The most notable development at the Royalton School Board meeting was the approval of a School Resource Officer program. This decision followed a detailed report by the superintendent, who had met with the local police chief to discuss the SRO’s role in schools. The discussions centered on the importance of relationship building with students and integrating educational components into the curriculum. The SRO will collaborate frequently with building principals to address safety and security needs, while leaving student discipline primarily in the hands of the principals. The cost of the SRO is projected at approximately $75,000, with expenses shared between the city and the school district. However, the timeline for hiring an SRO remains uncertain due to the availability of qualified candidates. City council approval will be sought in early September, and the hiring process could take from one to six months.

The approval of the SRO raised concerns as it was not included in the agenda’s written record, leading to questions regarding public awareness and the opportunity for community input. Despite these concerns, the board moved forward with the approval, recognizing the need for future discussions and community feedback.

In another major topic, the school board discussed the development of a new code of conduct. This comprehensive document was crafted over two full days by staff members who reviewed and adapted a model code of conduct, taking cues from practices at other schools. The final 24-page document is designed to be a living resource, updated annually in tandem with the student handbook. The code addresses both major infractions and minor daily issues. A notable inclusion in the code is the tailored policy on cell phone usage. The document will be accessible to teachers through hyperlinks in the student handbook, and families will receive it via email before the school year begins.

Community engagement initiatives were also a focal point at the meeting. Jennifer Noble, the community education director, outlined several activities and events designed to strengthen community ties. Among these is the “Big Truck Night” event scheduled for August 18, featuring vehicles from the Royalton Fire Department, Camp Ripley, and local businesses, along with child-friendly activities like face painting. The event received support from Walmart, which donated $250 in gift cards. Noble reported that the summer adult enrichment classes had 17 enrollments, and the fitness center saw high usage with 63 family memberships and over 100 individual memberships. The hall walking program will continue, allowing community members to walk in school hallways before and after school at no cost.

Noble also highlighted the success of youth sports and enrichment programs, which saw over 300 enrollments in summer activities. A summer math program attracted 30 to 40 students daily, engaging them in various educational activities. The community was further engaged through a parade featuring a MAP staff float, which included interactions with a therapy dog from the local library. Noble reminded the board of the upcoming community education advisory council meeting on September 15.

In addition, the business manager provided a fiscal update, noting steady student enrollment figures and a positive financial outlook with revenues slightly ahead of expectations due to increased donations and an unexpected allocation from Midstate. Expenses were reported to be close to the budgeted amounts. Preparations for the upcoming audit were also discussed, with the preliminary close to the Minnesota Department of Education due by September 15 and the audit scheduled for the week of September 8.

The principals of the middle and high schools, as well as the elementary school, reported on preparations for the new school year. They expressed enthusiasm for the return of students and outlined plans for in-service training days for teachers, including a session at Camp Ripley focused on reunification. An open house is scheduled for August 27 to welcome incoming students. The elementary principal mentioned recent building improvements, including the completion of an LED lighting project that resulted in energy savings.

The meeting concluded with the approval of several donations and the first readings of new policies in response to recent legislative changes. The board also discussed the benefits of membership in the Minnesota Rural Education Association, which advocates for rural districts and provides valuable resources for financial operations.