Concerns about the technology levy took center stage during the public comment section. Miriam Janitech, a parent and active PTA member, voiced her support for the levy but urged the board to consider the developmental appropriateness of technology for elementary students. She highlighted research indicating potential negative impacts on child learning when devices like iPads and Chromebooks are introduced too early. Janitech emphasized, “We are really understanding child development and child learning to make sure that those things that we give in the classroom are going to help our students learn.” Her comments underscored a need for the board to balance technological advancements with evidence-based educational practices.

The board then turned its attention to a report on ongoing and completed construction projects across the district. Notably, the alternative program space is set to be occupied by next summer, advancing into the second phase of a two-year project. The construction efforts, which have remained under budget, include deferred maintenance work like exterior replacements and upgrades at Beaver Lake and Gladstone, as well as playground renovations at Cowan Elementary School. At North High School, summer work included the replacement of basketball hoop assemblies and stadium turf, while Tartan Arena saw updates to its refrigeration system. The extensive renovations at Tartan High School, completed in thirteen phases over four years, were delivered on time and on budget, though a few punch list items remain.

A development was the district’s receipt of a $1.1 million grant from the Minnesota Department of Commerce to introduce electric school buses. With infrastructure costs for charging stations largely covered by the grant, the district plans to have three electric buses operational by the end of 2026. Discussions during the meeting acknowledged concerns about the buses’ performance in cold weather, yet experiences from similar districts suggest these challenges are manageable. The initiative also includes a solar energy project, expected to save approximately $85,000 annually, with solar panels slated for installation on twelve school buildings by 2027.

In addressing the upcoming referendum, the board discussed two key questions on the ballot: the operating levy and capital project funding. An assistant superintendent clarified that an average homeowner would see a monthly increase of about $22 for the operating levy and an additional $4 for capital projects, which include cybersecurity and digital curriculum costs. The district has not requested an operating increase in nearly a decade.

Efforts to engage the community in the referendum included a series of informational videos and a friendly competition among schools to boost voter participation. A board member pointed out the need to correct misconceptions about the tax implications, stressing that the proposed increase does not equate to a $1,000 burden per household. The assistant superintendent reiterated the broader community benefits of a well-funded school district, particularly in terms of property values and community stability.

In addition to these discussions, the board reviewed policy revisions, including updates to policies on meal charges, student transportation, and the disposition of obsolete equipment.

The meeting also outlined professional goals for the coming year, focusing on enhancing academic achievement, safety, and equity. A key goal involves strengthening engagement with marginalized groups to ensure all stakeholders feel included and valued. The board expressed a commitment to integrating AI tools in education and utilizing data from the statewide longitudinal educational data system (SLEDS) to improve program effectiveness.

The meeting concluded with the acceptance of $18,444 in donations and approval of a tentative agreement with the principal group, covering contracts through 2027. Plans for board member attendance at the National School Boards Association conference and upcoming district events were also approved.