The board placed focus on the development of a new district handbook, intended to be a comprehensive and accessible resource for families and community members. The handbook, currently in draft form, aims to clearly outline the district’s policies and practices, eliminating ambiguities from previous versions. It will start with general district information, including school board details and the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework, followed by sections on academics, rules and discipline, health, safety, and miscellaneous information. A notable addition is the PBIS expectations, which are emphasized as a core aspect of the district’s identity. The handbook also includes a new optional classroom directory for elementary students to facilitate communication among families, respecting privacy concerns.

Board members expressed appreciation for the collaborative effort in bringing the handbook together, with one member noting the importance of showing a united front as students transition from elementary to secondary school. The extracurricular activities handbook has also been modified to clarify eligibility criteria for students regarding grading and participation. Updates to the PAWS handbook for the preschool program were discussed, aligning it with school policies while addressing the unique needs of preschool families. The employee handbook was reviewed, with improvements in organization to enhance clarity and flow, making it more user-friendly for staff.

Updates from the elementary and secondary school principals provided insight into the busy summer period. Elementary Principal Cassie highlighted various programs, including community education classes and extended school year services, and thanked the custodial staff for their efforts in preparing the school for the new year. The food service team managed to serve over 3,300 breakfasts and more than 6,000 lunches during the summer months. Cassie also praised the technology department for their preparations for the new school year, updating software programs and devices. Staffing updates were noted, with excitement about welcoming new staff at orientation.

Secondary School Principal Jesse Rasmon, in his first official update, acknowledged the custodial staff and others for their efforts over the summer. He confirmed the orientation for new staff and ongoing efforts to fill additional positions. Jesse announced finalized student schedules and emphasized the importance of implementing a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework in the secondary school. An updated five-period school day structure will allow English and math classes every other day throughout the year. The activities report revealed that practices for seventh through twelfth grades had commenced, with excitement around homecoming and upcoming events.

The facilities report highlighted the need for clarity regarding the use of buildings and tracking data on program participants and rentals. Questions were raised about an “ELO support” designation within the facilities usage report, requiring further investigation. The preschool program is preparing for the school year with new staff additions, and a focus was placed on securing funding for an early childhood playground, with a grant from the Community Foundation already received. Plans included writing another grant and forming a committee for fundraising efforts.

A tech levy vote scheduled for the next day was discussed, with appreciation expressed for administrative efforts in promoting awareness and communication. The meeting also included a review of the updated employee handbook, which has been reorganized for clarity, with logistical changes such as a $5 charge for printing replacement ID badges and key fobs. A section was added to link master agreements directly within the handbook.

Additionally, a letter from Northland Security concerning a tax increment financing (TIF) revision associated with the expansion of a Nelson plastic project was mentioned. The school district will continue to benefit from tax revenue, albeit with a delay until the end of the financing period. The administrative retreat held in the summer was recounted, featuring a professional development session led by Dr. Cindra Camp, who introduced a four-minute exercise aimed at enhancing daily productivity and mental well-being.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on promoting the school’s offerings to prospective families. There was a consensus on the importance of effective communication and advertising of the school’s resources and successes to attract new families. Suggestions included creating QR codes on documents that link to the school’s website.