School board approves milk contract, calendar tweaks and league membership; several policy votes unanimous

The Bemidji Public School District board unanimously approved a series of motions during its May 19 meeting, including acceptance of two donations, awarding a two‑year milk contract to the incumbent distributor, approving revisions to the 2025–26 school calendar and voting to retain membership in the Minnesota State High School League.

The board accepted an anonymous $1,000 donation to the VHS debate team and an $806 gift to the Bemidji Middle School choir from Compass Rose LLC. The board approved the donations by voice vote; the motions carried unanimously.

On procurement, the board accepted a recommendation to award the district’s fiscal‑year 2026–27 milk contract to Performance Food Service rather than the lower bidder, 10 Fins Creamery. Administration told the board that 10 Fins’ bid was approximately $66,000 lower based on the quantities in the solicitation, but reference checks uncovered packaging, cleanliness and delivery‑reliability issues at other districts. The board approved awarding the contract to Performance Food Service by voice vote.

The board also approved two calendar revisions for the 2025–26 school year: moving a proposed early‑release day from April 2 to April 15 and changing the end of term date from April 2 to March 27 to better balance instructional terms. Administration said the change separates high school statewide testing days from spring break to encourage higher participation in MCAs. The motion passed by voice vote.

Board members approved a resolution to retain membership in the Minnesota State High School League, stressing that membership enables student participation and does not imply agreement with every league stance. That motion passed on a roll‑call vote with all named members voting yes.

The board advanced first readings of two policies: a revised SBR 740‑2 code of conduct (including a technology‑misuse item addressing recording or photographing without consent) and SBR 370‑1 (payment fees and other charges), both of which the board moved forward unanimously. Administration said proposed fee increases are intended to raise about $27,000 districtwide and that fee waivers remain available for qualifying families.

Finally, the board approved rescinding four outdated or duplicated policies (490‑1, 490‑6, 490‑9 and 490‑8). Administration characterized the rescissions as housekeeping to avoid duplication and to conform to current state statute.

Votes at a glance - Donations accepted: $1,000 (anonymous) to VHS debate team; $806 from Compass Rose LLC to Bemidji Middle School choir — approved (unanimous, voice vote). - Milk contract (FY26–27): Award to Performance Food Service; administration recommended due to reference‑check concerns with low bidder 10 Fins Creamery — approved (unanimous, voice vote). - Minnesota State High School League membership: resolution approved on roll call (all present voted yes). - 2025–26 calendar revisions: move early out Apr. 2 → Apr. 15; move end of term Apr. 2 → Mar. 27 — approved (unanimous, voice vote). - First reading, SBR 740‑2 (code of conduct): wording updates and new technology‑misuse language about recording without consent — advanced (unanimous). - First reading, SBR 370‑1 (fees and other charges): proposed increases for activity tiers and household maximum changes; free/reduced fee remains $30 — advanced (unanimous). - Policies rescinded: 490‑1 (equal access duplicate), 490‑6 (older parent involvement policy), 490‑9 (Life Virtual School enrollment — district staff indicated the school no longer exists), 490‑8 (granting credit for homeschool work — now covered by state statute) — approved (unanimous, voice vote).

Board members and staff said they sought to balance fiscal responsibility with maintaining student access to activities and services. Administration noted fee‑waiver provisions remain in policy to avoid turning away students for financial reasons.