Shawn Elsbury

The board meeting began with a call to order and pledge of allegiance. Key agenda items included a presentation from Byron Primary School (K-2) regarding their focus on unreasonable hospitality, the implementation progress of the Wonders curriculum, staff culture, and highlights of student activities such as the diaper drive and habitat unit. A presentation from Byron Intermediate School (3-5) detailed their building goals centered on critical thinking as a key component of the profile of a graduate. This included work leveraging AI and project-based learning in areas like coding and science experiments. The work of the gifted and talented services coordinator, Sandy Johnson, who also manages the library and math intervention, was specifically highlighted for showcasing passion and skill in driving student experiences.

The Byron School Board meeting included discussions on various topics. It covered highlights on negotiations with parents and teachers, snow day plans, and a referendum update, including community meetings and the need for assistance at upcoming events. The board also considered adopting a budget analysis tool to compare expenditures with similar districts and enhance budget transparency.

The meeting included a presentation on the district operation plan, highlighting the walkthrough playbook used for teacher observations and instructional strategies. There was also a discussion about the Veterans Day breakfast, an event connecting students with the community. The MCA exam results were reviewed, noting changes in the exam and their impact on proficiency numbers. Additionally, the Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness Report was presented, focusing on goals related to school readiness, achievement gaps, career and college readiness, high school graduation, and lifelong learning.

The meeting included discussions and coordination regarding the referendum, including presentations at various events. The finance report for July was reviewed, addressing questions about miscellaneous local revenues and supply costs. There was also a discussion on community engagement, including contacts for various organizations and churches. The board approved the PSO contract between Envy Public Schools and RCTC and discussed the management plan for indoor air quality.

The meeting included an audit presentation by Smith Schaffer, with a clean unmodified opinion, highlighting a Minnesota legal compliance finding related to insufficient collateral coverage and internal control findings regarding segregation of duties and oversight of the financial reporting process. The board also discussed administrative reports, including the results of an October survey regarding relationship building among staff and students.