One item at the meeting was a detailed presentation on the BPA by Miss Gasser, who outlined the program’s objectives to prepare students for college and careers through leadership development and industry certifications. The BPA, which includes about 50,000 students across 1,500 chapters, offers students competitive opportunities in fields like business and technology. Gasser emphasized the program’s alignment with current industry demands, focusing on essential skills such as proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google products. She proposed starting the BPA program with a small group of three to ten students, fostering interest through outreach, and organizing competitions at regional, state, and potentially national levels.

Addressing funding concerns, Gasser clarified that she did not require financial support from the district for the program’s startup costs, estimated at $20 per student for registration and $80 for practice tests. Instead, students would engage in fundraising activities to cover expenses such as transportation to competitions. The board members expressed unanimous support for the BPA initiative, recognizing its value in providing students with opportunities beyond traditional programs. They discussed the potential collaboration between BPA and existing programs like Launch Bowl, emphasizing a complementary rather than competitive relationship.

In parallel, the board addressed the need for new portable staging and stage curtains, as the current equipment, over 20 years old, posed challenges for custodial staff and did not meet safety requirements. The fire marshal mandated the replacement of stage curtains by August 15th, with a total estimated cost of $50,000 for both the staging and curtains. A $2,500 donation from Runestone Telephone Association was acknowledged, and the board has set aside $30,000 in operating capital funds for the curtain replacement. Efforts to secure additional donations from civic groups and fire relief associations were also noted.

Moreover, the board discussed curriculum updates, emphasizing the need for alignment with Minnesota’s state standards. With a budget of $50,000 allocated for ELA curriculum funding and an additional $10,000 saved from previous years, the total estimated need could increase to $70,000. The board acknowledged that previous curriculum review cycles were inadequate and proposed a structured five-year cycle to ensure the curriculum meets educational requirements across subjects.

Concerns about building maintenance were also discussed, with the need for stair repairs and addressing leaks in elementary music classrooms due to an aging roof. The board highlighted the importance of maintaining safety standards in playgrounds and gym equipment, noting the rising costs of helmets and the necessity for a budget of $16,000 to refresh athletic equipment.

In addition to infrastructure and curriculum challenges, the board reviewed a beta-tested reading tool designed to enhance students’ reading abilities by providing immediate feedback on pronunciation and comprehension. While the tool was seen as a potential asset, concerns remained about its effectiveness in improving reading comprehension.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on retirement incentives and staff recognition, emphasizing the need for standardized processes to ensure fairness and transparency. The board aims to foster a positive school climate through thoughtful staff appreciation initiatives and academic recognition programs.