One of the most engaging discussions revolved around the activities at Mahtomedi High School, particularly with the start of the new semester and Snowcoming Week. A student representative enthusiastically described the medallion hunt, a key event of the week, where clues are released on social media, and participants compete for a prize of $550 in headphones. This event is primarily aimed at students, although others connected to the school may also participate. The student detailed the excitement surrounding winter sports, noting a new trend of robust student section attendance at wrestling matches and a high level of engagement in basketball games. These activities reflect a broader focus on fostering school spirit and student involvement.

Another highlight was the superintendent’s cabinet discussion on college and career readiness, emphasizing support for new students integrating into high school life. The student representative shared their personal experience of feeling connected through counselors who facilitated their involvement in sports and clubs.

The meeting also spotlighted academic achievements, particularly in Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The high school earned a gold distinction for its performance, with a notable increase in the percentage of students scoring three or higher on AP exams. An impressive 74% of the class took at least one AP exam. This achievement highlights the district’s dedication to academic excellence and preparing students for higher education.

In a nod to alumni success, the board acknowledged the return of graduate Georgia Berkeland to the Olympics and celebrated Aiden Hastings’ acceptance into the Film North Studio 13 Future Filmmakers Lab. Hastings is one of only thirteen students in Minnesota to achieve this honor.

The board also discussed financial matters in detail, with a midyear financial report comparing current revenue and expenditures against previous years. While the district is on track with revenue, particularly in state aid, a decline in federal funding was noted due to the end of ESSER funds related to COVID-19. Despite this, the district is managing its budget effectively, with favorable trends in several categories.

Further discussion on the budget revealed that current revenue is approximately 42.73%, slightly below last year’s figure of 43.92%. The financial update included insights into local dollars, which cover fees from student activities and gate receipts. Interest revenue was slightly down from the previous year due to the timing of large donations, although overall donations exceed the budget by $377,000. Expenditures on salaries, wages, and employee benefits are also tracking below last year’s figures, attributed to recent contract settlements and pending retro pay adjustments.

The board approved donations and grants totaling $88,275, essential for advancing the district’s mission. The financial review also touched on purchase services, where expenditures appeared high due to chargebacks not reflected in the current report. The district anticipates full reimbursement for the second year of unemployment benefits for part-time staff not employed year-round.

The meeting concluded with discussions on policy readings, facilities improvement, and planning for the upcoming Zephyr gala. The facilities improvement steering committee’s charge statement was approved, emphasizing clear communication of expectations and updates. Notable improvements were reported in education engagement, general health, and a decrease in cyberbullying incidents, with a significant statistic indicating that approximately 90% of high school students use social media daily.

The board also noted upcoming events, including the Minnesota School Board Association (MSBA) meeting scheduled for March 9, highlighting the continued involvement of board members in broader educational discussions.