A notable point of discussion was the adoption of the “Essential Health Skills for Middle School” curriculum, designed to address the inadequacies of a teacher-developed curriculum previously used by new health teachers. The curriculum, published by Goodheart-Wilcox, promises structured lessons and assessments to ensure consistency with high school standards. Following board approval, a comprehensive communication plan will be implemented to inform parents about the new resources, including online previews of the curriculum’s units and their alignment with national standards. This new resource aims to provide a conservative approach deemed suitable for seventh and eighth-grade students.

The board also tackled ongoing transportation challenges. A transportation update highlighted issues related to altered school start and dismissal times, which have led to logistical difficulties. Joe Kungle from Hogland Transportation outlined efforts to optimize bus routes, noting the establishment of hybrid models that accommodate different grade levels. Safety remains a top priority, with specific adjustments made to ensure safe pick-up and drop-off points for students. Communication with parents has improved, with fewer complaints reported, and further adjustments are anticipated to enhance morning bus times.

Board members expressed concern over the financial implications of extended bus operations due to changes in school schedules. A survey was proposed to gather feedback from families on bus ride durations, which would inform future decisions on school start times. The collaboration between transportation services, the city, and highway departments was commended for addressing challenges related to road construction.

Another topic was the Minnesota Arts Education grant, which promises $35,000 to improve middle school music programming. The grant will fund “master classes” for instrumental music students, providing specialized instruction and alleviating the burden of high class sizes. The recruitment of master teachers, potentially retired educators from the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, is underway. The board acknowledged the challenges of finding qualified instructors but expressed optimism about the program’s potential impact on the music curriculum.

Projections suggest a decrease from 4,100 to under 4,000 students in the coming years. Factors such as larger graduating classes and fewer incoming kindergarten students contribute to this trend. The board examined the district’s ability to attract and retain students, noting gains from Big Lake but losses to St. Michael-Albertville. These trends are linked to early graduations, transfers, and a lack of new building developments in the area.

In response to these enrollment challenges, the board considered a facility condition assessment proposed by Terry Woodworth, director of buildings and grounds. Partnering with Krauss Anderson, the district aims to evaluate the state of its facilities comprehensively. This assessment, funded through long-term facilities maintenance funds, will guide future capital investments and maintenance strategies.

Additionally, the board approved a new principal master agreement, which includes a tiered salary schedule and language clarifications. This agreement introduces a 5.58% salary increase in the first year and a 0.90% increase in the second year, aligning with budgetary constraints. Provisions for professional development stipends and additional vacation days were also included. The agreement aims to streamline administrative processes and provide principals with competitive compensation while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

The meeting concluded with discussions on several board policies, including student representation, drug-free and tobacco-free environments, and student attendance. The board passed all policies except for one related to student attendance, which was tabled for further review.