The meeting focused heavily on the condition of the district’s infrastructure, particularly the outdated HVAC systems that have not been updated in decades. Participants in the meeting noted that the intermediate building has been without significant dehumidification updates for around 30 years. The high school and middle school, built 35 and 25 years ago respectively, also lack necessary ventilation upgrades. Concerns were raised about the indoor air quality, especially in interior classrooms where humidity levels often exceed 90%, posing health risks to students and staff. The inability to open windows due to safety protocols exacerbates these issues during warmer months.

Discussions revealed that, under Minnesota law, school boards have the authority to levy for indoor air quality projects without requiring additional taxpayer approval. The increased financial burden on taxpayers was a point of contention, but it was emphasized that the district’s tax rate remains lower than neighboring districts. The state legislature’s adjustments in aid, based on perceived wealth due to property value changes post-COVID-19, have shifted more financial responsibility onto local taxpayers.

In conjunction with the levy increase, the board is preparing to issue approximately $13.8 million in general obligation bonds to finance various projects, including those aimed at improving indoor air quality. These tax-exempt bonds are expected to span over 16 years, allowing for potential early calls if interest rates drop. The bond funds are earmarked for specific infrastructure projects and cannot be used for general maintenance.

The board also discussed the benefits derived from open enrollment students, noting that while these students do not contribute to local taxes, the district receives approximately $7,000 per student, which bolsters the budget. Currently, there are about 430 open enrollment students, contributing positively to the financial landscape of the district.

In addition to infrastructure concerns, the meeting tackled the process of filling a soon-to-be-vacant board seat, which will open on January 3, 2025. The board debated whether to appoint the next highest vote-getter from the recent election or conduct interviews, ultimately deciding in favor of appointing the next highest vote-getter by a narrow 4-3 vote.

Attention was also given to the superintendent search. The board agreed to work with the Big River Group, led by Bruce Miles, to oversee the recruitment process. The search will include broad stakeholder engagement to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the district’s needs and expectations. The board emphasized the importance of identifying a candidate who aligns with the district’s long-term goals and community values.

The board reviewed several policies and approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for speech language pathology services, necessitated by a shortage of qualified applicants following a recent retirement. This MOU involves the implementation of virtual speech therapy through Lighthouse.

Finally, the board approved updates to various policies and discussed the district’s financial status, noting a decline in local revenue due to changes in tax revenue recording. Expenditures were reported to be lower compared to the previous year. The administration plans to present a revised budget by February, with potential adjustments to align with projected revenues and expenditures.