South Saint Paul School Board Unveils New Logo and Incentives to Boost Student Attendance
- Meeting Overview:
The South Saint Paul School Board meeting revealed plans for a refreshed school logo and discussed strategies to improve student attendance ahead of the new academic year. The meeting, attended by board members and school administrators, focused on issues impacting the district, including branding updates, student attendance incentives, and educational improvements.
A highlight of the meeting was the unveiling of a new school logo, part of a broader branding refresh initiative. The new logo, featuring a dynamic side-facing bull, replaces the previous front-facing design. This change aims to provide a more cohesive visual identity for the district while allowing individual teams some creative freedom in their designs. The board emphasized the importance of maintaining a consistent brand while encouraging team expression. The rollout of the new logo will begin digitally, with physical materials updated over time. The initiative also addresses compliance with ADA standards by 2026.
Another focus of the meeting was the board’s strategies to address attendance and punctuality in schools. Recognizing the challenges posed by online learning platforms, the board introduced a series of incentives to encourage regular attendance. Students with no tardies in a week will be entered into a drawing for rewards such as skipping meal lines, earning free homework passes, or accessing activities without cost. The board stressed the importance of in-person learning experiences that cannot be replicated digitally. Programs like “Win Wednesday,” which had broad support, will begin in the seventh week of the trimester, providing dedicated time for students to catch up and focus on coursework.
The meeting also covered updates on educational initiatives, including the introduction of new curricula in middle school science and English language arts. These changes aim to enhance clarity in educational standards and promote consistent assessment practices. Furthermore, the introduction of the “Connections” class will support students in career and post-secondary planning, integrating a tool called Zello to help students explore potential career paths.
Additionally, the board discussed the importance of families enrolling in the free and reduced-price lunch program, which offers benefits beyond free meals, such as discounted fees for athletics and activities. The superintendent urged families to submit enrollment forms to maximize revenue that directly supports classroom activities.
The meeting concluded with updates on community events and educational foundations, highlighting ongoing efforts to engage the community and support school programs. Plans for events such as a walk-a-thon and a brand refresh were shared. The superintendent expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration among staff and the excitement surrounding the start of the school year.
Brian Zambreno
School Board Officials:
Kim Humann (Chair), Anne Claflin (Vice Chair), Paul Cumings (Treasurer), Wendy Felton (Clerk), Ryan Duffy, Tim Felton, Monica Weber, Amal Fickak, Jackson Schultz
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
08/25/2025
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Recording Published:
08/26/2025
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Duration:
62 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Minnesota
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County:
Dakota County
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Towns:
South St. Paul
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