[{"_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",5977771,"mediaKeyId","5809490-80421abe125092dcd474cc7369dd02d6","parentId",5809490,"title","Brainerd board votes to engage MSBA for superintendent search; board to prep community input","audioSeconds",450,"startMs",6088000,"endMs",6538000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5809490-80421abe125092dcd474cc7369dd02d6&start=6088&end=6538","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5809490-80421abe125092dcd474cc7369dd02d6/thumbnail_6088000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5977771/Minnesota/Brainerd-board-votes-to-engage-MSBA-for-superintendent-search-board-to-prep-community-input","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5977771-3838e305c8682b2d89d469b179ceeeea/orig.mp4?Expires=1775433241&Signature=T8CFWXOUzno7VDnVfvXyrlBGHrErHAkppRWQTOKuqj4fzfZRBiKeMEAGznxfqorokisZExf1QGf9mdT56lKd1e~-3d5J7vE1s7OlhBU5hf37RfM1lOWB6LDB~CwYyEN50eVEgZII-7xugII2PZEr~c1b9kBD~sI4SDCooRWkd~J6zwjCNXg96odzAfs8edx13YcDf~PtnCm1K7oHAski5b9xIRYXJZmM7DLXgY8vZzsZ1o8xbh1icgTY~3BLyyltUk3EK~~CuJ3jVs6X2HmR1dIyJ8geb44o~hsP~vSpCLLXPH1YQnUf09RwKElj4hnWwNRNqLmsdAoakKT5hb-Srw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Brainerd Public Schools","date","2025-09-22T00:00:00Z","article","The Brainerd School Board voted Sept. 23 to authorize district administration to engage the Minnesota School Boards Association to support the district’s upcoming superintendent search.

The board’s motion directs staff to place the district on MSBA’s calendar and begin preparatory work, including drafting candidate questionnaires and planning community input. Director Edmond moved the engagement; Director Donnellinger seconded the motion and it carried.

Why it matters: The superintendent search will determine the district’s next chief executive and instructional leader. MSBA provides recruiting, vetting and process-management services, including community surveys, candidate outreach and background checks that many districts rely on for legal and procedural consistency.

Board discussion: Some board members asked whether internal candidates should be considered before a full external search or whether the board could run portions of the process in‑house to save costs. Several directors and staff cited MSBA’s capacity to manage application volumes, guarantee recruitment and perform vetting as reasons to use the service. Board members also agreed to begin internal work now — drafting questions and planning community forums — so the process is ready when MSBA begins active recruiting in late fall and winter.

Timing: Board members noted MSBA’s experience that many applicants submit materials during the Christmas and New Year holidays and said the district should be prepared to launch outreach in that window.

Ending: The board’s motion authorizes immediate engagement with MSBA and asks administration to prepare materials for a search process that will include community input and multiple board‑level decisions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","September 22, 2025 School Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Brainerd School Board authorized district administration to re‑engage the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) to support the upcoming superintendent search and agreed to begin preparatory work on community surveys and candidate criteria.","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},5977776,"District MCA scores prompt concern from board and parents; principals to present school improvement plans",894,3246000,4140000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5809490-80421abe125092dcd474cc7369dd02d6&start=3246&end=4140","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5809490-80421abe125092dcd474cc7369dd02d6/thumbnail_3246000.jpg","/articles/5977776/Minnesota/District-MCA-scores-prompt-concern-from-board-and-parents-principals-to-present-school-improvement-plans","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5977776-f07b4092b8e3c39c61fc1cdd70ce55a6/orig.mp4?Expires=1775433241&Signature=Dlgvnh1XkurE1WD-ai4s0DpJc8yqzq8On-R-xt3d1B7SRDMo~sJzlXLcwPtrTX2RJnHlhvLRtl~-nay58u6UunWvKX~2XD96kgBa2DaBNMzDhqwkhJU6r1KaCYA4JvztUUK7F4Oe96KxiBnMcFtZUe~TWvIg0C2OoePvMmQ7EDeu~z5br98AjO9f0frvcfQ6KUs6PAGvM-9Mme2032MGnEZGY6DX7vDynhtNysu-xtUs4M6JH-64fDjqNSy5fWtAto6NZhEQYlNnLNubdx~3F9SREGp3eLVgocAaj7M5BCxi-ClX7pWkWPNxdY1jEUrvMMViDswEOVSlKRbo~cBxeQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Brainerd School Board received districtwide results from the spring Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) on Sept. 23 and heard concerns from board members and parents about falling proficiency in some schools.

