The meeting began with Ellie Gray, a newcomer to the Stillwater community, expressing disappointment over her family’s experience with the district’s administrative procedures. Gray highlighted the challenges faced by new residents, particularly in registering for the Adventure Club, an after-school program. Despite promptly signing up, Gray’s family remained at number 10 on the waitlist for months, which she attributed to being deprioritized as newcomers. Gray emphasized the need for clear communication from the district, stating, “You can’t promote the district as an educational destination and then bury new families at the bottom of the list when it comes to afterschool care.” She criticized the chaotic registration process and the lack of guidance for new families, describing it as a “trial by fire.”

In response to these concerns, the superintendent discussed ongoing efforts to address staffing shortages in the Adventure Club. He noted that eight potential hires were in the pipeline, which could accommodate approximately 100 more students, with 11 additional candidates being considered for interviews. While expressing optimism about reducing the waitlist, the superintendent acknowledged the need for continued progress in this area.

Attention then turned to the district’s construction projects. Updates were provided on the new Bayport and Lake Elmo schools, highlighting design themes and construction progress. The Bayport Elementary theme was inspired by its proximity to the river, with design elements such as a “waterfall” entrance and river sediment-themed classrooms. At Lake Elmo, plans included a one-station gymnasium, with a two-station gym proposed due to the school’s larger capacity of 1,100 students. Significant site work was underway, including road improvements to manage traffic flow safely.

The board also discussed the Oakland school, where remodeling efforts aimed to convert the current gym into a library and music space, alongside the addition of two full-size gyms. Concerns were raised about construction timing to ensure minimal disruption to students, with plans to complete initial phases by spring break. The new gyms will feature competitive courts with pull-down bleachers, providing a dedicated assembly space for students and addressing previous limitations on spectator capacity.

Security enhancements across the district were another focal point. The high school underwent upgrades, including a redesigned entryway to improve safety and control over building access. Additional security measures discussed included the installation of security strobes and updated communication systems. The need for more security cameras was acknowledged, with upcoming bids planned for these projects.