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International Falls district reports construction progress, rising CTE interest and attendance efforts
Summary
District administrators reported construction progress across several schools, stronger student interest in CTE courses, and a February attendance push that shows first grade at 94% attendance; officials said staffing shortages and pending grant decisions will shape budget choices this spring.
Administrators for International Falls Public Schools told the board Feb. 17 that construction projects are advancing across the district, student interest in career and technical education (CTE) is increasing, and the district continues efforts to improve attendance.
A school representative summarized elementary work at Paul’s Elementary and said the district’s February attendance challenge had “first grade in the lead with 94% attendance for February,” with other grades ranging in the high 80s. The district plans a family engagement night on March 4 from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m., including a book fair, kindergarten registration and scaled STEAM activities.
At the secondary level, administrators said students showed heightened interest in CTE classes such as welding, construction and computer science and that Principal Tate is reviewing teacher licensure and trimester schedule options before presenting a fuller plan at the March board meeting. Officials also reported continued enrollment growth and said preschool registration recently produced 50 sign-ups at a single event.
Construction updates covered multiple buildings: demolition and ADA work at Wells Elementary to accommodate an elevator, delays to the CTE wing caused by piping issues, and discovery of underlying damage to the stadium floor that requires additional remediation. The district said it will post a visual update from the contractor Nexus for community review.
Board members pressed administration on how potential budget reductions will be balanced against staffing shortages. Administrators said final choices depend in part on the outcome of a pending community school grant application and noted immediate cost-control measures under consideration, including a printer/copier audit and consolidated printing to reduce consumable costs.
Officials also reported that Head Start contract review is underway with attorneys and a site visit is expected soon. The district flagged persistent staffing and substitute shortages that have increased overtime and operational strain; administrators said they will discuss those pressures further at upcoming retreats and board meetings.
The board did not take formal action on these items; administrators said several of the topics will return for more detailed reports at the March meeting.
