A significant highlight of the meeting was the introduction of the new spirit store, named the Tigers Layer. The store is designed to promote teamwork and school spirit while providing practical experience for students. It will serve as a retail space and a hub for various student groups, including English learners (EL), special education (SpEd), and business classes, to engage in hands-on learning and entrepreneurial activities. One presenter, along with their spouse, elaborated on the store’s objectives, emphasizing the potential for students to gain practical experience in customer service and job-related skills. The store will offer merchandise to the community, allowing for direct engagement and providing opportunities for students to practice speaking and interacting with the public. An educator will always be present to guide and support the students.

The athletic department’s overview, presented by a new member of the department, highlighted the formation of a new team, including an administrative assistant, a coordinator, and a middle school activities director, to improve middle school programming. The speaker emphasized building relationships with the community and coaches and fostering a culture of trust. Initiatives introduced in the first year included a new registration process designed for ease of use with translation options for diverse languages and a new ticketing solution called Gan for online ticket purchases. Improvements in live streaming for school activities were also reported, with a partnership with AlbertLeLive to provide high-quality broadcasting of events.

A analysis of participation numbers over the past five years was presented, revealing a slight increase in fall registrations for the 2023-24 academic year from 326 to 343. The discussion included the need to expand offerings, such as introducing volleyball and soccer for sixth graders, which would require additional coaching staff and resources. Out of approximately 1,200 students, 682 participated in activities outside of sports, representing a participation rate of about 56%. Efforts were being made to improve this figure moving forward.

The implementation of online ticketing systems for concessions was also discussed, allowing for credit card transactions and improving inventory management. Plans to introduce a student leadership program for grades 9 through 12 were mentioned.

A diversity and inclusion initiative was highlighted, focusing on removing barriers for student participation in activities, including financial assistance and transportation solutions. Transportation after activities was noted as a significant obstacle preventing students from participating, especially for those who could not secure rides home. Ideas for solutions included establishing a shuttle service, partnerships with public transportation, and community-based solutions to assist students in getting home after school events.

There was a call for alumni engagement and mentorship, with a desire to create a network of former students who could contribute back to the school community. A speaker referenced a previous experience where a large alumni network provided substantial support and expressed a vision for building a similar system in Albert Lea.

Updates on student services included the renaming of the department from “special services” to “student services” to eliminate stigma and emphasize that all students have unique needs. The implementation of “due process leads” across the district increased the number from four to seven to better support compliance with federal and state laws regarding special education. The representative detailed improvements within the district’s learning spaces, including adjustments in early learning classrooms and secondary education to create more conducive environments for students.