishments, such as roof repair advocacy and seasonal tax-based replacement aid, stressing the importance of these initiatives for educational facilities. He acknowledged that the upcoming legislative session would require careful consideration of budgetary implications from previous decisions.

The presentation concluded with a discussion on the nature of the MRA’s advocacy work. When asked if the MRA functions as a lobbyist, Strel confirmed that their role indeed focuses on promoting rural education. He highlighted the importance of member engagement in roundtable discussions to communicate needs and share actionable insights regarding legislative priorities.

The board also discussed the challenges in recruiting teachers with specific science licenses in rural areas. One participant highlighted the difficulties, stating, “the reality of having seven different science licenses really makes it difficult because we have a hard time finding teachers.” This point underscored the need for legislative flexibility to better accommodate rural school staffing needs.

Another agenda item was the approval of a proposed Earth Science trip to Puerto Rico, scheduled for June 15 to 19, 2026. The trip, fully funded by individual participants, was approved unanimously. The trip aims to combine educational experiences in geology, biology, and local history, with 26 students expressing interest, a significant increase from previous participation levels.

The board also addressed the approval of a 1.0 FTE special education teaching contract for Jade Franson, following a last-minute resignation. The motion carried without dissent. Additionally, the board approved snow removal quotes for the 2024-2026 school years from Anderson Lawn Care, noting the bid was for per occurrence services with specific conditions.

Routine procedural actions included reviewing medical and childcare leave requests under the teachers’ master agreement, all of which were approved without opposition. The board also confirmed its compliance with equity laws.

Financial discussions included the fiscal year 2025 proposed levy, with the administration recommending certifying the levy at its maximum preliminary amount to allow for adjustments before finalization in December. The proposed levy includes components such as debt service, community services, and general funding, with an expected increase of approximately $190,000 compared to the previous year. The board emphasized the importance of community engagement in informational meetings regarding the levy to provide clarity on the necessity of the tax increases.

The meeting also featured a presentation about a recent educational trip undertaken by students, which included visits to several national parks. Students shared their experiences, describing the physical challenges of hiking in Bryce Canyon, Zion, and the Grand Canyon. The trip combined educational and recreational activities, with students learning about geological formations, weather changes, and historical contexts.

Updates were provided on the recent poker social organized by the education foundation, which saw higher turnout and successful fundraising efforts. The marketing committee reported increased online engagement. Collaborative efforts with local organizations aim to attract new students and promote community events.