[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6564670,"mediaKeyId","3275635-37fec2d5d054d64251d2d8fd31a651be","parentId",3275635,"title","Board agrees to limited summer pilot allowing food and non-alcoholic beverages in auditorium; alcohol policy remains restricted for many events","audioSeconds",1133,"startMs",4424000,"endMs",5557000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3275635-37fec2d5d054d64251d2d8fd31a651be&start=4424&end=5557","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3275635-37fec2d5d054d64251d2d8fd31a651be/thumbnail_4424000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6564670/Minnesota/Board-agrees-to-limited-summer-pilot-allowing-food-and-non-alcoholic-beverages-in-auditorium-alcohol-policy-remains-restricted-for-many-events","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6564670-93bc1f91c837ea4c25aecd5b479bd905/orig.mp4?Expires=1773034118&Signature=Tu~pSWELF4XmQ~rAGYEpv79tSEjVPXRKa7hj~T7EYCqeZyPBVYNUEAN5140m-ppjnv3IIXwuhHApj~u0ZoBO4VkgJgrawEX3l~wEk07hS65oUHn~vbmSFtS35DTLTMPON9aM2siolLZKHOJs91pSlzh1K1F8sC~2PMa1Kwxgn5ssEqLspkEVwDpgtzlOlvc4qC653-jx6SatwnshwujGH-sj8Gk9WEngIKd5WucuwCBaPk4nn0IU3SFpZGzDofGuwgmeYbFydknS8Z3SrB~9T49mBg4pJ1obu-GrQfcyW1DJ9Edx4JAZhee6cOndZHBf86yNodjfvWM~Kkbt3AWU3w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Brainerd Public Schools","date","2025-05-12T14:02:06Z","article","The Brainerd School Board debated whether to allow food and beverages inside the district’s Gitche'si'di Center for the Arts auditorium and ultimately approved a limited summer pilot for bringing food and non-alcoholic beverages into the auditorium, with parameters and reporting requirements to be developed and reported back to the board.

District staff presented a background memo noting the current policy permits concessions and beverages in the lobby only and that a user request asked the district to allow alcohol to be taken into the auditorium for some rental events. Staff noted possible extra costs such as periodic steam cleaning of seats and other long-term maintenance and suggested users could be charged fees to offset those costs. \"One of them was, like, an annual steam cleaning of the seats in the entire auditorium to keep them clean,\" staff said.

Directors expressed a range of views. Some said the community-funded facility should be made more usable and that allowing limited concessions could increase rentals. Other members worried about damage and the precedent for alcoholic beverage service in the auditorium. Director Edmond said he was \"not in favor of\" allowing food and beverages in the auditorium; Director Ford said the space should be used by the community. Board members asked staff to create procedural rules (for example, lidded cups, permitted food types, higher rental fees or deposits) and to track revenue and costs during the pilot.

After a motion and discussion, the board approved a summer pilot to allow food and beverages in the auditorium during a defined pilot window (district staff to implement pilot procedures and report back at the end of the pilot). Board members agreed on timing guidance as part of the pilot: the period will run from Memorial Day through Labor Day for 2025. The board also asked staff to include financial and custodial impact data in a post-pilot report and to include the item in the fall policy review.

The board confirmed that for high school League-sponsored athletic contests and events covered by the Minnesota State High School League rules, alcohol service remains prohibited.

