The meeting’s focal point revolved around the preliminary consideration of allegations against Toby, who was accused of breaching data privacy and ethics policies. The board chair, citing Minnesota statute 13D.05, noted that the allegations could have been discussed in a closed session, but Toby elected to have the discussion open. The chair accused Toby of violating policy 209 during the previous month’s meeting by making statements that negatively referenced students and test scores and raised concerns about the high school principal’s actions.

Toby was asked to respond to these allegations, where he defended his comments, stating they were intended to address behavioral and safety issues within the transportation department. He argued that his remarks did not breach any legal thresholds and were made without naming specific individuals. Some board members noted community concerns about the negative perceptions resulting from Toby’s comments.

The debate extended to the logistics and implications of after-school detentions, pointing out the challenges in compensating staff for supervising these detentions. Toby’s comments on the lack of after-school detentions were perceived as a personal attack on the principal, which fueled the discussion further. Board members stressed the importance of respecting administrative authority and avoiding micromanagement. The chair emphasized the need for accountability among board members, aligning their behavior with the expectations placed on school staff.

In other business, the board discussed the proposed property tax levy for the district. A decision was made to proceed with a maximum levy option after a vote of 6-1. This decision came amidst discussions on the financial impact on taxpayers, with one member questioning the implications of maxing out the levy. The board was informed that once the levy was submitted to the state, it would be challenging to make changes, particularly after December.

The meeting also addressed the district’s budget, highlighting a decline in enrollment and the corresponding impact on funding. The budget for the 2025-2026 school year was presented, forecasting a total revenue of just under $17.5 million, with 85% sourced from the general fund. Discussions revealed that the district’s undesignated unassigned fund balance stood at 38.9%, well above the state average. A decrease in the proposed tax levy was noted, attributed largely to expected enrollment decreases.

Additionally, the board reviewed several policy updates, including Policy 409 on employee rights and Policy 410 regarding family and medical leave. Minimal changes were recommended for these policies. The board also conducted a review of the district’s transportation policies, emphasizing the need for improved communication with students and parents. A proposal was made for two board members to work together on the logistics of bus pickup, with plans to implement changes by the following Monday.

The board discussed staffing challenges, particularly the hiring of a mechanic. It was proposed to raise the starting salary to $60,000 to attract qualified candidates, noting the competitive labor market for automotive technicians. The need to reduce reliance on outside contractors and the limited facilities for repairs during winter months were also highlighted.

Amidst these discussions, the board recognized Jody for her eight years of service, including six as chair. Jody was commended for her professionalism and leadership during challenging times, such as a referendum and the COVID pandemic. The recognition was met with applause from attendees.

In terms of community engagement, the board acknowledged several donations, including contributions from local organizations for the district’s backpack program and daycare supplies. The ‘Watch D.O.G.S.’ program, which encourages male role models to volunteer in schools, was also discussed. The program’s potential to improve school climate and student behavior was recognized, with a plan to explore grant support for its implementation.