A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to discussing a senior prank that raised serious safety concerns. An individual at the meeting questioned the lack of prior notification and the apparent approval of the prank by a higher authority. The prank involved students accessing sensitive areas, including tunnels, which had not been previously communicated to the staff. The participant stressed, “this school is not safe,” urging the need for enhanced safety measures. The board advised the individual to further discuss these concerns with school administration. Videos of the prank circulating on social media amplified the urgency for reviewing and potentially revamping security practices within the school.

In addition to the prank incident, maintenance issues were a major topic of discussion. Superintendent Kevin Grover reported on the upcoming arrival of a new maintenance worker, anticipated due to ongoing problems, including fire alarm malfunctions and a boiler project at New Heights. A leak at CMS related to a boiler was also noted, contributing to delays and posing challenges to the maintenance team. Grover highlighted the collaboration with Nexus on the Long-Term Facilities Maintenance (LTFM) plan, with a meeting scheduled for the end of July to finalize the plan. Furthermore, Grover announced the availability of a solar grant for schools as of July 1, though he noted uncertainties due to potential changes in federal policy affecting its benefits.

Security and infrastructure were not the only focal points; the board also addressed transportation policy revisions. The first reading of policy 709 concerning student transportation safety was conducted, emphasizing the importance of allowing adequate time for board and public review before final approval. The policy revisions stemmed from discussions with assistant principals, aimed at enhancing transportation safety following the school year’s end.

In the realm of financial matters, the board unanimously approved the acceptance of donations totaling $1,850, which included contributions from the East Grand Forks Boosters Club and an arts and crafts organization. They also approved the payment of K12 bills amounting to over $1.4 million.

Moreover, the board explored potential collaborative efforts with Sacred Heart for a girls’ health program. Discussions are ongoing, with a need for both districts to approve any agreement and for stakeholder dialogue to ensure the program supports girls’ hockey programs.

Security concerns extended beyond the prank, as the board discussed key management practices and the overall security of school facilities. Concerns were raised about the potential for lost keys and the risks posed by buildings remaining open during events. The board acknowledged the challenge of balancing accessibility with security, emphasizing the importance of finding solutions that accommodate school activities while safeguarding students and staff.

In the realm of personnel and operations, Grover announced plans to establish a new preschool class and the intention to post for either a preschool or elementary teacher, depending on applicant qualifications. There are still children on the waiting list for the preschool program, pointing to a growing demand for early childhood education in the district.

The meeting also featured public comments, where an individual named Angelus from 219 Mars Drive spoke about their feelings of wrongful termination, questioning the board on the circumstances surrounding their dismissal. Angelus expressed concerns about security, citing instances of unlocked doors and open gates as risks to student safety, and criticized the school district’s communication practices, pressing for better dialogue and procedural adherence. The board listened to these grievances but chose not to engage in a debate during the meeting.

As the meeting drew to a close, the board set the date for the next meeting on July 28, 2025, at 5:30 PM, and moved into a closed session to discuss negotiations. The unanimous decision to enter a closed session demonstrated a collective agreement among board members to handle sensitive matters confidentially.