Katie Zehowski

The board meeting included a review of the school closing process for inclement weather, focusing on transportation considerations and communication protocols. The Treasurer's Report covered revenues, expenses, and enrollment estimates following the enrollment lottery. There was a presentation on the MNCS financials, including state funding, building revenue and expenditures, special education, federal and local grants, and enrollment trends. Updates were provided by various site-based management teams, including personnel, Q-Comp, building, transportation, data, special services, career and tech ed, outreach, and nutrition and composting. The board discussed goals and development/training, including a plan for training in financials, mission and vision, and governance vs. management.

The Minnesota New Country School's strategic plan, detailed within its 2024-2025 Annual Report, outlines a multi-year roadmap building on achievements in social-emotional health and professional development. Key strategic priorities include enhancing academic engagement through project-based learning, managing facilities expansion and a new middle school configuration, improving human resources and staff retention, advancing technology integration, and strengthening community engagement and health & wellness programs. The plan establishes 5-year goals for various teams, aiming to foster students' development as purposeful thinkers, effective communicators, lifelong learners, responsible citizens, and empathetic individuals.

The board meeting included an executive session to review information related to the summary of an investigation. The board approved revenues and expenses, as well as the bank ledger balance. They also discussed and approved a line of credit request from the Finance Team, reviewed and approved the Elementary and Secondary Building Leases, and the FY20 budget. The board approved the renewal of the Innovative Quality Schools (IQS) Authorizer Contract and the Q-Comp Annual Report. Additionally, the K-3 Reading Well and Literacy Plan were approved, along with cooperative agreements for student participation in wrestling and tennis. Staff reports were received, and board goals and development/training were discussed.

The document outlines the vision, mission, and long-term goals for Minnesota New Country School (MNCS). It focuses on developing students into purposeful thinkers, effective communicators, lifelong learners, responsible citizens, and empathetic individuals. The mission emphasizes leveraging relationships, community, project-based learning, and experiential education to guide students toward self-actualization. Long-term goals prioritize academics, building and facilities, human resources, social-emotional health, and community engagement to enhance student learning and overall well-being.

The meeting included approval of the EdVisions Cooperative 2019-2020 contract and the contract for Special Education Director Services with Sanborn Education Associates, Inc.