The discussion of safety protocols emerged as a important topic, focusing on the district’s preparedness for emergencies. The board highlighted a recent training session conducted by the I Love You Guys Foundation in Rochester, which emphasized the Standard Reunification Method (SRM). This method is designed to streamline the process of reuniting students with their parents during emergencies, a procedure tested through mock exercises. Feedback from these drills has reportedly refined the district’s strategies significantly.

Additionally, collaboration with Goodhue County Emergency Management has equipped the district with reunification bins containing essential supplies such as pens, vests for workers, and cards for parents. The district’s safety measures, including door access and camera placements, were praised by the Minnesota School Safety Center. This focus on safety is exemplified by the district’s ongoing training for new staff in Alice protocols and regular safety drills.

In parallel, the board delved into student assessment data, presented by Steve Truss, the district’s assessment coordinator. Truss provided an overview of the 2024 assessment results, revealing a decrease in proficiency in reading, math, and science as measured by the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs). Despite performing above state averages in math and reading, the district fell below in science. Truss emphasized the importance of data-driven decision-making, highlighting the reintroduction of cohort tracking and various assessments to better understand student performance.

The presentation also covered comparative data from neighboring districts and additional insights from FastBridge testing, which occurs three times a year. FastBridge offers a more frequent measure of student growth and identifies areas needing intervention.

The board discussed the implications of these assessments, particularly for high school students. The district’s ACT scores for the class of 2023 were nearly one point lower than the statewide average, prompting discussions on enhancing college readiness. Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) were also examined as avenues for earning college credit, with CLEP offering flexible scheduling and a high pass rate among students.

A significant portion of the conversation revolved around student proficiency levels, especially concerning fifth graders in math. The board expressed concerns about students who were close to meeting proficiency thresholds, identifying these ‘bubble’ students as prime candidates for targeted interventions. FastBridge assessments were recognized for their ability to provide immediate insights, allowing for timely support to elevate student performance.

The board also addressed curriculum changes in science education, acknowledging the challenges posed by shifts in teaching content and the necessity of maintaining a stable teaching staff, particularly in math. The impact of class size variances on student performance was discussed, with an emphasis on the need for ongoing data analysis to guide educational strategies and achieve goals by 2025.

In addition to safety and assessments, the meeting touched on financial planning. The finance report revealed a focus on budget planning in light of a previously failed levy, with early preparations deemed necessary. Debt service payments and recent projects completed through effective fund management were discussed.

The meeting concluded with a review of the superintendent’s goals and the approval of the 2024-2025 World’s Best Workforce plan document, setting educational objectives for each school building. A proposal for an AP US History and Government student trip to Washington, D.C., received unanimous approval.