0:28The board’s decision to adopt the new K-12 social studies curriculum was a significant highlight. Bethany Van AEL and Jamie Hackinson presented the adoption, emphasizing the importance of updating the resources despite uncertainties in social studies standards. The teaching and learning department advocated for the updates to ensure that the educational resources remain rigorous and relevant. Van AEL explained the extensive review process undertaken by the team to align with current and potential future standards. Hackinson discussed the unique opportunities within the K-5 curriculum, highlighting the collaborative efforts to gather input from teachers and stakeholders. The curriculum recommendation included Studies Weekly, noted for its potential to enhance K-5 learning, particularly in print form to aid literacy development. Hackinson said, “We found that there was a very big energy around connection to literacy, K-5 alignment across all six sites, accommodations for multiple levels of learning styles, and increased opportunities for those depths of knowledge in the content.”

21:47Financial updates were also a focal point of the meeting. The Director of Finance and Operations presented proposed budget revisions for the current and upcoming school years. The general fund was projected to receive an upward revision due to increased enrollment, with an estimated additional revenue of $540,000. School term unemployment aid was expected to contribute an additional $312,000, as school term employees would be eligible for unemployment benefits during the summer months. New react aids introduced during the 2024 legislative session would bring approximately $654,000 for specific educational purposes. The issuance of general obligation bonds would provide $1.5 million to the operating capital fund for bus purchases. A projected reduction in special education revenue, about 5% for all school districts in the state, was also discussed.

37:08The Board also examined the district’s conservative budgeting approach, resulting in better-than-expected revenue estimates. The district anticipated a $3.6 million increase in revenue above the original budget, despite expenditures expected to exceed the budget by $2.6 million. This would add approximately $1 million to the fund balance. Notable expenditures included the purchase of diesel buses and salary increases due to collective bargaining agreements. The food service fund performed well, with an increase in participation in the universal free meal program, prompting a revenue budget revision upwards by about $830,000.

55:12In addition to financial discussions, the board approved the elementary literacy curriculum, Benchmark Advance, which includes Spanish dual language programs. The curriculum was selected after a review process involving a diverse team of teachers and administrative representatives. It was recognized for fostering deeper writing skills and enhancing transitions from elementary to middle school. The curriculum primarily serves tier one instruction for all students in the classroom.

The board further approved academic calendars for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school years, with adjustments to the 2025-2026 calendar. These changes aimed to align the calendar with practical needs, such as allowing teachers time to review assessment data before students arrive.

1:12:05Other significant approvals included the Achievement and Integration fiscal year 2026 budget and the American Indian education program vote of concurrence. The Achievement budget was largely unchanged, and the board expressed appreciation for its alignment with the district’s metrics plan. The American Indian Parent Advisory Committee voted for concurrence, acknowledging positive strides made in response to previous recommendations.

37:08Policy reviews included discussions on emergency health situations, the education of homeless children, student recruiting, and student interviews by outside agencies. Changes were minimal, primarily involving administrative updates and alignment with current practices.

1:12:05The meeting concluded with updates on upcoming events, including the “Day at the Capital” and ongoing budget community meetings. Dr. Stanley recognized the girls’ hockey team’s performance and highlighted student artwork displayed from Southview Middle School.