Separately during the meeting there was an earlier motion to decline the request outright, but board members later made and approved a motion to authorize a time-limited pilot; staff will draft the vendor/renter procedures and any incremental fee schedule before summer rentals begin.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","May 12th, 2025 School Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Brainerd School Board voted to run a limited summer pilot that allows food and non-alcoholic beverages in the Gitche'si'di Center for the Arts auditorium from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with procedures and post-pilot reporting required.","taxTitle","BRAINERD PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Boards, Minnesota","taxId",38392,"location","Minnesota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6564674,"Parents and students tell board of bullying, retaliation and booster-club fundraising concerns",522,547000,1069000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3275635-37fec2d5d054d64251d2d8fd31a651be&start=547&end=1069","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3275635-37fec2d5d054d64251d2d8fd31a651be/thumbnail_547000.jpg","/articles/6564674/Minnesota/Parents-and-students-tell-board-of-bullying-retaliation-and-booster-club-fundraising-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6564674-5b3977f4a6b2ce623bc4d6d19e519aa5/orig.mp4?Expires=1773034118&Signature=XBx13IiO96vDygy5C9hDF9h0DJ2gsCq6mDjRAUt~XJ7JhHe6mE4RhOqpQJxu9TMRGJTFgXLsD3v62T6zmE~7qvUXxPfOiVZ0DuYqJhFLl36gvLZFnZo3cn0Ul1G2bbRFoCxuVtf20b2Q4o4wlB3BDZaw3wlTXd82PQxMvEPa90MhaGjzCMauWeHdqqs6FK~mrgAHEjZuCQKgUN~vg4QPKoV5NMVooCXAms-PGh51luSlsvOLuI8SYhaT4q0iSuj6gjthp1gTEz~cK-g4EygWCF9nHp-CJqySXwfnpYLLBNJgf8eMTrLeRAHqDM8VfuhJwucoaPM8aj36quHD8Lhz5g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several parents and at least one student spoke during public comment at Tuesday’s Brainerd School Board meeting to report concerns about athletics operations, booster-club fundraising practices, student safety and alleged retaliation.

Melissa Hoag described multiple complaints from parents about the athletics program’s fundraising and access policies. Hoag told the board that parents say the booster club ran raffles that included firearms and alcohol and that some parents in recovery were asked to solicit liquor donations for boosters. She said parents have experienced a lack of transparent financial reporting for program funds and alleged that some program payments were handled outside school accounting. \"There’s a lack of transparent financials,\" Hoag said. \"Payments made to this program have been cashed and housed by a booster club, not the school board.\" She urged the board to require standardized, transparent operations for athletics and to follow district policy.

Natasha Hamilton and her son described what they said was retaliation and racialized mistreatment that has left their family reluctant to speak up. Hamilton said her son was denied access to bus video under circumstances she believed implicated FERPA and that formal complaints had not been resolved within the district’s timelines. Her son addressed the board and recounted incidents where he said peers used racial slurs and targeted him at lunch and on the bus. \"One of the questions [on a school climate survey] was, 'Do you feel safe at school?' I had to put 'sometimes' because ... a kid cornered me in the bathroom saying 'How does it feel to be Black?'\" the student said. The parents asked the board to investigate and to respond to their complaints.

Board chair thanked speakers for their courage and said the board would follow up through the appropriate administrative channels. No board action was taken during the meeting; staff and the superintendent noted that complaints that name students or employees may be subject to privacy rules and described the process for filing written complaints for formal handling.

Speakers asked the board to clarify policies the district uses for booster funds, closed-door practice rules and parental observation at practices for students with medical needs. The speakers requested better notification of complaint outcomes and more transparent financial reporting for athletics.","Multiple speakers used public comment to raise concerns about athletic program practices, fundraising that included raffles involving alcohol and firearms, alleged denial of parental observation tied to a student's medical needs, lack of financial transparency in booster funds, and racial harassment experienced by students.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6564679,"Board approves proposed unrequested leaves of absence for eight teachers",377,4042000,4419000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3275635-37fec2d5d054d64251d2d8fd31a651be&start=4042&end=4419","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3275635-37fec2d5d054d64251d2d8fd31a651be/thumbnail_4042000.jpg","/articles/6564679/Minnesota/Board-approves-proposed-unrequested-leaves-of-absence-for-eight-teachers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6564679-940db06b5de7eda278a7b164c4ef4096/orig.mp4?Expires=1773034118&Signature=DOZFNJfxktNY4kfL1nDWn33DQXj2wqTCNDZCImG0z~-6Lw9bE2nVG9Tk0pbWzF4PGw1qLZW0tY54nZT-zT8LKz5KJREAeN6EhujG6eRnpgps1KRsLE9yTGh9MJCZk1FuN7nMJHRzHVmkXtlWHxnDf3YVjLbOuVVIn-YB99v9ZKcF4~kD5NI4e8Db7f0aMcTNJq-ASdhDH1mgLngigTTCdHAvnOwkFhKmHm48wNHPof2CLBeaVmNrN3JRXUqD~yvhqQhvZxah5Vj6olb5hS7JabWrDb4U0M~GW2yP5iGE5VOLd-B0sAT4rFeaTiL68ZwtvbzvKZ6NmWCDr4ejNZuYmg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Brainerd School Board voted to approve a resolution proposing unrequested leaves of absence without pay for eight teachers, effective at the close of the 2024–25 school year on June 30, 2025.

