A focal point of the meeting was the $65,000 settlement with the Pine City public school district, which stemmed from allegations of racial harassment against a seventh-grade girl. This settlement was the result of prolonged bullying and intimidation, which the district reportedly failed to adequately address. The Department of Human Rights found the district liable for these lapses, prompting the settlement. As part of the response, the district is developing a behavior matrix aimed at addressing specific behaviors consistently across all schools, although it was acknowledged that a specific harm protocol focusing on identity issues is still needed.

Further discussion revolved around the district’s proactive measures to combat bullying and identity harm. Board members stressed the importance of creating an inclusive environment where every student feels valued. This involves not only reacting to incidents but also educating both students and staff to prevent such issues from arising. One member highlighted the fatigue expressed by students, who often find themselves the only ones denouncing acts of harm. A student reportedly remarked, “I am tired of being the one to always denounce the act. I need the adults to step up and do that also.” To address this, the board recognized the need for staff training.

The meeting also covered restorative practices as a means of addressing bullying, involving counselors, social workers, and classroom teachers in a collaborative response. Professional development was identified as a key element in this strategy, with plans to collect feedback through Google forms to tailor training to the specific needs of staff across different schools. A resource list with sentence starters was suggested to help staff effectively respond to identity harm. Data tracking of such incidents was another point of interest, with potential modifications to the school’s reporting system being considered to better document and analyze these situations.

In addition to internal strategies, communication with parents and students was deemed critical, especially given privacy laws that limit the details schools can share about disciplinary actions. The board clarified their aim to maintain transparency with families, reassuring them that incidents are being addressed while respecting privacy constraints. Protocols for consistent communication were discussed, and efforts to engage parent advisory committees, including those focused on Native American and African family alliances, were outlined.

The board also tackled the practical challenges of implementing anti-bullying protocols, particularly in less supervised areas such as playgrounds and school buses. The emphasis was placed on training staff to recognize and denounce inappropriate behavior effectively, with the intent to foster significant change. One board member articulated a philosophy of denouncing actions rather than individuals, stating, “They can go home and express all the hate that they want but they can’t express it in our schools.” This approach aims to set clear behavioral standards and educate students on acceptable conduct.

Feedback from high school students contributed to the discussion, with one sharing past experiences of inappropriate jokes and expressing a desire for staff intervention. The K-12 initiative to address bullying early was positively received, with students recognizing its long-term benefits. The board acknowledged the need for continuous monitoring and adaptation of their protocols, which were described as a “living breathing document.”

Finally, the meeting concluded with the approval of bids for renovations at Oakland Middle School. Plans were presented for a $24 million addition and remodel, funded by a bond from the previous year. The construction, including a new gymnasium and additional classrooms, is set to begin in the spring and summer, with completion expected by the fall of 2026. The motion to approve the bid package passed without opposition.