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The Independent School District (ISD) 361 school board met on March 17, 2025 for its regular monthly meeting at the Falls High School library, with a live stream available on YouTube. Board members covered student recognitions, heard reports on school activities, approved routine finances and a slate of personnel changes, and took action on several facility-related items. Key decisions included relocating the district’s Alternative Learning Center (ALC) into the high school, scheduling maintenance closures for the Bronco Arena and FHS swimming pool, and launching a Bronco Arena preservation project and fundraiser. The meeting’s tone was businesslike and focused on improving school operations and celebrating achievements.
To start the meeting, the board recognized two students for their accomplishments. TJ Kaminski and Odin Hansen were honored as the Elk’s Lodge Students of the Month (Public Meeting Agenda: March 17, 2025 at 5:15 PM – Regular School Board Meeting – BoardBook Premier), with board members congratulating them on their achievement. There were no other formal public recognitions of staff at this meeting, but the student honors set a positive tone.
During the Public Open Forum, community member Tom Dougherty of the Voyageur Country ATV Club presented a request to the board (Public Meeting Agenda: March 17, 2025 at 5:15 PM – Regular School Board Meeting – BoardBook Premier). Dougherty outlined a proposal (supplemented by a written ATV trail proposal) and sought the district’s support for his club’s initiative. While the board did not take immediate action on this request – the Open Forum is a time for public input rather than decisions – members listened to the presentation and thanked him for bringing it forward. Any follow-up or formal consideration of the ATV proposal would occur at a later time if placed on a future agenda.
Several school officials delivered reports updating the board on academic programs, student activities, and community education. Student representatives Joe Sullivan and Max Youso reported on student life at Falls High School, highlighting recent events and student projects. Elementary Principal Melissa Tate and Secondary Principal Lisa West each provided updates from their schools – such as progress on spring curriculum goals, upcoming testing, and recent celebrations or assemblies. Community Education Director BethAnne Slatinski briefed the board on community education classes and outreach programs serving residents of all ages. Activities Director Timm Ringhofer gave an overview of athletics and extracurriculars, likely noting the end of winter sports season and the start of spring sports, along with any notable team achievements. Finally, Superintendent Beth Shermoen reported on district-wide matters. Shermoen discussed ongoing planning for next school year, potential legislative impacts on school funding, and progress on strategic goals. She also touched on the ALC relocation plan (later voted on in the meeting) and emphasized efforts to “create a culture where all are welcome and supported,” aligning with the district’s mission.
As part of the consent agenda, the board unanimously approved routine financial items. This included authorizing payroll expenditures of $493,383.72 for late February and early March pay periods and approving payment of $1,565,736.04 in current bills (Public Meeting Agenda: March 17, 2025 at 5:15 PM – Regular School Board Meeting – BoardBook Premier). These actions ensure employees are paid on schedule and vendors are reimbursed for goods and services, reflecting normal operations of the district’s budget.
The board also approved minutes from the prior meeting (Feb 18, 2025) and then moved on to a series of personnel changes presented in the consent agenda. All personnel recommendations were adopted as presented. Notably, the board accepted several resignations effective at the end of the school year and approved a large number of coaching hires to fill positions for upcoming athletic seasons. Key personnel actions included:
New Coaching Assignments: The board approved the following coaching hires for the 2025–26 school year (and spring 2025 where noted):
These hires fill many key coaching roles for Bronco athletic programs. Several positions were vacant due to retirements or departures of previous coaches, and the new hires will allow training and planning to begin for summer and fall sports. The board’s approval ensures that student-athletes will have coaches in place for the upcoming seasons. Many of the coaches are alumni or have prior connections to the programs, which was noted with optimism by board members.
