During a recent Grand Forks School Board meeting, discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges related to student attendance and mental health, as well as updates on leadership coaching within the district.

A board member expressed concerns about the increasing demand for medical notes from parents, noting that many children do not require a doctor's visit for minor illnesses. This trend, they argued, could lead to unnecessary clinic visits and may not accurately reflect the children's health needs. The member emphasized that while physical illnesses have not significantly increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health issues among students have surged. They pointed out that many students are missing school due to untreated mental health conditions, which cannot be resolved solely by the school district.

The conversation also touched on the importance of understanding the reasons behind student absences. The board member suggested that tracking attendance data through the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) could help identify specific issues affecting students, allowing for targeted interventions.

In another segment of the meeting, updates were provided regarding the hiring of a leadership coach for the district. This initiative, unanimously supported by the board, aims to enhance the leadership skills of Superintendent Dr. Brenner and improve relationships with school administrators. The board is in the final stages of selecting a suitable candidate and plans to present their recommendation in an upcoming meeting.

The meeting concluded with the approval of the consent agenda, reflecting a collaborative effort among board members to address the pressing issues facing the district.