Faribault board approves Healthy Community Initiative contract for RISE after heated debate; 5-1 vote

The Faribault Public Schools Board on April 22 approved a contract with the Healthy Community Initiative (HCI) to fund RISE coordinators who work in district schools, following extended debate about partnerships and program focus.

Administration described RISE as a multi-year partnership that began in 2019 to support students at risk of falling behind and to help them meet graduation goals. "This contract is reflecting the grant funding that's been secured that will help to support the staff at the Healthy Community Initiative who are the RISE coordinators who are working in our school," Mr. Pruitt said.

Board member Miss Moore objected to the contract, saying she was concerned the district is "moving more and more toward community initiatives" and questioning whether the partnership gives "preferential treatment" to Latino and Somali youth through related community programs. Moore cited language in the contract about avoiding actions that could create an appearance of preferential treatment and said constituents had contacted her with concerns.

Mr. Pruitt and other board members pushed back, and Mr. Pruitt clarified that RISE serves students of all backgrounds: "The RISE program serves students of all races and backgrounds." Board member Mr. Bente and others noted the program aligns with board goals to raise graduation rates and that the district has used partnerships to secure grant funding for coordinators and services.

Miss Moore asked for a roll call vote; the chair denied the request, saying a roll call was not necessary under board rules and that yes/no votes would be recorded in the minutes. The motion carried by voice vote with five members in favor and one opposed.

Why it matters: The HCI contract continues a partnership central to the board’s stated graduation-rate strategy and funds staff who support more than 225 students at the high-school level; it also exposed local tensions about outsourcing services and equity in partnership programming.

Next steps: Administration will implement the contract under the existing grant terms; board members requested clarity about program eligibility and reporting as the partnership continues.