001our flag again. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [clears throat] >> Good evening and thank you for being here tonight. This is the February regular schoolboard meeting of the Becker School Board. Uh we will start tonight with uh public forum. We have one speaker, Emily Jenkins. Is Emily here? No. All right. So, I guess no public speakers, I guess. Um, that'll move us to item onee, presentations. We have a presentation from Mr. Craft and Miss Grant. All right. As always, uh, as always, thanks for the opportunity to, uh, come and speak about the high school. Just, uh, some updates. And uh tonight Miss Grant and I uh are presenting on uh
002everyday advisory. So I will have the first half of it and Miss Grant will have uh the second half. So uh everyday advisory just some background on it and this predates me. Uh we had for a long time we would have uh advisory every Tuesday and Thursday. Every Tuesday you generally would be some type of activity uh designed by our grade level leaders pushed out to the adviserss and then they would lead students through that and then Thursday would be intervention where students could catch up on their work uh work on quizzes they may have missed etc. Uh so Monday, Wednesday, Friday we would have a different schedule than Tuesday and Thursday which would get uh a little complex for people coming into the building PSO students uh guest speakers to keep uh those two
003sets of schedules uh in line. So some challenges as I said just those different schedules uh we have some shared staff with the middle school each year. There's a couple people that we share with the middle school, uh, one FIAD teacher with the elementary. So, coordinating those schedules could be difficult. Uh, other topics, you know, this time of year it gets really busy, uh, as we're doing registration. So, in that schedule that I mentioned, having advisory two days a week, it was tough to get all of those different things accomplished. And we didn't want to take away class time, but there are essential tasks that we need to take care of, like registration is going on uh, right now. certain surveys uh we push out reminders that we have our adviserss assist with food service
004employees too, you know, navigating those those two uh different schedules. Uh and early releases with activities, you know, in the spring uh you know, with so many activities leaving early for their different events, that's really where uh this topic started. our department chairs mentioned, you know, how how difficult it is when kids are leaving early so frequently. And that's that's how it is with with spring activities when you're playing a baseball game at 4:30 in Chicago Lakes. Uh there's really no options. So, uh that's kind of how this challenge started is just that that difficulty with early releases and how do we make sure kids get uh get caught up. So uh IROD I've spoken about IROD many of you have been through the IROD uh training before. So about this time last year and
005it had been brought up other years. Our department chairs were interested in everyday advisory. Again it was uh really I think uh encouraged by those early releases. So we explored different times of day. The schools do it differently. Uh our advisory is well our schedule goes first block breakfast break and then into advisory. We looked at some different schedules that had it right at the beginning of the day, middle of the day and then end of the day and just talking to some other places. We did we did decide that where we place it during the day is most appropriate. So then with the department chairs we use the IROD process. IROD is information. Okay. What do we know? R is reactions. with this information, how do we feel about it? Talked about some different
006options including that time of day when advisory is offered and then reached a decision. So, uh this is one of those things where the teachers had brought it to to myself and and Mr. Balloon uh last year and they really wanted to do this. So, uh with that momentum, you know, we worked on some things administratively uh that we could do on our end. So last spring uh we put together a committee uh department chairs uh had good feedback but we wanted some uh different perspectives to get some more teacher leadership uh part of the process. So uh we formed an advisory ad hoc committee that met weekly for a while and then every other week. Uh we piloted everyday advisory for the month of April just to see how it went. collected some feedback
007from the entire staff uh but really from that advisory ad hoc committee you know how it's going how we can improve it in the moment and then looking toward toward the future and then after that pilot in probably early May I had all staff vote and I made it made sure that all uh certified staff did cast the vote and we had 80% of staff members vote yes to move to everyday advisory which I think is a pretty impressive number to get that large of a majority. We did make sure we heard the voices of the 20% like what were your concerns as we moved toward this and there were some things that we could tweak in the system uh that that they wanted to see from everyday advisory. With that vote, we asked uh
008now that we're doing this for next school year, okay, so we knew in May that we were doing it for this school year, what do you want us to spend our summer on, uh you know, with this work? Number one was an updated pass system. We've had this technology, you know, for a long long time. We are still using paper pass systems or a paper pass system. So looking at an electronic pass system and Miss Grant will talk about that a little bit. Equalized class lengths. Uh so now if you look at our daily schedule, it the blocks end at odd times, but all the blocks are within two minutes of each other. Clarity on which days are lessons or activities versus intervention. Uh so we stuck with Tuesdays for those lessons uh and activities.
