Anoka-Hennepin School Board Tables Culturally Responsive Arts Program Amid Concerns Over Content

In a recent Anoka-Hennepin School Board meeting, the board unanimously decided to table a discussion on the Culturally Responsive Arts Education and Learning Program after concerns were raised about its content and alignment with the district’s values. The meeting also saw public comments urging the reinstatement of a middle school principal and advocating against budgetary cuts affecting crucial educational programs.

The culturally responsive arts program was a focal point of the meeting, with discussions centering on its intent and implications for the district. A board member expressed disappointment in the program’s participation, citing apprehensions about its alignment with the district’s educational philosophy. The program is designed to advance equity and improve arts education through culturally responsive and anti-racist practices. The board member criticized the program for promoting what they described as a divisive ideology.

In response, another board member sought clarification on how the program would specifically affect the Anoka-Hennepin schools. The program’s funds were intended to bring in guest artists, including a Champlin Park graduate recognized for skateboard designs. The superintendent highlighted efforts to elevate student art visibility, addressing a perceived imbalance with music and athletics.

The conversation extended to vetting guest speakers, with a board member questioning the process and potential controversial elements. There was a shared sentiment among the board that more information was necessary to ensure clarity and alignment with district values. A board member requested more details to evaluate the program’s benefits for students.

Public comments further enlivened the meeting, with community members addressing the board on various district issues. Roxan Titig advocated for the reinstatement of a middle school principal, emphasizing the adverse impact of his absence on students and programs. Titig described the principal as a figure whose return could enhance the educational environment, urging the board to promptly resolve the situation for the students’ benefit.

Eric Skogquist, another speaker, articulated concerns about proposed budget cuts affecting curriculum integration coordinators (CICs) in middle and elementary schools. Skogquist highlighted the positive impact of CICs on engaging learning environments and warned that reducing these positions could affect over 3,200 elementary students in racially and economically isolated areas. He urged the board to reconsider these staffing cuts.

Boundary issues were also raised, with James Jaden presenting a petition signed by over 170 individuals seeking changes to middle school band curriculum boundaries. Jaden argued that existing boundaries led to inequitable experiences for students from Rum River, contributing to feelings of isolation and inadequate support. He pressed the board to reconsider their stance on boundary adjustments, emphasizing the need for equitable educational experiences for marginalized students.

Further public commentary came from Shannon Fox, who reiterated the call for the reinstatement of the AMSA principal. Fox criticized the procedures leading to the principal’s removal, framing it as a waste of talent and not aligning with the district’s educational values of second chances and appropriate consequences.

The board meeting also addressed budgetary concerns, with Laura Lucarelli, a parent, voicing disappointment over cuts affecting programs at Lincoln Elementary School for the Arts.

Superintendent McIntyre provided a district update, highlighting ongoing efforts to hire operational and support staff, including an upcoming hiring event. He emphasized community involvement in filling staffing roles and mentioned the ongoing registration process for students in grades 5 through 11 to determine staffing needs for the next school year.

The board also moved forward with a resolution to apply for a Safe Routes to School grant aimed at improving pedestrian safety at Dayton Elementary. The grant would fund infrastructure improvements, such as a center island and flashing lights, to enhance safety for students. The Chief Operations Officer expressed optimism about the project, noting the importance of resolutions from all involved entities for the grant application.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.
Superintendent:
Cory McIntyre
School Board Officials:
Linda Hoekman, Zach Arco, Kacy Deschene, Matt Audette, Michelle Langenfeld, Jeff Simon

Receive debriefs about local meetings in your inbox weekly:

Trending meetings
across the country:

Meeting Date
Filter by bodytypes
Agricultural Advisory Committee
Airport Advisory Board
Art and Culture Board
Beach Committee
Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Board of Elections
Board of Health
Building Committee
Cannabis Control Board
Cemetery Commission
Charter Revision Commission
Child and Family Services Board
City Council
City Identity Committee
Code Enforcement Board
College Board of Trustees
Community Appearance Board
Community Preservation Committee
Community Redevelopment Agency
Congressional Committee
County Council
Disability Advisory Committee
Economic Development Board
Elderly Affairs Board
Electric Advisory Board
Environmental Commission
Financial Oversight Board
Historic Preservation Commission
Housing Authority
Human Relations Committee
Human Resources Committee
Insurance Fund
Land Use Board
Library Board
Licensing Board
Mental Health Commission
Municipal Alliance
Open Space Commission
Oversight and Review Committee
Parent Advisory Board
Parking Authority
Parks and Gardens Commission
Parks Commission
Pension Board
Planning Board
Police Review Board
Port Authority
Property Assessment Board
Public Safety Committee
Recreation Commission
Redevelopment Agency
Rent Control Board
Rent Leveling Board
School Board
Sewerage Authority
Shade Tree Commission
Special Magistrate
State Legislative Committee
State School Board
Taxation & Revenue Advisory Committee
Tourism Board
Trails Committee
Transportation Board
Utility Board
Value Adjustment Board
Veterans Committee
Water Control Board
Women's Advisory Committee
Youth Advisory Committee
Zoning Board
Filter by County
CA
Alameda County
Los Angeles County
San Bernardino County
San Francisco County
CO
Adams County
Arapahoe County
Boulder County
Douglas County
El Paso County
Elbert County
Garfield County
Jefferson County
Mesa County
Montrose County
Pueblo County
Teller County
Weld County
FL
Bay County
Bradford County
Brevard County
Broward County
Clay County
Duval County
Escambia County
Gulf County
Hendry County
Highlands County
Hillsborough County
Indian River County
Lake County
Lee County
Leon County
Levy County
Liberty County
Manatee County
Marion County
Martin County
Miami-Dade County
Monroe County
Okaloosa County
Orange County
Osceola County
Palm Beach County
Pasco County
Pinellas County
Polk County
Putnam County
Santa Rosa County
Sarasota County
Seminole County
St. Johns County
Taylor County
Volusia County
Walton County
IL
Cook County
Kane
Kane County
Mchenry
IN
Marion County
MA
Barnstable County
Berkshire County
Bristol County
Essex County
Franklin County
Hampden County
Hampshire County
Middlesex County
Norfolk County
Plymouth County
Suffolk County
Worcester County
MD
Montgomery County
MI
Berrien County
Genesee County
Grand Traverse County
Ingham County
Kent County
Oakland County
Washtenaw County
Wayne County
MN
Anoka County
Becker County
Beltrami County
Benton County
Blue Earth County
Brown County
Carver County
Cass County
Chippewa County
Chisago County
Clay County
Cook County
Crow Wing County
Dakota County
Freeborn County
Goodhue County
Grant County
Hennepin County
Isanti County
Itasca County
Kanabec County
Kandiyohi County
Koochiching County
Lac Qui Parle County
Lyon County
Mcleod County
Morrison County
Mower County
Nicollet County
Olmsted County
Pipestone County
Polk County
Ramsey County
Rice County
Scott County
Sherburne County
Sibley County
St Louis County
Stearns County
Steele County
Waseca County
Washington County
Wright County
NJ
Atlantic County
Bergen County
Burlington County
Camden County
Cape May County
Cumberland County
Essex County
Gloucester County
Hudson County
Hunterdon County
Mercer County
Middlesex County
Monmouth County
Morris County
Ocean County
Passaic County
Somerset County
Sussex County
Union County
Warren County
NY
Bronx County
Kings County
New York County
Queens County
Richmond County
TN
Montgomery County
Rutherford County
Shelby County
Williamson County
TX
Dallas County
Harris County
Tarrant County
VA
Fairfax County
Loudoun County
Filter by sourcetypes
Minutes
Recording