Clearbrook-Gonvick School board November 17, 2025
The Clearbrook-Gonvick School board met in regular session on Monday, November 17, 2025.
Eide-Bailey presented the 2024-2025 auditor by zoom to start the meeting. They had been at the school for two days to get the work done. They received a favorable audit. They have maintained a 25% minimum fund balance. That is a requirement that the district has three months of operating expense if needed. There has been solid growth this past year. There was extra expenditure on the Special Education this year. The Community Service fund was $10,000 under this year. The last three years they have had to transfer from general fund but that will not be necessary this year. The Food Service Fund has solid growth. The final budget had a total revenue of $8,964,898 with expenditures of $7,949,532.
Rep. Bidal Duran, with House District 2A, was present at the meeting. He was to stay after the meeting was over to answer any questions that they might have.
Public comment from Cory Solberg on what steps to go forward for work on fixing the roof with the bond issue failing. Two construction groups had been contacted by individuals concerning cost and work that could be done in 2026.
Spotlight on Education was given by Mr. Bettin. The Fall Student Council Summit that the district hosted had 214 people involved. Joely Olson is the President, and Sara Imle the Secretary. There were 10 different schools that took part. They also packed 11,000 items for the food shelf. The leader from the state was impressed with the many activities that the school had presented. There are 31 seniors that have ordered caps and gowns for graduation.
Principal report was given by Superintend Grow as Tharaldson was at another meeting. He wanted to thank everyone for putting on a special Veterans Day program. November 5, they held a school wide evacuation. It was a good drill and they learned what was good and what needs improvement. The basketball season has started. The girls play November 21 at Win-E-Mac and November 25 when they host Mahnomen Waubun. The boys basketball team will have their first game when they host Red Lake on December 2.
Superintendent’s report with Ryan Grow. The READ Act where Minnesota districts are required to screen, identify and provide interventions to students who are not reading at grade level and students who demonstrate characteristics of dyslexia. Screening will have to be done and guidance on how to do it. With the Legislature meeting the district will have the opportunity to start school prior to Labor Day. They will need conversations on that with staff. Marco is the districts managed IT that is provided and they have found insufficient and several end-of-life items on the system that is over 20 years old. To maintain safety and security the district will have to prioritize the $258,000 estimate that it will take to bring the system up to date. Indoor Air quality project. Some parts are not working properly. The company came November 7 and will be coming again on November 26 to do repairs. All temperatures in different areas need to be checked. Roof replacement. Facility maintenance bonds can be used with projects over $100,000 that would need board approval. Cost can be incurred until July 1, 2026. Building and Grounds – There is a need to replace the school truck. It is not safe to use but the plow can be put on another vehicle.
The district is down a few students this month. Some have moved out, there are some online and home schooled.
The board approved the consent calendar. Total payroll for $254,251.72 and non-payroll for $483,238.51 for a total of $737,490.23. Some payments included: Superior Transportation Services, Inc $104,359.35; Kelly Services, Inc $17,742.34; Clearwater-Polk Electric $12,555.91; Marco $7,544.00; Knutson, Flynn & Deans $6,405.00; Clearwater County Sheriff’s Office $5,417.08; ATSR $3,856.49; Lidstrom’s Disposal, Inc. $3,019.02; Nystrom Publishing $2,107.79; Bemidji Bus Line $1,800.00; DaRoos Pizza $1,710.00; City of Clearbrook $1,337.79; Garden Valley $1,311.76; 2 Loons & Letters & Threads $1,300.00. Donations of $431.00 from Good Shepherd Church and $250.00 for volleyball from an unknown group.
Old Business – They are comfortable with the current caps on the grade levels. No one on the waiting list.
New business – They approved the 2024-2025 Financial Audit presented by Eide-Bailey. Dates for January and February meetings were set with January 26, 2026 and February 23, 2026. Consider Revisions to MSBA Model Policies that were presented were tabled for next month’s meeting. They wanted to have time to read the guidelines. Future meetings – December 2 at 6:00 pm to discuss the roof project and a plan moving forward after the referendum vote. December 15 at 7:00 p.m. for the regular school board meeting with Truth in Taxation meeting to be held first.