The board approved a revised contract with Pipestone County to provide a law enforcement resource officer to the school district. This role, intentionally titled “law enforcement resource officer,” aims to address complexities encountered in the previous legislative session concerning school resource officers. The officer’s presence is intended to enhance safety and foster positive relations with students by being visible in schools during critical times such as student drop-offs and in areas like the cafeteria and hallways. This increased visibility acts as a deterrent to potential issues, and board members expressed appreciation for the county’s responsiveness to their requests, especially during busy periods.

Simultaneously, the board tackled the logistics of a significant roofing project. Over two summers, the district plans to replace the roofs of the middle and high school buildings, excluding the new weight room, with an estimated cost of $3,735,000. The board discussed safety measures, such as the inclusion of OSHA-compliant access ladders, and the importance of an owner’s contingency fund ranging between $20,000 to $30,000 to cover unforeseen expenses. The district’s current allocation for the project is $2.8 million, with discussions on closing any financial gaps through options like utilizing cash reserves or bonding against existing revenue sources. The board anticipates the project will not only upgrade the school facilities but also provide economic benefits to the local community by increasing business for nearby hotels and restaurants.

In an effort to retain more graduates in the area, the board explored partnerships with local businesses and organizations. During the meeting, Shaw Raymond and the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council discussed initiatives to raise awareness of regional career opportunities. With only 25% of local high school graduates staying in the area for work, the council emphasized the importance of exposing students to local job options through programs like the Youth Career Connector Program. The board showed interest in organizing a career fair tailored to Pipestone County to bridge the gap in knowledge about local employment prospects.

Further enhancing educational opportunities, the board reviewed new professional development programs for staff. These programs include over 150 modules on various topics. The board also delved into recent district data from the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments, noting a slight decline in reading and math proficiency levels. The conversation acknowledged the limitations of standardized testing and considered alternative assessment methods to better reflect student strengths and learning needs.

The meeting also highlighted the approval of an e-learning plan for the 2024-2025 school year. This plan addressed teacher responsibilities on e-learning days, specifying that teachers with pre-approved absences would not be required to conduct online classes. This adjustment aims to relieve teachers of the burden of managing classwork during personal time off.

Additionally, the board discussed and approved several financial reports and donations. Notable donations included funds for the wellness room and a help fund for students needing support for equipment or activity costs. The approval of a snow removal contract for the upcoming school year and the declaration of obsolete items were also finalized.