The South Washington County Schools Board welcomed new member Louise during their March 27 business meeting, administering the oath of office as she assumed her role representing District 833.

Superintendent Julie Neelson conducted the swearing-in ceremony, emphasizing the board's responsibility for providing equitable and quality education to all students in the district. The board also recognized outgoing member Pat Driscoll for her service from 2018 to 2025.

Board members approved the revised 2024-25 budget, which Director of Business Services Chris Blackburn presented with updated student enrollment figures and state funding allocations. The general fund balance is projected at 15.8 percent, exceeding the district's target progression toward 16.6 percent by 2026.

The board received a comprehensive presentation on Community Education Early Learning programs, which served 3,677 participants in the 2023-24 program year. The programs, led by Jake Winchell, Joyce Beard, and Beth Quist, operate across 12 district sites and include preschool, Early Childhood Family Education, and screening services.

Administration also received approval for policy updates affecting employment practices and student technology use, and the board approved the release of probationary teachers due to enrollment changes and other operational factors. Construction staging has begun at multiple schools, including Woodbury High School renovations and secured entryway projects at Lake Middle School and Pine Hill Elementary.