A significant portion of the board meeting revolved around the long-term facility maintenance plan. The board reviewed a analysis with an engineering firm and discussed the necessity of a final walk-through to ensure the facilities were in order. This plan, required by the Minnesota Department of Education, outlines expected expenditures over the next ten years. It was noted that spending for 2025 would be lower due to current facility conditions, but expenditures were anticipated to rise in subsequent years, particularly for building updates and mechanical and electrical improvements. The board moved a motion to approve this plan, which passed unanimously. There was also a brief mention that a member needed to sign off on the approved plan.

Another area of discussion was the ongoing and planned maintenance activities. The maintenance department had been active, with Tod and Phil leading efforts to service cooling units, repair ceiling tiles, and wax floors. Work on the early childhood flooring project began the week of the 9th, and outdoor landscaping efforts were underway. A $20,000 allocation for playground equipment was added to the 2024 capital projects budget. However, the need to replace the middle school gym floor added unexpected costs.

The board also addressed curriculum updates and assessments. Despite an overall flat trend in MCA test results, the curriculum committee identified “bright spots” in English Language Arts (ELA) at the Noid School, attributed to increased instructional time. Local assessments, specifically the STAR assessment, showed significant growth in math and reading for elementary and middle school students. This improvement was linked to intervention strategies, including teacher training. Additionally, a new contract with CLC for Post-Secondary Options (PSO) was approved, aligning the district with others in the region. This agreement allows students to register for up to 18 credits, with a new application deadline now available by semester rather than just annually.

Curriculum forecasts included the introduction of new courses such as mechanics, replacing back tech and animal science, and the addition of a new instructor who will teach programming for a plasma cutter and a CNC router. These curriculum changes aim to enhance educational offerings and better utilize available resources.

Enrollment numbers were another topic, especially concerning kindergarten, which had 89 students enrolled with expectations of further increases. Class sizes across various grades were also reported, with some nearing capacity, leading to the addition of sections in certain grades. The superintendent provided clarity on these fluctuating numbers, emphasizing their potential for change until the school year begins.

Staffing updates were brief but significant, with unexpected resignations from staff members Chad Co and Audrey Scher. Despite these changes, all positions were filled for the upcoming school year, although the board acknowledged that additional changes could occur.

The board approved a resolution for the election of school board members, allowing individuals to file for open positions by the August 13 deadline. This procedural matter was handled swiftly, with the motion passing without objections.

In preparation for the upcoming school year, the board discussed the sports registration night set for August 5 at 6 PM, emphasizing the importance of parental attendance for the sports season. The fall newsletter, scheduled for release on August 1, will feature organized sections for different school levels and community education. Lakes Printing will sell ad spaces to help offset printing costs.