009The rest of the days are intervention. Again, Miss Grant will talk about that a bit. Uh ensuring a purposeful student destination. So when students are using the PASS system, they're not just going to visit their favorite teacher to hang out uh with their favorite teacher or their buddies in that space, but having a reason to go to that uh that other teacher. and then also a process for certain clubs uh or or groups to meet you know during advisory. All right. So then uh this summer it was kind of the changing in the guard with uh Mr. Balloon uh retiring. So we worked on part of this uh Brian and I and then as Miss Grant as Kaya arrived uh we carried that torch. So now this is what we have. Thanks again for having
010us. Um so as we stepped into 2025 2026 um the focus this summer was really to research a pass system. We cast a wide net in terms of um different companies and things like that that we could network with to get a pass system. Just really analyzing the cost of that though was something that we were concerned with. So, we ended up developing an internal pass system with Google forms internally so that teachers would have access to it via Google Docs, Google Slides, things that they're familiar with. Um, and then we've used that students are able to um fill out the form on their destination, show that path to their teacher, and then that's their path in the hallway as well. So, that's worked really well for us in terms of cost and everyday use.
011Um, focusing again too on a specialized activity on Tuesdays. So on Tuesdays is when um advisories focus on the lesson. We align that with monthly themes. So um September through May have themes that advisories follow to be able to have those lessons on Tuesday. Um again with that pass system, really focusing on the purposeful student destination. So when a student signs out, they're going somewhere with a purpose to work on a biology assignment or something like that. It has to be really specific. It's not just biology homework. It's biology unit one, lesson two. Um, that consistent daily SCA class schedule has been really helpful for us. Every day is the same, so no one's wondering what day is it, um, what hour is it, you know, things like that. We're really work, we've really worked
012through that. Um, and then that intervention time has been really helpful on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday just so that students can go to their teachers when they need to to get the support in the classes that they need. And then if they don't need that support, they're able to have time to work on assignments or meet um in groups and clubs um as as needed. Um and those groups and clubs can assign a day. So you might we might meet NHS um on a Tuesday or excuse me, not a Tuesday, a Wednesday or Thursday. So that then um everybody knows that date and those passes work as well. So, the impact this year, um, we've cut down on some of the the after, um, hours meetings that kids need to have scheduled during sports
013and things like that. Um, groups and clubs are are able to meet during advisory as needed. Um, the ease of scheduling when we have pep fest, we can have them during advisory, so the schedule isn't impacted too much. Sometimes we move around breakfast break a little bit, but we're able to really do those scheduling things during uh advisory registration, our drills, alice drills, um fire drills, things like that. Um students are self-reporting that that structured time to complete assignments with support is really helpful, particularly in IEP meetings. I hear a lot of students who are really help are really grateful for that time and help to get what they need. Um we also can use advisory time um if there may be a parent or and student meeting as necessary. Uh and then that also
014allows teachers prep time before and after school as needed because they have that built-in time during their school day and also allows them more time with students as need be during the day. What questions may you have? I think just on the timing like why not already the way at the beginning not at the end of the day especially when you alluded to uh kind of clubs and curric or extracurriculars when kids are leaving school early in my mind I would think like that'd be a good advisory time to maybe be leaving so you're not missing class structure time >> so I don't know if you want to share on why that timing is >> yeah the equitable access for students to be able to have that time you know sometimes you know a student
015who is in sports shouldn't be penalized because they leave during the day to be able to get that help I think that's part of it you Yeah. And and one of the concerns with end of the day is are you going to be able to retain, you know, some students if if that's how you you end your day and having it, you know, every day where the baseball team that leaves for Chicago Lakes the next day you can catch them. So it doesn't have to be, you know, oh the teacher has a meeting the next day, uh kid has, you know, some rehearsal the next day. So, like our department chairs said, having that ability to react pretty immediately and intervene immediately uh kind of took care of of that piece. So, yeah, it doesn't
