[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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],{"_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",6458922,"mediaKeyId","5799304-4da96c58dbd162efa725518adb7b7733","parentId",5799304,"title","Votes at a glance: Board accepts donations, certifies levy at maximum, rehires three staff, approves MSBA resolution","audioSeconds",329,"startMs",2155000,"endMs",2484000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5799304-4da96c58dbd162efa725518adb7b7733&start=2155&end=2484","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5799304-4da96c58dbd162efa725518adb7b7733/thumbnail_2155000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6458922/Minnesota/Votes-at-a-glance-Board-accepts-donations-certifies-levy-at-maximum-rehires-three-staff-approves-MSBA-resolution","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6458922-0cae70546eb6e32f2a9c19d05f8be32c/orig.mp4?Expires=1773712017&Signature=Eg1tLQtuL-TcHQlfsPBXNaqNg9ko7O6L~I5NJSk~NXRN~bo8HWZl6gTF-u9Am3VjwRUtvPbvDeSTwNz1nS2XJkwJ4A8GkmKedq4kgyQb888km~MyiWLuYivuByb1ElHo1VGWNlX0yKcG-NNPed6DhiVyT0yiqX0~Rbtyoeq2doDjANplqBrqmtAu7a-1H1kNgsFIAmoKvINViTfnniIXfyP7nQseIr1yxLA0sY32XEL4lCEBSh0ZRPU2~Uub-Y-eUcUDBIxobYqe76hikli06CeglzYij1kWcVv9TqjOyqt1pRn4QlkxvLoox3Hh7B5jmV1CARr4rGJPmEB3rg55UA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Bemidji Public School District","date","2025-09-16T12:23:44Z","article","The Bemidji Public School District board took several formal actions at its Sept. 15 meeting. All votes recorded in the meeting were unanimous and are listed below with key details.

Donation acceptance
- Motion: Accept donations presented to the board.
- Details: Jack donated $2,500 toward sixth-grade football equipment.
- Outcome: Approved unanimously (voice vote). No roll-call names were recorded for this vote.

Initial levy limitation certification (2025 payable 2026)
- Motion: Certify the initial 2025 payable 2026 levy limitation at the maximum amount allowed under state funding formulas (allowing MDE to make later adjustments prior to final certification in December).
- Presenter: Ashley Eastbridge, district finance presentation.
- Rationale: Presenter explained that certifying at the maximum avoids under-levying categories tied to state aid and accommodates pending adjustments to the state-generated levy report.
- Outcome: Approved unanimously (voice vote). The board recorded “Aye” and said “None opposed. That carries unanimously.”

Reemployment resolution (rehires)
- Motion: Rehire the following individuals whose prior releases were effective June 5, 2025, due to subsequent vacancies and required licensure/permissions being obtained: John Kovach, Christy Winchell, and Kaye Sierbich.
- Presenter: Jordan Hickman (human resources/administration).
- Vote: Roll-call recorded; Frenzel — Yes; Haugen — Yes; Agus — Yes; Longboatner — Yes; Manakee — Yes; Wall — Yes.
- Outcome: Approved by roll call (all recorded Yes). The board noted this is a resolution and conducted a roll-call vote.

MSBA resolution submission (requesting adequate time to implement new laws)
- Motion: Authorize submission to the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) of a resolution urging the legislature and MSBA to advocate for at least one year of lead time before new laws with significant district costs take effect.
- Rationale: The proposal asks MSBA to lobby for timing that allows districts to plan for legislative changes that affect budgets (examples cited included reductions in special education transportation funding and library aid in recent legislative sessions).
- Outcome: Approved unanimously (voice vote). Board gave permission to submit the resolution to MSBA.

Procedural votes (agenda and consent)
- The board approved the meeting agenda and accepted the consent agenda by unanimous voice vote earlier in the meeting.

Notes and next steps
- For the levy certification, Ashley Eastbridge noted the MDE levy limitation certification report is subject to adjustments; certifying at maximum is intended to accommodate subsequent corrections and eliminate the need for additional board meetings before December final certification.
- For the rehires, personnel documentation and licensure issues were discussed in the human-resources presentation that preceded the roll-call vote.

