A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to academic performance analysis, focusing on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) results. The board noted some growth in reading scores, with an uptick in students meeting or exceeding state standards. However, concerns were raised about the substantial number of students who did not participate in the MCAs, particularly those who also took the ACT. It was pointed out that two-thirds of students who took the ACT in the past had not taken the MCA, which affects data interpretation and student preparedness for future assessments. This absence of participation is seen as detrimental, potentially leaving students unprepared for the ACT’s rigorous demands. The board expressed concern over stagnant mathematics scores, which experienced a slight decline, and discussed the need for educators and stakeholders to comprehend the implications of new science standards on assessment data.

To address these challenges, the board emphasized strategies for improving academic performance, especially in ACT readiness. Notably, only 20.8% of students met the college readiness benchmark in the previous year, a significant drop from prior years. This prompted a commitment to return to foundational teaching methods and enhance instruction quality. Administrators discussed implementing a tiered approach to instruction. The development of proficiency scales was prioritized, with a goal set for completion by December 1st to aid teaching practices.

The meeting also highlighted efforts to engage students in real-world challenges through career readiness programs. The CEO program, in partnership with local businesses, aims to provide students with hands-on entrepreneurship experience. The program has been in development for four years and allows students to engage with the business community, learning practical skills and potentially developing their own business concepts. The selection process for this program is open to all students through a blind application evaluated by the CEO board. Additionally, the establishment of academies within the school offers pathways for students interested in specific career fields, with a strong participation rate noted among 10th graders.

Extracurricular activities were another focal point, with discussions on increasing student participation while ensuring academic eligibility. The board acknowledged the success of the credit recovery program, which involves a partnership between the credit recovery team, school principals, and counselors to improve student engagement and academic performance. A significant increase in fall participation numbers was attributed, in part, to the reinstatement of middle school programming. The speaker humorously noted a superstition surrounding a particular individual’s attendance at soccer games, stating, “she has to come to every soccer game because every time she’s come, they’ve won.” Upcoming events and the potential impact of waiving participation fees on student involvement were also discussed.

The board received updates on the online academy, revealing that it currently serves 42 students, with a notable portion being 11th graders. While students do not attend classes in person, they engage with teachers virtually. The need for professional development focused on online instructional practices was recognized as essential to enhance the program’s effectiveness. Concerns were raised about fluctuating enrollment numbers, particularly the drop in seniors from ten last year to only four this year, prompting questions about the factors influencing these changes.

Family and community engagement was emphasized as a componet in supporting student achievement. The board highlighted the importance of two-way communication with families to aid children’s academic and social-emotional development. Clarification was sought regarding performance metrics, with a framework explained for assessing student performance across different grades. The board stressed the importance of engaging families as partners in education, acknowledging that current opportunities for family engagement were lacking. Concrete plans for enhancing family participation were mentioned.