01:48The meeting commenced with a recognition of student accomplishments. Payton Smith was honored for receiving a superior award and best in category for ceramics, while Lexi Baines earned two superior awards for painting and sculpture. Other students acknowledged included Molly Thorndensson, Madison Kamacho, Cat Christensen, and Alexis Erson, each receiving accolades in various artistic categories. The board also commended the custodial staff for their exceptional efforts, as highlighted by Michaela Bland, and recognized teachers, students, and parents for their roles during the MCA testing period. Additionally, three fifth-grade students were celebrated for their participation in an honors band.

14:09Following these recognitions, Jason McCoy from P County Public Health presented on the “possible community norms grant,” which aims to address substance use perceptions among students. This grant, now in its fourth year of a five-year term, has funded initiatives such as “Rebels United” and a youth group called RISE, which promotes responsible behavior among students. McCoy shared survey data indicating that 70% of students perceive substance use as uncommon, with only 10% admitting to making poor choices related to substances. However, 20% remain uncertain about these norms. The school has made progress, with 92% of students reportedly not drinking alcohol and an increase in those abstaining from marijuana and vaping. McCoy emphasized the importance of reshaping perceptions, noting that consistent exposure to positive messaging can alter beliefs about substance use.

04:00The board also heard from Mr. McCoy regarding special education updates. He provided context about the Lake A Education Cooperative, which collaborates with several area school districts to offer special education services from birth to age 22. The cooperative currently serves 261 students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in the Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton district and 34 students in Lake A’s programs. McCoy discussed challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified special education staff and highlighted a tuition reimbursement program aimed at supporting individuals pursuing special education credentials, with $40,000 allocated annually for this purpose.

10:59Financial aspects were addressed, with McCoy noting that collaboration with the district’s financial officer had streamlined reporting processes, leading to a projected increase in medical assistance reimbursement to about $120,000 by year-end. This rise was attributed to improved documentation practices that enhanced compliance with funding requirements. There was a brief discussion regarding the sustainability of medical assistance funding due to its reliance on Medicaid.

24:34Facility and transportation updates were also on the agenda. The board discussed the necessity of initiating negotiations with transportation contractors and reviewed plans for an outdoor classroom project. Updates on the solar panel project were provided, with panels scheduled to arrive in May, and efforts to minimize disruption during installation were noted. Concerns regarding baseball and softball fields were raised, focusing on the balance of financial support from the school versus fundraising efforts by clubs.

29:30In the negotiations segment, it was noted that lighting negotiations had been resolved, with discussions on leave time and personal leave days still ongoing. A PowerPoint presentation prepared by David Eilertson was commended for aligning all parties involved in the negotiations, with emphasis on understanding budget constraints while attempting to offer fair raises to staff.

The superintendent’s report included an invitation to the upcoming elementary school excellence celebration, encouraging community participation. The consent agenda involved the approval of bills totaling over $269,000 and the resignation of several staff members. Questions regarding staffing, particularly the posting of a business position vacancy, were raised, with decisions to be based on student enrollment and needs.