The legislative priorities discussion was led by Dr. Kim Hy, who introduced the district’s lobbyist, Valerie Dosland, joining virtually. Dosland provided an update on the state legislature, highlighting a $2.47 billion surplus for the current biennium, contrasted by a projected $3 billion deficit in the following biennium, attributed to increased healthcare costs and slower economic growth. The board is preparing for the 2026 legislative session, which will focus on policy rather than budget-setting. Key issues on the horizon include gun control, school safety, and the federal budget’s impact on healthcare and SNAP.

In the realm of K-12 education, Dosland underscored the importance of school safety, the repeal of a $250 million reduction for special education aid, and maintaining compensatory revenue. Additionally, she mentioned the new paid leave requirements rolling out in January and interim working groups updating compensatory revenue and seclusion practices in special education. Retaining the current general fund formula with its inflationary index was deemed critical, as its recent application helps avert budget issues.

The board’s priorities also included funding for summer unemployment insurance and adjusting the local optional revenue per pupil amount to reflect inflation. Enhancing school safety and mental health support was another focus, with a proposal to increase safe schools funding. Discussions also revolved around workforce shortages, emphasizing incentives to attract and retain teachers of color, and reviewing unfunded mandates.

A prominent concern was the lack of community involvement in setting legislative priorities, prompting suggestions for forming a legislative committee to engage community input. Past attempts at such a committee faced participation challenges, yet the discussion highlighted the ongoing need for community engagement in legislative processes.

Enrollment trends and projections were another major topic of the meeting, with a report presented by John Morad and BJ Herm. The district’s schools experienced varying enrollment changes: a decrease in elementary and alternative learning programs, contrasted by slight increases in middle and high schools. Current enrollment was reported at 21,109 students, slightly lower than previous estimates. The board noted the complexities of inter-district enrollment, with many students leaving for neighboring districts but also gains from cities like Minneapolis.

The discussion also highlighted the increase in private and home school enrollments, with private schools seeing a significant rise in students. The board explored factors influencing these trends, including economic conditions and the appeal of private education. The importance of accurate projections was emphasized, as these impact staffing and budgeting decisions. The board acknowledged challenges in predicting kindergarten enrollment, noting a disparity between the number of students graduating and those entering kindergarten.

In reviewing policies, the board examined the 500 series, focusing on student dress and appearance, chemical use and abuse, and bullying and hazing procedures. Students provided feedback on these policies, advocating for clearer communication and support over punitive measures for chemical use. The need for proactive education on substance use and streamlined communication regarding student surveys and bullying policies was also discussed.

The board addressed the complexities of bullying, especially cyberbullying, and the need for clearer documentation and support for students involved. Recognizing the role of social media in bullying, the board called for enhanced policies to address online behaviors. A proposal for a student-friendly summary of bullying policies was made to increase student understanding and engagement.