016diminish, you know, the the early early releases, but we're able to act consistently and quickly. >> Do you have anything to say? >> I think it's been pretty helpful. Um, especially in the fall when I cross country, I could catch up on my work and the adviser that was every day because previously we only had one day where we could go get help from teachers or something. It's really nice that we can do it almost every day now. >> And I don't really go to school here anymore, but I've heard really really good things. Um, and I guess my question for you guys, just for students to be able to know, is there any thought that this is going to change next year? That like class times are going to be shifted at all or
017will it all be the same? Yeah. So, uh, we haven't talked about any shifts. Uh, it hasn't been a question that I posed for the department chairs as we're halfway through the year. Uh, then we start talking about next year. So, advisory was 30 minutes. Now, it's 28 minutes just to equalize those those classes. And you know something Weston said about uh those that are really busy and those that are very active, they've appreciated it because they don't have time, you know, uh outside the school day to to connect with teachers or get their work done. So, it's been helpful for that group, but also students that need help on their math. The best person to help you on your math is definitely the the math teacher. There reaches a point where at home you
018you can't help so much anymore. So uh the impact you know we are curious we haven't we haven't collected data on how you know this has helped you know grades this year compared to last year sometimes that's difficult to compare you know it's really been anecdotal from students and staff members on on how much they've enjoyed the implementation >> oh sorry >> go ahead >> I would say additionally um it's also really helpful to like if we're retaking a test or something you can do an advisory instead of after school and then being like to a practice or something. I know a lot of kids have taken advantage of it for that reason, too. >> So, I'm guessing you will again survey the staff and students here March or April and see changes that need
019to be made. Um, is there any records about like late assignments or missing work? Has that improved? >> Yeah. So, so we no we haven't, you know, pulled that data. Again, that's sometimes tough to compare as you have different students, different teachers. So, uh I I've thought of that but we haven't haven't gone there. >> Little further questions. >> Uh just the one uh you mentioned uh different themes and and lessons. Could you just kind of elaborate on some examples of that? >> Yeah, I November would be we did gratitude in November and the lessons on Tuesdays align as best we could with that. Um this uh January February was start a new just because of registration and things like that. So, um, depending on the month, I don't remember all of them off the
020top of my head, but, you know, trying to align those activities as best we can, knowing that things are going to come up like petfests and and, you know, trying to just really be thoughtful about it and also guide it. It's new this year, so you know, those grade level leaders who work to plan those lessons um, did the best they could with this year and then next year we'll see how it aligns with the calendar. >> Thank you. And then just so one last comment as far as student perspective goes. Um I remember when hearing about this at the end of last school year, my thought was also why isn't this happening at the end of the day? Um but the thing that I know now too is a lot of people consciously make
021the decision to stay in band and choir because once you hit your junior and senior year, you're always going to be in a fifth block class for those things. So a lot of band kids and choir kids end up bailing because it's end of the day. Um, and unless you're playing golf or hockey, you're usually not leaving more than an hour early, so that's not as much of a problem. >> All right, thank you so much. Keep up the good work. >> All right, moves us on to item number two, reports. Weston and Charlie, you want to start with student reports? All right, I'll start us off with what's been going on in the past month. Um, so the gymnastics team is reaching the end of their season and they'll be competing at their section
022meet on February 14th. Uh, recently they placed fourth at their true team meet which include the top 10 teams in class A. Um, archery has had three tournaments so far. They've placed first, second, third, fourth, and fifth. So all over the board there, >> but it's been their best season yet, and they only have placed one other time in the high school division, which was last year. Last weekend, the JV and B dance squad teams had their last competition for the season at Delano. They got third in Jazz and fifth in kick. On Saturday, the varsity team competed at sections where kick got third and qualified for state. Jazz ended up getting fourth. Wrestling has had a lot of success and they're currently ranked third in state. Um, the robotics team has been busy working
