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Board renames mental-health group to Wellness Task Force; trustees hear Project 11 pilot proposal, facilities and finance updates
Summary
The board renamed the Mental Health Task Force to the Wellness Task Force, discussed piloting Project 11 curriculum at Forest View, received a Long Range Planning update on tennis-court repairs, and heard financial reports that showed enrollment down about 57 students and a construction-fund balance higher than budgeted.
The Brainerd Public Schools Board of Education agreed to rename its Mental Health Task Force the Wellness Task Force and received updates on equity and wellness work, facilities and district finances.
Director Michelle Brecken reported the Equity Task Force will distribute a districtwide survey about classroom use of —interrupter posters and the task force—s broader efforts to support inclusive practices. Brecken said the newly renamed Wellness Task Force met Jan. 6 with community partners including Smiles for Jake, Essentia Health, and Lakes Area Restorative Justice, and that the group has drafted a mission to prioritize wellness, reduce stigma and expand access to supports for students and staff.
The Wellness Task Force discussed piloting Project 11, a K–12 brain-health and wellness curriculum (the board was told Project 11—is a free, externally developed K–12 curriculum that requires about two to three hours of online training for teachers and contains multiple short lessons per grade). The board said it would consider a small pilot at Forest View next year and expand training and membership of the task force over time.
Facilities and planning updates: the Long-Range Planning and Facilities Committee reported plans to repair or resurface aging tennis courts and discussed staffing transitions among building engineers; staff said they will trial float positions that serve multiple buildings to manage workload.
Business services: staff presented final numbers for fiscal-year 2023–24 construction and post-employment trust funds and the November financial report; the district—s audit for 2023–24 will be presented next month. Staff reported enrollment was down 57 students compared with the start of the year; when compared to pre-pandemic averages (2018–19) the enrollment decline is in line with prior years (staff said the five-year average decline is about 53 students). The business-services staff clarified the ADM (average daily membership) reporting timeline: ADM counts are finalized at year end and differ from head count snapshots used for interim reporting.
Superintendent note: the superintendent and athletics staff discussed an inquiry about hosting Minnesota Hockey Day in the Brainerd lakes area in 2027; staff said the event requires substantial community fundraising and coordination but is being explored.
Why it matters: the wellness/equity task forces and any pilot curriculum will shape student support services and mental-health instruction; facilities investments affect safety and program delivery; and enrollment and fund balances drive budget planning. The board signaled support for piloting Project 11, redesignating committee names and continuing facility repairs, and asked administration for further planning and timelines.
Next steps: staff will return with implementation details for a Project 11 pilot, timelines and budget impacts for tennis-court repairs, the 2023–24 audit presentation, and continued updates on enrollment and fund balances.
