The election of board officers was a focal point of the meeting. Jessica M. Johnson was elected as the chair by acclamation, with no other nominations presented. Eric Gordee was similarly elected as vice-chair, while Jamie Hillstrom was appointed as the clerk. Chris Morgan was confirmed as the treasurer, rounding out the leadership team.

Following the officer elections, the board addressed the renewal of memberships, a routine yet vital part of ensuring that the district maintains beneficial affiliations. These annual renewals, which have been in place for several years, were approved without dissent.

In a administrative move, the board delegated the statutory duties of the clerk to the administrative staff, a practice executed annually. Similarly, the secretary duties of the treasurer were delegated to the Chief Financial Officer. Both motions passed unanimously.

The board also tackled financial management logistics by authorizing either the CFO or the superintendent to manage deposits, pay expenses, invest, and transfer funds for the district. This resolution passed unanimously. An informal comment during this discussion prompted laughter.

A resolution authorizing the use of a facsimile signature on payroll and voucher checks was another key administrative decision that received unanimous approval. This step is critical for streamlining financial operations and ensuring timely processing of financial transactions.

Compensation for board members was another topic of discussion, with the board confirming that there would be no changes to the current compensation structure this year.

The meeting schedule was also confirmed, with work sessions set to occur at 5:30 PM on even months and regular meetings at 6:30 PM on the same months. In odd months, both work sessions and regular meetings will begin at 5:30 PM. This structured scheduling, approved unanimously, aims to facilitate efficient planning and participation by board members.

The board designated the Ray County Journal Press as the official media outlet after discussing pricing with alternative options. This decision, made unanimously, ensures that the district’s communications will reach the public effectively. Official depositories were reviewed, with Bank West, PMA Securities, and Associated Bank designated as official depositories following a brief discussion and unanimous approval.

Legal counsel was another agenda item, with the board approving the continued engagement of several law firms for various services. These firms have a history of working with the district, and one firm was noted for its involvement in recent retirement-related matters. The decision to maintain these legal partnerships was made after a brief deliberation and passed unanimously.

As the meeting drew to a close, updates on board and superintendent activities were shared, including a work session and regular meeting scheduled for January 21, 2026. An upcoming roundtable with local representatives was also noted, with members humorously acknowledging an earlier mix-up regarding its start time. Additionally, the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) conference was mentioned, set for the 15th and 16th of an unspecified month at the Minneapolis Convention Center.