023on prototyping this year's robot. On top of work time at the school, they have been spread out between weekly hub meetings across central Minnesota, the industrial park roundt, and concessions. DECA had their district competition. They had seven people qualify for state. Boys basketball had a player, Nate, um, hit 1,000 points last week, which is a pretty big achievement. Um, the first boys player to do that since 2016. They have a strong record of 14-4. They beat Monaceel, our rivals. Everybody hates Monaceel last Friday, 67 to 55. [laughter] I'm honest. Um, >> Speeds just competed in their first big competition of the season with over 60 attending schools. It was the first meet with many of their new members. >> NHS hosted a well- attended blood drive and is continuing to work on ISPs and raising
024money for the state service project. And the girls hockey team wrapped up their regular season on Saturday, finishing 11 and 13. This is their best season that the team has had since the 1970s. And girls basketball has a record of five and five and is proud of the tough wins they have had recently. Okay. In the coming month, the gymnastics team is preparing for a strong performance at sections um to potentially send them to state. Archery is excited for their home meet in March, and they hope to continue improving and getting better. In two weeks, the dance kick team will head to state to end their season. You're covering my words, Mr. Schmidt. Wrestling has meets on Thursday in Wilmer versus Morehead. Um, and then they're at home Friday for senior night with Forest Lake
025and Socc Rapids. Robotics is going to keep spending long hours here. Um, and hopefully we'll start working on the competition robot shortly. DECA is sending two students to state. Mrs. Simon and Dr. Olsen will go with them. Um, looking forward. They're also going to be discussing nationals and their banquet. Unfortunately, not all the students that qualified for state are going because of the state of things in the cities. Um, boys basketball is looking to finish out this season with no losses, no more losses. Um, and shatter the school record, which is currently 17 and 10. So, what is it? Yeah, they're sitting at 14-4 right now. So, it won't take too much to do that. Um, NHS is planning their next blood drive. Girls hockey has a section quarterfinals game this Wednesday against Oro. Speech
026is working to grow interest in their team from inside and outside the school. And girls basketball has games coming up against Zimmerman and North Branch. Any questions? >> Busy time of year. Thank you. >> What? >> Stay tuned. >> Yeah, next month will be even longer. So, all right. >> Thank you. Uh item 2B, superintendent report. >> Yes, MASA and MASSE spring conference is on March 19th and 20th. I'm registered, Carla's registered as well to attend those um parts of the conference. I'm also attending the American Indian Education Conference on some of those same days. I also signed up to uh do a breakout session as well um leadership breakout session during that conference too. Uh we continue to evaluate and audit our energy use. Uh our current energy usage per square foot is the
027lowest at 44 kilo British thermal units per square foot. Uh it goes the best we've ever had as far back as our records go from 2016 which is also includes our co area era when we didn't have students even in school. Uh so some of the efficiency upgrades and things like that that we've been doing with LED lights and uh some of the new boilers and and things like that have really helped us out quite a bit. So and Rick does a great job with with managing those. So, that's been been helpful. Our costs have stayed the same thanks to being more efficient um because the costs have gone up with with that. But, uh the prom committee has begun to take action. Prom is set for May 9th, which is later than last year's
028based on other school events and venue availability. Grand March will take place at the high school as it always does in the mid to late afternoon. Uh they've been meeting regularly. Um dinner and transportation will be on their own. The dance will take place at the grands at Mulligans and Sartell and the cost will be determined based on the finalized expenses. This year's cost will be less expensive than last year's as they alternate that. Um, and then we also considered dates for robotics competitions, spring tournaments, and neighboring schools. The prom committee will be meeting consistently now until the event. And I don't know if it was prom or graduation that met today. One of those two did, I believe, this morning. graduation uh which is the next part. The graduation committee determine the class motto.
