Board adopts 2025–2030 strategic plan focusing on instruction, wellness, communication and operations

The Grand Forks Public Schools board approved the district’s 2025–2030 strategic plan on Sept. 8 after a presentation by Superintendent Dr. Brenner. The board voted to adopt the plan by recorded roll call; the motion passed with eight votes in favor and one member absent.

Dr. Brenner described four priority areas in the plan: academic excellence, behavioral health and wellness, shared understanding (reciprocal communication), and operational effectiveness. He outlined three superintendent guardrails the district will follow: use only board-adopted curricular resources aligned with North Dakota standards; ensure district-wide classroom evaluation standards are met through supervision and coaching; and require professional learning communities to use continuous analysis of student achievement data and curricular alignment.

Under academic excellence, the plan emphasizes effective instruction, eliminating opportunity gaps and strengthening career- and college-readiness measures. The behavioral health and wellness section addresses positive-attendance practices, safe and supportive environments, and staff and student wellness initiatives. Shared understanding focuses on reciprocal communication between district leadership, principals, employees and families. Operational effectiveness highlights human-resources recruitment and retention, facilities planning and a five-year capital outlook, and modernization of the district’s technology infrastructure.

Board member Mister Cleven moved to approve the plan and Mister Anderson seconded. A roll-call vote followed with the recorded tally of yes votes from Larson, Palmasino, Cleven, Lund, Manley, Anderson, Hodak and Berger; Flynn was absent. The motion carried.