50:24The public comment section was dominated by calls from residents urging the board to allow a community vote on the operating levy. Kevin Boils argued for the importance of respecting voters’ rights, stating that allowing the community to vote on the levy is important for future clarity in district leadership and funding. Echoing this sentiment, Heidi Han highlighted the reliance of many school districts on operating levies and stressed the need for community engagement in determining the district’s financial future. Bob Nestrom added that failing to authorize the levy could lead to significant cuts in programs, potentially decreasing student enrollment and further impacting the district’s resources.

20:51Residents like Ruth and Charles Black Lance emphasized the historical support for education within the community, citing previous successful referendums as indicators of strong local backing for educational initiatives. They advocated for the board to rise above political affiliations and facilitate a decision through voting. Concerns were raised about the negative impacts of budget cuts on students, with Tim Edinger warning that further reductions could exacerbate class sizes and diminish course offerings.

01:27:19The board’s financial challenges were further dissected during discussions on the preliminary budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. A projected $3 million deficit brought into focus the district’s reliance on state funding, which, according to Superintendent Grant, is not keeping pace with the district’s needs. Grant highlighted the disparity in funding between Brainerd and larger districts like St. Paul, noting that Brainerd receives less per student. In light of these challenges, the board considered authorizing preparations for an operating levy referendum, with Grant acknowledging the political sensitivity of proposing tax increases to the community.

01:43:19The debate around the operating levy was contentious, with board members expressing differing views on the urgency and strategy needed to address the district’s financial situation. Some members advocated for immediate action, emphasizing the need for fiscal responsibility and community engagement. Others called for a more cautious approach, stressing the importance of understanding the complexities of the budget before proceeding.

18:06Despite the push from community members and some board members, a motion to authorize preparations for the operating levy referendum did not pass, resulting in a split vote. This outcome highlighted the division within the board on how best to address the district’s financial challenges and the role of public input in these decisions.

02:06:01In addition to the operating levy discussions, the meeting addressed several other topics. The approval of the Brainerd Public Schools handbooks for the 2025-2026 school year brought attention to the language used in the district’s strategic goals. A debate ensued over whether to use terms like “goals” or “priorities,” with members advocating for concrete goals to drive student achievement, particularly in reading.

The board also tackled the issue of School Resource Officer (SRO) contracts, navigating differing salary increases proposed by the cities of Brainerd and Baxter. Concerns were raised about ensuring balanced agreements to prevent future issues between the municipalities. Ultimately, the board approved the SRO contracts for both cities after addressing these concerns.

01:07:45Additionally, the meeting included updates on the district’s financial and academic performance. Christina Lungren presented spring screening data, showing mixed results in reading, math, and social-emotional learning proficiencies. The board also discussed the complexities of special education funding, acknowledging the disconnect between funding received and the actual costs of providing services.