The GFW School Board held a regular meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. A summary of the meeting is below.
Watch the meeting on YouTube:
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Berg shared that this week is being celebrated as Paraprofessional Recognition Week in the state of Minnesota. The district is so thankful for all of the hard work that our paras do to support staff and students each day.
January has been a busy month with agreements with teacher and transportation groups, the beginning of OpenEd in the district, and the strategic planning process. Staff were able to participate in professional development around the strategic plan which will drive district work. Work continues at the new building to get ready for the MS/HS to move into the building in February. Work is also continuing with MnDOT around a school zone on highway 19 as well as navigating local and federal changes.
Principal Reports
Principal Thompson shared that the rescheduled winter concert took place after winter break and that it went really well with a great turnout from the community. The elementary school will be doing a modified version of the I Love to Read month activities with no read-a-thon happening this year with plans to bring it back in 2026-27. LETRS training is continuing for teachers during professional development days with mandatory training for the Science of Reading.
Fifth graders recently attended a kindness retreat with support from YouthFrontiers and members of the GFW HS Student Council. The schools are also celebrating paraprofessionals this week as well as the success of the Spirit of the Season program that did so much for community members over the holiday season. TCA is also planning for an art camp and summer musical as well as other initiatives with the announcement of Joe Vos stepping down as director this year.
Principal Jacobson shared updates from the middle school and high school where staff and students are excited to be getting ready to move into the new facility in February with work taking place to keep classrooms going in the current facility and prepare for an easy transition into the new building. Student learning and student safety remain a top priority as planning continues for the transition with staff collaborating around ideas and challenges. The GFW HS Registration Guide is coming soon with students getting ready to register for classes including 8th graders who are doing this work in CCR class.
Planning is also underway for graduation and other senior events for the class of 2026. Students will be attending different meetings and presentations around scholarships and other options. Representatives from Dollars for Scholars will be sharing a presentation to senior students and families around the scholarship process and financial aid options.
Student Council Update
Students shared updates from athletics and activities including boys and girls basketball, FFA, and NHS including applying for awards and preparing for upcoming events. The winter formal and valentines week are also coming up with activities and theme days planned along with the dance taking place at the end of the week. The Student Council has also applied to join the Minnesota Association of Student Leaders to allow the group to attend upcoming workshops.
Audit Findings
The board heard updates from Abdo on the 2024-25 financial statement audit with a video prepared by the audit team to give an overview of findings.
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 a recommendation to add Jenetta LaFerriere from CESO to district bank accounts
The board approved a 2025-2027 Master Agreement with GFW Unified Education Association
The board approved a Memorandum of Understanding with GFW Unified Education Association clarifying supervision language
The board approved a 2025-2026 Master Agreement with GFW Transportation Association
The board approved 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 School Year Calendars
The board approved a MR Paving Company bid to complete the walking trail in spring 2026
The board approved the acceptance of donations