A major highlight of the meeting was the detailed presentation by the executive director of operations, Joel Heidcamp, on the School Resource Officer (SRO) program. He introduced Sergeant Greg Kleinfelter and Commander Marty Seer, who elaborated on the program titled “Safety and Belonging in Schools Through Relationships and Partnerships.” The presentation underscored the shared missions of the school district and the police department, focusing on values like caring, partnership, and community support. Kleinfelter discussed the multifaceted roles of the six SROs, who serve as educators, emergency managers, and mentors with a strong emphasis on student safety.

Kleinfelter presented the “Skyla” program for students aged 13 to 16, which focuses on leadership development. Initially skeptical, Kleinfelter admitted the program profoundly impacted his career and relationships with students, fostering trust and communication. The SROs also play critical roles in emergency management, crisis intervention, and addressing mental health crises in collaboration with school staff.

The board members discussed the SROs’ involvement in various educational programs, specifically targeting sixth graders and middle schoolers with lessons on drugs, alcohol, cyberbullying, and social media. High schoolers engage in more advanced discussions on current issues and law enforcement education. The necessity of building strong relationships with students and staff was emphasized, with anecdotes illustrating the positive impact of SROs on students’ lives.

A significant portion of the meeting also focused on the need for more mental health professionals in schools. One participant expressed appreciation for the SROs’ work but highlighted that substantial time is spent counseling students. The SROs acknowledged the challenges of their role in counseling, emphasizing the importance of their presence and their unique ability to relate to students’ traumatic experiences.

The discussion on school safety practices included the implementation of the Raptor system at all school sites for vetting guests and the importance of active threat drills. The SRO highlighted the necessity of secure entrances, which serve as vital insurance during emergencies, buying critical time and providing valuable intelligence. Concerns were raised about Apollo High School’s lack of a single controlled access point, leading to debates on the effectiveness of current security measures and the need for tailored strategies based on each school’s layout.

The board also discussed charter school accountability, prompted by the 2008 Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) report which highlighted underperformance in charter schools compared to district schools. There was a consensus on the need to update this report to reflect current academic and financial implications and to establish accountability measures for charter schools and their sponsors. One board member pointed out the significant academic deficits observed in students transferring from charter schools, highlighting the financial burden of providing remedial education.

Concerns about equity were also raised, with arguments that charter schools do not provide the same support for English Learners and students with disabilities, potentially leading to segregation. The board debated the efficacy of past resolutions and the need for legislative action on the OLA report’s findings. There was a suggestion to draft a resolution requesting the legislature to fund a new study on charter school accountability, stressing the urgency of addressing these issues before the next meeting.

In the meeting’s action items, the board approved the 2024-2025 student and family handbooks and the weather-related e-learning days plan. The plan outlined that the first inclement weather day would be a traditional snow day, with subsequent closures designated as e-learning days to mitigate lost instructional time. Concerns were raised about recent legislative changes affecting e-learning plans, emphasizing the financial impact on the district.

The board also discussed resolutions for the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) delegate conference, focusing on incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) competencies into state content standards and funding for professional development. The necessity of preparing students for an evolving workforce and collaborating with local businesses and higher education institutions was emphasized.