30:32A highlight of the meeting was the announcement that Kasson-Mantorville Elementary School was among the 37 districts honored by the Minnesota Department of Education for its successful adoption of PBIS. This initiative focuses on improving school culture and fostering positive student behavior, which has contributed to the district’s reputation for strong educational practices.

15:38The board addressed the issue of kindergarten enrollment numbers, which are lower than in previous years. This prompted a discussion on the district’s budget planning, as they had anticipated 125 students. The board is monitoring the situation closely to determine if adjustments are needed.

18:13Another topic was the approval of revisions and updates to district policies, which occur on a three-year cycle. The board discussed the learning curve for new members familiarizing themselves with these policies. Two new policies were adopted regarding the School Resource Officer (SRO) and the use of drones. The SRO agreement was particularly scrutinized due to an increase in associated costs. Despite inquiries about these expenses, it was noted that the increase was typical, though detailed reasons were not provided.

22:56The board also reviewed the Title IX sexual non-discrimination policy grievance procedures. A webinar attended by one member highlighted recent federal legal challenges, though Minnesota has adopted similar protections. The policy revisions aim to clarify harassment definitions and simplify investigation processes, despite some uncertainties regarding their implementation. These changes were unanimously approved.

04:01Superintendent Ted Ihns gave updates on various district activities, including a proposal for the district to cover hockey ice time expenses traditionally funded by the booster club. The proposed levy structure would distribute costs among member schools based on player participation, affecting homeowner taxes by approximately $3 to $7 annually, depending on property value.

06:27Further, the superintendent recapped an administrative advancement meeting held in early August. This meeting aimed to foster collaboration among the administrative team, focusing on strategic planning and leadership. The team engaged in an environmental scan to ensure alignment with community expectations and needs. The second day included Raptor training for crisis management, emphasizing collaboration with local authorities for effective emergency response. A scavenger hunt was organized to enhance team bonding and community familiarity.

16:51The board acknowledged Dr. Lisa Tuson’s retirement, expressing gratitude for her service to the district. Additionally, they discussed recruitment efforts, noting the diverse backgrounds of new hires. The district’s attractiveness to educators was highlighted, with positive references to a new hire from a former superintendent.