The meeting began with several candidates expressing a strong interest in enhancing vocational training within the district. One of the key points raised was the necessity for more hands-on electives tailored to students interested in blue-collar careers, such as carpentry and welding. This push for vocational education was framed as both a strategy to keep students in Mora for employment opportunities and a response to the community’s needs. Participants acknowledged the budget constraints that might hinder these initiatives but remained optimistic about exploring feasible options in the future.

Transparency in financial decisions was another major topic of discussion, with participants advocating for a clearer understanding among community members about how these decisions are made. The emphasis on transparency was linked to the broader goal of ensuring that the community feels informed and involved in the educational process, given their financial contributions through taxes.

Mental health support was identified as a critical area for improvement, especially given the rising mental health challenges facing students, such as stress, anxiety, and trauma. One participant with experience as a licensed school nurse highlighted the need for increased resources in special education and mental health services. This individual called for a reevaluation of the school’s approach to mental health education and support.

Community engagement was a recurring theme throughout the discussions. Candidates emphasized the importance of participating in school events and supporting local activities as a way to bolster community support for schools. There was a shared belief that community involvement is important for the success of the local educational system. The need for effective communication between the school board and the community was underscored, with suggestions for utilizing social media and other platforms to reach a wider audience. This approach was seen as a way to increase community participation in school board decisions and foster a collaborative environment.

Another point raised was the integration of student voices in school board decision-making processes. Candidates expressed a desire for more informal interactions with students, beyond the existing student council reports, to gather insights on school matters. The idea of having representatives from each grade participate in discussions with the board was proposed as a method to ensure that students’ opinions are considered and valued.

The necessity of maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all students and staff was also discussed. Candidates noted the importance of creating policies that protect students and staff, highlighting recent safety upgrades such as locked entrances. The discussion also touched upon the need to support a diverse and expanding student demographic, emphasizing the role of additional staff in facilitating this integration.

As the meeting concluded, candidates discussed their qualifications and personal strengths for the school board roles. Individuals with backgrounds in nursing, education, and military service highlighted their leadership experience and commitment to serving the community. Qualities such as critical thinking, approachability, and a dedication to listening to staff and students were emphasized as essential attributes for effective school board members.