Annmarie Barta

The committee discussed policies related to advertising in schools, superintendent selection, contract duties, evaluation, and administrator code of ethics. The advertising policy aims to provide guidelines for promoting products or services to students and parents, including restrictions on advertising for certain items. The superintendent policies cover the selection process, contract terms, duties, and evaluation methods. The administrator code of ethics establishes standards for ethical and professional conduct. Additionally, the committee reviewed policies on student medication, telehealth, and overdose medication, including the administration of epinephrine and naloxone.

The agenda included student reports, human resources updates, a work session update, a legislative update, discussion of superintendent goals, and a First Street buildout update. The East student representative provided updates on the fall talent show, debate team, National Honor Society inductions, fine arts programs, the culinary classes opening Greyhound Kitchen, and various sports teams. Concerns were raised about the current pause day format and its impact on students' ability to participate in clubs and activities.

The special school board meeting was convened to canvass the election returns for the school board district general election. The board members moved and seconded a resolution to canvass the votes, followed by a roll call vote. After the roll call, the resolution was passed. Subsequently, a motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting, which was then followed by another roll call vote, and the motion to adjourn was passed.

The listening session included a presentation by the media specialist at Denfeld High School and East High School, who discussed the negative impact of cutting the media specialist position from full-time to part-time, which has resulted in a decrease in the number of library books checked out by students. Another speaker discussed the American Indian Education Aid, expressing concerns about an incomplete application and budget posted on the district website.

The Parent Advisory Council on Special Education (PACSE) meeting included district updates on the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) topical record review and paraprofessional literacy training. The meeting also covered special education enrollment numbers and celebrated the Unity in the Community event and the Interagency Coordinating Council of Duluth (ICCOD). New business included PACSE meeting dates, the Transition Summit 2026, and Unity in the Community 2026. The parent forum addressed board member invitations, food distribution resources, budget reductions, and teacher professional development conferences.