Over 900 students contributed to a stakeholder report that emphasized the importance of inclusion as central to the district’s identity. Despite these efforts, community members expressed dissatisfaction with the district’s response to national events, stressing the need for leadership to affirm the core values of integrity, compassion, and respect. The board listened to emotional testimonies from Somali parents, who shared their children’s fears and called for more robust support and communication from the district.

The board then transitioned to financial matters, including the truth and taxation portion of the meeting led by the director of finance and operations. The presentation offered insights into the district’s fiscal year 2026 budget and the intricacies of education funding in Minnesota. The funding gap between what the district receives and what it would have received had it kept pace with inflation was revealed to be significant, creating a shortfall of approximately $13.9 million.

In addition, the board reviewed the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. The audit revealed that the district maintained a strong financial standing, with an increase in the fund balance and a positive audit opinion. However, minor compliance issues were noted, such as delays in processing payments and filing reports on unclaimed property. The board emphasized the importance of maintaining fiscal health, with an increase in the unassigned fund balance as a positive trend.

The board’s agenda included discussions on proposed changes to the international travel approval process. The aim is to streamline the process by placing travel proposals on the consent agenda. The challenges of rising travel costs and ensuring accessibility for all students were debated, with suggestions to impose cost cutoffs and explore domestic travel opportunities as alternatives to international experiences.

The meeting also addressed legislative priorities for the coming year. The legislative action committee presented a platform emphasizing education financing stability, enhanced mental health support, and increased focus on safety and career education. Student representatives highlighted school safety and the need for modern facilities.

In a development, the board considered a request from the city of Edina for an extension of tax increment financing (TIF) districts. The board discussed the implications of extending TIF districts, which defer increases in capital projects levies until the districts are fully developed. The board ultimately approved the request, acknowledging the potential tax impact on residents and the need for more transparency from the city regarding such decisions.