The newly approved pedestrian trail, referred to as the “path,” involves collaboration between GFW Public Schools, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and the city of Gibbon. The trail is set to extend from the current endpoint at the edge of school property to Elely Avenue, crossing Highway 19. To enhance safety, solar-powered crossing lights will be installed. The city of Gibbon has agreed to manage the maintenance of these lights and the pathway up to the school grounds. The project is partially funded by the state, which will reimburse up to $200,000, leaving the district responsible for the remaining $35,000. The decision was influenced by the anticipated benefits of a safer, more accessible route for students accessing school facilities and nearby recreational areas.

Discussion around the trail also addressed logistical concerns, particularly snow removal, as winter approaches. Conversations between school and city officials are ongoing to determine the responsibilities for clearing the pathway to ensure safety during winter months. Coordination efforts are crucial given the priority of maintaining clear school zones.

In addition to infrastructure improvements, the board reviewed current and upcoming strategic plans, focusing on the district’s financial health amid declining enrollment figures. A notable decrease in resident pupil units—from over 900 to the mid-700s—has implications for the district’s operating levy. This topic will be further explored in the upcoming truth and taxation meeting. A strategic planning survey is set to be distributed. The survey will be available through multiple channels, with a submission deadline of December 13.

The meeting also highlighted an anonymous donation of $15,000, allocated to various school programs: $10,000 for the middle and high school choir music program, $2,000 for the band program, and $3,000 for professional development and supply funds for teachers. The board expressed their gratitude for the donor’s generosity, recognizing the substantial support for the school’s educational and extracurricular offerings.

Conversations around the meeting table also touched upon Riverbend Mercy, where an increase in enrollment was reported, contrasting with the district’s overall declining trend. A focus on academic performance, particularly reading levels, was noted, with over 65% of students meeting or exceeding expectations. Discussion acknowledged the importance of morphological awareness in reading, emphasizing understanding Greek and Latin roots, prefixes, and suffixes.

The board addressed the need for policy revisions, approving the second reading of various school policies to ensure compliance with state mandates.

Additionally, the board discussed necessary adjustments to the 25/26 school calendar due to delays in gym renovations, now expected to be completed by January 28. The revised calendar aims to align professional development and student move-in days with President’s Day weekend, maintaining the number of student contact days while ensuring facility readiness.

These initiatives aim to support teachers in classroom management and foster a positive school culture through proactive behavior interventions.

Community engagement was another focal point, with discussions on the impact of declining enrollment and strategies to address this through improved communication and addressing behavioral concerns.