A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussions surrounding a potential co-op arrangement for girls’ hockey. The superintendent shared that Krookston, which had previously expressed interest in adding another team to their co-op, was eager for a decision. However, Sacred Heart’s board decided to withdraw from the proposal. This development occurred as the Sacred Heart board was not scheduled to meet for another two weeks, leading to uncertainty about the future of the co-op. One board member noted that the lack of a proposal to consider was not their choice, remarking, “We don’t have anything to consider now.”

The implications of adding more teams to the hockey co-op were debated, with concerns about the changing dynamics of team composition. The focus shifted to younger grades, where participation rates might pose future challenges. “It’s when you get, you know, five, six, seven, and so on down is where the numbers are going to be a problem,” a board member stated, highlighting the potential long-term viability issues for the hockey program. Despite the differing opinions, the board emphasized the importance of maintaining a collaborative atmosphere while making decisions.

Throughout the discussions, gratitude was expressed for community engagement, particularly the strong support for girls’ hockey. However, some members lamented the lack of similar fervor for other school-related issues, such as staffing challenges and bus driver shortages. They urged the community to extend their advocacy beyond athletics, emphasizing the importance of passion in educational areas.

In addition to the hocdiscussions, the board reviewed various academic initiatives and interventions. The assessment data for students was a topic of discussion, with a focus on the impact of standardized test performance on the need for additional interventions. Though over 90% of student scores were available, it was acknowledged that 20 minutes of weekly advisor time was insufficient for those requiring more support. Plans were mentioned to implement a learning lab next semester for targeted assistance, with discussions on hiring an interventionist or reading strategist to bolster struggling students’ support.

The board also received updates on extracurricular activities and school events. The girls’ soccer team was highlighted for their upcoming section championship, while Ruby Leech qualified for the state tennis competition after returning from studying abroad. Parent-teacher conferences on October 8th saw a good turnout, and a second session was scheduled for November 5th. The student representative shared updates on student council activities, including a planned candy drive and trunk-or-treat event.

Preschool activities were also discussed, with announcements of field trips to the pumpkin patch and a visit from the East Grand Forks Fire Station. Plans to align preschool parent-teacher conferences with those of K-5 and introduce the FastBridge assessment were noted. The afterwave program was at capacity, and there was interest in offering new art classes at the elementary level.

Committee reports were addressed, with the board approving the consent agenda after discussions on individual items like the hiring of Craig Brought as a paraprofessional and the family resource center agreement. The hiring of Craig Brought was separately discussed and approved, and the payment of claims amounting to over $1.5 million was also approved without questions.

The board members shared comments, extending congratulations to the girls’ soccer team and reminding members of the overdue superintendent evaluations, which were to be addressed in the next meeting. A suggestion to hold a work session to finalize these evaluations was made, with support expressed for the upcoming winter sports season and appreciation for successful negotiation efforts.