The meeting began with a discussion on the district’s harassment policy. A board member clarified that the policy targets harassment based on protected classes as required by Minnesota statutes. Concerns were raised about the interpretation of the policy’s applicability, with some suggesting it might be perceived as only relevant to specific groups. To address these concerns, the administration provided additional clarification, emphasizing the need for the policy to align with state laws.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing inaccuracies in the district’s reported graduation rate. A reported zero graduation rate had sparked questions about the district’s performance. A speaker explained that the zero rate resulted from a glitch in the state’s reporting system, which could not be corrected retrospectively. It was stressed that this was an error, and the district’s performance level was much higher, consistently achieving a 93% or higher graduation rate. The board expressed a desire to avoid incurring additional training costs due to these inaccuracies, favoring the allocation of resources toward core curriculum improvements instead.

The board also celebrated School Board Appreciation Month, with cookies and letters presented to board members. The first week of school was described as successful, with personalized packets introduced to connect teachers with families from all three cities served by the district. A specific instance was shared where a shy student found comfort in the school environment.

The board discussed the $2,000 donation from Chipoa County Sheriff Derek Olsen. Initially intended for a scholarship for students pursuing law enforcement careers, the funds were redirected to support safety initiatives within the school due to a lack of scholarship applications. This generous contribution was acknowledged with gratitude, emphasizing the community’s support for the district’s safety priorities.

The meeting also covered various updates and improvements made over the summer. The facilities saw notable upgrades, particularly the K-5 wing, which underwent floor waxing, cleaning, and painting. A new resource room was created, contributing to an enhanced educational environment. The kitchen staff also made operational improvements, including the installation of stainless steel tables to improve cafeteria workflow. An open house event was well-attended, with approximately 95% of families participating, allowing staff to connect with students and parents effectively.

In addition to facility upgrades, the board discussed ongoing training programs for staff. The district is in its second year of the REACT program, with a training session scheduled for September 15th involving around 30 staff members. The Open Court program is also in its second year, with adjustments being made to address any challenges. The administration is working to refine instructional methods and ensure students receive the support they need, with external experts like Eric Schwankl and Trisha Christopher assisting in analyzing math and reading scores.

The topic of safety was also addressed, with plans for lockdown and fire drills to ensure preparedness. The presence of county deputies was highlighted as a reassuring factor for families, with the board emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong connections with local law enforcement.

Finally, a discussion on the student and staff handbooks took place, focusing on necessary updates and clarifications. The board considered suggestions for reorganizing the handbook for easier navigation and addressing discrepancies in policies such as cell phone use and smoking, including e-cigarettes. The need for comprehensive and clear policies was underscored, with a motion to adopt the staff handbook with noted corrections.