Mahtomedi School Board Adopts AI Tools and Approves Preliminary Tax Levy for 2024-2025
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Meeting Date:
09/23/2024
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Recording Published:
09/24/2024
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Duration:
69 Minutes
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State:
Minnesota
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County:
Washington County
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Towns:
Birchwood Village, Dellwood, Grant, Hugo, Lake Elmo, Mahtomedi, Oakdale, Pine Springs, White Bear Lake, White Bear Township, Willernie
- Meeting Overview:
The Mahtomedi School Board meeting on September 23, 2024, covered advancements in district communications, the approval of a preliminary tax levy, and various updates on school activities and initiatives.
One item at the meeting was a detailed presentation on the district’s communications strategy, particularly the implementation of the Zephyr virtual assistant, an AI tool designed to streamline information access for families. Introduced on August 29, this tool had already answered 381 questions, primarily about construction, school hours, and homecoming. Alice, the communications lead, emphasized the district’s leadership in adopting this innovative technology, making Mahtomedi the first in Minnesota to use the AI tool from Always On. She stated, “I have to make sure that I’m checking it; is it putting out the right answers?” underscoring her role in ensuring the accuracy of the information provided.
Alice also discussed the expansion of translation options within the district. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility and connect with families through culturally and linguistically appropriate strategies.
Alice pointed out that the district’s social media efforts had reached over 260,000 individuals on Facebook and 62,000 on Instagram during the 2023-2024 period. She highlighted the importance of understanding engagement beyond mere impressions, noting a shift from traditional print media to digital platforms. “260,000 is incredible,” she remarked, reflecting on the extensive reach achieved.
In addition to the AI tool, the district’s social media strategy focuses on short video content for engagement, especially on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. The speaker discussed the introduction of a program titled “Smart Cookie,” in collaboration with a local bakery, to recognize students for qualities like service, mentorship, and resilience. This program involves staff nominations and culminates in a cookie giveaway.
The board acknowledged the significant growth in social media reach, with an increase from 5,700 to 261,000 in overall reach over three years. They also expressed support for the strategic use of LinkedIn to enhance community engagement and involvement from private parties.
Max, the new student representative, provided a report on recent student council activities, including a “pink out” car wash fundraiser that raised substantial funds for cancer research, and ongoing sports events. He highlighted the excitement surrounding the “pink out” game, which raised over $55,000 through donations and events like selling bracelets and having a staff member kiss a goat as part of a fundraising challenge.
Max also provided updates on school renovations and upcoming events, such as the “Zephyr get together” and the OH Anderson Fun Run. He discussed the middle school’s backpack food program and a planned student trip to Iceland, encouraging family participation.
The board then transitioned to discussing the “Portrait of a Graduate,” a framework developed through community input to define the skills and attributes graduates should possess. This initiative aligns with the district’s strategic plan and will be a recurring topic throughout the year.
The implementation of a new curricular resource, “Wit and Wisdom,” aimed at elementary education and aligned with the science of reading, was also discussed. The board expressed hope that students would share their experiences with this new curriculum. In high school education, the introduction of a “Workplace Communications” class for 11th and 12th graders was highlighted. A new Digital Arts class for seventh and eighth graders, funded largely through community support, was also launched.
The board celebrated recent achievements, including the recognition of National Merit Scholarship semi-finalists and other notable accomplishments within the district.
Moving into financial matters, the board approved donations and grants totaling nearly $21,000. They also reviewed refinancing options for the district’s 2014 bonds, with a resolution aimed at achieving significant savings through favorable market conditions.
Another discussion involved the approval of bids for the district’s indoor air quality project, with Cool Air Mechanical identified as the low bidder. The board emphasized the importance of addressing indoor air quality and the available funding sources for these improvements.
The meeting concluded with the approval of the preliminary tax levy for the 2024-2025 school year. The board discussed the distinctions between voter-approved and discretionary levies, with an emphasis on the impact of market value fluctuations within Washington County. They scheduled the truth in taxation hearing for December 16, with final levy approval set for December 28.
Barb Duffrin
School Board Officials:
Stacey Stout, Kelly Reagan, Paul Donna, Dr. Lucy Payne, Ryan Domin, Jenny Peterson, Max Newcome (Student Representative)
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Meeting Date:
09/23/2024
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Recording Published:
09/24/2024
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Duration:
69 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Minnesota
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County:
Washington County
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Towns:
Birchwood Village, Dellwood, Grant, Hugo, Lake Elmo, Mahtomedi, Oakdale, Pine Springs, White Bear Lake, White Bear Township, Willernie
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