The discussion of budgetary issues took center stage as multiple community members expressed their concerns about proposed cuts. Ed Shaw opened the public comment segment by highlighting the negative impact these reductions would have on the quality of education within the district. He emphasized the necessity for the community to participate in the decision-making process regarding a potential levy increase. Ruby Shaw followed, voicing specific concerns about cuts to the EGOT program, stressing how such reductions would severely limit student opportunities.

Further emphasizing the community’s sentiment, Susanna Leamusma addressed the board with concerns about the lack of respect among its members, which she believed hindered collaborative efforts to find innovative solutions to the budget crisis. Leamusma suggested a community fundraiser as a temporary measure to support teachers and alleviate some immediate financial pressures.

In a deeply personal account, Danielle Addison shared her family’s experience and the role of the district’s supportive staff during a traumatic event. She warned that proposed cuts could jeopardize critical relationships and support systems, urging the board to prioritize student needs in their fiscal decisions. Jared Ericson, a Brainerd High School graduate, echoed the importance of maintaining educational quality, reflecting on his positive experiences and the district’s role in preparing future generations.

Katie Morsch, a concerned parent, articulated strong opposition to the proposed cuts affecting programs like AGOT, after-school activities, and special education services. She argued that these were not luxuries but essential components of the district’s strength. Morsch expressed concern that the proposed measures would signal to high-achieving students that their needs were insignificant, potentially leading to declining enrollment and funding.

The board also discussed an actuarial study on Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB), led by actuary Jill Erdall. The presentation detailed the district’s liability for post-retirement medical, dental, and life benefits. Erdall explained the funding mechanisms, including a well-funded OPEB trust, which is considered favorable compared to national trends where many plans remain unfunded. The total OPEB liability was reported at approximately $19.9 million, with annual benefit payments expected to be around $2.3 million for the upcoming year.

In response to the budget discussions, the board addressed the potential for a levy increase to mitigate the financial strain. The levy, if approved, would fund a portion of the OPEB liability, with the board having the option to levy approximately $450,000 in the upcoming year. The necessity for community input in this decision was reiterated, with several board members acknowledging the importance of transparency and engagement in the levy process.

The meeting also touched upon the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA), with Director Londren providing an overview of district-wide data from the previous year’s results. Concerns were raised about specific elementary schools experiencing significant declines in proficiency rates for reading and math. The board discussed the need for effective implementation of curriculum and professional development to address these declining scores.

Additionally, the board explored the structure of inservice days and their alignment with site Continuous Improvement Plans (CIP). This initiative allows individual sites to focus on specific goals and tailor learning opportunities to meet their objectives. A new collaboration between special education and intervention teachers with the compass team from Sourcewell was noted.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the superintendent search process. The board considered the costs associated with an external search and the possibility of utilizing internal candidates or a volunteer-based approach to save on expenses. The Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) was acknowledged for its role in facilitating a successful and transparent selection process, with discussions on community surveys and questionnaires to inform the search.