The meeting’s most critical segment was the open forum, where parents voiced their frustrations over how schools are handling behavioral issues. Lydia S shared a harrowing account of a young student running uncontrollably in the hallways, and staff members were reportedly unable to intervene due to state policy. This incident, coupled with a police report on a student assault, left Lydia feeling unsettled by what she perceived as administrative indifference to these safety concerns.

Abby M echoed these concerns, describing a distressing incident where her child was threatened by another student. She criticized the school’s delay in informing parents and the decision not to involve law enforcement. Her son, she noted, experienced significant stress and anxiety as a result. Abby argued that the current approach of prioritizing love over consequences was inadequate and harmful to student safety.

Emma H, the president of the Lake View parent organization, detailed her children’s experiences with bullying and disruptive behavior in class. She pointed out a lack of consequences for these behaviors and criticized the administration for dismissing parental concerns as exaggerated.

The testimonies highlighted a common theme of frustration and a significant rift between parental concerns and administrative responses. Parents demanded better communication and more effective measures to ensure a safe learning environment for students.

In response to these concerns, Superintendent David Kran acknowledged the issues and stated that the district is committed to providing additional support at Lake View. He emphasized the importance of community and staff involvement in creating a positive educational atmosphere. Kran also thanked the crisis team for their swift response to a recent crisis.

Financial challenges within the district were another pressing topic. A board member highlighted the district’s financial difficulties due to declining enrollment. The finance committee meets regularly to address these issues, with a focus on maintaining a 12% budget reserve. The committee aims to adjust expenses and avoid overspending the reserve.

In more positive news, the district received a $19,000 donation from the St. Paul Minnesota Foundation to support student scholarships through the Tiger Student Assist program. This ongoing support was acknowledged as significant, with a celebratory assembly scheduled for May 7th.

Health insurance changes were also on the agenda, with a proposed 10% premium increase for the district’s self-insured health plan. Master Durban and Aaron Casper presented these changes, emphasizing the district’s success in avoiding larger increases seen elsewhere. However, they noted significant high-cost claims impacting the insurance rate. Casper explained that while the increase is moderate compared to broader market trends, it remains significant for the district’s budget.

Board members discussed staff options concerning out-of-network care, acknowledging the Well at Work clinic’s role in keeping premiums down. The effectiveness of the TEDoc virtual care program was also highlighted for its financial benefits. The board considered various policy revisions, including those affecting student safety, harassment and violence, and student publications. These policies were presented for a first reading, with members expressing gratitude for the review process.