A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the end-of-year evaluation for Superintendent Jeff Sampson. The board’s assessment highlighted three pivotal goals that had been set the previous summer. First, the board praised Sampson for his efforts in hiring and retaining highly qualified staff, citing data that showed a stable tenure among district educators. Notably, five teachers had over 30 years of service, contributing to an impressive average tenure of just over 13 years. This stability was particularly commendable given the financial constraints the district faced. The board expressed satisfaction with the superintendent’s leadership in this area.

The second goal emphasized enhancing community engagement by increasing public access to school facilities. Superintendent Sampson had improved facility scheduling and access systems, allowing greater community use outside of school hours. The board was pleased with these developments, noting that they helped strengthen community ties with the district.

In addressing the third goal, Sampson demonstrated responsible management of federal, state, and local funds. He advocated for school funding at the state level and effectively managed the district’s budget, which had necessitated cuts exceeding one million dollars. Despite these financial challenges, impacts on students and staff were minimized, and the board expressed overall satisfaction with Sampson’s performance in this area.

Another discussion focused on potential budget cuts if an upcoming referendum fails. A resolution was approved directing Superintendent Sampson and the administration to consider necessary cuts and present recommendations by September. This preemptive measure aimed to maintain transparency with district residents and prepare them for potential adjustments. The board emphasized the importance of communicating these possibilities before the budget vote.

The board also addressed several administrative items for the upcoming academic year. The fall coaching list was approved, introducing Dan Shuck as the boys’ head soccer coach and Anna Broading as the fall musical director. The board expressed satisfaction with the continuity of the coaching staff from the previous year, and the list received unanimous approval.

Fundraising activities for the year were also discussed. While there was some debate over the annual approval process, which lacked a clearly articulated rationale, the board ultimately approved the fundraisers, maintaining the tradition of the current approach. The approval aimed to support various student activities and programs throughout the year.

The community use of school facilities and equipment rental agreement saw changes. The board approved a simplified classification system for facility rentals, merging previous class 2A and 2B designations into a single class 2 for Cannon Falls-affiliated entities. Non-affiliated entities were classified as class 3. The updated agreement also included increased custodial rates. The board supported these changes, which were designed to promote greater community use while ensuring the district received appropriate compensation.

Additionally, the board approved the Long-Term Facility Maintenance (LTFM) 10-year plan for the Goodhue County Education District. This annual item detailed expenditure and revenue allocations for the plan, and the board’s approval was unanimous. The LTFM plan for Cannon Falls Area Schools also received approval, reflecting recent bond approvals for roofing work. The board acknowledged the flexibility to update the plan as necessary.

Finally, the board approved a resolution for a potential transfer from the general fund to the food service fund. Although this transfer had not been necessary in recent years due to a positive fund balance, the board maintained this resolution for audit purposes.