The board’s decision to deny a long-term leave request from an employee named Laura was a focal point of the meeting. Concerns were expressed about the complications and financial implications associated with granting such a leave, which could last up to five years. The challenges of finding a suitable long-term substitute and the potential for the district to incur unemployment insurance costs were highlighted. The administrative burden of tracking these leaves was emphasized, with past experiences showing they are rarely utilized and often problematic. The board ultimately voted 6-0 against the request.

Following the discussion on the leave request, the board turned its attention to the 2025-2026 school calendar. A proposal to eliminate one-hour after-school professional development sessions, traditionally held eight times a year, was brought forward. The plan is to consolidate these sessions into the beginning of the academic year. Additionally, concerns about teacher workload during conferences led to a proposal for early release days, allowing educators time for breaks and meals. The board members shared anecdotes about stressful conditions faced by teachers during conferences. The calendar updates were met with approval, and a motion to adopt the revisions passed unanimously.

Another issue addressed was the necessity of hiring a new full-time special education teacher to manage increased caseloads in early elementary education. The board acknowledged this need as part of a broader trend, noting that other nearby districts face similar challenges. Financial considerations were discussed, with the district expecting state reimbursement for approximately two-thirds of the costs. However, concerns about cash flow were raised, as the reimbursement would be delayed until the following year.

The meeting also covered other topics. The board approved a ten-cent increase in lunch prices for the 2025-2026 school year, a measure deemed necessary to comply with state requirements despite ongoing free meal provisions. The board expressed concerns about inflationary pressures on meal costs, acknowledging that while the increase is limited to ten cents annually, actual prices might rise more significantly. Broader legislative trends affecting school funding and meal provisions were also discussed, highlighting uncertainty around future policies.

In committee reports, preparations for the Education Foundation’s annual fundraiser, a silent auction set for April 26 at a winery, were discussed. The foundation aims to acquire six 3D printers, contingent on securing adequate funding. Changes to section placements within the Minnesota State High School League were noted, with Red Wing joining Cannon Falls’ section for several sports. The need for mandatory concussion training for coaches was emphasized.

The board also discussed the cooperative agreement with Randolph, which is in its second year, and the integration of athletes in girls’ soccer under a new coach. The potential entry of Red Wing into the conference was positively received. A report from the Greater Cannon Educational District (GCED) meeting highlighted discussions on fund distribution methods and the need to negotiate Erin’s contract before the May meeting. A letter of intent to negotiate from the teachers’ unit was noted, though timelines for these negotiations remain unclear.

In personnel matters, the board approved the appointment of Stephen as principal for the upcoming year, following positive feedback from the community and staff. The meeting also covered various sports and activities, including a loss for boys baseball in their season opener, a close match for girls softball under a new head coach, and the speech team’s success in advancing to sectionals and state competitions. Preparations for prom, with details on timing and admission fees, were mentioned.

The superintendent addressed the board regarding scheduling another school board day. The board agreed to revisit this scheduling in the following monthly meeting. An important update involved the approval of summer food programs for 2025, contingent upon the state’s application process, with concerns raised about potential budget cuts due to uncertainties surrounding state funding and federal education policies.

Public input during the meeting was brief, with no significant comments made. The board considered a new scholarship initiative in memory of Jessica Swanson, valued at $500, for students pursuing careers in law enforcement, EMS, or human services. Additional action items included updates to the spring coaching list and a leave request related to teacher absence policies, with prior concerns about extended leaves noted.