The meeting commenced with an update on the district’s Early Childhood programs provided by Dr. Gillespie, accompanied by Christa Nelson, the new assistant director of Early Childhood programs. Nelson, who has been in her role for three weeks, offered an extensive overview of the programs and their recent developments. The Early Childhood programs in White Bear Lake include an integration of special education and community education services, catering to children from birth up to preschool age.

Nelson reported that last year, around 591 preschoolers were screened before entering preschool, emphasizing the significance of making families feel welcomed during their initial interaction with the district. She shared that the Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) program currently serves 141 families, with expectations for increased enrollment. Full-day preschool programs are in high demand, with 297 preschoolers and 359 Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) students currently enrolled. The outdoor program at Tamarack has reached full capacity, offering unique learning experiences.

Nelson outlined the team’s action plan, focusing on engaging diverse learners, increasing access to programs, and fostering family and community engagement. Recent training sessions for staff on working with multilingual children and their families were well-received, with a follow-up session planned for January. To meet growing demand, the team is working on adding more classes and expanding facilities once construction is completed. Nelson acknowledged the vital role of their child and family advocate in connecting families with community resources.

Upcoming community engagement events include a field trip to Pine Haven and an “Apple Adventure” event. A board member commented on the importance of the ECFE program for young parents, highlighting how early intervention can help children start kindergarten without deficits.

The board then discussed the Transition Education Center, which operates out of the former Hugo Elementary School. The center offers larger classrooms, a cafeteria, and a gym, which were previously unavailable. The Transition Education Center supports various programs, including Transition Plus for students aged 18 to 22 focusing on post-secondary education and independent living skills, and the TAP program for students aged 9 to 22 with social-emotional needs. Project Search provides internships for students in their final year at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare.

A new Minnesota regulation now allows students on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to receive services until their 22nd birthday, extending from the previous cut-off at 21. The center’s mission is to honor students’ unique abilities and aspirations. Staff have developed the mnemonic acronym—TEC—representing transitioning to community, encouraging independence, and celebrating aspirations.

The strategic planning tactics presented included personalized post-secondary planning opportunities for students in their final year. Another tactic focused on ensuring students feel a sense of belonging, implementing restorative circles in advisory classes. Students appreciated activities like reading clubs and social engagement with friends, and suggested improvements such as more colorful classrooms and special birthday treats.

Project Search’s success was emphasized, with a significant percentage of interns achieving competitive employment outcomes post-graduation. The program includes training in various departments at Gillette, with students now required to use public transportation due to the discontinuation of the Gillette shuttle service, offering practical transportation skills.

The meeting also addressed operational matters, with the board certifying the 2024 payable 2025 preliminary property tax levy. The Director of Finance explained the importance of timely certification and the components of the levy, recommending approval of the maximum amount to allow for adjustments before final approval in December. The preliminary approval facilitates refinement based on state or county adjustments, with a Truth in Taxation hearing planned for December.

A board member inquired about the percentage of funding provided by the tax levy in relation to the overall budget, with the Director of Finance estimating the general fund portion funded by the levy at around 20 to 25 percent. The board proceeded to a roll call vote, unanimously approving the maximum for the preliminary property tax levy.