The solar panel project was a key topic of discussion. The board explored the logistics of installing solar panels on school property, with soil sampling recently completed. The initiative, supported by state legislation promoting solar energy in schools, aims to install panels either on the ground or rooftops, depending on structural feasibility. The project promises to supply energy to the school and potentially generate revenue by selling surplus power back to the grid. There was dialogue around the educational benefits of the project, with plans to incorporate solar energy studies into the curriculum.

The fiscal year 2026 budget was another focal point. The board approved the budget, which emphasized resource stewardship, despite facing challenges such as reduced per-student funding and retiree benefit obligations. A decrease in enrollment over the past six years was noted, though numbers remain consistent with historical averages. The budget foresees an operating loss in fiscal year 2026 due to retiree benefits. Efforts to sell excess properties and reduce lease expenses were highlighted as cost-saving measures. A representative detailed the budget process, noting significant improvements in the fund balance, now at 10.2%, although it remains below the state average.

Additionally, the board approved a tentative agreement for the superintendent’s contract for the 2025-2028 school years. The contract stipulates no salary increase for the first two years, with the salary for the final year to be negotiated later. Some board members expressed disappointment over the lack of a raise, despite a positive evaluation of the superintendent’s performance. The contract also aligns earned safe and sick time and HSA amounts with other district contracts, and adds a Juneteenth holiday.

Enrollment trends were discussed, with a noted increase of 10 students. The board anticipated further enrollments over the summer, especially given the new online school option. There was a conversation about marketing efforts for the online school, with suggestions for more aggressive strategies, such as hosting an open house. Concerns were raised about ensuring a solid foundation for the online program before pursuing aggressive enrollment.

The meeting also addressed retiree benefits, focusing on Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB). Input from a consultant was considered on how to manage related financial losses. The board discussed maintaining favorable benefits while managing costs, with ongoing evaluations of Medicare supplement plans. There was a notable preference among some retirees for the current health insurance provider, Health Partners, over other options like Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Several partnership agreements were reviewed and approved, including the Early Edge agreement for early childhood programs, the PACE program for practical skills development, and the low incidence services agreement with IASK. The board also approved a technology service agreement, allowing the district to sell part of the technology director’s time to IASK as a cost-saving measure.

A significant agreement with North Homes for school-based mental health services was renewed through 2028. North Homes handles billing, reducing costs for the district. The board also discussed ongoing contract negotiations with ISA, noting the recent resignation of their executive director, Jackie Skelly, and the need to update the job description to include special education qualifications.

Superintendent Gross provided updates on legislative matters and presented a statutory item regarding the employment rights of school board members. He also shared insights from a recent trip discussing artificial intelligence (AI) in education, emphasizing the need to address AI’s impact on student data protection and integration into classrooms.