The board’s decision to certify the election results was a focal point of the meeting. The special election, which included two questions, saw 4,206 votes in favor and 2,799 against for the first question, while the second question garnered 3,986 votes in favor and 3,311 against.

Beyond election matters, the board devoted substantial attention to community education programs, with a detailed presentation led by Linda Richmond. Richmond highlighted the purpose of funding for these initiatives, emphasizing the efficient use of community resources and buildings. Richmond praised her colleagues for their achievements, notably recognizing Tammy Shots for the 2024 Human Rights Award and Joelle Hoffler for the Region 7 Community Educator of Excellence Award. These accolades underscore the positive impact of the programs on the community, particularly for new American populations.

Joel Hoffler detailed the early learning programs, including the Jumpstart Preschool, which operates in collaboration with high school students to enhance educational experiences. A development was the acquisition of a state-funded voluntary pre-K grant, facilitating full-day preschool for 20 at-risk students. This initiative emphasizes early intervention and educational inclusivity, a priority for the district.

Jess Ro reported on youth and adult enrichment programs, highlighting 627 course offerings and substantial community partnerships. The Learning Bank program, serving over 13,000 students across 36 schools, exemplifies the scale and reach of these enrichment initiatives.

Tammy Shots addressed adult education, focusing on aiding adults in transitioning to post-secondary education or the workforce. The program spans five counties and relies on state and federal funding, with potential future uncertainties noted regarding federal support. These efforts play a role in equipping adults with necessary skills and qualifications.

The board also discussed regional online career collaborative classes, a federally funded initiative offering courses like English for driving and Microsoft Office Specialist training. This program aims to expand educational opportunities for adult learners, facilitated by coordinator Casey Hatlav. The meeting featured additional community engagement efforts, such as a health careers and wellness fair, highlighting practical learning experiences for students.

Enrollment discussions revealed slight declines in overall figures, with notable increases in early education enrollment. The board emphasized the importance of monitoring these trends to inform staffing decisions and program offerings. The online academy’s enrollment, attributed entirely to Moorhead students, represents a shift in student distribution across grade levels.

The report addressed kindergarten readiness, achievement gaps, and the preparation of students as lifelong learners. Despite positive trends in reading and math scores, areas for improvement in early childhood education were acknowledged.

The board reviewed indicators of college and career readiness, with Algebra 2 scores and attendance rates highlighted as predictors of success. A 90% attendance rate was noted as a strong indicator of career outcomes. The district’s diverse linguistic landscape, with 63 languages spoken, prompted the introduction of new communication tools to support non-English-speaking families.

Further discussions included the approval of the comprehensive achievement and civic readiness report and a 9% health insurance rate increase for 2026. The board also addressed third-party administrative services, with changes to stop-loss and pharmacy service providers.