The School Board meeting prominently featured an update on the district task force’s efforts to enhance public understanding of school operations and funding. A representative shared that 25 out of 27 invited participants attended the task force’s first meeting, where financial and enrollment data were presented. The task force’s goal is to foster transparency by developing a webpage similar to the one used for the superintendent hiring process, providing resources and videos for community access. Dr. Hy emphasized the importance of this initiative in building community trust and ensuring informed public participation.

A strategic plan update was presented to the board, with a focus on collecting feedback from staff and students. The district’s core values and strategic directions were refined based on past input from the community, parents, and staff. The acronym “TIGERS” was introduced, representing Teaching, Innovation, Grit, Empowerment, Readiness, and Systems. Each element was defined, with “grit” linked to resilience and continuous improvement. Dr. Hy highlighted the need to connect these concepts with a growth mindset to prepare students for future educational and career opportunities.

The School Board also explored the topic of student assessments, with board members expressing concerns over the reliance on Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) test scores. A desire for more effective evaluation methods that engage students was voiced, though no immediate solutions were proposed.

Healthcare costs and self-insurance were another major focus of the meeting. The board discussed the importance of educating staff about available healthcare options and the potential for cost savings through efficient resource utilization. Rising healthcare expenses were a concern, and board members explored ways to maintain quality care while reducing costs.

An innovative proposal was presented to introduce Letterman sweatshirts as a new form of student recognition. This initiative aims to replace traditional Letterman jackets with a more affordable and accessible option, priced at $76.50, compared to the jackets’ $200 cost. The sweatshirts offer customization options, including names, graduation years, and achievement chevrons. The board highlighted the importance of inclusivity, ensuring that all student activities, including robotics and other extracurriculars, are represented. Suggestions were made to promote the sweatshirt initiative through student organizations to increase awareness and participation.

The board discussed various educational initiatives, including a new comprehensive achievement and civic readiness report. This report focuses on ensuring kindergarten readiness, with a specific goal of 54% for early reading assessments. However, the actual performance was 47%, prompting discussions about disaggregating data to better reflect the district’s influence. Strategies for addressing racial and economic achievement gaps were also explored, with a shift towards using FAST assessments for timely interventions.

Community education initiatives were highlighted, with plans to offer literacy learning opportunities for caregivers and empower professional development for community providers working with pre-kindergarten children. The district exceeded its previous goal of 83% preschool attendance, achieving 89%, and set a new stretch goal of 93% for the upcoming year. The board emphasized the necessity of maintaining successful outreach strategies, such as engaging with local communities through culturally specific gatherings.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the Kaker report, which stressed the importance of assessing social, emotional, and academic skills at the site level. New strategies were introduced to enhance critical thinking and collaborative learning, with a focus on student-centered instructional design. The board also approved a second reading of policy 712, regarding video monitoring, and planned for a closed session on labor negotiations.