Board approves policies, ICS contract, calendar and other routine items; authorizes SRO grant pursuit

The Aitkin Public School District board voted unanimously on a package of routine and planning items during its regular meeting.

Items the board approved included (by voice vote with all members recorded as voting yes unless otherwise noted): the second readings of four district policies, the consent agenda (8A1–8A7E) that included youth philanthropy grant recommendations, a professional services agreement with ICS for community engagement and facilities planning, and the 2024–25 school calendar. The board also accepted an anonymous $3,000 donation to secure district copyright ownership of the proposed mascot/logo and approved the associated copyright transfer.

On school safety, the board authorized district leadership to pursue a grant with the city that could fund a school resource officer (SRO) position. Staff reported the grant would cover about 80 percent of the SRO cost in the first year with the city and district sharing subsequent costs; the board’s authorization was to pursue the grant and return with final terms if awarded.

Key formal motions reflected language used at the meeting: a motion by Holly Mindrum to approve the consent agenda was seconded by Bridal Leininger and carried unanimously; a motion to approve ICS’s contract was moved and seconded following a prior presentation; a motion to approve the calendar was moved by Holly Mindrum and seconded; and a motion authorizing district leadership to pursue the SRO grant passed with unanimous voice vote.

The board did not adopt any new policies requiring separate public hearings and requested staff to return with contract specifics and grant terms when available.

Actions at a glance
- Policies (four policies, second reading): Motion to approve second readings — motion carried (unanimous).
- Consent agenda (8A1–8A7E, including youth philanthropy grants): Motion by Holly Mindrum, second by Bridal Leininger — approved (unanimous).
- ICS professional services contract (community engagement/facilities planning): Motion carried (unanimous).
- 2024–25 school calendar: Motion by Holly Mindrum — approved (unanimous).
- SRO grant pursuit: Board authorized district staff to pursue grant funding with the city and report back (motion carried, unanimous).
- Logo copyright/donation: Board accepted $3,000 anonymous donation earmarked for copyright transfer and approved moving forward (unanimous).

The board asked staff to bring back more detailed budget and contract breakdowns when available and to present any final grant terms before entering a binding agreement.