029The opportunity to submit a speech for consideration for graduation has been shared with the senior class. The committee met again today uh to discuss the class flower, staff speaker, program, and other ceremony related events. Meetings will also increase as they get nearer and nearer that important event. Uh item 3F on the agenda, you can see tied to that, we've been working as with the administration uh to make take a look at reductions in programs and positions for the 2627 school year. Uh the current range for these reductions is very broad and it's dependent on some state and federal legislation and funding. The amounts of the reductions or increasing revenue in some cases could range from $400,000 to nearly $3 million based on the estimates we have at this point. Uh obviously as we get through
030the state uh legislative session, we'll know a lot more on that, but it's uh could be pretty significant when you get things like unemployment and paid family leave and compensatory. Uh if all those go away, then you're looking at that $3 million range. Um if not, then it may be closer to that $400 $500,000 range. So uh again, a lot up in the air. It's it's been a little tricky to do that. we've given some targets and things to some departments and so we're we're looking at just kind of coming up with some ideas and things for that and also that's somewhat tied to our our November vote that we had. Um that would have certainly helped us out a little bit too. Um we've been awarded a $25,000 mental health grant from the Minnesota
031Department of Human Services. The intent of the grant is to help us create a better organization for optimizing resources for uh thirdparty billing. So the it's essentially seed money. Uh they want to give us $25,000 for this grant so we can generate our own revenue through thirdparty billing services like PTO speech uh special transportation. Uh but this we which we already do this one is related to mental health. So if we can we can build that back to the insurance companies and things like that to generate some revenue for for that. So again that's that's part of that revenue increasing piece from number five there in my my notes. So hopefully we can we can do things like that to to lower the the amounts of the cuts and things. Any questions or comments for
032Schmidt? >> All right. Thank you. Moving on to 2C committee reports. Um Pete, I believe you have an ECF. >> Yes. That one teed up first. Uh we met uh the uh advis ECFE advisory council. We met uh just this last um January 26th. Um had a chance to kind of uh welcome um some of the new parent people on the on the committee this year. Um a lot of the same but some some new. We have a new um coordinator over there and she's doing fantastic things. Uh program updates. Uh we had a 25% increase uh with our fall classes. We're up to uh seven classes. Um we had a 2% decrease in the preK, but Small Wonders was up 12 12%. So uh seeing a movement in all of our programs over there,
033which is always nice. U lot of great events coming up. Um uh mom and dad STEM night February 11th, dad's pizza night April 13th, grandparents night over at the ECF um offices May 13th, gym nights. Uh again, uh lot of great stuff over there. If you haven't checked uh checked it out, um you know, they're they're a lot of fun to go to. Uh bookf fair recap. Um they were able to raise $3,394. Um, and we had a lot of great volunteers that made that happen. So, uh, just wanted to thank everybody for that. Uh, we also have a new online registration, um, system set up, which is awesome. Um, they're able to, uh, register online and pay for their classes. And it's also, um, tied with, uh, community education as well. So, they I
034believe they're working within that AOX structure. Uh, and it's a great program. They're all getting ready to um getting used to using it. Um, and it also has a lot of potential upgrades down the road. So, uh, it won't be, you know, obsolete like so many of these pro programs tend to be like so they're they're super excited about that. Uh, and then, uh, next up with, uh, early childhood screening already, uh, set up for March 18th and 19th. Um, and they will get uh notifications sent out for that as well. >> And just to clarify, the the Arax, I don't think it goes live until March 9th. >> Okay. >> Officially, but yeah, they're they're training right now on it. >> So, >> that's when we start registration for the it'll be for next
035year, this year's registration for next year. >> So, if you're looking for it right now, you're probably not able to find it, right? >> Okay. Thank you. Pete, you want to hit activities or >> Yeah, I really actually just kind of quick quick activities um meeting. Uh Connie and I attended that uh uh the 26 as well. Uh we had Max Edbert come in kind of speak about the games club. Um currently they still have, you know, quite a few kids that, you know, partake in that. It's it's more of a social thing, you know, right now. Um, but we're set to, you know, move if if anyone decides they want to make it more competitive and and and push, you know, you know, push the boundaries. It's, um, it sounds like a lot of
