The board’s approval of the new basketball hoop system from A and B Specialized Products was a decision driven by safety concerns with the current hoops. The existing equipment was acknowledged as outdated, posing potential risks if not replaced soon. Mr. Maya emphasized the urgency of the matter, citing that delays could lead to higher costs in the future. The board’s decision to move forward with the project was based on a quote of $64,115, with additional electrical work costs estimated between $8,000 and $10,000. The board confirmed that this project had been anticipated and included in their budgetary plans.

In discussions on enrollment and budget implications, Superintendent Michael Meihak provided an overview of the current situation, noting a slight decrease of three students compared to the previous year’s figures. This was deemed minor relative to neighboring districts. The superintendent also highlighted a decrease in the percentage of students eligible for free and reduced lunch, a positive indicator from a socioeconomic perspective. Budget projections revealed that the average daily membership was slightly below the expected numbers set at 791. This shortfall had financial implications, particularly concerning the district’s tuition bill for students taking courses at Riverland Community College, which amounted to approximately $115,000 for the semester.

The board also engaged in a broader conversation about the challenges other schools face with more significant enrollment declines. Concerns were raised about the impact of these trends on budget planning and educational offerings.

A key area of focus during the meeting was the legislative lobbying efforts related to PSO standards. The board discussed the current GPA requirements for these programs, set at 2.5, and the ongoing debate about their adequacy in preparing students for college-level coursework. One board member expressed concerns about the lower GPA threshold, questioning whether it effectively ensures student readiness. The board recognized the importance of engaging with higher education institutions and legislative bodies to address these concerns, emphasizing the need to align educational standards with student preparedness.

The meeting also included discussions on the financial aspects of postsecondary education options. Concerns were expressed about the escalating costs associated with these programs, particularly the cost per credit for online versus in-person courses. There was a call for collaboration between the school district and deans of higher education institutions to navigate these financial challenges. One participant questioned the rationale behind charging the same rate for online courses.

In other business, the board discussed and approved the 2027-2028 school calendar, emphasizing the importance of including parent-teacher conference dates in the fall calendar mailing to counter declining participation. The approved calendar sets major dates, with the start date marking year two of a provision allowing for a later start to the school year. The board agreed to remove specific conference dates from the calendar, opting for flexibility by having principals report on these dates in the future.

The board also approved Policy 902B regarding the public use of outdoor facilities, following a second reading and correction of a typo identified in the previous review. Additionally, they addressed a revision of a resolution declaring surplus property and authorizing a sale by sealed bids, correcting an incorrect address in the previously approved resolution. The resolution for the payable 2025-2026 levy certification was also presented, detailing proposed tax levies for various purposes, including general, community service, and debt service, with a total proposed school tax levy of $2,412,382.79.