The Independent School District 5 School Board convened on September 17, 2024, at the Edison Building, acknowledging the ancestral land of the Dakota people. The meeting, led by Superintendent Kent Pakal and attended by board members and staff, began with the approval of the agenda and a pledge of allegiance.

A significant focus of the session was the discussion surrounding the consequences of a potential defeat of the upcoming referendum scheduled for November 2024. Superintendent Pakal emphasized the importance of understanding community concerns following the narrow defeat of a previous referendum in 2023. He indicated that the board would explore specific implications should the upcoming referendum not pass, aiming to provide clarity to the community.

This discussion is intended to inform a resolution that will be presented at the next regular board meeting, with potential action to follow at a subsequent meeting. The board seeks to engage with the community on this critical issue, reflecting ongoing concerns about the district's future and funding. The meeting was live-streamed and will be recorded for public access, ensuring transparency in the board's deliberations.