A central topic was the proposal to introduce a new music course for middle school students, designed to offer an alternative to performance-based music classes. This initiative was aimed at accommodating students and parents who had expressed a preference for non-performance music options. The debate revealed differing perspectives among board members. One member suggested that approving this course could imply support for a double standard, urging the board to consider similar alternatives across all subjects to maintain consistency. Another board member clarified that the course was an additional offering, not a replacement, and highlighted the need to expand curricular options rather than create conflicts.

The discussion also touched upon financial concerns, with questions raised about the course’s impact on the district’s budget, which is already facing constraints. Some board members emphasized the importance of addressing similar needs in other subject areas, particularly in math, to support struggling students. The conversation included inquiries about the implications of deferring the course’s approval and whether it could be revisited in the future.

Another issue at the meeting was the concern over school boundary changes affecting student enrollment. Public comments underscored the emotional impact of these changes on families. Amanda and James, community members who relocated from Texas, shared their son’s distress at being reassigned to schools where he had no established friendships, affecting his ability to participate in sports with his peers. Natalie Hansen, another resident, echoed similar concerns, advocating for the redrawing of boundaries to include their neighborhood in schools closer to their community. These testimonials highlighted the challenges faced by families due to zoning decisions and the emotional toll on students.

Superintendent Cory McIntyre provided updates on district activities, including the successful performance of the district’s marching bands at the Minnesota State Championships and the dedication of the Two Rivers Transition Program. He reported on athletic achievements and acknowledged a substantial donation from Advent Lutheran Church to Lincoln Elementary School for the Arts. The meeting also featured a presentation on the Morris Leatherman Community Survey, which revealed improved perceptions of educational quality and concerns about class sizes and budget cuts.

The board engaged in a discussion on budget reductions, driven by stable enrollment growth, the end of pandemic relief funds, and rising operational costs. Superintendent McIntyre outlined a two-phase budget reduction process aimed at addressing a $21 million shortfall. Proposed cuts targeted both school levels and the central office, with efforts to minimize classroom disruption. The board considered a potential referendum in November 2025 to help bridge the budget gap.

The survey highlighted concerns about class sizes and the potential loss of elective and advanced programs. Board members discussed the district’s financial management and the impact of restricted funding programs, advocating for a thorough analysis of funding sources and their implications.

The meeting also addressed student achievement and performance metrics. Discussions focused on the district’s academic strategies, including the implementation of the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program and targeted interventions for reading and math. Data presented highlighted the district’s performance relative to state averages and ongoing efforts to support student engagement and achievement.

In addition, the board approved new labor agreements for the 2024-25 school year, featuring salary increases for paraeducators and education office professionals. These agreements aimed to align wages with market rates and enhance benefits.