The New Richland Area Foundation made an impact during the meeting by distributing nearly $15,000 in grants, with the school district receiving 60% of this year’s total funds exceeding $25,000. The foundation’s members, including Felicia and Kermit, presented several grants that are expected to benefit the educational landscape significantly. The largest grant of $5,000 was allocated for playground equipment to enhance inclusivity, with efforts ongoing to raise approximately $70,000 for this initiative.

Additional grants included $2,250 for interactive displays in special education classrooms, $1,500 for life skills classroom materials, and $600 for farming and hunting literature aimed at engaging young readers with tailored content.

An after-school program also received a $1,500 grant, facilitating field trips and activities that support students’ learning experiences outside regular school hours. This program, engaging approximately 50 students weekly, has been reinitiated post-COVID and highlights the value of community donations in enhancing student engagement.

The meeting also addressed concerns surrounding fundraising practices within the district, particularly focusing on the Leading Edge fundraiser. This model, which involves students soliciting donations through text and phone calls, raised ethical questions and concerns about its appropriateness, especially during the holiday season. Board members voiced their discomfort with the method, noting the lack of communication with families and questioning whether district programs are sufficiently funded.

The conversation extended to the management of student activities and booster club fundraising, with calls for a more structured approach. It was suggested that independent booster clubs could manage these activities more effectively, relieving some of the administrative burdens on the district. An example provided was the head football coach, Mark Krueger, who raises funds for a football camp.

In addition to fundraising, the board discussed special education services provided through the Southwest Metro district, mentioning a potential acquisition of a building in Morristown to house various programs, including those for special education. The board weighed the financial implications of this acquisition, considering potential property tax increases and the benefits of improved services.

Lastly, the board approved several procedural motions, including the non-renewal of a probationary paraprofessional contract and a change in an English Language specialist’s position due to decreased enrollment. The approval of a bid for bus garage roof repairs and the acceptance of the graduation class of 2025 were also finalized.