The board underscored the potential ramifications of the upcoming levy vote, emphasizing the consequences of its failure. Members expressed concern that without the levy, the school district might face severe budget cuts affecting staffing, educational programs, and overall student experiences. These cuts could lead to larger class sizes and diminished individual attention for students, increasing costs for families participating in extracurricular activities. The board stressed the importance of maintaining robust educational resources to support student success and community well-being, framing the levy vote as a decision for Monticello Schools’ future. They emphasized the community’s important role in supporting the school district, not just financially but by fostering a collaborative environment for student growth.

Another topic was the discussion of a cooperative swimming program with Becker and Big Lake schools. Activities Director Gary Revg presented the proposal, highlighting how enrollment changes had resulted in Monticello moving from Class A to Class AA for the upcoming cycle. Both Becker and Big Lake showed interest in forming a co-op as they faced challenges fielding competitive swim teams. Revg mentioned that Big Lake had two middle school students interested, while Becker expected three swimmers. The board approved the cooperative sponsorship, noting that students would be responsible for their transportation and the district would bill the co-op schools based on participant numbers. The benefits of the co-op were highlighted, with excitement among Becker families about the opportunity to swim in Monticello rather than traveling to St. Cloud.

Bond refinancing was also a major topic of discussion, with Matt Hammer from Ellers Incorporated presenting opportunities to refinance outstanding bonds to lower future taxes for property owners. Hammer detailed the bond refinancing mechanics, likening it to a home mortgage refinancing to reduce interest costs. He explained that the district could refinance before the bonds’ call date of February 1, 2026, and outlined the procedural aspects, including setting a minimum savings parameter of $100,000. The board was informed that savings from refinancing would be returned to property owners to reduce future taxes, as legally required. Questions about potential costs were addressed, with assurances given that no costs would be incurred unless the refinancing proceeded.

The meeting also included staff recognitions, with Superintendent Eric Olson acknowledging individuals contributing to state-level committees and celebrating National Coaches Day and National Custodian Day. Olson highlighted the dedication of coaches and custodial staff, noting their vital roles in maintaining a supportive environment for students and staff.

Policy updates were another focus, with discussions centered on a new policy for moments of silence during board meetings. The board debated criteria for recognizing individuals, particularly regarding the passing of students and staff. Concerns were raised about potential inconsistencies, and the board acknowledged the need for a legally sound policy aligned with legal advice. The discussion considered how many moments of silence should be held per meeting and criteria for determining who qualifies for recognition. The board agreed to review the policy further, seeking additional legal guidance to ensure clarity and consistency.

Additional policy matters reviewed included policy 303 on superintendent selection, policy 607 on grade level organization, policy 621 on literacy and the READ Act, and policy 704 on fixed asset inventory maintenance. These discussions did not result in immediate action, with plans to revisit five of the six policies for a second reading at the next meeting.