The most pressing topic was the decline in student enrollment, which has had a direct impact on the district’s budget. Over the past eight years, the district has seen a trend of approximately 11 fewer students each year, resulting in a decrease from 1,563 to 1,512 students. This decline translates into potential funding losses significant enough to threaten teaching positions, as detailed by a speaker who calculated the financial impact of losing 11 students annually. The speaker explained that this loss could mean cutting a teacher or teacher’s aide each year, highlighting the critical nature of enrollment figures captured in October, which drive funding decisions.

Adding to the complexity, the district faces an issue with 227 students residing in the district but attending schools elsewhere, predominantly from the Brook area. This outflow of students presents a challenge in maximizing state funding and maintaining educational resources within the district. The board also discussed a land swap issue affecting tax implications, particularly with Moorhead Public Schools, which complicates efforts to pass capital project levies due to a lack of tax revenue from students attending Moorhead schools.

The board’s financial concerns were further compounded by recent construction issues within school facilities. Notably, a glycol leak in the fort gym nearly led to the cancellation of scheduled games, with repairs being completed just in time. Additionally, a sewage issue in the new science room caused backups into the kitchen area, prompting administrative measures to ensure meal preparation was not disrupted. Questions regarding the flooring’s warranty status arose, as it had been replaced twice due to glue failures exacerbated by heat from tunnels, prompting ongoing communication with the architect to resolve these issues.

Another major topic of discussion was transportation, particularly the challenges posed by a growing student population and the logistical strains this places on the bus schedule. The district is experiencing “major growing pains,” with around 35 to 40 students requiring two bus runs, highlighting an urgent need for additional drivers and potentially new vehicles. The board discussed the implementation of a web-based transportation system, which would improve connectivity and management of logistics, as well as the addition of geolocation tracking on buses to allow parents to monitor their child’s bus location.

The transportation department is also grappling with the legal requirements of transporting homeless students to their school of origin, a challenge further complicated by the dispersal of the homeless population across various shelters and hotels. The sustainability of the transportation program was questioned, particularly in light of fluctuating student numbers that make future vehicle purchases uncertain.

Despite these challenges, the board showed resilience in addressing educational initiatives and community engagement. The superintendent provided updates on kindergarten registration, with 39 children already registered, a significant increase from the previous year. The district anticipates enrolling between 110 to 120 kindergarteners, necessitating discussions on staffing and class sizes to accommodate the growing numbers.

The board also highlighted collaborative efforts with Concordia College, where students enrolled in math methods classes will gain practical teaching experience in elementary schools. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of math instruction in the district.

Additionally, the board acknowledged the importance of teacher training in reading instruction, particularly through the Letters training program. This initiative revisits foundational reading techniques to improve student literacy outcomes, and it now includes 12 additional staff members in its first year.

The meeting also touched on community engagement efforts, such as the “Gifts from the Heart” fundraising initiative, designed to provide essential art supplies for elementary students. This program is intended to ensure all children can participate, with “Good Behavior” tickets distributed to foster school spirit.

In the realm of school programs, upcoming events like the “Love to Read” month were discussed, with a pirate-themed initiative set to engage students in reading activities. The principal and assistant principal humorously acknowledged the possibility of “walking the plank” if students met their reading goals.