036fun, but it's also pretty timeconuming, too, for um, to staff it and things like that. But, um, the kids seem to really like it. Um, and it's something that, uh, you know, Dave has been able to help to, uh, keep staff and keep people going. Uh we also talked about um everyone's favorite subject, the activities fees and you know what we want to do with with raising that. Um we do have that added trainer expense. Um but again a lot of positive feedback with the trainer, things like that. Uh but still looking for a way to bridge that gap um for where we were. Um there is still talk of possibly hiring a firm to come in and manage our weight room. um that's still kind of in the early stages as well, but uh
037apparently they'll come in, they'll manage, they'll some will be in there all the time, they can put programs togethers for, you know, for the kids. Um so we've been told a little bit more about that this time. So more information to follow on that. Um and then again, as far as the uh you know, we're on on the fees, uh we have a standard fee for all of our sports. So when it's, you know, for same for football, same for baseball, same for whatever. Some schools have began to change the way it's more of a sliding scale where it might be more for to play football depending on, you know, the equipment costs and things like that. So um that is also kind of being discussed is what's what's best for Becker right now. I
038mean, do we do we change how we're doing it? Do we continue just up the pricing? You know, but we don't want to just raise prices to raise prices either. So currently we're kind of right in the middle of where we are at in the conference as far as sports fees go. So um we'll keep monitoring and and um bring more information as it becomes available. >> Anything else, Connie? >> Nope, you covered it. >> I don't I have one more. Just just keep Sorry to keep adding, but uh I don't know if you guys talked about it activities council, but I did get word from Anandale Schools on the lacrosse agreement that we voted for a month or two ago. Uh they did not approve it from them. So that co-op will not be
039happening at this point. >> I don't know if they knew. >> Thought they were the one that wanted to do it. >> Well, [laughter] yeah. >> All right. Thank you, Pete and Connie. Um Corey, you have a track and then a curriculum. >> Uh so we met on Monday, January 12th. Uh just kind of a little bit we have some new members, some new people have joined. uh looking for maybe a little bit of new direction with that committee trying to make sure that we continue to increase our community awareness for what our kids need. Right? That's the whole goal of track. Um so we are looking there'll be kind of more info coming uh but kind of some new plan that's going out is kind of some looking for some businesses that also would
040be committed to fostering that positive mental health awareness for all of our students in our district. Uh we're looking at three main events. Trying to really just focus in, dive in, make sure we can really do a nice job with the fall speaker for the students. Um the kindness week that we do, and then our mental health awareness month. Just kind of making sure that we touch on those three areas and kind of give a lot of good emphasis on those instead of trying to do something all year that really hasn't been targeting. So trying to get a little bit more buyin from the community within a school and then just kind of focusing on a couple three activities. So that's where that one's headed. I think in a really good direction. Really good. Um
041we just met on our district curriculum advisory uh just before this meeting. A lot of discussion really basically around the achievement and integration plan or grant that we we apply for. So it's a $250,000 grant that we do apply for every three years that we go for. Um it is used for So make sure we get this right. It helps pay for two and a half teachers uh read or reading specialists in our building along with some curriculum. So, it's a really valuable grant that we apply for. You do have to have three goal areas. Our current goal areas are that we're looking at are improving uh our foundational reading skills in our students, especially ones that are struggling learners. Uh improving our student engagement, so just within the classroom. And lastly was to continue
042to improve and give our students an opportunity to go out and get some with other districts some multicultural um learning opportunities with other districts that surround us and be a part of us. So that is some of the information there. If you have any interest on exactly what the goal states or how it's stated or some of the strategies that are being used, you can please reach out to myself or our district curriculum advisory Carla Nolan. We can share those with you. that um plan will come to our board minutes next month for us to approve. So, if you have some questions on that in the next month, let one of us know. We can help share some more info on that. >> Thank you. Uh and then I just have a co-op update. We
043met last Thursday the 29th. Um really not much. Straightening out some staffing. um reducing one position and replacing another, taking a look at adding some more space maybe to the Monosel. Um we'll know more about that hopefully at the March meeting when we meet. Um other than that, just kind of status quo. So are there any other committee reports? >> MSBA at all. >> All MSBA, anybody want to speak on the MSBA conference? at least >> like no reaction. >> They had the they had an opening event which was really good. Got a lot of uh opportunity to go and meet some different people, some different board members and things of that nature. Uh a lot of good topics. >> I I I did attend my big one concern is the paid family leave. Um
