The primary focus of the meeting was the final approval of the property tax levy certification for 2025, setting the levy amount at $36,956,515.79. This decision followed a detailed presentation by the executive director of finance and business services, who explained the levy process and its implications for the district’s budget. Despite a statewide trend of rising property taxes, the board managed to keep the increase modest at 4.7%. The general fund received the largest portion of the levy at 54%, while the debt service fund accounted for over 43%. The community education fund comprised a smaller share due to a decrease in census-based allocations.

It was noted that if a homeowner’s property valuation remained unchanged, they would see a small decrease in school taxes. Conversely, a hypothetical market increase could result in a slight tax rise.

In addition to financial matters, the board also approved the name for a new ISD742 multi-purpose athletic facility. The naming process involved a committee composed of various stakeholders, including parents, students, and local representatives. After narrowing down options, the board selected “Apex Athletic Center,” opting against including the district’s designation in the name. The decision, made after a discussion, was driven by the desire to emphasize the facility’s focus on athletic excellence without potential confusion from including “742” in the name. This new indoor turf space is set to begin construction in May 2026 and finish by April 2027.

The meeting also covered updates on the district’s immunization policy compliance. The director of student services reported a decrease in non-compliant students, with numbers dropping below 1,000 for the first time. This improvement was credited to partnerships with healthcare providers and proactive outreach efforts, including clinics and communication through various channels. The board expressed appreciation for the staff’s work in aligning with state laws and preventing future non-compliance.

Further discussions included the approval of the 2026-2027 high school course catalog. The assistant superintendent for secondary education presented the registration process for students, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making in course selection. The catalog retained its current format but anticipated enhancements to align with upcoming renovations at Apollo High School. Proposed courses, such as those in construction and heavy equipment, aim to offer practical learning experiences and prepare students for future careers.

Attention also focused on the elementary school boundary redesign process for the 2026-2027 school year. The assistant superintendent outlined the comprehensive evaluation tools and community feedback utilized in this initiative. The board unanimously approved the redesign, acknowledging the emotional impact of boundary changes on families and the importance of a thorough, empathetic process.

In committee reports, the Achievement Integration and Equity Committee shared progress on professional development and aligning climate survey data with the district’s strategic plan. The Finance and Audit Committee discussed referendum projects and agreed on the need for regular updates on construction, particularly at Apollo High School, where renovations are expected to span two years.

A notable debate arose regarding a proposed constitutional amendment related to Minnesota’s permanent school fund. The amendment would allow withdrawals from the principal balance, a move opposed by some board members who feared it could deplete the fund over time. Despite general support for the amendment, dissenting voices highlighted concerns about the long-term financial implications.