A significant highlight of the meeting was the proposal to donate a piece of property known as Outlot H to the Stillwater Area School District. Bob Cronin, not currently a resident but with familial ties to the area, presented the family’s intention to preserve the land indefinitely as green space adjacent to Rutherford Elementary School. The proposal includes the creation of a historical site marker celebrating the Rutherford neighborhood and the Twin City streetcar line. Cronin shared the community’s enthusiasm, with local officials supporting the project, which would bring historical engagement to residents and visitors using the nearby bike and walk path.

Cronin provided a comprehensive historical overview, detailing the neighborhood’s development and the streetcar system’s role in transportation before cars dominated. The family’s donation would allow the district to secure grants and funding for preservation, with Cronin offering assistance with the paperwork. Board members commended Cronin for his detailed presentation and expressed appreciation for the family’s generous offer.

Simultaneously, the board grappled with a complex insurance negotiation issue. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) related to insurance rates for various bargaining units, particularly the teachers’ union, was under scrutiny. A delay from the teachers’ union in meeting the deadline led to a premium increase from $498 to $649 monthly for those who missed the cutoff. This prompted a special board meeting to navigate the complications and ensure staff needs were met.

The urgency was underscored by the need to lock in rates before the upcoming open enrollment period, which would otherwise create payroll complications and confusion among staff. Board members voiced frustration about the disparity caused by one unit’s delay while others met the deadline, emphasizing the need for clear communication and consistency in the negotiation process. The administration recommended approving the MOA to avoid further issues, balancing the hard work put into negotiations with the importance of maintaining process integrity.

In addition to these discussions, the board received an update on an educational partnership with Bellwin Environmental Education. The partnership aims to enhance environmental education for elementary students, allowing them to participate in field trips and hands-on learning experiences with naturalists. The collaboration, initially involving St. Paul Public Schools, would extend to Stillwater students, aligning with state science standards. The proposal includes structured visits for grades three through five, fostering excitement among board members about the educational opportunities for students.

Technology challenges also featured prominently, with updates on the district’s cyber security measures, device management, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). The board discussed ongoing phishing campaigns to enhance staff awareness and the response to a recent PowerSchool data breach. Efforts to optimize the PowerSchool system and improve user experience were outlined, including plans for a Google single sign-on system to simplify access for parents.

The technology department highlighted improvements in device management, with a proposal to bring repairs in-house to address delays and enhance operational efficiency. The discussion included the potential benefits of AI in administrative tasks and education, with plans to involve student perspectives in shaping guidelines for AI use.