District staff summarized the MCA outcomes and how state assessments fit into a layered system of classroom, district and state assessments used to guide instruction. The district reported an overall reading proficiency of 51.5 percent and math proficiency of 45.6 percent across tested grades; principals will bring school-level continuous improvement plans to board meetings this fall.

Board and public reaction: Several speakers — and at least one board member — urged closer attention to individual school declines. A board member (speaking as Director Ralphs in discussion) flagged sharp drops at specific elementary schools, citing Garfield and Lowell as examples and asking whether curriculum, professional development or other factors had changed.

Parents and community members reinforced those concerns. One board member said the district should “invest in quality professional development” and examine class sizes and out‑of‑school factors that affect learning. A parent reported a classroom at Garfield with 29 third graders and another at Riverside with 27 first graders, noting a high share of students on IEPs.

District response and next steps: Christina (the district assessment lead) and other administrators said the results are one data point and that staff will use FastBridge screening and other diagnostic tools this fall to direct targeted instruction. The district noted that elementary staff completed intensive literacy training (OLA) last year and are now implementing structured literacy practices; teacher teams are reviewing the MCA “performance level descriptors” to align instruction to tested benchmarks.

School‑level work: District leaders said principals will present comprehensive improvement plans (CIPs) and school goals in October–December board meetings, drawing on fall FastBridge screening data and MCA item‑level analysis to identify curriculum gaps and professional learning needs.

Participation and opt‑outs: District staff also said they are working to compile data on MCA participation and opt‑outs; staff acknowledged that students who do not participate are counted in proficiency calculations and that non‑participation can affect school-level results.

Ending: Administrators said the fall screening and principals’ CIP presentations will show where interventions are needed, and the district will track progress through the school year. The board directed staff to return with school-level plans and progress metrics in coming months.","New MCA (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments) results presented at the Brainerd School Board meeting showed modest declines in district reading and math proficiency; several board members and parents pressed for explanations and described targeted plans for principals to bring continuous-improvement plans to upcoming meetings.",{"_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},5977781,"Actuary: Brainerd’s retiree-benefits trust covers ~80% of liability; annual OPEB levy remains available",601,1959000,2560000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5809490-80421abe125092dcd474cc7369dd02d6&start=1959&end=2560","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5809490-80421abe125092dcd474cc7369dd02d6/thumbnail_1959000.jpg","/articles/5977781/Minnesota/Actuary-Brainerds-retiree-benefits-trust-covers-80-of-liability-annual-OPEB-levy-remains-available","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5977781-6d71e38dc3d24e6f7ae5b91db2f9130f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775433241&Signature=feYqjHCpzH8EYHVA56y0lYEzVvD2Bjyz2jeyYMl~Xj5Ltar-xcuLrakU7t65N9ou~56wiYclIJNtPqmNHxG4mqLvFhcvMGGta0Psh8IPYiEw2Fn4roIA1iCR3GjTn5SmXhWuQTzQPq771GmYCGnzk-IqXf~spMzloS8Fxif6yyPJD9r~1x8DoQdyE6bIU3-PiiV7q38ylRB2q7keAxMEOaAR~m1Xl5Qg3lV1~zA5jxzT6r8wxbp3yGoj3QDmAsFTJT4-JaumDq8Yk4Mqe-jjF5s5JygiBxywjVl~BddAE-h1WsKf2dce~QCXt0rl1k0e0YnPied2HKa7nYvjhoY-3w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","An actuarial presentation at the Sept. 23 Brainerd School Board meeting showed the district’s accrued liability for other post‑employment benefits — chiefly retiree medical and dental — is about $19.9 million, with an irrevocable OPEB trust valued at roughly $15.9 million as of July 1, 2024.

