Jasmine DeSmet

The City of Marshall's Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) outlines its strategy to comply with NPDES Phase II regulations and improve local water quality, particularly for the Redwood, Cottonwood, and Minnesota Rivers. The program focuses on reducing phosphorus and suspended solids discharge. Key strategic elements include public education and outreach, fostering public participation, proper management of construction sites and municipal operations, reviewing and amending ordinances, and implementing best management practices to restore aquatic habitats and enhance the urban environment.

The meeting included discussions and decisions on various topics. Nominations and elections were held for positions such as Board Chair, Vice Chair, school board clerk, and treasurer. The board also discussed and approved board committees. There was a discussion regarding Board of Directors compensation, and it was decided to keep it the same. The board also discussed personnel matters and authorized proceeding with facilities and referendum planning. A presentation was given on the "On to College" program, detailing its mission, funding, and integration into the school day to enhance college readiness and affordability for students.

The board meeting of Marshall Public Schools discussed the implementation of e-learning days, focusing on the plan's development, state criteria, and parameters. The discussion included staff availability, student attendance, and the impact on early childhood, Parkside, and West site students. The plan involves teachers posting activities on Schoology, providing accessible instruction for students with special needs, and offering professional development sessions for staff. The board also touched on the importance of flexibility within the plan, notification procedures for families, and addressing the needs of non-English-speaking children.

The meeting included a presentation from Taher, covering topics such as the success of the past year, expansion of menu choices, limited time offerings, harvest of the month, farm to school initiatives, and the MDE review. Goals for the upcoming year were discussed, including staff communication, in-service activities, rolling out a menu app, implementing kids in the kitchen, and establishing a social media presence for the food service. Statistics related to the summer program and regular program averages were presented, along with information on flavors of the world and culinary education for kids. Communication resources, such as the menu committee newsletter and healthy to a tea newsletter, were highlighted. Negative balances were discussed, and strategies for addressing them were reviewed.

The meeting included discussions and presentations related to student surveys across different school levels. The surveys covered topics such as student satisfaction, areas for improvement, and the use of technology in classrooms. Key areas of focus included student connectedness, safety, and academic engagement. The board also discussed strategies for addressing areas where students felt less supported or challenged.