One notable topics was the designation of the school district’s official newspaper. The board considered a bid from Herald Journal Publishing, which recently acquired the Mcleod County Chronicle, proposing a rate of $744 per column inch for legal business. This marked an increase from the previous year’s cost of $709. Board members expressed concerns about the rising expenses amid a decrease in print circulation. The adequacy of coverage provided by the publication was questioned, with one member emphasizing the need for district communications to highlight broader educational achievements beyond athletics. There was also a discussion about exploring alternative newspapers, such as the Arlington Enterprise, to ensure compliance with legal requirements while enhancing community communication. Ultimately, the board accepted the bid from Herald Journal Publishing after a motion was made and seconded, despite the concerns raised.

Another topic was the introduction of a new K-5 English Language Arts curriculum opportunity from McGraw Hill. This initiative, facilitated by the education company West Ed, is designed to evaluate the curriculum’s effectiveness compared to existing materials. Participation in the program is voluntary for teachers and incurs no cost to the district. Teachers who choose to participate will receive a $400 stipend for training, with initial support scheduled for August and ongoing resources provided throughout the year. The curriculum proposal was approved unanimously by the board.

The meeting also addressed a proposed band and choir trip to Orlando, Florida, scheduled for March 27 to April 2, 2026. Trip coordinator Peter Gibson detailed that participants would fund their expenses privately, and the itinerary includes visits to Universal properties, which are considered more affordable than Disney. The board approved the trip without opposition after a motion was made and seconded.

Financial updates were provided by the Director of Finance, who highlighted the commencement of summer school and the summer food service program. An upcoming audit was noted, set to begin on August 11. Training for the new Mars coordinator is underway, and the board also discussed the need for stop payment orders and authorization for a school debit card due to personnel changes in the finance department. Both actions were approved by the board.

Superintendent Sonju reported on several ongoing construction projects, including new flooring in the Silver Gym, the start of a walking track, and continued roof work. An engineering discussion centered around plans for air conditioning installation in the Purple Gym and Auditorium, though there was uncertainty about whether the work could be completed during the current summer. Additionally, a board member raised concerns about improperly painted lines on the newly installed pickleball courts in the fieldhouse, leading to discussions about potentially sanding down the entire floor. Communication with the flooring company is ongoing to resolve the issue before final payment is made.

Teacher negotiations were another focal point, with the board receiving an update on the status of negotiations. A counterproposal had been made, reflecting a total package just under 6%, in response to an initial offer from the teachers’ union around 20%. The next meeting to continue negotiations was scheduled for the 28th at 4:00 PM.

The board acknowledged several donations for various school activities from community organizations, including Crow River Snow Pros, BFW Glencoe, GSL Boosters Club, GSL concessions, and Silver Lake Lions Club. The Minnesota Free School Meals Program, which started on July 1, 2023, was also discussed, offering free breakfast and lunch while still requiring applications for reduced benefits. Meal prices for the 2025-2026 school year were outlined.

Finally, the board conducted a formal evaluation of Superintendent Sonju, facing criticism due to low participation, with only two out of six board members contributing. Concerns were raised about accountability and growth, with calls for a more structured evaluation process tied to clearly defined goals in the future.