16:55One of the most prominent topics was the initiation of the superintendent search process. The board is preparing for a meeting between the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) group and the administrative team to discuss the search strategy. The survey is set to close soon, and community engagement is being encouraged to ensure a comprehensive understanding of what the community desires in a new superintendent.

0:00In addition to the superintendent search, the board elected officers for the upcoming term. With the election of a chairperson, vice chairperson, clerk, and treasurer, the board set the stage for its operational leadership. Drew Dixon was unanimously elected as vice chairperson. Bill Kautt was elected as treasurer, with the board expressing unanimous support for his continued financial stewardship.

The board also tackled financial and administrative assignments, including the designation of official depositories for the district’s funds. Several local and regional banks were approved. Additionally, the board designated the firm Abdo as the official auditor, continuing a longstanding relationship, despite the firm having undergone a name change.

16:55Legal counsel designation was another focal point, with the board clarifying that the superintendent and Human Resources administrator should be the primary contacts for legal matters. This move aims to streamline communications and prevent any potential confusion concerning who should engage with the legal counsel. It was also clarified that legal services would be retained on an as-needed basis, billed in 20-minute increments.

The meeting further addressed logistical aspects, including the scheduling of regular board meetings and study sessions. With ongoing construction at the media center, the board decided to relocate study sessions to the high school community room, which offers better electronic capabilities and can accommodate public attendance. This adjustment ensures that board meetings remain accessible to the community, despite temporary disruptions.

Moreover, the board initiated the budget planning process for the 2025-2026 school year. A resolution was passed to direct the administration to develop budget plans, taking into account factors such as enrollment projections and state funding levels. This formal commencement of the budget process is a critical step in ensuring the district’s financial stability and aligning with fund balance goals, which will be further discussed in future meetings.

Committee appointments were briefly touched upon, with minimal changes to existing roles. A new ad hoc legislative committee was introduced, composed of members who had expressed interest. The board discussed the challenge of maintaining a quorum within the committee structure, concluding that while meetings could include a quorum, decisions would be deferred to the full board for approval.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of student engagement, with discussions about student council representatives attending board meetings. It was suggested that if designated representatives were unavailable, substitutes could be named, and some members proposed identifying students interested in serving as non-voting members of the board. This proposal aims to enhance student involvement and provide them with a platform to engage in local governance.

Upcoming meetings were scheduled, including the business committee and policy committee meetings, as well as the education committee meeting. The board also noted the 2025 MSBA leadership conference at the Minneapolis Convention Center, offering opportunities for further professional development and networking.