The strategic roadmap dashboard is a tool designed to collect and analyze data in line with the district’s strategic objectives. Dr. Daniels and Amina Oftall explained the dashboard’s focus on both quantitative and qualitative data to provide a holistic view of the district’s performance. A significant portion of the discussion revolved around the Minnesota State Northstar accountability system, which will identify schools needing additional support based on performance metrics. Ed Neil and Sky Oaks schools have transitioned from targeted to comprehensive support due to not meeting special education exit criteria. These schools, along with Burnsville Alternative High School, which has seen improvements in its graduation rates, will receive additional support from the Minnesota Department of Education.

Specific measures showed that around 30% of students in math and 17% in reading improved their benchmark performance. English learners exhibited a flat trend in progress toward language acquisition goals, with slight increases in individual targets. The report also highlighted a rise in district-wide attendance, contrasting with unchanged statewide rates. Superintendent Daniels emphasized the district’s focus on foundational literacy and structured intervention times, aimed at boosting reading and math scores.

The meeting also spotlighted the district’s efforts to develop a “profile of a learner,” a framework outlining the knowledge and skills students should acquire before graduating. This profile is integrated into the curriculum and extracurricular activities, allowing students to demonstrate mastery across seven domains. The platform Zello is used as a tool for college and career planning, enabling students to create portfolios that include interest surveys, transcripts, and resumes. This system remains accessible to students even after graduation, providing a continuous record of their achievements.

The academic calendar for the 2026-2027 school year was approved, with notable changes including the start of the school year before Labor Day. This adjustment, supported by community feedback, aims to enhance the school experience by introducing two four-day weeks at the beginning of the year. The calendar also incorporates a remote learning day on November 3 to accommodate the use of schools as polling places and mitigate weather-related closures. The board discussed the impact of these changes on attendance and sought to ensure alignment with cultural observances, such as the timing of spring break in relation to the Muslim holiday of Eid.

Enhancements at Burnsville High School included new gym bleachers, refinished floors, and an upgraded sound system, alongside pool area improvements. The Diamond Head Education Center saw the addition of a new pre-K classroom and security updates. Other schools, such as Eagle Ridge and Nicollet Middle Schools, received ADA-compliant upgrades and public address system enhancements. These improvements are aimed at ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for students and staff.

The board also explored the district’s language access plan, presented by Isis Buchanan and Aaron Tinklinberg. This plan, mandated by recent legislation, ensures families receive information in their preferred languages.