The newly constructed playground emerged as a focal point of discussion. The project faced a tight timeline due to adverse weather conditions but successfully completed critical groundwork, such as laying concrete, just before the rain. Although the playground’s flooring and fencing were still pending, there was optimism about completing these elements before the school year commenced. This playground project exemplified community collaboration and commitment to creating a vibrant space for children and families.

Addressing local child care needs was another key topic. The board introduced a rural child care initiative aimed at tackling community challenges in this area. Two events were announced: a childcare provider appreciation event at Coronas Brewery on September 22 and a town hall meeting at Konos Hills Retreat Center on November 3. These events are part of a broader effort to gather data and insights from families and employers through a child care survey, with a deadline of October 31 for participation.

In the realm of educational updates, the elementary principal reported on a productive summer filled with various activities, including community education classes and an extended school year program for students. The school’s food service department was notably active, serving over 3,500 breakfasts and 5,900 lunches from June through August. The principal expressed gratitude for the food service staff and custodial team’s hard work in preparing the school for the new academic year. Goals for the upcoming school year were also outlined, such as refining the English Language Arts curriculum in line with Minnesota’s new math standards and enhancing social-emotional learning through initiatives like Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).

The secondary school’s updates mirrored the elementary’s in terms of a busy summer and preparations for the new school year. An open house was scheduled for August 27 to welcome families and introduce them to the school environment and staff. The school maintained its five-period day structure while expanding the lead time intervention program to include ninth graders. A target was set for 70% of students to meet or exceed growth benchmarks in reading and math by spring. The full implementation of the Character Strong program and a new English Language Arts curriculum for sixth through eighth grades were also among the secondary school’s objectives.

Community education continued to play a vital role, with summer programs offering 172 different classes and activities, engaging over 2,100 participants. Despite challenges posed by weather, the commitment to providing enriching experiences for students remained strong. Activities included a wildlife safari, a raptor center visit, and a magic show, alongside a partnership with the library for a maker space activity utilizing recyclable materials. These efforts highlighted the department’s adaptability and dedication to student engagement.

The board also discussed updates to the district handbook, presented by Mr. Rasmusen and Mrs. Akerson, which involved minor language revisions and formatting corrections following a significant rewrite last year. Notable updates included a new section on personal learning plans within the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) section and refinements to the dress code and early graduation language. Safety procedures were aligned with current practices.

Efforts to enhance technology infrastructure were also discussed. The summer retention of student Chromebooks for maintenance aimed to streamline repair processes, while a new, sturdier version of Chromebooks was introduced to reduce common issues like screen repairs. Additionally, the transition to an online registration platform was a key focus, with a soft launch underway for preschool enrollments. This platform is expected to improve data accuracy and simplify the registration process for families, with plans to extend it to all students soon.