At the forefront of the meeting was the superintendent’s report, detailing the discovery of two sewer line breaks, one affecting the school bus maintenance garage and another near the elementary gym. The age of the facilities was noted as a contributing factor. Plans are in place to address these issues, prioritizing repairs to the garage in the fall. This infrastructure update is important for ensuring the safety and functionality of school facilities.

Another topic was the potential impact of federal funding cuts following a recent reconciliation bill. Concerns were raised about reductions to programs like WIC and Medicaid, which could affect counties and schools, particularly impacting students from low-income families. The anticipated drop in program qualifications could lead to decreased compensatory revenue in future years. Moreover, there are worries about the reduction in Medicaid funding for special services, which could impact mental health therapists who rely on Medicaid billing. The board recognized the need for community initiatives to address these funding gaps, as it poses a challenge for maintaining essential services for students requiring special support.

The initiative aims to deepen teachers’ understanding and ability to teach this content across all subject areas. With the involvement of Grand Portage and the University of Minnesota Duluth, a series of professional development sessions are planned, focusing on tribal governance, environmental stewardship, and various aspects of indigenous culture.

A discussion ensued regarding the upcoming superintendent evaluation criteria. The board plans to refine evaluation elements for the next year, utilizing the MSBA framework to establish clear goals and expectations. This follows feedback that previous evaluations lacked definition.

Despite aiming for a balanced budget, a slight overspend is projected, largely due to restricted and assigned funds. The board expressed optimism about ending the fiscal year within reasonable expectations, while acknowledging ongoing financial challenges.

A proposal for a middle school trip to Washington, D.C., in fiscal year 2027 was also reviewed. The trip is estimated to cost about $2,200 per student, with fundraising efforts anticipated to support expenses. Although concerns were raised about student safety in light of increasing militarization in the capital, the educational value of the trip was emphasized, offering students broader perspectives on government and society.

The board proceeded to approve handbooks for the 2025-2026 school year, including updates to the preschool, faculty, and employee handbooks, primarily for clerical reasons. Additionally, personnel matters were addressed, with new hires and resignations approved unanimously. The board expressed enthusiasm for the return of a coach and gratitude for a departing staff member’s contributions.