The most notable aspect of the meeting was the presentation of the annual financial audit results by Jim Ike from LB Carlson. The audit provided an unmodified opinion on the district’s financial statements. This was a positive reflection on the district’s adherence to governmental accounting standards, as there were no findings related to internal controls or non-compliance with Minnesota laws. Ike also spoke about a delay in issuing the report on federal awards due to pending federal guidance, which impacted the timeline for these opinions.

Key financial metrics highlighted an increase in the district’s fund balance, which points to financial stability. The audit showed that revenues surpassed projections by about 4.4%, while expenditures were $8 million less than budgeted, attributed to open positions and unused budget capacity. The district’s fund balance policy aims to maintain a minimum level, and the report noted an increase in assigned fund balances for the upcoming budget year to address an anticipated deficit. The board members expressed appreciation for the positive audit results, acknowledging the efforts of the financial leadership team.

In a notable development for Aspen Ridge Elementary School, the board approved a new mascot and logo. The process involved substantial community engagement, with students and families participating in a digital thought exchange to share their ideas. A group of 12 students from Fernbrook Elementary, facilitated by Principal Patrick Smith and Gabe Kalilla, the executive director of community relations, narrowed down their choices to three finalists: an owl, a bear, and a coyote. The bear, featured in front of an aspen tree, was chosen to align with the school’s outdoor theme. Principal Smith emphasized the importance of the school’s identity and the significance of community involvement, given that Aspen Ridge is the first new school in the district in 20 years.

Superintendent Dr. Kim Hy provided a report on several community engagement activities. Dr. Hy mentioned a recent community conversation session where stakeholders shared thoughts on the district’s strengths and areas for improvement. He introduced a new initiative for students to co-develop a survey aimed at better understanding their experiences and needs, with a session planned at Cedar Island Elementary School involving over 60 students.

The board also celebrated achievements within the district, including the Park Center Pirates adapted soccer team winning the state championship. The District 279 Foundation’s annual Reading is Fun 5K raised $10,000 for school media centers. Additionally, a long-standing community-driven donation drive collected winter clothing for students in need, highlighting the district’s charitable efforts.

Director Kelsey Dawson reported on attending a professional development conference with the tribal nations education committee, which focused on strategies for supporting American Indian students. Dawson also mentioned the RISE Committee’s recent meeting, which centers on culture, climate, identity, and belonging, inviting community participation in future meetings.

Director Erica Foster acknowledged the presence of teachers at the meeting and discussed a policy committee meeting where several policies and plans were reviewed. Director Thomas Brooks shared insights from his first meeting with the 279 Foundation, announcing the “A Night Out” fundraising event for student programs. Director Sarah Mitchell reported on the CPAC committee meeting, which discussed the success of the four-year-old pre-K program and the interest in adding student voices to their discussions.

Routine items such as the consent agenda, which included meeting minutes and financial reports, were approved without requests for separate consideration. A discussion item was the open enrollment resolution, which closed enrollment at certain schools due to capacity issues.

The board approved the fiscal year 2025 audit report and a new employment agreement for principals, which included salary increases and benefits adjustments. The board also accepted gifts totaling $62,142.50 for student needs.