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Red Lake board approves $2.97M in bills; hears update on electric buses, Ojibwe language grant and water tests
Summary
The Red Lake Public School District board approved $2,966,401.26 in bills and heard staff reports on two electric buses arriving for testing, a $250,000 grant supporting Ojibwe language development (repeatable for a second year), and routine drinking-water tests that found no violations of federal standards.
The Red Lake Public School District board approved a list of bills and electronic transfers totaling $2,966,401.26 and received several administrative reports on transportation, language programming and water testing.
A motion to approve the August bills and wires was made and seconded; the board voted in favor and the transcript records affirmative responses (the meeting record includes an announcement of "7 0," indicating a unanimous vote). The bills motion was recorded as approved without amendment.
During reports, staff announced that two electric school buses have arrived for district testing and that a ribbon-cutting and demonstration is scheduled the week of the bus ceremony. The board was invited to attend; staff said the district hopes to test the two buses before seeking additional vehicles.
Staff also highlighted work on Ojibwe language preservation: a grant of $250,000 was obtained to support curriculum development and teacher professional development, and staff said a similar award could repeat for a second year. The report emphasized continued support for language and culture teachers, ongoing curriculum work and a focus on professional development time.
The business manager’s financial summary noted a starting balance around $29.5 million and an ending balance near $25.4 million, and staff described usual cash-flow dynamics. The district’s routine drinking-water testing — part of a five‑year rotating schedule — tested samples for lead and arsenic; staff reported that samples were under federal allowable levels and that no contaminants exceeded federal drinking-water standards.
Board staff presented the proposed 2024–25 property tax levy and recommended certifying the levy at the maximum value shown in the levy spreadsheet to preserve flexibility ahead of December’s truth‑in‑taxation meeting. Board members discussed the district’s limited taxable base and how certifying at the maximum leaves room to reduce the levy later; a motion to certify the levy was made and seconded during the discussion, but a vote on certification is not recorded in the provided transcript.
The board also discussed extracurricular offerings and strategic-plan goals for activities, noting 85 students participating in athletics at the time of the report and reminding members that the district requires a C‑minus or better plus 80% attendance for athletic eligibility. Staff described possible new clubs and feeder programs and encouraged surveys to gauge student interest for items such as jiu jitsu or cross‑country opportunities.