The board adjourned after completing these actions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","ISD#31 15sep25 - School Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Bemidji Public School District board unanimously accepted donations, certified the initial 2025 payable 2026 levy at the maximum allowed by state funding formulas, approved three rehires by roll call, and authorized submission of an MSBA resolution at its Sept. 15 meeting.","taxTitle","Bemidji Public School District, School Boards, Minnesota","taxId",38726,"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},6458926,"Students urge textbook replacements, report choir growth and large class sizes at Bemidji High",93,916000,1009000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5799304-4da96c58dbd162efa725518adb7b7733&start=916&end=1009","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5799304-4da96c58dbd162efa725518adb7b7733/thumbnail_916000.jpg","/articles/6458926/Minnesota/Students-urge-textbook-replacements-report-choir-growth-and-large-class-sizes-at-Bemidji-High","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6458926-bafe0a2f669aa22b1c6c88a9a835eb49/orig.mp4?Expires=1773712017&Signature=m8zSNtZ-QV-zW00ifCao46LGrjpk6dMyD6B3EDr7QpGpzkXkHZem87KSIJVnK5wuq7OeAPTD5V7wGygOlBUrprWHtYUt-OsGfkrX1Y4tk4V~zBdHF5Efk0ewzhUqK2JnKy7D5zDlCP2u7yiC5J3OkY7rpeteni2GRLMEjTEOv11kB3mCNB8112J0p7EFoNMjb1TjKKIBedWA7LOOhYpfOk3mfsYrLjdHL1znqbcm3OrkXh71XinCQ5WpoAUnTmVy9FN4slpFDJC4cOgR5jjEzp~SoU7ixgNUzd1s5QH2gGu8tRng9cKKytoRLhrujhojZyZJ7rvGI5hmyevxzh98jA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Student representatives from Bemidji High School reported several items to the school board on Sept. 15, citing curriculum needs, extracurricular growth and classroom capacity concerns.

A student speaker said some high school math textbooks are \"older than I am, which is 17 years old,\" and urged the board to prioritize math textbook replacement. The presenter noted the district plans to replace math textbooks in February but asked that curriculum budget cuts not be made before replacement.

\"Math textbooks are the most used, and due to age, they are falling apart,\" the student said, adding a request that curriculum budget cuts be avoided so textbooks do not remain in use for extended periods.

Student reporters also said the choir program grew from about 140 students last year to more than 200 this year; the acapella choir was selected as one of four groups to sing at the MMEA event in February. Another student noted that many core classes are near capacity: \"most of my core classes have about 40 kids in them,\" which the students said is straining classroom space and resources.

Students outlined upcoming student events including the first-ever homecoming dance Sept. 20, an activities parade downtown, a women's flag football game, pep fest and the Bemidji vs. Brainerd football game at BSU Stadium. They also said there will be no school on Sept. 29 for a staff development day.

The board acknowledged the reports and the district later reiterated the curriculum cycle and the importance of staying on schedule to avoid higher long-term replacement costs.","Student representatives told the board that some math textbooks are 17 years old, choir enrollment exceeded 200 students, and many core classes have about 40 students; students said math textbooks are scheduled for replacement in February.",{"_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},6458931,"Bemidji district shows modest assessment gains; science results pending",547,1129000,1676000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5799304-4da96c58dbd162efa725518adb7b7733&start=1129&end=1676","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5799304-4da96c58dbd162efa725518adb7b7733/thumbnail_1129000.jpg","/articles/6458931/Minnesota/Bemidji-district-shows-modest-assessment-gains-science-results-pending","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6458931-18219f6625582b7ff04b8ba2132d3c29/orig.mp4?Expires=1773712017&Signature=EPlO37h~w7fFfMsrXXBGY~ondaUntEqPGP04eLGr9cdNc8pms06YbI-A6oFhsRGYpKscg7aAnQBNL3jJ5x4iZXUBYdCrOVfV9A6s5nxR9uuObqmqOY8bdP-d2HRPrXvqYGG8eoshzC3EkK-unlo2Hba9OeoKdqIVHQctPDpIDVvRwK~-e9aChWJQf88jDL2RCJY4cFAxQHt~~qZMGLF3gfBSirs07iSKr8qbIn8E4YQD9STzgpVz57lEcYzoEYyhvccseSFv68nfd~5OELEN5E3Q-Wa6ztHVJNiUoyWlHrB6paskeORAPRZ01wWsYNzXwN6dZoZcPiaPuuuZSJDs8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Colleen (district assessment lead) presented the Bemidji Public School District’s 2024–25 assessment summary to the school board on Sept. 15, reporting enrollment, MCA results, FastBridge growth and graduation figures.

The district’s Oct. 1, 2024, enrollment was reported at 4,722, down from 4,812 the prior year. The district’s MCA math proficiency was 46%, slightly above the state at 45.7%; MCA reading proficiency was 47.7%, below the state at 50.2. Colleen noted subgroup results and called out Horace May, Lincoln and Northern elementary schools as more than 9–10 percentage points above the state average in math or reading proficiency.

\"Our 10/01/2024 data show that our enrollment to be at 4,722,\" Colleen said. She also summarized subgroup performance (special education, free-and-reduced, American Indian, Hispanic, African American, white and multiracial groups) and compared each to statewide percentages provided in the report.

FastBridge growth measures showed districtwide improvements from fall to spring in both reading and math benchmark scores; Colleen reported a decrease in the number of students in the high-risk skill range and growth in the number of students in the solid-skill area.

