Brainerd school board approves organizational slate, policies and district business items

Sarah Spear was elected board chair and other officer assignments were approved as the Brainerd Public Schools Board of Education held its annual organizational meeting and took a series of routine but legally required votes.

The board swore in three directors whose terms begin the first Monday in January 2025 and then conducted nominations and roll-call votes to name officers for 2025. The board designated financial depositories and authorized routine administrative authorities, approved the district—s official newspaper and legal counsel, adopted routine board compensation and re-adopted existing board policies.

Those items matter because they establish who can sign checks, which banks hold district funds, who provides the district—s legal advice, and the compensation and procedural authorities that will govern the board—s work for the year.

Most motions were presented, seconded and approved by roll call. Highlights included the following motions that were approved by the board: Sarah Speer for chair; (vice chair and other officers selected by roll call); designation of Brainerd Dispatch as the district—s official newspaper for 2025; selection of Squires, Waldzberger & Mace, P.A., as primary legal…