A community night featuring the jazz band and a basketball game was announced, emphasizing its role in fostering connections between the school and local residents. The meeting also reflected on the success of the “gratitude wall,” which saw 200 to 300 leaves added in appreciation of teachers, staff, and students.

The board also addressed significant educational topics, including the need for hiring an additional English Language (EL) teacher due to increased enrollment of English language learners. An elementary teacher presented compelling data on the growing caseloads for current EL teachers and the inadequate instructional time available for students. This led to discussions on the board’s responsibility to allocate resources effectively to meet student needs.

Another prominent issue was the importance of maintaining and enhancing school libraries. A community speaker underscored the role of libraries in supporting learning and intellectual engagement, urging the board to prioritize library resources and media professionals to assist students.

Student engagement and feedback were recurring themes. The Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) committee shared insights on collecting student opinions through surveys, revealing concerns about exclusion from school activities. The board considered these findings, recognizing the significance of seemingly minor issues in fostering student satisfaction and engagement.

Academic performance was also a focal point, with updates on reading and math scores. Concerns were raised about current performance levels, but there was optimism regarding growth across various subgroups. The board discussed the implementation of targeted interventions to support students requiring additional help, particularly those in a “bubble” of proficiency.

The meeting addressed behavior goals within the schools, noting a positive trend in student behavior metrics and a reduction in minor incidents.

In the context of language education, the introduction of Ojibwe language classes was announced, set to be taught virtually. This initiative aims to expand over the following years, starting with introductory levels.

Mock interviews conducted for students were highlighted for their positive impact, with participants praising the professionalism and preparedness of the students.

The board also reviewed the comprehensive achievement and civic readiness plan, with a presentation on district educational initiatives. While some goals were met, others, such as third-grade reading proficiency, fell short, prompting discussions on adjusting teaching strategies and training programs.

Lastly, discussions on the achievement gap within the district highlighted concerns about Minnesota’s performance. Board members expressed surprise and concern over the state’s ranking, emphasizing the need to continue tracking data related to this issue. Legislative changes impacting educational goals, particularly reading, were debated, with board members advocating for parental involvement in literacy as a priority.