Colleen said MCA science results remain delayed and were not available at the meeting. On graduation rates, the districtwide rate (including Bemidji High School, Lumberjack High, First City and AEC) stood at 74.8% versus the statewide 84.2%; Bemidji High School alone was listed at 80.6%.

District leaders said their improvement focus remains Tier 1 instruction, aligning assessments with priority standards and continuing professional development. Colleen said schools that are substantially above the state typically show 2–3% gains year to year and that the district plans to continue what it described as a multi-year effort.

Board members asked for questions and thanked staff for the work. Colleen and other administrators noted the transient student population affected graduation trends and that more time and continued implementation of curriculum and instruction work are needed to sustain gains.","Superintendent staff presented 2024–25 district assessment results: enrollment down to 4,722, MCA math proficiency near state average, reading slightly below state, FastBridge growth positive, and district science results delayed.",{"_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},6458936,"Bemidji 31 Foundation seeks volunteers and events to expand classroom grants",652,134000,786000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5799304-4da96c58dbd162efa725518adb7b7733&start=134&end=786","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5799304-4da96c58dbd162efa725518adb7b7733/thumbnail_134000.jpg","/articles/6458936/Minnesota/Bemidji-31-Foundation-seeks-volunteers-and-events-to-expand-classroom-grants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6458936-73ae7a6f45644d92f26cd47f9764d05c/orig.mp4?Expires=1773712017&Signature=VfLFh15K-dbDdfWAEg4pF3IFqmFP14DxgnqvmWmL677kfdcJYqxiLMDhFA4CRHJatOM1PfTZSOvrKvA71KG5J0pEho22VJ3hyk8a00r9umyyhX9PJwqEi27KFoDrYLDVNEFnd7ewwqLhlxHNE~QyPjbpe4CNM5-qYVjqyGy06rHJrCNm6Aw73ZFeERgD4SGIk~Io1Ldx7E5Co7tsUbKvHjwM95PECl3oBRZIq670AexgUPuygNjcB1IOAGMyWv~JczHNiigtCgwp8xlYZTRBdXJ1qxpw1sAwntiu1AiDc4BEYb6JH~vZ1Tvd3Ax8N0UieRV0X7DRqzGne6YbK7dEHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jeff Hack, president of the Bemidji 31 Education Foundation, presented the nonprofit’s work to the Bemidji Public School District board on Sept. 15 and asked for volunteers and community support to increase grant funding for classroom projects.

The foundation, a component fund of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, has funded 83 projects totaling more than $53,000 since launching in 2019, Hack said. The foundation’s current annual grant budget is about $14,000; organizers want to expand that by running four events a year and growing volunteer support.

\"We are here to enhance the educational experiences for the children in our district, and we do that by giving out funds and resources to classroom educators throughout, ISD 31,\" Hack told the board. He said the group focuses solely on in-classroom academic needs and does not fund extracurriculars, scholarships or use tax dollars.

Hack described the foundation’s grant process: teachers apply after the first contract day, the window closes the Wednesday before the MEA break, and funds are intended to be in teachers’ hands by Nov. 1. Grants are one-year awards (funds must be spent in the year awarded) and can fully fund small projects, sustain existing programs or serve as a partner contribution to larger efforts.

Examples Hack cited included a third-grade rocketry program, teacher requests for 3D printers, and an outdoor-classroom accessibility contribution at Horace May where the foundation joined other partners to modify the space so students who use wheelchairs could participate.

To raise money, Hack said the foundation plans four annual events: a car show held in August, the second annual \"EduPutt Classic\" mini-golf fundraiser scheduled for the coming Saturday, a February dinner modeled on a \"100 women for a cause\" event, and a fourth event still being planned. Registration for EduPutt is $50 and includes a round of mini golf and pizza; QR codes and sign-up sheets were shared with the board.

Board members thanked Hack for the work and noted teachers frequently use personal funds for classroom supplies; Hack said some applicants report using their own money as matching funds for grant requests.

Hack also credited local community partners and individuals who help with in-kind support; he noted trophies for the EduPutt event were made by Gene Dillon and grant recipient/tradesperson Travis Whittington.

The foundation’s website is bemidjieducationfoundation.org and the group has a Facebook page; Hack encouraged board members and community members to participate in upcoming events or volunteer to support logistics.","The Bemidji 31 Education Foundation told the school board it has funded 83 classroom projects since 2019 and seeks volunteers and four annual fundraisers to increase a current $14,000 annual grant budget.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Board accepts donations, certifies levy at maximum, rehires three staff, approves MSBA resolution

Students urge textbook replacements, report choir growth and large class sizes at Bemidji High

Bemidji district shows modest assessment gains; science results pending

Bemidji 31 Foundation seeks volunteers and events to expand classroom grants