14:33Adam’s appointment as the new superintendent was a focal point of the meeting. Following a successful selection process, Adam has already begun engaging with the school community, visiting classrooms and participating in initial contract negotiations related to the master teacher contract. The board expressed optimism that Adam’s engagement will lay a strong foundation for future success.

17:31Amidst the leadership transition, the board faces the issue of declining enrollment. A decrease of ten students was noted for the current year, prompting discussions on strategies to address this trend. To better understand the situation, a five-year progression of enrollment data was requested for an upcoming meeting. The board recognized the importance of addressing enrollment challenges to ensure sustainable class sizes and overall district health.

15:55The meeting also highlighted the success of the girls’ basketball team, which participated in recent tournaments. Commendation was given to the school community for their support, which contributed to fostering a sense of camaraderie and memorable experiences for students.

26:39In terms of policy updates, the board discussed the ongoing audit conducted by the Minnesota School Boards Association. This initiative aims to ensure that district policies are timely and relevant, especially in light of leadership changes over the past five years. There was a particular focus on Policy 522 related to Title IX and Policy 515 concerning the protection and privacy of individuals’ records. The board acknowledged the need for potential revisions, especially considering recent federal court rulings affecting Title IX regulations.

19:09The budget forecast was another area of concern, with projections deemed “not encouraging.” The board is bracing for potential financial challenges, particularly from 2026 through 2029. This fiscal outlook underscores the need for strategic planning and adjustments to ensure financial stability.

36:39A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the school calendar for the 2025-2026 academic year. The board approved the calendar, which included adjustments to prevent significant events from coinciding with critical academic periods. The calendar also addressed state requirements for instructional hours. The board emphasized maintaining students’ contact days as a priority.

11:57In addition to these discussions, the meeting touched on the upcoming commencement ceremony, extending an invitation for board members to participate. The ceremony is part of a series of events planned for the graduating class, highlighting the culmination of their high school journey.

Another notable event is the “reality fair” planned for seniors, aimed at providing practical financial education. This initiative, organized in collaboration with RCW, represents an effort to reinforce the importance of financial literacy beyond traditional classroom settings.

Safety concerns were raised following a recent gas leak incident in Clare City. The board discussed crisis management plans with local officials, emphasizing the importance of preparedness for emergencies. Additionally, a scheduled controlled burn on the school prairie was postponed due to adverse weather conditions.

Personnel matters were also addressed, including discussions on three memorandums related to special education. These negotiations focus on additional compensation for staff working outside school hours and the protection of graduate credits earned by staff.

The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of Denise Smith’s retirement from community education, which sparked conversations about updating job descriptions and responsibilities within the department. The board recognized the growth in community education offerings under her leadership.