A major highlight of the meeting was the report on the district’s food service program, presented by Paulie Podpescer, the dietician and director of the food and nutrition program. The report detailed the impressive achievements of the initiative, which provides free breakfasts and lunches to all students. Since the legislative change allowing free meals regardless of a student’s ability to pay, there has been a marked increase in meal consumption, with 30,000 more breakfasts and 55,000 additional lunches served compared to previous years. This initiative has saved families approximately $800 per child annually, with expenses covered by state and federal reimbursements, thereby alleviating financial pressure on both families and the district.

Podpescer emphasized the operational success of the department, which operates with a budget nearing $3 million and employs 35 staff members. The department boasts a stable workforce, with over half of the staff having been employed for six years or more, a factor given the limited pool of applicants for food service roles. The department’s flagship program, the school lunch program, is projected to serve over 400,000 lunches and 150,000 breakfasts this year, surpassing last year’s totals. Additionally, the department prepares meals for community organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club and local summer programs, contributing to community welfare and generating extra revenue through catering services.

Another focal point of the meeting was the discussion of literacy and educational programs, particularly the “Carry All” literacy training aligned with the Minnesota Read Act. This program aims to enhance reading instruction through a combination of in-person and self-paced modules. The board heard about the completion of the eighth module of this year-long initiative and the implementation of the “Wit and Wisdom” curriculum, which supports structured literacy and tier-one instruction. The importance of adhering to the curriculum during its first year was stressed to ensure a solid foundation for future adaptations.

The literacy assessment tool FastBridge was also discussed as a key instrument in evaluating educational practices. Primarily used for kindergarten and first-grade students, the tool assesses early reading skills and provides a composite score reflecting students’ reading risks. Data from the past three years showed progress, with a notable percentage of kindergarten and first-grade students moving from high-risk categories to low-risk ones. This improvement was credited to high-quality tier-one instruction, though concerns were raised about data accuracy due to discrepancies in the figures presented.

In addition to educational programs, the meeting also addressed various administrative and community engagement efforts. The board approved membership in the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) for Grand Rapids and Big Fork High Schools, despite concerns about inclusivity in women’s sports. A new three-year lease agreement for Portage Park fields with the city of Cohasset was approved, and financial updates were provided, noting that year-to-date revenues and expenses were slightly below expectations.

The board also discussed the school resource officer (SRO) agreement, with the superintendent highlighting budget challenges and the importance of having a licensed officer to handle legal matters. The board approved a community engagement strategy focusing on building public trust and providing opportunities for the community to voice their concerns. This strategy aims to foster transparency and assess community support for funding versus budget reductions.

In student affairs, the meeting highlighted the accomplishments of the Grand Rapids High School (GHS) Unifi class, which hosted a successful unified softball invitational promoting inclusivity. The student council reported on initiatives such as collecting pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House and recognizing teachers’ contributions with a “Thank You Thursday.” The Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) chapter concluded its activities with a focus on dentistry and the donation of quilts to the Grace House.