The GFW School Board held a regular meeting on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025. A summary of the meeting is below.
Watch the meeting on YouTube:
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Allen Berg shared a thank you to both principals and the staff who worked hard to coordinate the recent Veterans Day programs. He also shared that a letter has been sent to the Minnesota Department of Transportation requesting that the area in front of the new facility be made a school zone. There will be follow up on this coming up.
He also shared that the district will be launching the strategic planning process that will begin in the coming weeks. Community members, families, and students will be able to share their input through these surveys which will be used to create an overarching plan that will guide the district.
Principal Reports
Principal Thompson shared that the elementary school raised about $1,500 through a recent Papa Murphy’s fundraiser. Students had the chance to hear from a local veteran and were able to write letters and create art to be sent to deployed service members. A Playworks Recess Coach recently trained the fourth and fifth grade students to become trained at supervising recess activities. Conferences were well attended and students had an extra fun day during the Harvest Party Festival. The winter concert will take place on Thursday, Dec. 18 with two performances and will feature musical performances from all elementary grades.
Principal Jacobson shared updates from the middle school and high school from the staff perspective. The school is focusing on professional development, PBIS and school culture, and strengthening communication with families. The student council is learning a lot about leadership and organization as they connect with the board and share updates on student life. Staff are also continuing to complete work around student engagement and working with the Teaching and Learning Coordinator to work on additional strategies. The use of Professional Learning Communities and teams of teachers working together is continuing to drive progress in students and teaching strategies using data to drive decision making. The focus on PBIS continues to address issues proactively and moving away from a punishment based approach whenever possible.
Student Council Update
Student Council President Madyson Steele and Member Cole Jacobson shared updates from the student perspective. Winter sports have begun and FFA is staying busy with annual events and competitions with teams moving on to state. The Student Council is planning holiday events for Thanksgiving and Winter Week with plans for the sweetheart dance in February. The National Honor Society is also completing service projects with local organizations. The SOARS program is continuing to grow at the high school. The performances of How the West Was Dun was a huge success and the theatre department will now prepare for the one act play coming up in early 2026. Students have also been participating in a variety of career exploration events and are preparing for band and choir concerts coming up in December.
School Board Reports
Board members shared brief updates from committees, from Riverbend, Dashir and other updates.
Consent Agenda, Resolutions and Action Items
The board approved the consent agenda
The board approved the Cooperative Construction Agreement between State of Minnesota Department of Transportation, GFW Public Schools and City of Gibbon for purpose of constructing a pedestrian trail
The board approved revisions to 2025-2026 School Year Calendar
The board approved a resolution to accept donations
The board approved the second readings of policies