15:02The Policy Committee presented a range of policy revisions recommended by the MSBA. These included minor adjustments and legislative updates that did not introduce any substantive changes but required an annual review by the board. The board members approved policies 722 and 806 without discussion, as the content of these policies remained unchanged. Additionally, a series of revised policies—numbered 10, 2, 104, 204, 207, 413, 416, 418, 419, 503, 506, 507, 509, 512, 513, 515, 516, 521, 522, 524, and 532—were presented and approved. These revisions largely resulted from legislative actions or minor edits from the MSBA.

A notable point of discussion was the proposed increase in the approval limits for construction-related change orders from $50,000 to $100,000. The adjustment was deemed necessary to prevent bottlenecks in the construction schedule, as the previous threshold had become insufficient given the current financial landscape. The board members agreed that this change would promote efficiency while maintaining oversight of expenditures. Despite the increase, there was an assurance that ongoing reviews of change orders would continue to ensure accountability and proper management of the construction timeline.

The construction project itself was reported to be progressing well, with most aspects remaining on budget. Masonry work was ongoing in area C, and power availability at the construction site was expected by the end of the previous week. The completion of all storm-related work was confirmed, with water now available on site, pending a meter from the city. Progress also included grouting floor planks and having all steel materials on site, highlighting the steady advancement of the project.

Community engagement efforts were also a focal point of the meeting. Plans for upcoming surveys aimed at gathering public input on the future use of the G and W buildings post-school closure were discussed. The surveys will be distributed through various district communications, including the inflight publication and utility bills, with a release anticipated in early December. The response window is expected to extend through mid-January, providing ample opportunity for community members to share their input.

0:00In the superintendent’s report, an update on student enrollment was provided, noting a current figure of 551 students, which is an increase of four from October but still below the original projection of 635. The adjusted pupil units were expected to be around 611. The superintendent emphasized the importance of upcoming training and conference schedules from the MSBA, with a leadership conference scheduled for January 16-17, 2025.

The meeting also included reports from the elementary principal, who highlighted a successful fundraiser with Papa Murphy’s, raising over $2,200 to support school events. The fundraiser coincided with parent-teacher conferences, which saw $111,000 worth of pizzas sorted and distributed. Additionally, the principal mentioned a school assembly honoring Veterans Day and shared details about a performance by Cline Theater focused on invasive aquatic species. Preparations for winter concerts were underway, and teachers attended a training session on Alex math for supplemental instruction.

A discussion arose regarding parent attendance at conferences, with high participation in elementary grades but a notable drop in middle and high school levels. The principal suggested that access to online platforms like Infinite Campus might contribute to lower attendance, as parents can monitor their child’s progress without attending conferences. The superintendent acknowledged this trend and noted the need for schools to foster better connections with families, especially as children transition to higher grades.

In other topics, the harvest from the FFA agriculture plot raised $6,700, although there was some confusion regarding the exact figures and sales. Additional fundraising initiatives were underway, with an acknowledgment of the Farmers Legacy group’s raffle and recent drawings.

15:02The board moved to approve a donation to the T-Bird football team in accordance with Minnesota statute 465.16, with unanimous support from all members present. Future meetings, including a Committee of the Whole session and a Truth and Taxation hearing, were announced, along with upcoming virtual trainings organized by the MSBA.