BLUE EARTH– In one of the shortest meetings in a long time, the Blue Earth Area School Board breezed through its agenda in just 24 minutes on Monday night.

The first part of the meeting was a series of updates and reports from staff members.

Activities Director Travis Armstrong updated the School Board on both fall sports and the upcoming winter sports seasons.

“We had our tennis team receive some honors,” Armstrong reported. “Head coach Spencer Monson was named the Section 2A Coach of the Year, and assistant coach Colby Swanson was also named Section 2A Assistant Coach of the Year for 2025.”

Armstrong also pointed out that Grace Hanson had made it to the semifinals of the Section 2A Individual Tournament, and that five BEA tennis players were recognized with Big South Conference honors.

As far as winter sports go, Armstrong reported that some middle school teams had started practice this week, and other winter sports teams would be starting the next Monday.

“We have 20 girls out for gymnastics between Blue Earth Area and USC,” he reported. “And we have a new assistant coach from USC.”

The activities director also said there are 20 to 25 wrestlers out, and he is still looking for one more wrestling coach. As far as boys basketball goes, there are 40-plus boys out, with 21 girls signed up for girls basketball.

“We are still hoping a few more will decide to come out,” Armstrong said. “We also have a good number of cheerleaders out and they will be cheering at both wrestling and basketball games.”

Armstrong also gave an update on the non-sports activities including the school play, Knowledge Bowl, music concerts and other activities.

In other business at the short meeting, the BEA Board:

— Approved principal Dave Dressler to be the designated LEA representative for BEA Schools (Title I).

— Approved the Assurance of Compliance for BEA, as well as approval of the 2024-2025 Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness Summary Report.

Approved donations to the K7 Buccy’s Care Closet from Conny Marsh-Egal, Antonia Romero, Rebecca Hartman, BEA Moms and Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church. Also approved donations to the Buccy Bags program in memory of Bob Weerts.

— Approved the retirement of paraprofessional Kandy Blondin and the hiring of paraprofessional Emily Heenan.