Superintendent Grant read the proposed resolution to place the following teachers on unrequested leave of absence: Garth Askergaard, Allison Bullard, Madeline Hastings, Nedra Hedlund, Claire Horn, Bobby Crutchin, Bethany Mauss and Bridal Nyberg. The resolution cited \"financial limitations and discontinuance of position\" as the grounds for the proposed placements and referenced the statutory and contractual process described in the board packet.

The motion to propose placement on unrequested leave of absence passed after a roll-call vote. Board members recorded affirmative votes during roll call: D. J. Donnellinger, Stephanie Ederman, Randy Heidman, Sarah Spear, John Ward and Michelle Brooken each answered yes on the record. The superintendent and human-resources staff noted that the action follows statutory notice requirements; the resolution sets an opportunity for hearing if requested by the affected employees.

Board members asked questions about recall rights, seniority and whether retirements or reassignments could alter the list; staff confirmed openings could change recall order and that affected staff would be eligible to reapply for posted positions. The superintendent noted affected employees will receive written notice and that placement on the unrequested leave list is subject to applicable statute and master agreement provisions.

The board’s action at the meeting is a formal step in the statutory unrequested leave process; staff said additional administrative steps and notices will follow as required by law.","The board gave preliminary approval to place eight teachers on unrequested leave of absence effective June 30, 2025; the resolution cites financial limitations and discontinuance of position and includes a list of affected staff.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6564684,"Board approves 3% increase to employee medical premiums, approves insurer change recommendation",1210,2846000,4056000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3275635-37fec2d5d054d64251d2d8fd31a651be&start=2846&end=4056","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3275635-37fec2d5d054d64251d2d8fd31a651be/thumbnail_2846000.jpg","/articles/6564684/Minnesota/Board-approves-3-increase-to-employee-medical-premiums-approves-insurer-change-recommendation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6564684-b7353d51f9220b6dfae19a069bcfbbf0/orig.mp4?Expires=1773034118&Signature=Vt3vMN-tugkUPQJremOzhtlqP52LpXNonB1tsn52Xds4Yjg9p5RMm8Xjw8Gy7jacHi3qjqgvRjllLKttUj6Z4cvJJdNz2Gr2~OPNCAzjGnzQ5JLqGmpxCxkkdaDAZGP99WvKcT41PilDoXz42~PXPN79u6F6NQ7R842xRy6Ww4YAAuknfSuvIdIkBV70ovljXQzobGOiMOudlwB7CfEerujh0GnWf0U5-ywwSAhtJo1bVu8RIDDrCF~eJwfyuh6Cwl92Fut-IDOwrCZU46jzaYEnEOKw9fQMvNrS6seOemQl0Cd1phgawhp0tZehM2N7gg3mFnQnAc8gXA2be2KQ5A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Brainerd School Board approved a 3% increase to the district’s self-insured medical insurance premiums at its regular meeting Tuesday and heard a recommendation from the district’s benefits consultant to transition plan administration to a new vendor to improve reinsurance pricing and rebate returns.

Representatives from National Insurance Services (NIS) summarized the district’s claims experience and recommended a modest premium increase to address medical trend and administrative costs. \"When we trend those claims forward ... our recommendation at NIS is a 3% increase on our medical insurance premiums,\" said Marci Lord of National Insurance Services.

NIS explained the district’s current loss-ratio metrics and stop-loss protections. The consultants said the district’s plan performs above their target loss ratios; they recommended a 3% premium increase rather than fully funding an actuarial trend in part because competitive quotes—along with a vendor change—would offset costs. The consultants proposed transitioning to a plan administration arrangement (presented as HealthPartners/Crumpdale in the bid materials) that would provide more favorable reinsurance terms and allow the district to recapture a larger share of pharmacy rebate dollars.

Board members pressed for details about who would bear higher premiums and whether retirees or employee groups would be affected; consultants said contribution splits depend on group contracts but that the total premium dollar increase affects both district and employees proportionately. Officials said the district has about 818 employees on coverage and about 100 retirees still on the plan.

The NIS presentation also highlighted use of a telehealth service (Healthiest U), which the consultant said redirected roughly $316,000 in claims away from more expensive settings and reported roughly 860 total registrations among employees and dependents to date. \"Instead of someone going to urgent care under our medical plan benefits, they're able to receive the care that they need ... and they're able to get a prescription,\" an NIS representative said.

