The board made a move by approving the introduction of new courses, including a CNC machining course and an Ojibwe language course, which will be added to the 2026-2027 registration guide. The CNC machining course aims to align Andover High School’s offerings with those of other district schools, addressing gaps in career and technical education pathways. The Ojibwe language course, a statutory requirement, is intended to be available at the Secondary Technical Education Program (STEP) to ensure accessibility for students across different high schools. Members expressed their support for these courses, emphasizing the importance of broadening educational opportunities that cater to the community’s diverse needs.

In addition to curriculum updates, the board unanimously ratified two critical labor agreements, signaling progress in addressing employee compensation and benefits. The first agreement, the 2025-2027 building service master agreement, was presented by Dr. Cherry, the chief human resources officer. This agreement grants substantial salary increases and improved benefits for custodial, warehouse, and grounds employees. In the first year, these employees will receive a 45-cent increase at the top step of the salary schedule, with additional raises for second and third shift workers. Maintenance employees will see a $1 per hour increase. The total compensation package represents an increase of over $867,000, totaling approximately $29.469 million over the two-year contract period.

A second labor agreement involved the school technical specialists, represented by the Minnesota School Employees Association. This agreement includes a 25-cent per hour increase in the salary schedule each year and enhanced benefits contributions from the district. The total compensation package for the technical specialists reflects a 5.5% increase or $46,000 in new money. The board’s endorsement of this agreement reaffirms its focus on mutually beneficial labor relations and responsible stewardship of resources.

In addition to these notable decisions, the meeting featured a discussion on the potential introduction of an artificial intelligence (AI) course. The AI course proposal generated considerable debate among board members, reflecting both interest and concern. Members acknowledged the growing demand for AI literacy in the workforce and the potential for the course to enhance students’ employability and critical thinking skills. However, the absence of detailed information about the course’s content and goals led to hesitation, prompting calls for further development of the proposal. Board members emphasized the need for industry input to ensure the course’s relevance and value, highlighting the importance of preparing students for careers involving AI.

The board also addressed curriculum changes, particularly the removal of four courses from the catalog due to insufficient student interest and misalignment with current programming. The annual review process ensures that the course catalog remains relevant to students’ needs, and the board expressed appreciation for this systematic approach.

Superintendent McIntyre provided updates on district activities, including the upcoming “Financing Your Future” event for college-bound students and the success of the annual kindness poster contest. He also discussed the district’s weather-related school closure criteria, emphasizing the importance of timely communication and student safety.

In other matters, the school board election results from November 4 were presented, with a notably strong turnout of 25.5%. The board voted unanimously to certify the election results.