School Board Update

Each month the school board is presented with non-action and action items for their consideration. A few noteworthy items that were approved at this month's meeting are included here.

Items Approved by the Board

• Gifts and Donations
• Fiscal Year 2024 Audited Financials
• 2025-2026 School Calendar
• 2026 Student Trip to National Parks

By: Dr. Nate Rudolph

As we begin 2025, we want to express our deep gratitude to our staff for their unwavering dedication. Despite facing challenges such as budget constraints, staffing shortages, inclement weather, illnesses, and more, our educators have worked tirelessly to serve our students, families, and community members, implement the strategic plan, and support one another. Their commitment to leading and supporting every student, every day is commendable and I am so grateful to serve alongside them.

Strategic Plan

As we step into the new year, our Strategic Plan Community Task Force met to reflect on the achievements of 2024 and set priorities for the year ahead. Guided by community input, our strategic plan continues to focus on four core priorities:

• Ensuring student academic growth

• Fostering positive, personal relationships

• Improving mental health

• Supporting district partnerships

Over the past year, we’ve made measurable progress, from improving student achievement to launching programs that support the well-being of students and staff. We’ve also worked to strengthen partnerships with families, creating a more connected community. We are excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead, as we continue to build a supportive and inclusive environment where every student can thrive.

Facility Planning

Looking ahead, we are also focused on the future of our facilities. This month, our Strategic Plan Community Task Force reiterated the development of a Comprehensive Facility Plan as a key priority for 2025. This plan will focus on several important areas:

• Addressing capacity challenges

• Reimagining learning spaces

• Tackling extensive deferred maintenance needs

• Improving recreation, athletics, and activity spaces

In February, a Facility Community Task Force will begin working on this plan, with the goal of modernizing and updating our school buildings to better serve the needs of students, staff, and the broader community. We look forward to engaging our community in this process and encourage you to stay informed by visiting our district website. Together, we will ensure that our facilities are well-equipped to meet the needs of future generations.

By: Shawn Kirkeide

Insurance

This year we are going out again for an RFP for our Health Insurance company. This RFP is required to happen every two years under the Health Insurance Transparency Act (HITA). The insurance committee will open the sealed bids at 7:30 on Monday, January 27. Our broker will then review the bids in detail and provide the committee with comparisons so that we can begin considering what to recommend to the Board for potential insurance carrier changes for the July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026 plan year.

Wellness

In today’s busy world, it’s easy to put yourself last. However, taking time to focus on your mental, physical, and emotional health is essential—not just for you but for everything and everyone you care about. Therefore, we are excited to offer a 5-week Self-Care Journaling Challenge, designed to help you prioritize your well-being and build a sustainable self-care routine.

This challenge starts Monday, January 27, 2025 - Sunday, March 2, 2025 and is flexible, accessible, and an excellent way to explore what makes you feel good and identify triggers that might need attention. If you are interested in joining, please look to sign up in the HR Newsletter or HERE.

By: Christopher Kampa, CFA

Finance

We received our final audited financial statements for FY2024. Once again, we received a clean audit that demonstrates the district’s strong financial position and healthy fund balance, which reflects prudent financial management and a commitment to fiscal responsibility. Current fund balance reserves allow us to meet operational needs and respond to unforeseen circumstances, providing a stable foundation for delivering high-quality education. However, looking ahead, we anticipate financial challenges due to projected increases in costs, including those associated with legislative mandates and external economic pressures. Careful planning and thoughtful decision-making will be essential to maintain fiscal stability while addressing the needs of our staff, students, and community. While we are confident in our ability to manage these challenges, it is essential to approach future planning with a balanced and cautious mindset to sustain our financial health and continue supporting the district’s mission effectively. The auditors will present the results of the financial audit at this month’s board meeting.

Transportation

The ongoing wave of illnesses, including norovirus, influenza A and B, pneumonia, and common colds, continues to impact both staff and drivers significantly. On a positive note, the hiring process has seen progress, with two new drivers currently in training after months of receiving no applications. Additionally, preparations for summer school planning are now underway.

Food Service

Student meal participation remained robust in December, showing a 13% increase in breakfast and a 6% increase in lunch compared to the same period last year. Staffing levels have remained strong, allowing for the successful introduction of new menu items to the K-5 and middle school offerings. Additionally, we are obtaining quotes to potentially replace aging equipment, including the dish machine and cooler/freezer at CPIS, which have been in service since the early 1980s.

Building & Grounds

Progress continues on the replacement of exterior and interior doors, with IIS and CIS projects completed and only two locations remaining at the high school. Additionally, efforts are underway to address heating issues at IPS to ensure a comfortable and reliable environment.

Technology

During the winter break, the ERATE Cabling Project progressed toward completion, adding over 1,000 cables to the district's technology infrastructure. This enhancement positions the buildings for future upgrades, including new security cameras, flexible teacher desk and phone placements, and the installation of video intercoms in vestibules and loading docks. As preparations for the 2025-26 ERATE cycle switch project continue, the groundwork for posting Form 470 is nearly complete, with the implementation of the new network infrastructure anticipated within the next one to two years. Additionally, middle schools have adopted GoGuardian Teacher, a digital classroom management tool designed to foster a productive learning environment by enhancing student focus, minimizing digital distractions, improving efficiency, and strengthening student-teacher relationships.

By: Christina Thayer Anderson

Preschool Registration 2025-26

Preschool registration for the 2025-2026 school year opens on February 1. Our high-quality preschool classes, serving children ages three to five, provide a strong foundation for kindergarten through a focus on cognitive, literacy, emotional, social, and physical development. With flexible scheduling options and a 4-Star Parent Aware rating, our preschool stands out as a leader in early education. Families can choose from full-day or half-day classes offered two, three, or five days per week, all led by experienced and nurturing teachers. Visit our Preschool Page to learn all about our programs.

Boost your Wellness: Recreation Opportunities during the Winter Months

Community Education offers recreation programs and activities for community members of all ages. From pickleball, volleyball, and basketball to indoor walking spaces, there are ways to stay active and engaged during these incredibly cold, snowy, and icy months. Staying active is especially beneficial for maintaining physical and mental health, boosting energy, and combating winter blues. Our programs also provide wonderful opportunities to connect with others, strengthening a sense of belonging in our Bluejacket community. NEW starting in February: Isanti Middle School will be open for walking Mondays and Wednesdays from 4-8 PM. Be sure to stop by the District Center to register and receive your walking badge before you start!

By: Dr. Jason Bodey

Minnesota Student Survey in 2025

Every three years, Minnesota surveys students in grades 5, 8, 9, and 11. The survey data is used by school districts, counties, and the state to develop programs and support for students and families. We encourage all students to participate in the survey. An email will be sent to all families of students taking the survey. As has always been the case, parents can choose to opt out of the survey if they choose.

Professional Development Day on February 14

On Friday, February 14, our district will host a professional learning day centered on our Strategic Plan priorities, fostering collaboration, growth, and a positive culture among all staff. The event will feature professional development sessions aligned with our Strategic Plan and include time for site-specific activities. We are also excited to provide staff with a newly designed C-I shirt and breakfast to start the day. Special thanks to our District Wellness Team, Onboarding Team, and Volunteer Services for partnering with Minnco Credit Union to make this opportunity possible.

By: Dr. Julie Williams

District Mental Health Committee

The district mental health committee has met regularly this school year. A new format this year has included inviting representatives from community organizations to the meeting each month to share resources and information. This allows participants to gain insight into available resources and be able to share with their staff, students and families in their buildings.