The board’s primary focus was the development of a student code of conduct tailored specifically for Royalton schools. A team of five or six teachers commenced work on the document, adapting existing codes from neighboring districts like St. Cloud, Sartell, and Sauk Rapids. The effort aimed to streamline the discipline process by avoiding redundancy. By the meeting’s conclusion, the team had made substantial progress, reaching the letter “L” in the draft. Plans were set to reconvene and finalize the document, which is intended to be an addendum to the student handbooks distributed before the August board meeting.

The code of conduct is designed to provide a structured response framework for various levels of student offenses, offering guidance not only for students but also for teachers navigating the discipline process. Questions during the meeting revealed a commitment to ensuring the document also serves as a resource for teachers, outlining steps for handling different scenarios. The board underscored the necessity of periodic reviews to assess the code’s effectiveness and make adjustments as needed.

Simultaneously, the board discussed and approved the expansion of an apprenticeship program for seniors, an initiative described by Principal Joel Swenson. Currently, one student has enrolled in the program, which is expected to offer valuable work-based learning opportunities. The program’s success hinges on collaboration with local companies and the involvement of a work-based learning coordinator. Efforts are underway to finalize necessary paperwork to ensure state compliance, with the program seen as a constructive way to align educational experiences with real-world applications.

In administrative matters, the board addressed budget updates, with the business manager detailing the long-term facilities maintenance revenue and expenses projected for fiscal year 2027. This revenue, anticipated to be around $352,627, will support debt service and future repairs, particularly for roofs. The importance of maintaining a healthy fund balance for such capital expenses was emphasized.

The meeting also saw the approval of several policies and administrative actions. The board confirmed the Iowa resolution, designating Wayne Leart as the official responsible for authorizing user access to state educational systems, with Heidi as the backup. Additionally, the board moved to adopt a 10-year LPFM plan, described as detailed and comprehensive, without debate.

Attention was given to the handling of discipline incidents within the school, with discussions highlighting the need for parental engagement with the documents presented each year. The board expressed a willingness to adapt the disciplinary framework to better reflect the unique expectations of the school. Discussions also emphasized the importance of categorizing disciplinary issues clearly to help parents understand the progression of consequences.

The board approved the employee handbook and several donations, recognizing contributions from the Royal American Legion and the Initiative Foundation, among others. These donations, supporting various educational programs, were acknowledged as vital resources that encourage staff to pursue grants for the district’s benefit.

The meeting concluded with the scheduling of future meetings and work sessions. The next finance committee meeting was set for July 23rd, with the regular board meeting scheduled for August 11th. A policy meeting was planned for August 25th to avoid previous scheduling conflicts, and a work session was scheduled for August 4th to address various topics, including discussions on school resource officers.