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Board approves calendar and multiple policy actions; outlines next steps for student engagement
Summary
The Bemidji board unanimously approved the 2025–26 calendar with early outs, took first reading of the 2026–27 calendar, adopted a revised instructional curriculum policy aligned to MSBA guidance, rescinded duplicate policies, and scheduled follow-up on student engagement.
At its February meeting the Bemidji Public School District board approved several routine but consequential items, including the 2025–26 school calendar with early-outs, and took the first reading of the 2026–27 calendar.
The board unanimously approved the proposed 2025–26 calendar, which includes early-out dates intended to align with REDD Act training. Superintendent Olsen outlined proposed early-out dates for 2025 (Oct. 15, Nov. 26 and Dec. 12) and additional dates for the 2025–26 school year (Jan. 9, March 4 and April 2) tied to required training and elementary implementation planning.
The board took a unanimous first reading of SBR 04/2027, the 2026–27 school calendar, which district staff described as a more typical calendar without early-outs developed collaboratively with staff and the BEA.
On policy matters, the board approved a revision to the district’s instructional curriculum policy to align with MSBA model language (MSBA 604) and to reflect state statutory requirements for parent review and teacher protections. The superintendent noted a technical inconsistency between two state statutes and the MSBA model language and said the change is non-substantive and intended only to align district policy with state law.
The board also voted to rescind four duplicate or procedural policies the administration identified to streamline the district policy manual. All motions carried unanimously.
Votes at a glance: - Approve meeting agenda: motion by speaker 2, seconded by speaker 3; outcome: approved unanimously. - Accept consent agenda: motion by speaker 5, seconded by speaker 6; outcome: approved unanimously. - Approve 2025–26 school calendar with early outs: motion by speaker 6; outcome: approved unanimously. - First reading of 2026–27 calendar (SBR 04/2027): motion by speaker 6, second by speaker 5; outcome: carried unanimously (first reading). - Adopt instructional curriculum policy aligned with MSBA 604: motion by speaker 5, second by speaker 2; outcome: carried unanimously. - Rescind four named duplicate policies: motion by speaker 6, second by speaker 6; outcome: carried unanimously. - Adjourn: motion by speaker 6, second by Chairman Wall; outcome: carried unanimously.
The board did not attach dollar amounts to any immediate budget changes during the meeting; administration will return with any budgetary implications if program expansions or new initiatives are proposed.