Jill Ertel, an actuary working with the district’s consulting firm (HLDI/USI), told the board the district is about 80% funded on its current accrued OPEB liability. The remaining unfunded portion is roughly 20% of the accrued liability.

“How much do you have to pay out approximately each year in these OPEB benefit payments?” a board member asked; Ertel said the expected benefit payments for fiscal 2024–25 are roughly $2.3 million, with about $1.6 million being direct subsidized benefits paid by the district and the rest due to implicit rate subsidies for early retirees.

Why it matters: OPEB liabilities are an ongoing obligation that can affect long-term district finances and creditworthiness. The district’s trust and asset policy influence how much general‑fund revenue must be directed to pay retiree benefits in future budgets.

Levy option and funding levers: Ertel outlined three primary funding levers: the irrevocable OPEB trust, general fund contributions and an annual OPEB levy authorized by state statute tied to the district’s unfunded accrued liability. Using preliminary numbers, she estimated the district could levy up to about $400,000–$450,000 for the 2024–25 cycle if it chose to do so; the levy is an annual, discretionary decision and does not have to be used every year.

Ertel explained the OPEB levy statute was enacted as part of a historical window when districts could issue OPEB bonds; annual levies are now limited by statute and the district’s funded percentage of accrued liability. The consultant also said most of the remaining OPEB liability results from “implicit” subsidy — the difference between group blended premium rates and the higher expected claim costs of early retirees — and that the state statute requires offering group‑rate continuation only until Medicare eligibility.

Trust investments and returns: The OPEB trust’s asset mix and investment policy are under district control. Ertel said the trust’s mix at mid‑year was roughly 65% fixed income and 35% equities, with recent annual returns ranging from roughly 3.3% to 9.9% over the last two years; the district’s assumed return target is about 5%.

Process vs. decision: The presentation was informational; the board did not adopt an OPEB levy. Board staff noted the annual levy would require an MDE application and routine review; the board could elect to levy in a given year, reduce the levy in a later year or elect not to levy if the trust or other revenue sources suffice.

Ending: The actuarial update will be used for financial disclosures under GASB 75 and to inform future budget choices; district staff said they will continue to coordinate with the actuary and the Minnesota Department of Education on any levy application.","An actuarial review presented to the Brainerd School Board found the district’s other post‑employment benefits (OPEB) accrued liability at about $19.9 million with roughly $15.9 million in an irrevocable trust (≈80% funded); consultants noted an annual levy option for up to about $450,000 could be pursued to cover unfunded portions.",{"_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},5977786,"Parents urge Brainerd School Board to let voters decide levy rather than enact deep cuts",380,356000,736000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5809490-80421abe125092dcd474cc7369dd02d6&start=356&end=736","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5809490-80421abe125092dcd474cc7369dd02d6/thumbnail_356000.jpg","/articles/5977786/Minnesota/Parents-urge-Brainerd-School-Board-to-let-voters-decide-levy-rather-than-enact-deep-cuts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5977786-a5fa76b7fabb60ca6ff7b0b2269c4677/orig.mp4?Expires=1775433241&Signature=ZYZ-Ru4DwzrmfYTd1y15F-UrA0AbvaWondY7LTrsbUFxT5F3cTkd8KXuHASxH0LV5IRsdcL-0tRK5ZQDiZ0aMWNDhzB2W1bQ-8~6a-wUJ-VrtjVD8PxTkpJN~Oa85HZ7jqKv3PTNfqZPUT4jom1rppPqbL3kbPzD9XtcRqveXOlh6I75UwEwBXCuKzFHrTSsCLY0oCtSo1U3chMGmZ-KTP~QheZdPbMxQxalfZ7Vu3tYPHmLW9nULJ7QppUIOxhGnyNXhDZ3DV9xMvdUL3YjSIn0iZwMnFZGOberDvxJj5vdUrcP57LHz9WIFzFIwGFB7RVZ9OlfBEYW4850svTWgQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of parents and community members urged the Brainerd School Board on Sept. 23 to seek a voter-approved levy instead of implementing proposed budget cuts that speakers said would shrink programs and swell classroom sizes.

