The matter of student absenteeism emerged as a concern during the meeting. Chronic absenteeism was highlighted, with some students reportedly missing half of the first quarter, attending only 20 of the 40 school days. This situation presents a challenge for the district, impacting its ability to deliver consistent education. The reasons for these absences were varied, with some attributed to frequent parental excuses.

Staffing updates were also a focal point, with the board approving the hiring of several new staff members to help alleviate workload pressures on existing personnel. This decision aims to enhance operational efficiency across the district. The resignation of Roger Luther and the hiring of new staff members, including Corey Chyl, Hannah Winra, and Emily Courier as a paraprofessional, were approved without opposition. These additions are expected to support the district’s educational goals and improve the overall functioning of its schools.

Facility maintenance and upgrades were discussed, with particular attention given to the climate control issues at North and South Elementary schools. Concerns about inadequate climate control measures were noted, and the need for upgrades was emphasized. A task force member highlighted the substantial costs required to upgrade existing door handles, providing valuable insight for future improvement discussions. Additionally, the completion of a gym project was announced, and ongoing efforts to relocate electrical switches for safety reasons were mentioned.

The meeting also covered various achievements and activities within the district. The activities director reported a successful fall sports season, with notable accomplishments such as Lydia Sweep qualifying for the state tennis meet and Carter Chzo for the state cross country meet. The football team’s chance at a section title in Fargo and the volleyball team’s third-place finish at the Class A tournament were celebrated. The community’s support for these programs was acknowledged as vital to their success.

Plans for the upcoming winter sports season were outlined, with an emphasis on staying updated through the school app. The need for additional help in sports and junior high basketball referees was noted, as the current reliance on a small group of individuals was unsustainable. The activities director also discussed attending the West Central conference meeting, where topics like online ticketing and junior high activities promotion were addressed.

In the realm of community education, new initiatives such as November STEAM programs at elementary schools and an upcoming wrestling camp were announced. Events like roller skating and bingo for families with young children were highlighted, stressing their importance for community building. The upcoming adult coed volleyball league was also mentioned, set to run from the end of November through February.

Technology issues were discussed, with concerns about a projected 20% breakage rate for student Chromebooks. The breakages were attributed to accidental damage, normal wear and tear, and neglectful behavior by some students. The board acknowledged the challenge of addressing this issue without the ability to charge families for repairs and emphasized the need for a collaborative effort to foster better care of technology among students. Additionally, cybersecurity challenges were noted, with a focus on increasing phishing emails and text scams. Despite having multiple filters in place, some threats still bypass them, highlighting the need for continued staff education on recognizing potentially harmful communications.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on policy updates and election resolutions. The first reading of several policies, including those on chemical use and abuse, sexually transmitted infections, and communicable diseases, was conducted without immediate questions or comments. The board also discussed the resolution for canvassing election votes, transitioning Nathan Porter and Claire Benson to board member positions following the election canvas. The issuance of certificates of election confirmed the successful candidates for both four-year and two-year terms based on the election results.