Paynesville board hears updates on elementary author visit, testing, facilities and strategic‑plan work

Cassie (introduced at the meeting as an administrative staff member) summarized elementary highlights: an author visit by Minnesota writer Margie Kreuss for kindergarten through fifth grade; a March food drive that delivered more than $1,200 in cash and about $900 in food to the Paynesville Community Center; ongoing kindergarten registration outreach; and teacher training tied to the Minnesota Read Act (Unit 8).

"We partnered with Great River Regional Library," Cassie said, and "students were able to connect with her [the author] and connect with her many of her stories that have Minnesota themes throughout." She also reminded the board that MCA reading tests begin tomorrow for specified grades and that field day is scheduled in May.

David Erling, identified earlier in the meeting as the secondary school principal, listed end‑of‑year events and logistics: "dollars for scholars breakfast" on May 17, baccalaureate and honors on May 19, and graduation on May 24; he said last year the district had 58 graduates and this year the count is 82. Erling noted changes to testing proctoring and that an ACT administration had been rescheduled after network issues.

Rick (introduced by Jan), who spoke for activities, reported spring sports and activity schedules, asked community members to consider volunteering as umpires or officials, and thanked custodial and grounds staff for quick work preparing fields and facilities.

Jan relayed facilities updates reported by the grounds/buildings staff (Ken): a failed heat exchanger with parts ordered, investigation and parts for elementary water‑softener problems that have caused rust and appliance issues, and a rusted support on the middle‑school south canopy that will require structural correction. Jan said emergency‑lighting parts were delayed but are now installed and working.

On strategic planning, Jan walked the board through the strategic‑plan tracker and implementation efforts: school leaders are evaluating whether to align the secondary social‑emotional curriculum to Character Strong rather than 7 Mindsets to achieve better consistency across K–12; PBIS remains in implementation; staff development and survey results will inform next steps; and the district is forming a wellness committee to align health, safety and wellness policy work.

Board members asked clarifying questions about pacing and implementation. Jan said the district would phase curricular changes as cohorts progress to avoid midstream disruption. There were no formal votes on these items at the meeting.

What’s next: administrators will continue implementation work, follow up on facility repairs, and provide survey‑analysis recommendations to the board.