044which is it's scary that that's out there. I mean, it's 20 weeks of paid leave for any employee. So, that'll be interesting to see how that affects school districts. And I'm I'm anxious to see when the money runs out, whether it be May or July or how soon that runs out because the different people I sat around had already talked about the high numbers of staff that they had applying for that already. We also did see a really nice uh robotics expedition or that was there. Uh I don't remember what school that was there for >> somewhere down south >> one south >> one north >> maybe I think we don't know 20 >> we're from Becker >> so they already knew >> there was a lot of good student presentations too >> yeah next
045one from was really Yeah, like cooperative >> middle school did a presentation their STEM lab. >> There was one that we met from about the wheels bring senior citizens around from the school and connecting young kids with the senior citizens in the community. So that was a positive too. Something that we're talking about. So >> All right. Move to item number three, consent agenda. I'll make a motion we accept the consent agenda. >> I will second it. >> I have a motion, a second. Do we have any questions or discussions on consent agenda? >> All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. All opposed. >> Motion carries. Brings us to item number four. Second reading for school calendar. I don't know if you want to speak to that. >> Yeah, there were no
046changes from the last one. Uh, as you can see in the notes, we still will make changes based on some early outs and and things like that as we plan our PD schedule, which we'll we'll be doing here in the next month or so. Uh, we just started working on that. But if we need a little bit more early outs and things like that, it won't impact student days. It won't impact u staff days or anything like that. So, we typically have added those later on, just twoour early out type of things. So, get some PD in there as well. So, I have not heard anything. I take that back. I heard one person um wanted to make sure we had spring break in there, which we did. They didn't necessarily like the date of
047the spring break because it was tied up to higher prices of tickets and things, but >> it's all March. >> That's about the only time in March. >> That's about the only uh that was the only thing I heard. >> When we were in calendar committee meetings, it well, there was a lot of questions about possibly looking at calendars two years out. Is that something we've considered doing or not? so much. >> Yeah. And like I showed at the the calendar meeting, I think it's something we can do. It just tricky when you have to if things come up or different projects and things like that. So it gets it gets tricky where we run into trouble also like is testing or assessments and PD and and things like that. I think you can basically
048you can kind of mirror the calendars every single year. And so it's if you're making plans as a parent or staff member, then you can take a look at what we have for previous calendars. They're pretty similar really when you look at them and make those adjustments. I I'm not a big fan of going multiple years out. I know some schools do. Uh but it can sometimes be things come up, I guess, and then you have to make changes to them anyway. And but typically they're they're the same. So if you're going to make a plan, we did talk about also talking about two years out uh having that spring break again because that would tie in with the band choir trip again. Um, and they were also in favor of the pre-Labor Day start
049for both years, too. >> And then it'll be revamped because Labor Day changes. >> So, it'll totally change again because Labor Day comes later. So, yes. All right. I'll entertain a motion for 26 27th calendar. >> I'll make a motion to accept the calendar. I'll second that. We have a motion and a second for school calendar. Any further questions or discussions? All those in favor signify by saying I. I. I. All opposed? Motion carries. Um, before we get to item number five, I just want to ask again, is Emily Jenkins in the room? Emily, you want to speak up? Step up to the microphone. And while you're doing that, I'll just remind you, you have a fivem minute time limit. Corey, you want a time? Mr. Mr. Stang will let you know when you got
050a minute left. Um, so we cannot discuss any matters that are under negotiations or litigations. Anything related to personnel will not be discussed in public and no personal attacks are permitted. >> Thank you. >> Um, in the quiet rhythm of my daily life, I have a mantra typically let them. If a person's actions don't harm my family, I choose temperance. I let the noise pass. I don't usually speak up. Um, my attention was brought to the video circulating and I didn't want to just not say anything. Um, I didn't want to not support my district. So, we witness um, teens trade the sanctity of the classroom for the cheap currency of viral moments. and we hear loud voices from those who seem to have no business teaching our children about ethics yet who feel entitled
