01:04The most pressing topic involved the presentation by representatives from Countryside Public Health regarding the Minnesota student survey. They highlighted alarming trends in mental health, particularly among 11th-grade girls, where 41% reported seriously considering suicide. The representatives emphasized the importance of the survey in understanding student well-being and driving initiatives to improve mental health support in schools. They detailed ongoing efforts to apply for grants and collaborate with local organizations to enhance mental health awareness and resources.

Countryside Public Health representatives also addressed the need for increased survey participation and suggested that schools could benefit from receiving executive summaries of the survey findings. This would aid in strategic planning and funding applications. They advocated for a partnership between local organizations and the school district to create cohesive responses to the mental health concerns highlighted in the survey data.

12:16The board then turned its attention to the need for school nurses, particularly in smaller schools with fewer than a thousand students. The importance of having a school nurse was recognized, and discussions included potential changes by the Minnesota Department of Education to expedite data collection and processing from the survey. There were concerns about the current presentation of data, which is not user-friendly, and the lack of rural perspectives in the data trends. Suggestions were made to allow schools to modify problematic survey questions to improve participation and data accuracy.

31:33Infrastructure developments were another significant topic at the meeting. Updates were provided on the ongoing construction projects, particularly the football field and track area. The board learned about substantial soil movement and preparations for turf installation, with the bleacher assembly being approximately 70% complete. New light poles, smaller yet more efficient, were being installed to enhance illumination.

23:22The transition to a new school website was another focal point, aimed at modernizing the platform for better accessibility and user experience. The board expressed appreciation for the team responsible for the redesign, emphasizing the importance of making vital information like enrollment procedures and activity schedules easily accessible. The sentiment was that an outdated website could deter newcomers from engaging with the district.

The board also received an update on staffing, with claims that the district is nearing full staffing for teaching positions. The anticipated arrival of Todd Beram, the new elementary principal, was mentioned, and plans were discussed to ensure a smooth transition into his role. There was a recognition of staff members who had taken on additional responsibilities, contributing to the smooth operation of the school.

36:23Further discussions included agricultural initiatives involving the community, with plans to explore alternative crops due to adverse weather conditions impacting corn planting. The board discussed the potential for using crop sales as a fundraiser for the FFA program.

37:16Procedural matters addressed during the meeting included the upcoming school board filing period, set from July 30 to August 13, with three positions up for election. The board emphasized the need to publicize this information in local newspapers. They also reviewed and approved the Long-Term Facilities Maintenance (LTFM) plan for 2026, discussing financial figures, building needs, and compliance with safety regulations. The plan was approved unanimously, and a board meeting originally set for November 11 was rescheduled to November 12 without objection.