Principal Sandival emphasized the importance of inclusivity at Burnsville High School, stating that respect, responsibility, and engagement are the foundational pillars of the school’s atmosphere. This ethos is reinforced through regular staff meetings to align educational goals with these principles. One of the significant initiatives highlighted was the professional development efforts aimed at enhancing tier one instruction to align with state standards. The school’s leadership team is working on instructional guarantees to ensure consistency in education, supported by a schoolwide resource tool currently in development.

The BAR program, now in its second year, aims to highlight student strengths while implementing tiered support systems to enhance student engagement. Principal Sandival expressed enthusiasm about the program’s structured team meetings, which focus on building relationships among students and staff. The Associate of Arts program, entering its third year, was also mentioned, with the second cohort expected to graduate in May.

The school report also detailed systematic tools supporting student success, such as Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). These frameworks are crucial in addressing academic and behavioral needs. The implementation of grade-level student meetings was described as a new initiative designed to ground students in their aspirations and enhance understanding of school policies, including attendance and cell phone usage.

Student guests shared personal experiences, adding depth to the report. Luis Perez Lopez, an 11th grader involved in an Emergency Medical Response class, highlighted skills like infant CPR and managing anxiety. He credited the AVID program with broadening his career interests. Isaiah Tilbury, a sophomore who participated in the ninth-grade academy’s first cohort, emphasized the positive relationships he developed with staff and peers, contributing to his academic success.

The meeting also addressed tutoring opportunities and the credit recovery program, which are integral to the school’s strategy for improving graduation rates. A parent advisory council has grown, increasing family and community engagement. An upcoming event in October will allow families to visit the school during the day, generating excitement among the administration.

Principal Sandival stressed a collaborative effort among staff members to enhance graduation rates, stating that the collective efforts of many caring individuals within the high school are key to moving forward in the right direction. The board members appreciated the insights shared, with Director Mikkelsen highlighting the importance of school presentations during board meetings.

A notable topic of discussion was the new cell phone policy. A student contributor mentioned that most teachers use a system where phones are placed in designated pockets. This policy has led to increased classroom conversations, and Principal Sandival noted that uniformity across classrooms has reduced confusion, fostering a conducive learning environment. Parental feedback on the policy has been positive, with parents appreciating the systematic approach and the significant change in the school environment.

The discussion then transitioned to student pathways and career planning. Principal Sandival highlighted various methods employed to assist students in making informed choices about their futures, including field trips and interactions with college and military representatives. These efforts are designed to visually remind students of their options and facilitate conversations about their aspirations.

The superintendent shared insights from the recent Hall of Fame ceremony, which underscored the profound influence of educators on students’ lives. The ceremony celebrated the importance of believing in and supporting students. Ongoing efforts to connect with the community were also mentioned, including an upcoming series of listening sessions designed to engage with staff and community members.

Board members’ reports included a recounting of a community education celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month and an encouragement to attend the upcoming Asia-Pacific Heritage celebration. The meeting also covered several administrative matters, including the approval of a band trip to Malta, a language access plan, and a collective bargaining agreement with the Burnsville Food Service Association. The session concluded with a resolution to accept donations to the district and a closed session to discuss labor negotiation strategy.