GFW Public Schools

The GFW School Board held a regular meeting on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. A summary of the meeting is below. 

Watch the meeting on YouTube

Superintendent’s Report

Superintendent Allen Berg shared that the start of the school year preparations are going smoothly, with strong collaboration between staff, families, and community partners. He highlighted ongoing excitement about the opening of the new building and the continued rollout of the Firebird identity. A special shoutout was given to the Firebird Foundation for providing lunch to staff during the start work workshop week and Berg provided updated enrollment numbers which have increased from the previous year.

Superintendent Berg also gave special attention to the proposed attendance policy changes for Juniors and Seniors that will add four excused absence days that are used for college and career exploration.

SMS Update

The district’s financial services provider, SMS, shared updates on the budget for fiscal year 2025. Closing the books for the budget is in the process of being finalized. Overall the budget looks positive.

Principal Reports

Principal Jacobson shared updates on curriculum and student engagement. At the elementary level, planning is underway for back to school, and preparations continue for moving into the new space. Staff are preparing for the new year with a focus on literacy, social-emotional learning, and updated curriculum tools. At the secondary level, the focus has been to ensure adequate staffing and the addition of new college courses.

School Board Reports

Board members shared brief updates from committees. 

The board received an update on the time capsule at the new building that it has been placed. Additionally, policy statute changes were discussed without additional questions.

Consent Agenda, Resolutions and Action Items

• The board approved the consent agenda

• Approved the Truth in Taxation hearing for December 15, 2025 at 6:01 p.m.

• Approved the 2025–2026 Staff and Student Handbooks

• Approved the purchase of Minnesota Studies Weekly for elementary social studies curriculum

• Approved the Donation Resolution

• Discussed the Electrical Change Order for the new facility that will be revisited at a special meeting

• First Reading approval of policies including:

  • Policy 414 - Mandated Reporting on Child Neglect

  • Policy 503 - Student Attendance

  • Policy 504 - Student Dress and Appearance

  • Policy 506 - Student Discipline

  • Policy 514 - Bullying Prohibition

  • Policy 516 - Student Medication and Telehealth

  • Policy 524 - Internet, Technology, and Cell Phone Acceptable Use

  • Policy 602- Organization of School Calendar and School Day

  • Policy 707 - Transportation of Public School Students

  • Policy 709 - Student Transportation Safety Policy

  • Policy 806 - Crisis Management Policy

• One Read approval of the following policies:

  • Policy 418 - Drug Free Workplace

  • Policy 501 - School Weapons Policy

  • Policy 516.5 - Overdose Medication

  • Policy 534 - School Meals

  • Policy 621 - Literacy and the READ Act

  • Policy 802- Disposition of Obsolete Equipment and Material