School safety was a primary concern, given recent events, including a shooting in Madison. The district has updated its safety protocols, opting for clear, detailed announcements during emergencies instead of using code names. This approach aims to empower teachers and students to make informed decisions during crises. The board emphasized the need for flexibility and clear communication to prepare staff and students effectively for emergencies. The collaborative efforts within the board were acknowledged, with an upcoming organizational meeting scheduled for January 2, 2025, and the MSBA leadership conference on January 16 and 17, 2025.

Another topic was the introduction of the Workforce Coordinator, who plans to enhance career exposure for students. The “Panther Pork Challenge,” a new initiative, will engage local businesses and provide students with hands-on experience in budgeting and cooking. This challenge, designed to foster teamwork and practical skills, encourages students to collaborate in preparing meals. Local businesses will contribute resources, including meat and groceries, for the competition. The coordinator highlighted previous successful initiatives, such as a trailer event introducing students to various trades and career fields, which saw notable participation despite cold weather. Future plans include visits to health science facilities and additional events to continue exposing students to potential career paths.

The meeting also touched on the development of a “portrait of a graduate,” which aims to define the skills and attributes students should possess upon graduation. Community involvement is crucial, and parents and community members are invited to participate in the visioning process. Information about this initiative will be communicated through newsletters and local newspapers, encouraging interested parties to reach out to the administration.

In the realm of Career and Technical Education (CTE), there was a focus on leveraging community connections to foster student engagement. Plans to secure new classroom equipment, such as saws and standing tables, were discussed. A notable proposal was the introduction of a “signing day” to celebrate students transitioning directly into the workforce, similar to ceremonies held for those advancing to colleges or universities. This initiative aims to recognize students who enter the workforce immediately after graduation, facilitating connections with potential employers and acknowledging their contributions as active community members.

The agenda also included the second reading of Board Policy 610, which involved revisions to the extended field trip request form. The revisions aim to clarify expectations for students, parents, and sponsoring teachers involved in school-organized trips. The policy now requires a comprehensive outline of rules and conduct, along with a verification form to ensure necessary steps are completed before students depart for trips. Concerns were raised about student supervision ratios and gender representation among chaperones, with discussions highlighting the need for clarity on gender-specific supervision, particularly when students have varying gender identities.

Additional agenda items included scheduling adjustments for the April 2024 meeting, which were approved without further discussion, and the approval of the 2026-2027 school calendar. A music trip proposal, previously introduced, received board approval following a brief discussion. The meeting also covered the levy certification for the school district, with the proposed tax levy totaling $2,466,651.89, encompassing allocations for the general fund and community service. The resolution regarding the levy was approved, and the meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.