The primary focus of the meeting was the presentation of the revised Moorhead High School curriculum guide, which was introduced under new business. Dr. Arson, joined by Josh Heg and Tom Drberg, outlined the substantial modifications made to the guide. These changes are designed to improve clarity and usability for students enrolling in courses for the upcoming school year. The guide now offers a polished and user-friendly format, moving from a basic Google document to a more structured presentation. This revised guide categorizes courses into foundational, intermediate, and advanced levels, providing a clear progression path for students. It also includes detailed graduation requirements to help students understand their core expectations and available pathways.

The curriculum guide now incorporates 19 programs of study, although some were removed before final printing due to readiness concerns. The intent is for students to select a program of study by the end of their 10th-grade year, thereby aligning their educational journey more closely with future college or career paths. An advanced studies program was introduced to cater to students interested in pursuing multiple Advanced Placement courses. Questions were raised about the practical benefits of completing a program of study, with the response indicating that while certifications from these programs do not translate to college credits, they do assist students in exploring potential educational and career trajectories.

Inquiries were also made about the availability of specific career paths, such as in the medical field. It was acknowledged that students have opportunities to gain certifications, like Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), as part of the curriculum’s ongoing development. The board aims to broaden the options in the future to include a wider range of interests, such as a biology-specific track, acknowledging the need for flexibility as students’ interests evolve.

Another topic was the discussion around a proposed teacher retirement incentive program. This initiative aims to address budgetary challenges through attrition. The program outlines three levels of eligibility, offering varying payments based on age and years of service. For example, level one offers a $25,000 one-time payment for eligible teachers aged 55 or older with at least 10 years of service. Level two provides a $115,000 payment for those meeting existing retirement benefit criteria, while level three offers $10,000 for teachers aged 60 or over with a minimum of five years of service. The requirement for individuals to declare their intent to retire by March 1, 2025, was also highlighted.

The board also engaged in discussions about the community’s engagement with school-generated information. A speaker emphasized the importance of improving outreach strategies to ensure the community remains informed and engaged with the valuable insights produced by the school. There was a recognition of the need for ongoing adaptability and responsiveness to the evolving job market, with the district committed to preparing students for careers that may not yet exist.

The meeting also tackled the topic of work-based learning opportunities, with an introduction to Ally Johnson, the work-based learning coordinator. Currently, there are 14 partnerships in place, with the board recognizing the importance of tracking their effectiveness over time. The growth of the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program was noted, highlighting a successful partnership with Sanford Health where seven students completed their CNA training and were subsequently hired.

Additionally, the board reviewed the results of a prioritization survey conducted in December, which received 1,185 responses. The survey aimed to understand staff and family perspectives on the district’s values and priorities. Results showed athletic programs at the bottom of funding priorities, with only 26.6% of respondents ranking them highly. The board expressed intent to honor community input when making future decisions.

A resolution was also discussed, directing administration to make recommendations for program reductions and staffing changes due to changing enrollment and financial limitations. This is part of an annual process, with further discussions slated for March.