One focus of the meeting was the district’s enrollment statistics and their potential financial implications. Director of Business Services, Tina Burke Holder, provided an update indicating a decrease in kindergarten enrollment by 25 students and an overall drop of nine students in grades 1 through 5. The total district enrollment was reported at 3,977, slightly below the projected 3,996. This shortfall could impact the district’s revenue budget by approximately $150,000. Burke Holder explained the importance of the first 15 days of school for accurate enrollment numbers, with a clearer picture expected in October or November.

In a related discussion, the board examined the influence of a new private school opening in Big Lake, which may be contributing to the decline in enrollment. The conversation extended to historical enrollment patterns, emphasizing the challenges of replacing larger graduating classes with smaller incoming classes.

The board also delved into the district’s strategic priorities aimed at enhancing student outcomes. The administration underscored the necessity of consistent implementation of best practices, emphasizing that changes in educational outcomes require sustained effort over time. Key priorities included improving tier one instructional practices, advancing literacy, and preparing for shifts in mathematics standards and curriculum.

The administration highlighted the importance of trauma-informed and relationship-based practices, stressing the value of strong relationships among staff, families, and the community. The use of data to inform instructional strategies and bolster family engagement and attendance was also emphasized. This strategic focus was informed by a review of data, including behavior, academic performance, and attendance, which guided the development of tailored action plans for individual school buildings.

The board’s discussion also touched upon the newly implemented reading curriculum. As the district entered the second year of this curriculum, questions were raised about its effectiveness and staff receptiveness. The administration noted the learning curve associated with adopting a new curriculum, with the first year focused on learning delivery and the second year on refining teaching practices. A deeper understanding of how to adapt practices based on student data is expected by the third year.

In addition to these discussions, Superintendent Olson presented the acceptance of generous donations that support both students and staff. Donations included $1,000 from East View and Naturebased PTO, and $250 from Byron and Monica Martin for the purchase of Spanish books for the Magic Book Bus under the Rally to Read initiative. Rich and Jen Hansen donated $6,000, and Hogland Transportation contributed $2,641 to fund a staff welcome back luncheon, which saw attendance from approximately 600 staff members out of 700 invited.

The board also reviewed several policy updates, including adjustments to policies on drug-free workplaces, school weapons, student attendance, and transportation safety, reflecting recent legislative changes. Notably, the policy on school weapons expanded its scope to include reports of armed individuals near school zones. There was also a notable change in policy 503, which shifted the responsibility of truancy from the superintendent to individual school buildings.