One significant decision was the relocation of the Alternative Learning Center (ALC). The board approved moving the ALC program into a closed wing at Falls High School (Public Meeting Agenda: March 17, 2025 at 5:15 PM – Regular School Board Meeting – BoardBook Premier). Currently, the ALC (which serves students needing an alternative educational setting) has been housed off-site in a rented facility. By bringing the ALC into the main high school building, the district aims to better utilize existing space and more closely integrate ALC students with the school community. The vacant wing at FHS will be repurposed to accommodate ALC classrooms and resources. This move is expected to save on rental costs and provide ALC students with improved access to school facilities like the gym, library, and cafeteria. Board members and administrators expressed enthusiasm that ALC students will “be under the same roof” and feel more included, while still maintaining a distinct environment tailored to their learning needs. The ALC relocation is slated to be in effect by the coming school year, after any necessary renovations or preparations are completed.
The board addressed several facility maintenance items in preparation for the upcoming year. It authorized the temporary closure of Bronco Arena for the month of August 2025 (Public Meeting Agenda: March 17, 2025 at 5:15 PM – Regular School Board Meeting – BoardBook Premier). Bronco Arena (the district’s ice arena) will be shut down during August for deep cleaning, maintenance, and repairs. This is the offseason for hockey, so the timing minimizes impact on sports schedules. The maintenance work will include inspecting the ice-making equipment, refurbishing the ice surface, and performing any needed fixes to the building so that the arena is in top condition for the 2025–26 hockey season.
Similarly, the board approved closing the Falls High School swimming pool for the last two weeks of July 2025 to conduct repairs, cleaning, and maintenance (Public Meeting Agenda: March 17, 2025 at 5:15 PM – Regular School Board Meeting – BoardBook Premier). During this period, the pool (which is used by physical education classes, the swim team, and community programs) will undergo scheduled upkeep such as tile repair, deep cleaning, and mechanical system checks. By doing this in late July, the district ensures the pool will be ready when students return in the fall, and it avoids conflicts with the earlier part of summer when swimming lessons or open swim times might occur. Notices will be provided to the community in advance of the July pool shutdown so that alternative arrangements can be made for any summer aquatic activities.
In addition to routine maintenance, the board gave the go-ahead to a new initiative to preserve and improve the historic Bronco Arena. Members **approved the “Historical Bronco Arena Preservation Projects and Updates” plan, along with a related Bronco Arena Fundraiser (Public Meeting Agenda: March 17, 2025 at 5:15 PM – Regular School Board Meeting – BoardBook Premier). This project will focus on upgrading the aging arena while honoring its history as a community landmark. The plan includes renovations such as updating seating and locker rooms, improving energy efficiency, and displaying historical memorabilia (the arena is notable in local history, with ties to famed athletes). To support these efforts, the district will launch a fundraising campaign. The Bronco Arena fundraiser will seek donations and possibly sell commemorative items (like engraved bricks or plaques) to engage the community in financing the improvements. Board Chair JoAnn Smith noted that maintaining the arena is important both for student athletics and for community pride. By approving the preservation project, the board signaled its commitment to keeping the facility viable for future generations. More details on the fundraiser and specific upgrades will be rolled out in the coming months, and community members will be invited to contribute.
Before adjourning, the board also formally accepted a number of donations from local organizations and individuals via a resolution (Public Meeting Agenda: March 17, 2025 at 5:15 PM – Regular School Board Meeting – BoardBook Premier). These gifts, ranging from monetary contributions to equipment donations, will benefit various school programs. (The resolution is a routine step required to officially acknowledge and thank donors.)
The meeting concluded with board members expressing appreciation for the recognitions and thorough reports. With major plans in motion for facilities and programs, the ISD 361 school board reinforced its focus on providing quality education and safe, well-maintained facilities for students. The next regular school board meeting is scheduled for April, where the board will continue to advance initiatives for the district’s improvement and address any new business or community concerns.
Independent School District No. 361 (ISD 361) is located in International Falls!
Independent School District 361 (ISD 361) serves the educational needs of International Falls, Minnesota, and its surrounding communities. With a commitment to fostering academic success and community involvement, ISD 361 offers comprehensive educational programs from preschool through 12th grade.
ISD 361 encompasses two primary educational institutions: Falls Elementary School and Falls High School. Falls Elementary caters to students from kindergarten through fifth grade, while Falls High School serves grades six through twelve. The district’s mission is to prepare every student to become a productive citizen by... Read more
