(Reporter’s note: Due to scheduling conflicts and technology issues, this reporter was unable to view the school board meeting of May 24. The following article was written based on the meeting agenda and other materials available from the schools’ website.)

During the May 24 school board meeting, the board focused on implementing social and emotional learning during the upcoming school year. 

Social and Emotional Learning

The schools will be setting up a program to better focus on social and emotional learning (SEL) this upcoming school year. In a survey conducted by National 4-H Council and the Harris Poll (2020) and EdWeek Research Center Survey (Harold & Kurtz, 2020), it was found that seven of 10 teenagers struggled with mental health in some way, and one in four students were reported as truant at some time during the pandemic. The school hopes to tackle these issues by working with staff and the Minnesota Dept. of Education to respond to the needs of the students that have been caused, or highlighted by, the pandemic. 

Each school will have SEL goals for the upcoming year, and teachers will be instructed on incorporating SEL in the classrooms. 

POSA Appointments

The board approved two memorandums of agreement appointing Keri Neubauer and Teresa Smock-Potter as principals on special assignment (POSAs) for the next two upcoming school years. Neubauer will be serving as an administrator for Big Lake Online, and Smock-Potter will be working as an SEL coordinator. 

Financial Update

Enrollment continues to be lower than in previous years, having decreased by one student during May. The budgeted enrollment has decreased by 11 students since the last adjustment, resulting in a loss of $74,567 in general education aid. The school will be receiving $91,926 in funding from the Governor’s Discretionary American Rescue Plan Funds to help with summer school programs. 

The board will continue to monitor legislative decisions that will impact school funding as it is likely legislators will go into special session June 14.

In Other Business, the Board:

• Reviewed their quality compensation (Q-Comp) study; 

• Approved the final school year calendar for the 2021-22 year;

• Heard reports from the student liaison and the superintendent; 

• Passed a resolution of non-renewal of teaching contracts (for probationary staff);

• Reviewed claims, personnel reports, and the finance report.