The superintendent reported October 1 enrollment at 2,356 students, down from an initial start‑of‑year figure the district briefly reported as 2,380. The district said it keeps students on the rolls for 15 days after registration to confirm enrollments and that elementary capacity is near planned class sizes.

On athletics, the superintendent said the Central Lakes Conference voted 9–1 to accept Bemidji into the conference beginning next fall; the superintendent and athletic director discussed scheduling and travel impacts for long‑haul game trips.

The districts building HVAC project is in final stages: boilers have been fired, systems are being flushed and contractors are addressing leaks discovered during restart work. The superintendent said that final cleaning and punch‑list work is being done evenings and weekends and that the system should be near completion in the coming week.

The superintendent reported health insurance trends from a recent benefits committee meeting: health insurance premiums are expected to increase about 10 percent; dental costs rose more; long‑term disability costs declined substantially because of changes tied to the new state paid family leave program and adjustments to the LTD elimination period. The superintendent noted most employees pay a share of the cost and that district budgeting accounts for the change.

On labor negotiations, the superintendent and business manager summarized bargaining with Education Minnesota (teachers): language items largely resolved and bargaining now focused on finances. The district offered a roughly 8.08 percent two‑year package (final district offer reported as 8.08 percent over two years); the teachers countered at about 10.7 percent over two years. Staff reported the proposal would raise starting pay and provide schedule movement at lower lanes; the district said modeled individual increases varied widely. The district and union remained in active negotiations with follow-up meetings scheduled.

The superintendent also said talks with the paraprofessional unit have narrowed to a small number of language items and compensation questions; both processes were described as productive and ongoing.

Board members asked for follow-up on student departures and on how insurance options might be made more flexible for employees; the superintendent said the district will review enrollment changes and continue negotiations and that many employees take high‑deductible plans with HSA contributions.

The superintendent concluded with reminders about upcoming strategic planning meetings, committee schedules and the next board meeting date.