The Big Lake Public School District board voted unanimously to approve two Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) foundation resolutions, known in the agenda as Form A and Form B, authorizing the district to apply for grant funds tied to student participation and free- and reduced-price lunch counts.

Mark presented the two forms and said the MSHSL foundation awards dollars based on student participation and students who qualify for free or reduced lunch. He said the district also counts students for whom participation fees are waived. "The grant is based on our student participation and the students on free and reduced lunch," Mark said. He described the grants as a way to subsidize athletics and fine arts programs and to offset transportation or registration costs for students who otherwise could not participate.

Board members asked whether the funds are applied directly to individual students or used more generally within departments. "You can use it within your department as you see fit," Mark replied, and cited examples including leadership conference transportation, athletic programs and one-act play or robotics support.

The board conducted a roll call vote on Form A and then on Form B. Sixberry, Nelson, Chabillion, Riesner, Brown and Hancock each voted "Aye" on both items; both motions carried. The agenda indicated the Form B award could be up to $5,000 depending on available funding.

The approvals allow district staff to submit the MSHSL foundation applications and pursue awards; any awarded funds will be applied according to the foundation rules and district budgeting processes.