Crow Wing County Board Mulls Rezoning and Land Use Changes Amidst Community Concerns

Overview: The Crow Wing County Board of Commissioners convened to address a series of land use and zoning applications, most notably a proposal to rezone a residential area for commercial use, discussions about shoreline vegetation buffers, and the affirmation of a staff decision denying a building permit based on historical restrictions.

Crow Wing County Considers Landfill Fee Increases Amid Budget Constraints and Community Concerns

Overview: The Crow Wing County Board of Commissioners meeting on December 16, 2025, addressed issues, including potential increases in landfill fees, community concerns regarding local developments, and budgetary allocations for 2026.

Brainerd School Board Discusses Evaluation Metrics and Emphasizes Need for Measurable Goals

Overview: The recent Brainerd School Board meeting focused on refining evaluation metrics and establishing clear, measurable goals in reading and math, alongside addressing issues related to student performance and engagement. Discussions centered on the use of internal assessments like FastBridge, the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs), and the challenges of setting transparent educational objectives.

Brainerd School Board Approves Bond Sale for Savings Amid Tax Levy Discussions

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Brainerd School Board approved the sale of general obligation school building refunding bonds, resulting in substantial savings for the district. This decision was accompanied by a detailed presentation on the truth and taxation process.

Parent Challenges Little Falls School Board Over Policy Excluding Disabled Son from Activities

Overview: During the recent Little Falls School Board meeting, a parent raised concerns about their son’s exclusion from extracurricular activities due to a newly implemented district policy. The parent argued that the exclusion contradicted the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and violated both state and federal disability laws. They have filed complaints with the Minnesota Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, alleging that the district failed to provide a non-discriminatory rationale for their decision. The parent’s detailed account highlighted discrepancies between the special education director and the special education coordinator’s interpretations of the district’s obligations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504. The parent called for the district to address these misunderstandings and ensure compliance with laws protecting students with disabilities.