A major highlight of the meeting was the board’s decision to approve bids for upcoming construction projects scheduled for summer 2026. These projects, introduced by the Superintendent, were enthusiastically received due to their budget-friendly nature. The Executive Director of Finance and Operations detailed each project, starting with a fencing replacement at the district service center. The project had a budget of $150,000, but the low bid of $15,440 from Ericson Builders and Company was approved.

Cabinet replacements at two elementary schools also received approval. At Scenic Heights Elementary, the budget was set at $500,000, yet the winning bid of $332,000 from Lindy Construction Services LLC was accepted. Similarly, Groveland Elementary’s cabinet replacement and wall tile resurfacing, budgeted at $650,000, was awarded to Action Construction Services for a bid of $277,548.

The board also approved repaving projects for various schools. Minnetonka High School’s northwest parking lot will undergo repaving, with a low bid of $238,700 from Minnesota Paving Materials. Clear Springs Elementary’s front area repaving, budgeted at $300,000, was approved for $145,468. Lastly, Excelsior Elementary’s back section repaving, with an estimated budget of $245,000, was awarded to FPI Paving Contractors Incorporated for $120,853.

In addition to construction matters, the board reviewed the annual enrollment report, presented by the Superintendent and the Executive Director of Communications. The district saw an increase in enrollment, reaching 11,484 students, up from 11,275 the previous year. Open enrollment continues to play a role, with 41% of high school students attending through this option. Financially, open enrollment contributed approximately $68.5 million this year, aiding programming and class size reductions.

The enrollment report noted an increase in kindergarten enrollment, with 872 students in the class of 2038. This growth was attributed to demographic shifts and a potential decline in private school attendance. The board discussed the financial implications, projecting $74 million in revenue from this class over 13 years. These figures underscore the district’s strategic planning in managing enrollment and funding.

The meeting also featured a school report from Deep Haven Elementary, presented by its principal. The report emphasized the school’s focus on student literacy, leadership, and bullying prevention, in line with National Bullying Prevention Month. Programs like responsive classroom and character strong were highlighted, along with initiatives such as Unity Day to combat bullying.

A fifth-grade teacher discussed the Deep Haven Leaders in Action group, which encourages fifth graders to participate in community service projects. This inclusive group fosters leadership skills and has seen a strong response from students. The school’s literacy initiatives were also a focus, with new curricular resources aligning with state standards and promoting real-world connections in the classroom.

The board adopted the final draft of the annual report, which featured achievements and goals from the past year. The report also noted the district’s financial transparency and AAA bond rating.

Concluding the meeting, a board member highlighted the positive impact of enrollment numbers on the district’s financial status. The Minnetonka Public Schools Foundation announced new leadership and ongoing recruitment efforts, while a task force addressed the explorers registration process, noting improvements and community satisfaction.