A focal point of the meeting was the discussion on school safety, sparked by a community member named Josh during the open forum. Josh raised concerns about the safety of middle and high school students in light of recent threats. He emphasized the anxiety experienced by his middle school-aged child, who had stayed home due to safety fears. The superintendent addressed these concerns by reinforcing that schools statistically remain one of the safest environments for children. He outlined the protocol followed when threats are reported, which includes securing the facility and involving law enforcement, particularly the School Resource Officer (SRO).

The superintendent explained that when a threat is reported, the school immediately secures the facility and collaborates with local law enforcement to assess the threat’s viability. He acknowledged that communication lapses had contributed to community concerns and emphasized the importance of transparent and effective communication about the steps taken to ensure student safety. The superintendent detailed how law enforcement conducts thorough investigations involving students, teachers, and families to determine the credibility of threats and the necessary responses. He assured that the school’s response is swift and involves removing students from classes or locking down the building if required.

The conversation about safety extended to broader discussions on the district’s disciplinary practices. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing the complexities involved in managing student safety and discipline, particularly the legal constraints around sharing information about disciplinary actions. The board made an exception to their usual practice of not engaging during public comments to clarify these concerns. They emphasized that while parents desire transparency, the legal framework limits what can be disclosed to protect student data.

Adding to the safety concerns, a parent named Juliet Paradise highlighted infrastructure issues at the Big Fork school, specifically the missing ceiling tiles in the hallways. She described how this has led to students navigating around drips from the ceiling, which she deemed unacceptable for a public institution. The administration acknowledged the problem, attributing it to condensation issues from the expansion and contraction of plumbing materials, and promised to investigate further and follow up with a solution.

The board also addressed operational finances, including the approval of claims for August totaling over seven million dollars and the preliminary levy for 2024 payable in 2025. Casey presented on behalf of another individual, recommending the board certify the maximum amount available, explaining that while the board can lower the amount later, they cannot increase it once approved. The potential for a favorable negative levy was acknowledged, which would benefit the district and public.

Policy updates prompted by state legislative changes were also approved unanimously. These included updates on drug and alcohol testing regulations, workplace drug-free policies, and provisions regarding cultural use by Indigenous peoples. The board underscored that these changes were reflective of statutory requirements, with no additional alterations proposed.

Further reports and updates were shared by board members and the superintendent. Mindy reported on a meet-and-greet event for the new director Jim Mack, scheduled for October 7th, and an ongoing online community survey. Pat provided updates on various meetings, including a facilities meeting at the high school and the Minnesota School Board Association (MSBA) advocacy tour. He emphasized the importance of discussing the middle school traffic plan through a public hearing to solicit community input directly.

The superintendent highlighted recent facility upgrades, including new stage and house lighting as part of a grant initiative. He discussed the improved audio and video systems, which would enhance the learning environment and meeting quality. The superintendent also addressed the need for improved communication regarding safety protocols, especially following recent incidents involving misinformation spread via social media. He stressed the complexities of providing timely updates without compromising ongoing investigations and the importance of managing such communications carefully.