In other developments during the meeting, Bruce Olson was recognized for his service as he steps down from his role. Olson, who was given time to address the board, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the students, staff, and community. Superintendent Wagner lauded Olson’s student-centered leadership. Meanwhile, board member Gary Schindler was acknowledged for completing the Minnesota School Board Association (MSBA) leadership development program, with a celebration planned at the upcoming MSBA leadership conference. Director Angie Hoffman also received recognition for her extensive participation in MSBA-sponsored meetings and activities over a four-year period.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the results of the “Daily Desired Experiences Survey,” a strategic planning initiative that began in Spring 2022. The survey aimed to gather feedback from students, families, and staff on their experiences. Data revealed that 69.9% of students felt safe, while only 57.6% felt recognized and appreciated, falling below the 60% benchmark. The survey encompassed responses from students in grades six through twelve, including those at the Learning Center and Online Academy. Discussions followed on how to interpret and act on the data, particularly concerning responses in the neutral category.

Family responses to the survey were notably more positive, with all responses surpassing the 60% favorable threshold and less than 10% in the strongly disagree category. Families expressed satisfaction with their children’s safety, the welcoming environment of schools, and the availability of resources. However, the response rate from families was relatively low, prompting discussions on how to increase participation, especially from elementary school parents. Board members highlighted the importance of continuous engagement to ensure comprehensive feedback from all stakeholders.

Teacher Amber Uli shared insights from the teacher report, highlighting the successful return of the “Donuts for Grownups” event, which attracted significant participation. She also discussed recent music concerts and the positive reception of a choir concert. Additionally, a National Honor Society blood drive successfully filled all available slots.

The board also focused on staff surveys, revealing areas needing improvement, particularly in social and emotional support for students and staff. Furthermore, 31.9% of staff reported feeling unsupported in their professional growth, and 27.7% expressed dissatisfaction with communication at both district and site levels. These findings prompted discussions on how to enhance communication and support for staff.