Director Donnellinger moved approval of the revised premiums and the board approved the change.

Staff said the district will present final contract documents and implementation details and that changes take effect at the plan renewal date. The board also discussed use of OPEB funds for retiree costs and noted that catastrophic specific stop-loss protection is set at $300,000 per claim under current stop-loss arrangements.","After a benefits presentation, the board approved a 3% increase on medical insurance premiums and heard staff recommend switching plan administration to gain pharmacy rebate flexibility and better reinsurance pricing; the board discussed telehealth savings.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6564689,"Brainerd board adopts new 9–12 ELA curriculum and one-year CommonLit package",1385,1449000,2834000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3275635-37fec2d5d054d64251d2d8fd31a651be&start=1449&end=2834","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3275635-37fec2d5d054d64251d2d8fd31a651be/thumbnail_1449000.jpg","/articles/6564689/Minnesota/Brainerd-board-adopts-new-912-ELA-curriculum-and-one-year-CommonLit-package","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6564689-c08e2eb1e54ecf8f55e4996c1aee5769/orig.mp4?Expires=1773034118&Signature=JsR0KbuYrzn8iuGMsjV~bA0b73HpVbP14CJ~A1mG3io-dLt0U-o1ddptOv7FTO9ibpk0QRju0u-BCsmvXiLtS-qEgYMnsK02ray1iiRx3jJygwaTnxi66v0RRHKFCyCtne15SlVLCVJyj5rIUGevLPUM0GzuWMBwOqWDJt30YnzZxztFyUEQbFeWfvHWrntlrnghaOlNdpAmKEcWE6RW1NvxPf42NeZ9pfLlEuVHo4sDKi1LnC~LcZFmVX-gmcGVo19-cZVvbELsPuAvQXcfJWw6GYFzuCj-dH57aXA8Z5uDN~-G7R9~uJzYaSpal0-xdOERgbJNUQ-uNhDf9ZO3Cg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Brainerd School Board on Tuesday approved a new 9–12 English language arts curriculum and a one-year paid subscription to CommonLit, a web-based instructional resource the district will pilot for assessment and professional development.

Curriculum presenters said the work was intended to align instruction with the Minnesota ELA 2020 standards and to increase student choice, discussion-based learning and inclusion of multiple perspectives. \"Our vision of the high school English department is to create critical thinkers,\" said Carla Shepherd Johnson, a Brainerd High School teacher, during the presentation.

The curriculum team described a condensed review process this year and recommended CommonLit after reviewing several open educational resources and talking with other districts. Alan Hewitt, a teacher who helped lead the review, told the board that the district would buy one year of expanded access to CommonLit so staff could use the platform’s cold-read assessments and data dashboards. \"That 1 time, that 1 year access is enough to kind of see what's there,\" Hewitt said. The presenters said the one-year quote was about $6,500; district staff described the feature set as including assessments, a data dashboard and professional development.

Board members asked how CommonLit aligns to Minnesota standards and whether the district would continue to use paper texts where appropriate. Alice Cornia, the district’s K–12 literacy and humanities coordinator, said CommonLit provides alignment indicators to state standards and that paper copies would still be available when appropriate. Board members emphasized accountability and said they expected staff to evaluate the effect of the new curriculum on student outcomes.

Director Brecken moved adoption of the curriculum and the accompanying digital access; Director Edmond seconded. The motion carried.

The district will budget the one-year CommonLit access for next school year; presenters said some CommonLit features (such as multi-language display) are available in the free tier but the district wants the paid assessment and data features for the pilot year.

The board’s action covers the districtwide scope of the 9–12 ELA sequence; staff said they will return in future meetings with implementation details and student assessment results for board review.","The Brainerd School Board approved a new 9–12 English language arts curriculum and a one-year paid CommonLit access including assessments and professional development, at a cost the presenters said would be about $6,500 for one year.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board agrees to limited summer pilot allowing food and non-alcoholic beverages in auditorium; alcohol policy remains restricted for many events

Parents and students tell board of bullying, retaliation and booster-club fundraising concerns

Board approves proposed unrequested leaves of absence for eight teachers

Board approves 3% increase to employee medical premiums, approves insurer change recommendation

Brainerd board adopts new 9–12 ELA curriculum and one-year CommonLit package