051to destroy an educator's career. Um, I feel like it's time that we stand firm in the default position of supporting our teachers. My passion is rooted in the hard-earned reality of motherhood. When my husband and I were planning for our for our twins daycare, we searched and budgeted child care for years in advance. the pandemic hit and in that crucible I learned that while it is viable v vital to have the best care it is equally important to invest in our caregivers in a town like ours I feel like we don't have the population density to treat professionals as disposable and we cannot afford to fire them culture our family through a neighbor referral found red balloon um daycare and our relationship with the directors have been a cornerstone of the many last years of
052our lives and now that cornerstone is carried into the district with K1 and first grade for our family. Um there are difficult times. There are differences of opinions and you cannot simply buy a person who is passionate and trustworthy for your kids. You must build that relationship through mutual respect. And mutual respect requires a willingness to be uncomfortable to approach diversity of thought with curiosity not combat. recently reread a penguin story by Antonet Portis to my boys and the penguin surrounded only by white ice, black knight, and blue water goes searching for something else, a spark of curiosity that must be valued and that must be nurtured. The red orange of the sunset. He leaves his comfort zone to explore, to get uncomfortable, to find growth. Currently, it seems like some of our teens might
053be trapped in the monochromatic world of viral hot takes and immediate gratification of social acceptance and group think. But real learning only happens when we reach outside that comfort zone. As Dr. Seuss wrote in all the places you'll go, the real great places are found only after facing the frightening creek, the howling gates. And we fail our teens if we allow them to believe the solution to discomfort is to blast some person causing it. We must teach them curiosity to ask why do I feel this way? How do we move forward together rather than how can I get rid of this person? I do not say this from a place of judgment but from lived experience. Before I was the mother of twins, I helped raise my teenage brother through a season that would have
054broken many. We navigated the abandonment of a mother lost to alcoholism and the sudden loss of our father to a heart attack. I know what it looks like when a teen is spiraling. I know behavior problems often hide a deep need for nurturing, boundaries, and strong foundational moral compass. When students are rage baiting or entrapping and an educator for a Tik Tok trend, they are seeking accountability. for an example of a method of resolution that is effective. A safe deescalating classroom is a necessity, but it requires the students to meet the teacher halfway. My mom had a saying when I was a teenager struggling with my stepmom Emily, there will always be a Leslie somewhere. It didn't take long for me to find the wisdom in that phrase when I found an impossible first boss.
055To those at the center of this, you have the resilience and grace to weather the storm. to the board. I feel like you have what it takes to turn this tide and shift the narrative. There will be loud and angry people on this podium. Maybe. And I'm sure the continue the social media fire will continue. Let them. Standing firm on ethics is the highest form of love and support we can show our students and staff. I propose a culture of repair. Teaching the deescalation as a life skill perhaps led by our sheriff or police chief. A strong, respectable, and undisputable mentor. When we can teach students that facing different perspectives is a sign of growth, not a reason for target or attack. I do also believe it's important to quickly reinstate the bathroom doors if
056that hasn't been done. Surely that was a desperate reactionism and not a calm, calculated, thoughtful point of leadership. For what it's worth, it's never too late to be whoever you want to be. There is no time limit. Start whenever you want. You can change or stay the same. There are no rules to this thing. we can make the best of it or the worst of it. I hope you choose to make the best of it. I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things that you've never felt before. I hope you meet people who have a different point of view. I hope you live a life you're proud of. And if you're not, you have the courage to start all over again. That one's from Benjamin Button. Thank you. All right,
057bring us to item number five. We have A motion for close session. >> Uh yes. I move to close this meeting for preliminary consideration of allegations against an employee as required under the open meeting law Minnesota statute section 13D.05 subdivision 2B. Second. >> So we have a motion and a second to enter into close meeting. All those in favor say I. I. All opposed. Motion carries. We'll be heading to close meeting. After that time, we will come back to the table and we will adjourn to readjourn. Thank you.