The board’s decision to approve a joint powers agreement marked a step in the construction project for the new Northern Lights Cooperative (NLC) building. This project, already underway, is expected to open by August. All member districts had previously agreed to the terms, and the construction is shaping up to be on schedule. A board member inquired about the possibility of engaging a new student school board member to share the position, highlighting efforts to increase student involvement amid their other commitments.

Concurrent with the construction project, the board also delved into updates on the ongoing projects associated with Referendum One and Referendum Two. The design team and Integrated Construction Services (ICS) have been reviewing the pricing for these projects, with recent figures aligning with anticipated costs. The board is expected to receive a summary and recommendations once the value engineering costs are validated. The current budget for these projects remains at $26,270,000, with January costs totaling approximately $235,000. This expenditure covers program management fees and building plan review.

For Referendum One, all contracts with contractors have been executed, and a kickoff meeting initiated the procurement scheduling and submittal review. The state plan review, which is expected to take five to ten weeks, has been submitted, and the invoice paid. The project’s scope will include adjustments to furniture, security, and playgrounds. A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for May.

In the realm of educational curriculum, the superintendent’s report emphasized the necessity for a new elementary English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum in response to the Minnesota Read Act. The board had evaluated multiple state-approved resources and chose not to proceed with one option due to its lack of alignment with state expectations. Instead, they are focusing on the Wit and Wisdom resource for knowledge building, with plans to implement the curriculum in the upcoming fall.

The board also formalized an agreement with Northshore Health for athletic training services. Previously, the athletic trainer had volunteered at events, but the new agreement aims to clarify roles and responsibilities, particularly concerning concussion protocols. Training services will be provided two days a week after school, with the trainer also attending football games and ski meets. Concerns about potential communication breakdowns when students receive conflicting medical advice were raised, yet the proposal was ultimately approved unanimously.

Further, the board approved the 2026 Improvement Plan (IP), which updates the previous year’s plan with new dates and will be submitted by February 2. Discussions on potential changes will continue, with a planned discussion during the March work session. Additionally, the board accepted donations for January, including a notable contribution to the robotics team, and expressed gratitude for community support.