The appeals came during the meeting’s public comment period as the board weighs several budget-reduction scenarios to close a shortfall. Speakers repeatedly asked the board to let the community decide between a tax increase and service reductions.

“Please let us decide,” said Ed Shaw, a business owner and parent. “The people, the public should decide — do we want to have a levy increase, pay a little more in taxes to avoid these cuts or do we want to have the cuts go through?”

Why it matters: Board members and staff have outlined multiple options for closing the district’s budget gap that would affect extracurriculars, transportation and classroom staffing. Parents said those options would change students’ daily experience, risk losing teachers and reduce the district’s ability to attract families.

Speakers described concrete impacts. Sarah Hayden Shaw, a parent at Forest View, said classroom sizes this fall already exceed 30 students in multiple classes and warned that further cuts would worsen conditions: “It’s over 30 for every 1 of their classes this year.”

Several commenters highlighted the potential elimination or reduction of the Agate program (also rendered in the record as “Aggie/AGIT”), an advanced elementary program. Ruby Shaw, a former Agate student, said cutting the program would “close so many opportunities to kids.” Bernita Morsch, whose siblings attend the program, described it as “perfect for me because I was challenged.”

Other speakers emphasized broader community consequences. Jared Erickson, a Brainerd High School graduate who returned to the district with his family, said reductions to arts, physical education and after‑school activities would make the district less attractive to returning or new families and risk a long-term admission decline.

Some speakers urged immediate fundraising as a short-term fix: “I’ve done some math and for us to raise $3,000,000 … 6,000 of us would need to each donate $500,” said Susanna Lamusma, arguing that community fundraising could provide relief if the board demonstrated unity.

Board action and next steps: The board voted in the same meeting to approve a proposed property tax levy at the maximum amount allowed under current information for taxes payable in 2026; the vote set a ceiling rather than a final dollar amount and allows the board to reduce the levy later. Director Donnellinger made the motion and Director Brecken seconded it; the motion carried.

The board will publish the proposed tax statement through county channels ahead of a public hearing scheduled for Dec. 8 and a final levy vote at the regular December meeting. Opponents of placing an operating levy on this November’s ballot noted separately during the meeting that, under the district’s timeline and statutory process, the earliest practical ballot opportunity would be next November.

Discussion vs. decision: The public comments were part of the meeting’s public input period and did not constitute formal direction or a board decision about specific cuts; the board asked district administrators to return with recommended plans that balance protecting student experience and long‑term fiscal stability. The levy vote on Sept. 23 set only a maximum property-tax amount for 2026 for further public review and does not by itself authorize new taxes beyond later final approval.

Community context and concerns: Speakers repeatedly warned of cascading effects — shrinking elective programs, longer bus rides, teacher departures and continued enrollment declines — and asked the board to involve staff and community in choices about tradeoffs. Several parents asked the board to prioritize giving teachers resources and to be transparent about what cuts each budget scenario would remove.

Ending: The board’s approval of a proposed levy moves the district to a public-review phase; district staff will present detailed budget tradeoffs and outreach plans in the coming weeks ahead of a formal public hearing in December.","Dozens of parents and community members urged the Brainerd School Board to put a funding levy before voters to avoid program and staff cuts, citing larger class sizes, loss of specialized programs and harm to teacher retention; the board later approved a proposed tax levy for taxes payable 2026 to allow further public review.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Brainerd board votes to engage MSBA for superintendent search; board to prep community input

District MCA scores prompt concern from board and parents; principals to present school improvement plans

Actuary: Brainerd’s retiree-benefits trust covers ~80% of liability; annual OPEB levy remains available

Parents urge Brainerd School Board to let voters decide levy rather than enact deep cuts