Ara Anderson

The 2024-2025 Achievement & Integration Progress Report outlines goals for Deer River School District, including improving student achievement in reading at King Elementary School, increasing the percentage of students completing applications for post-secondary education, increasing student enrollment in the Introduction to Teaching course at Deer River High School, and enriching cultural awareness and language acquisition through collaboration with ISD 317 Anishinaabe Education. These goals are measured from a 2021 baseline to targets set for the spring of 2025.

The key discussion topic was the Annual Truth in Taxation Report. There was no public comment.

The meeting involved the review and approval of the Safe Schools Plan, with a commitment to monitor public health data and hold special sessions if needed. Mandatory policies were reviewed, and reports were received from elementary and high school principals, the activities program, building and grounds, the Full Service Community Schools Program, board members/committees, and the superintendent. Action items included approval of memoranda of understanding for vaccination incentives and a resolution for the sale of general obligation school building refunding bonds. Future meeting locations were discussed.

The meeting included discussion and action on various topics such as appointments of school staff, resignations, a professional service agreement for a school psychologist, a review of the Safe Schools Plan, the Link to Equity Project, and policy revisions. A resolution to dissolve the Education Innovation Partners Cooperative Center was introduced and approved. The board also accepted an annual community education report, supported a Minnesota State High School League Foundation grant, adopted mandatory policies, reviewed a policy on public participation at school board meetings, and approved a rescission agreement with ICS Consulting. Reports from various school officials were received.

The meeting included an introduction to the Link to Equity project, a review of the Safe Schools Plan, and reports from elementary and high school principals, as well as the activities program, building and grounds department, full service community schools program, and board members/committees. Action items included emergency approval of Policy 491 (Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination or Testing and Face Coverings), approval of revised/new policies, a revised Health and Safety Resolution, and a recommendation for the conditional reinstatement of an expelled student. Appointments, resignations, and terminations of staff were also addressed.