The most newsworthy topic centered around the potential shift in the school’s athletic conference. The board debated moving to the Granite Ridge Conference due to challenges in scheduling lower-level games with the current conference members. The mismatch in school sizes has complicated finding appropriate competition for junior teams. The board acknowledged the possibility of moving to a new conference as school enrollment increases, although concerns about increased travel for games were also considered. The potential inclusion of Browerville in the local sports conference was also discussed. This move could result in creating divisions based on school sizes, improving competition and reducing travel burdens. There was a consensus that being in the middle of the size range could benefit the school, offering more equitable competition and increased participation opportunities for students, particularly in sports like boys’ football and basketball.

In parallel, the board tackled the topic of rising enrollment, which has prompted considerations for adjusting class size recommendations and open enrollment policies for grades five through eight. An enrollment update showed an increase of 36 students compared to previous figures. Specific attention was given to class sizes in kindergarten and first grade, where the first grade might exceed recommended sizes if more students enroll. One board member expressed concern about increasing class sizes in the fifth grade, a critical transition year for students, emphasizing the challenges they face during this period. The idea of raising the fifth and sixth-grade cap to accommodate more students was explored, potentially generating additional revenue. The policy committee is expected to consider these changes, which could take up to three months to implement.

Budget considerations were another focal point of the meeting. The board discussed the financial implications of hiring additional staff due to enrollment increases, with the potential addition of a teacher and a bus route posing significant costs. The projected budget deficit of around $120,000 raised concerns, prompting discussions on managing expenses effectively. The board considered adjusting class size recommendations for middle school grades to alleviate financial pressure without immediately requiring additional staffing expenses.

Facilities and infrastructure updates were also on the agenda, with the board approving updates for roof repairs, made more accessible due to recent legislative changes allowing smaller schools to levy additional funds specifically for such projects. The importance of budgeting for essential infrastructure like boilers and electrical systems was acknowledged, given the financial challenges of maintaining older facilities.

In the realm of athletics, the board reviewed recent changes by the Minnesota State High School League, which now includes ninth graders in high school sports, a shift necessary for insurance and oversight purposes. Sixth graders will no longer compete at the varsity level, affecting sports like cross country. The board also noted the completion of coaching evaluations for spring sports, with no reported issues, and the addition of a junior high track coach was requested for exploration.

Community education updates highlighted participation in various activities, with substantial registration numbers for summer programs, camps, and firearms safety courses. Meanwhile, the weightlifting program’s fee structure will remain unchanged as the board explores options for open lifting sessions to increase student involvement without raising costs.

The superintendent reported on a recent training session focused on emergency reunification processes, emphasizing the need for improved procedures after a previous social media threat incident. A plan was developed to manage emergency evacuations and reunite students with parents more effectively, involving clear roles for staff and structured guidance to minimize chaos during emergencies.