11:32The board’s decision to prioritize infrastructure repairs stemmed from pressing safety concerns. The school’s roof, plagued by an active leak, and the tennis courts, with cracks posing potential hazards, require urgent attention. The total cost for these projects is projected at $1.3 million, with the roof and tennis court repairs estimated at $775,000. By utilizing long-term facility maintenance (LTFM) funds, the district aims to address these issues without imposing an immediate tax increase on residents. Approximately 24% of the district’s LTFM dollars will be allocated to these projects over the next decade, leaving room to finance other necessary projects annually.

25:36Concerns surfaced about the possibility of hidden damages due to the roof’s existing leakage. However, the board was assured that the bid includes provisions for removing old insulation and addressing any additional issues that might be discovered during the repair process. The maintenance of the tennis courts, used by both the district and the city, will be partially funded by the city covering 25% of the costs. Plans to add pickleball lines to the courts were also discussed, highlighting the dual purpose of these facilities for school and community use.

11:32Financial constraints dominated the meeting’s agenda, with particular focus on staffing adjustments. The board approved resolutions placing two continuing contract tenured teacher positions, including an assistant principal, on unrequested leave of absence due to budget restrictions and the discontinuance of their roles. These decisions align with broader financial constraints affecting staffing levels, and the resolutions required adherence to procedural requirements under Minnesota statutes.

The board also approved an intermittent Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) request for a teacher. In addition, the re-establishment of a full-time licensed school nurse position was confirmed. This adjustment reinstates the position to meet current student and staff needs, reverting changes made during the pandemic.

25:36Concerns about the budget were further compounded by the anticipated shortfall of approximately $200,000, influenced by unaccounted costs related to the compensatory formula based on free and reduced lunch applications and potential cuts from the Greater Capital Education District (GCED). In response, the board considered rescinding a previously approved bus purchase scheduled for fiscal year 2026, valued at about $143,000. Although cancellation fees were discussed, specific figures were not provided.

0:13The Community Ed ski club’s success, with 37 participants, was celebrated, and gratitude was expressed towards the volunteers who made the program possible.

The board acknowledged recent successes in student activities, including the weightlifting state championship, where eight lifters from the school team participated, achieving seven podium finishes. The robotics team’s recent competition was mentioned, and despite not meeting expectations, participants reflected positively on the experience. The meeting concluded with reflections on the winter sports achievements of wrestlers Adam and Owen Parish, who both secured third place in their respective state tournaments.

The board also focused on the need for improved community engagement regarding facility rentals. Adjustments to rental rates are being considered to enhance facility utilization without alienating potential users. The importance of aligning staff training across elementary and secondary levels was discussed, with efforts to synchronize training schedules for consistency being a priority.

25:36Finally, the meeting transitioned to a confidential session to discuss pending litigation concerning changes in the bill credit rate from the district’s solar garden agreements. The board deemed public discussion detrimental to district interests and engaged in a private consultation with legal counsel to strategize their legal positions and defenses.