A key agenda item was the approval of new high school elective courses designed to enrich the curriculum and meet diverse educational needs. The proposed courses include Arabic language and culture, Latino studies, a bilingual podcast creation course, and an introduction to Ojibwe language and culture. These courses were developed in response to feedback from teachers and the community, with the aim of engaging students and providing them with a broader range of academic opportunities. The Latino studies and Ojibwe language courses also align with state requirements for ethnic studies. The board expressed strong support for these courses, recognizing their potential to foster student interest and engagement.

The meeting also addressed a significant proposal involving a $50 million initiative to improve school facilities, which includes plans for a potential election in May 2026. This proposal stems from a comprehensive facility study conducted in 2022 that identified essential maintenance projects for aging infrastructure, such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems in century-old buildings. The board discussed the importance of addressing these needs promptly to avoid escalating costs and ensure the safety and functionality of the school environment. The superintendent emphasized the necessity of submitting required information to the Commissioner of Education by December 23.

In addition to these major developments, the meeting featured a presentation from Dr. Candace Birkhart on the student services department’s work supporting students across various areas, including academic access, social-emotional and behavioral support, physical and mental health, and specialized instruction for students with disabilities. Dr. Birkhart highlighted the department’s efforts to provide inclusive educational experiences and detailed the introduction of new behavior de-escalation training, along with plans to expand unified programming and work-based learning opportunities for secondary students.

The board also celebrated the achievements of its students, as reported by student representatives. Successes included the bowling team’s qualification for state, accolades for debaters at a memorial tournament, and a student’s signing of a national letter of intent to play softball at Bemidji State. The representatives highlighted other extracurricular activities, such as the start of choir programs and a concert for middle and high school bands. These reports underscored the vibrancy of student life and the wide array of opportunities available within the district.

Meanwhile, the board approved tentative agreements with the South St. Paul Teacher Association and the South St. Paul Principals Association for contract periods from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. The agreements include a 2% salary increase for teachers and principals in both years, enhancements in longevity pay, and updates to contract language. These agreements reflect the district’s efforts to maintain competitive compensation and support for its educators, which are important for attracting and retaining quality staff.

This initiative, spearheaded by Mary Mat, president and CEO of Wakakota Federal, is designed to generate funds for the school district through interchange income. The first check of $1,130.70 was presented, with future funds designated for educational purposes. Students and staff discussed potential uses for the funds, including enhancing school store operations with new equipment like a 3D printer.