Eli Hill

The meeting included reports from various members on topics such as the Education Foundation, MSHSL Activities, Region I, Curriculum Review, Building/Grounds, and the Superintendent. The board approved the FY26 Membership with Minnesota Rural Education Association (MREA), wage adjustments for substitute and non-affiliated support staff positions, and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Concurrent Enrollment Program Contract. They also rejected a bid for the sale of a district truck and approved revisions to several School Board Policies. Additionally, the board adopted the Fiscal Year (FY) 27 Long-Term Facilities Maintenance (LTFM) Ten-Year Plan.

The agenda included approval of the 2025-26 Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) contract between Minnesota State Community and Technical College and ISD 544. The board discussed and approved the second reading of several school board policies, including policies related to interviews of students by outside agencies, organization of the school calendar and school day, credit for learning, public data requests, and community notification of predatory offenders. The FY26 Fergus Falls Public Schools' Meal Rates were set, and Policy #504 regarding student dress and appearance, as well as Staff Policy #433 concerning unpaid leave, were approved.

The plan aims to support every child in achieving grade level reading proficiency, with specific support for multilingual learners and students with special education needs. It focuses on increasing grade-level proficiency through high-quality instruction, targeted interventions, and evidence-based practices, including the continuation of OL&LA training for teachers. The plan includes universal and dyslexia screening using mCLASS with DIBELS 8th Edition, parent notification and involvement strategies, and data-driven decision-making for literacy interventions, guided by a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) framework. It also outlines a professional development plan for training educators on structured literacy and action plans for continuous improvement, including the review and alignment of elementary curricular resources.

The School Board meeting included acknowledgements for donations to MAAP STARS and Kennedy Secondary School, as well as a donation of steel to the welding program. Reports were presented by elementary, middle, and high school principals, along with the superintendent. The board approved certified and support staff hires, support staff resignations and retirements. They also approved a leave of absence request, a resolution on the retirement of Marsha Johnson, and resolutions regarding non-renewing and placing teachers on unrequested leave of absence. Additionally, the board approved a policy on the use of school facilities and grounds by community groups, the Otter Preschool and Early Childhood Family Education School Calendar, and the School Resource Officer Services Agreement.

The School Board meeting included discussions and decisions on various topics. The board acknowledged donations for the music trip and classrooms. They approved the Social Studies curriculum for the 2025/26 school year, the Spring 2025 Memorandum of Agreement for the College in the High School program, and a Teacher of the Deaf / Hard of Hearing Agreement. Additionally, they approved an additional Night Custodian Position and a Purchase of Service Agreement for the Transportation of Children & Youth in Foster Care Placement. The board also addressed resolutions on the retirement of Rebecca Thole and Daniel Hanson. A resolution to accept public donations for the continuance of the 5th grade band failed to pass.