0:03The most contentious discussion of the evening revolved around the potential closure of the Cape Center, an institution that has supported student parents for 35 years. Community members, including former staff, conveyed the vital role the center plays in enabling young parents to continue their education. One speaker, Lori Schultzy, highlighted the center’s impact, noting that over 700 infants and toddlers have been cared for there. She challenged the notion that the Cape Center and the Teen Pregnancy and Parenting (TPP) program were interchangeable, emphasizing the unique and indispensable services offered by the Cape Center. Carolyn Bean echoed these sentiments. Bean pointed out that prior to the Cape Center’s establishment, more than half of the teen parents dropped out of school post-pregnancy, a statistic that has improved with the center’s support.

20:23The debate on the Cape Center highlighted broader concerns about how the district’s budget priorities align with its educational and social goals. Another speaker addressed the board about the importance of transportation funding for students at Two Rivers, arguing that facilitating access to quality daycare would benefit both students and the district by improving educational outcomes and re-engaging students who might otherwise drop out.

Further adding to the budgetary concerns, Mark Duffy, a social studies teacher, voiced frustration over the stalled implementation of the new state social studies standards. Teachers had started preparing for the curriculum transition, selecting texts and developing resources, only to be instructed to halt their efforts. Duffy criticized the district for not utilizing previously allocated funds for new textbooks and urged the board to trust educators to manage their classrooms effectively. This delay, he argued, creates uncertainty that could negatively impact student learning.

Budget cuts also loomed large in the discussion, with Emily McCuller, a student advocate, warning about the potential repercussions of proposed reductions to elementary staffing. She argued that cuts to instructional coaching and intervention programs would disproportionately affect students who depend on additional support, thereby exacerbating the achievement gap.

Amid these challenges, Superintendent Cory McIntyre provided updates on various district initiatives. He praised several schools for receiving national recognition, including Hoover Elementary, which was named a top Magnet School of Excellence. McIntyre also acknowledged the contributions of paraprofessionals during Minnesota Paraprofessional Recognition Week and briefed the board on legislative efforts to address educational priorities, including financial challenges.

34:52The meeting featured a comprehensive financial audit presented by an independent auditor. The audit confirmed that the district’s financial statements were in good order, with no material weaknesses or instances of non-compliance identified. The auditor reported a student population of approximately 37,536. While the audit showed an increase in the district’s net position, much of this was attributed to investments in infrastructure, not readily available for educational programs. The report highlighted the district’s reliance on state funding, which accounted for 74.3% of total revenue.

50:00Board members engaged with the auditor, seeking clarity on various financial aspects, including “purchased services” and the implications of the district’s financial position.