Susan Galacz

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence for armed services personnel. Key discussions included correspondence and commendations, featuring a thank you card to culinary arts students and staff for preparing lunch for LOC students. Recognitions were given to the Gaylord robotics team, Team 3198, the Titanium Trident, who presented their robot's capabilities, including build structure, programming teamwork, and shooting accuracy. The board recognized several staff members for their dedicated service upon retirement, including Shantel Fenel, Lisa Stempkkey, Rhonda Davis, and Cindy Huff, highlighting their significant positive impacts on students and the school community. Building updates detailed activities at the preschool (parent-teacher conferences, Thanksgiving balloon float, planned Christmas parade), South Maple (Kids Night Out event, winter concert planning, staff recognition for literacy and math specialists, and the implementation of a 'Caught Being Kind' movement), and North Ohio (Kids Night Out event and Lego Club participation).

The meeting began with the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence for armed services personnel. Key agenda items included correspondence acknowledging a donation of caramel apples. Building updates focused heavily on sex education curriculum and standards. The update reviewed the established lenses for curriculum adoption, confirmed that current Gaylord Middle School (GMS) and Gaylord High School (GHS) curricula are abstinence-based and align with existing lenses, and noted that the Department of Education is proposing updates to state sex education standards, which will not be implemented until the 2026-2027 school year. It was emphasized that local districts retain control over curriculum content and parent opt-out rights remain intact. Updates from South Maple highlighted strong student attendance metrics, the initiation of a Teddy Bear Clinic in partnership with the high school MEDOC program, and the commencement of the therapy dog Frankie's visits. North Ohio reported on its Artist of the Month program and high student attendance rates, alongside a successful, well-attended family game night involving over 250 attendees. Gaylord Intermediate School (GIS) recognized its student of the month and celebrated high attendance data, noting the establishment of a new parent board. Furthermore, GIS acknowledged Riker Hicks for leading a service project to build a new Gaga ball pit. The middle school report also detailed academic recognition for high-achieving students and preparations for a Veterans Day assembly.

The meeting included recognition of administration appreciation month and a presentation of district assessment data from the 2425 school year. The data included MSTEP, PSAT, and SAT results, with comparisons to state and ISD averages. The board also discussed action steps for improvement, including utilizing the district problem-solving driver, developing new ELA and math curriculum at the elementary levels, and implementing John Hattie's engagement strategies. The high school was ranked in the top 22% nationally and top 15% in the state, while the middle school and intermediate school were both ranked in the top 7% in the state. South Maple and North Iowa elementary schools were also recognized.

The meeting included recognition of the transportation team for winning an award at the Alpenfest parade. The board discussed a public input regarding the Gayla budget and potential cuts from the US Department of Education. The board approved several items on the consent agenda, including the treasurer's report, new hires, milk and pizza bids for the upcoming school year, and the installation of a generator at the board of education office and the ECC. Additionally, the board approved the hiring of Rachel Olsen as the Gaylord High School assistant principal.

The meeting included discussions on building updates, enrollment numbers, and a CTE millage that will be on the ballot in November. Updates were provided for South Maple, North Ohio, GIS, and the middle school, including new technology installations, partnerships with communities and schools, and facility improvements. The high school discussed building changes, the implementation of televisions in the commons area, and a paperless system for schedule changes. The preschool program reported increased enrollment and the addition of a new classroom.