The meeting opened with a segment dedicated to staff recognition. School administrators, Randy and Jen, presented commendations to the paraprofessional mentorship program and the Nutrition Department at Mora High School. Randy highlighted the commitment of several mentor staff members who have supported new paraprofessionals throughout the year. He shared feedback from various check-ins, which showed that the mentors were not only fulfilling their roles but also genuinely caring for the new staff. Randy expressed his gratitude, stating, “You accentuate our building for Randy and I so keep rocking it and keep being the great people that you are.”

Recognition was also extended to the Nutrition Department for creating an inviting atmosphere through their culinary efforts. Randy recounted an anecdote where a new staff member praised the quality of the lunches, which has fostered a sense of togetherness among students and staff. The improved dining experience reportedly encouraged many to socialize more during meals.

The meeting further acknowledged January and February as School Board Appreciation Months. An administrator noted the extensive preparation and understanding required by board members to fulfill their duties, which often go unnoticed by the public. A proclamation from the Kabi County Board of Commissioners was introduced, recognizing September 2024 as School Board Recognition Month and highlighting the advocacy efforts of board members in local education.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the presentation of school proficiency data for the 2024-2025 academic year. An administrator named Darcy presented encouraging data, indicating that the district’s performance in reading, math, and science was above state averages. Specific figures showed that the district’s reading proficiency was higher than the state average, with a slight increase from the previous year. The math proficiency data echoed similar findings, reflecting that the district was performing above the state average.

The discussion also touched on the performance of special education (sped) students. The board reviewed data on how these students were performing in reading, math, and science, highlighting the success of the sped team in adjusting to the needs of students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs). One board member emphasized the importance of analyzing trends by comparing current data with previous years’ metrics.

Participation rates in standardized testing were also discussed, with an emphasis on the community’s involvement. It was noted that there were few “opting outs,” suggesting strong community engagement. Data presented showed that the district performed above state averages in reading across grades 3 to 6 and grades 7, 8, and 10. However, challenges were recognized for 11th-grade students in math, with the district performing below the state average. The board discussed the need to address this issue at both local and state levels.

The meeting then shifted to discussions about the preliminary tax levy for the fiscal year 2025. The board emphasized the need to manage the levy carefully, considering rising costs and the pressure to keep tax increases minimal. Key components of the levy included long-term facilities maintenance, funding for School Resource Officers (SROs) and security systems, and the Q Comp program, which supports teacher development.

The complexities of the levy process were highlighted, noting the discrepancy between the school district’s budgeting practices and the calendar fiscal year used by counties and cities. Historical data on average daily membership (ADM) was presented, indicating recovery from the pandemic years, with current enrollment figures expected to provide clearer insights following the October 1 count.

Additionally, the board reviewed gifts and donations received, totaling $30,000 for school-related improvements. The board also approved various fundraising requests for the upcoming school year and discussed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for staffing, mirroring the prior year’s agreement. The e-learning plan and MOU for managing instructional days during inclement weather were also approved.

The meeting concluded with updates from board members about the start of the school year, praising the transportation team’s efforts and the implementation of a “non-exclusionary discipline” approach at Mora High School. The board also discussed recent improvements in student performance and attendance rates, attributed to various incentives and efforts led by staff. The upcoming Fun Run event was mentioned, along with humorous remarks about staff members potentially dressing up in costumes if goals were met.