A central topic of discussion was the development of a new cell phone policy, prompted by recent legislative requirements. The board aims to have this policy in place by March, with input from school principals who shared their experiences and best practices. Principals from various educational levels emphasized the importance of limiting technology use to foster better face-to-face interactions and enhance student focus and safety. They collectively pointed out that while technology can aid learning, its misuse can lead to distractions.

The middle school has already adopted an “away for the day” policy, mandating students store their devices in lockers, which has been well-received by parents. This initiative, recommended by the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals, aims to minimize distractions and has reportedly quadrupled student-to-student communication. The high school, while enforcing a policy of no electronic devices from bell to bell, allows phone use during passing times, recognizing the need for older students to communicate about responsibilities outside school.

The high school principal acknowledged some inconsistencies among staff regarding device expectations. A staff meeting is planned to ensure clarity and alignment among teachers. Feedback from teachers and families noted increased student engagement and collaboration due to the policy’s positive effects. While the board recognizes the challenges parents face in managing their children’s technology use, clear communication and user agreements have fostered parental support for these proactive measures.

In addition to policy discussions, the board reviewed and approved the district’s audit report. The audit, presented by the superintendent and an audit team, offered a clean, unmodified opinion on the financial statements.” A notable finding was the lack of segregation of accounting duties due to limited staff, a common issue for districts of similar size. The audit team recommended vigilant review of monthly financial reports to mitigate this concern. Importantly, no instances of non-compliance were reported.

The audit also highlighted financial challenges, including a decrease in the general fund balance by approximately $2.3 million, exceeding the anticipated decrease of $1.2 million. Revenues were $138,000 under budget, primarily due to federal sources, while expenditures were over budget by about $1.3 million. This discrepancy was attributed to unbudgeted technology purchases, higher transportation costs, and accelerated project work. While revenues increased by about $1.1 million for fiscal 2024, primarily due to state sources, expenditures continued to outpace revenues, reflecting increases in special education staffing and transportation costs.

Further, the board addressed the financial standing of the food service and community service funds. The provision of free meals to all students resulted in increased revenues and expenditures for the food service fund. The community service fund also saw increased revenue due to higher participation, but expenditures exceeded revenue.

In other meeting highlights, the board expressed a commitment to incorporating student voices in decision-making, reflecting on the benefits of having student representatives. This sentiment was echoed in discussions about personal technology devices and their impact on student focus. The importance of a comprehensive approach to technology policies was underscored, with potential distractions from devices like smartwatches and headphones being notable concerns.

Additionally, board members Sarah Jones and Ross Meisner were recognized for completing the Minnesota School Boards Association training. They shared the value of networking with board members from different districts and emphasized the importance of continuous education for school board members.

The board also celebrated a successful Strive field trip, which involved students visiting local colleges and exploring racially responsive programs in the nursing lab. This initiative, in collaboration with Columbia Heights and supported by the rotary, provided valuable exposure to potential educational pathways for students.

During the business action items segment, the board approved the audit results and accepted the final certification of the tax levy. A notable resolution involved accepting donations to the school district, including a $334 gift for popcorn at family movie nights, facilitated by the Fridley Education Association.

The board also discussed transitioning from the Center for Effective School Operations (CISO) to in-house operations for HR, finance, and transportation. Superintendent Lewis highlighted the successful collaboration with CISO, but the board emphasized feedback from staff and community members supporting the transition.