The GFW School Board held a regular meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 18 A summary of the meeting is below.
Watch the meeting on YouTube:
Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Smith shared updates from grant opportunities for special education students that the district applied for again after receiving funds in the past. Board members will be participating in training coming up in St. Cloud. Construction continues at the site of the new school with some bids still coming in for future projects. With the cold weather, there is less work happening outside but a lot of things happening inside with drywall, mechanical, electrical, and other touches.
He also shared gratitude for the incredible bus drivers in the district ahead of Bus Driver Appreciation Day.
School Reports
Principal Jacobson shared updates from both schools.
At GFW Elementary, there is a lot going on with I Love to Ready Month with a presentation by a magician who shared two different presentations to students. The Read-a-Thon is in full swing with pledges coming in to raise a total of more than $8,000 from 15 different states. The goal is $12,000 with prizes for students and a big celebration at the end of the month with a camp in. Students are completing a reading log and bingo cards with other events including mystery readers and dress up days.
Kindergarten Kick Off will take place on March 25. There will be information about kindergarten programming including the immersion program. March is also AmeriCorps appreciation month and we are fortunate to have great volunteers who support our students.
T-Bird Community Arts is preparing for upcoming fundraisers and musicals.
At GFW Middle School and High School, winter sports are in full swing with some basketball players reaching the milestone of 1,000 career points. The FFA chapter had a great showing at recent competitions and is enjoying FFA Week. The CTE College and Career Fair will take place on Friday, Feb. 21 and will be a great opportunity for students and the local business community.
Middle school teachers are preparing for the upcoming Mini Course day with options for students to have some fun during the day if they meet the expectations. Several students have earned spots on the A and B honor roll and will soon start planning for registration with pre-registration taking place soon.
The music program is preparing for their upcoming trip to Florida over spring break.
School Board Reports
Board members shared brief updates from committees.
Consent Agenda, Resolutions and Action Items
The board approved the contract for the next Superintendent, Allen Berg who attended the meeting to connect with the board. Mr. Berg shared a brief statement about his excitement to join the district in July.
The board approved a request for early graduation for Ashley Vos.
The board approved Achievement & Integration FY26 Budget for Submittal.
The board reaffirmed the Cell Phone Policy from the Student Handbook. This is required by the State of Minnesota and has been implemented before the legal requirement.
The board approved Contracted Services through SWWC Service Cooperative.
The board approved a resolution directing administration to review programs & make recommendations for reductions.
The board approved the 2025-26 MS/HS Registration Guide.
The board approved a resolution to accept donations.