A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the school’s pathways initiative. The principal shared updates on the development of the “stain s pathway,” which is set to be implemented during the upcoming registration period. This initiative aims to guide students through four major pathways: Arts, Communication, Health Services, and Engineering and Manufacturing Technology. The program’s objective is to align students’ interests with educational offerings, providing them with a tailored academic journey. The principal emphasized the importance of real-world experiences and internships, particularly for high school students, and mentioned the Minnesota Career Information System (MCIS) as a important tool in this endeavor. Approximately 25 to 30 teachers have been trained to assist students in utilizing MCIS effectively. The initiative also plans to reintroduce key programs like Medical Careers and hire a district-wide career pathway coordinator to further bolster the initiative’s reach and impact.

The meeting also addressed the district’s communication strategies. A new web-based e-newsletter program was introduced to enhance accessibility for families, offering features such as increased font size and language translation options. The new system aims to streamline communication and provide families with relevant updates through direct integration into emails. The representative from the communications team highlighted the importance of understanding community needs, calling for more engagement to determine what information families find most pertinent. Concerns were raised about the consistency and clarity of communication across the district. The Board acknowledged the absence of a local newspaper and emphasized the need for alternative communication methods to ensure transparency and involvement from the community. Plans for a standardized approach to communication were discussed, including the creation of a monthly electronic newsletter titled “Saints News” and the potential for embedding communications on the district’s website to increase visibility.

Social media engagement was another focal point, with discussions about enhancing the district’s presence on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. The speaker highlighted social media as a vital communication tool, urging schools to celebrate student achievements and share important information regularly. An 80-20% content strategy was proposed, focusing primarily on positive news while also conveying necessary updates. The Board discussed the challenges of managing social media accounts, including the complexities of page ownership and the need for a comprehensive audit to ensure the district maintains control over its narrative.

Title IX updates were also on the agenda, with a focus on the latest federal regulations set to take effect in 2024. These regulations aim to protect students and employees from sex discrimination, with particular attention to issues of gender identity. The Board discussed the implications for restroom and locker room access, emphasizing the need for clear communication to ensure parents and students understand their rights. The district plans to include information about these updates in student and staff handbooks and communicate through other channels to promote understanding and compliance.

The meeting’s discussions also touched upon logistical and facility updates within the district. The high school’s greenhouse project was presented as a positive development, aimed at enhancing biology curriculum through hands-on learning experiences. The project involves expanding the greenhouse’s capacity and ensuring it is integrated into classroom activities. Furthermore, the meeting addressed the revival of the gymnastics program, which now boasts a waitlist due to renewed interest. The program is supported by an external organization renting the high school gym.