A notable incident involving potential violations of the school board code of ethics was a primary focus. Following Dr. Perry’s resignation, there were concerns about board members engaging directly with staff on internal matters, bypassing the established chain of command. This prompted a review of policy 209, reiterating that board members should direct staff concerns to supervisors or the superintendent.

The conversation about board governance extended to the importance of presenting a unified front, as directed by the Minnesota School Board Association. Members debated the implications of voting one’s conscience versus accepting board decisions. While disagreements are natural, maintaining respect and modeling appropriate behavior, particularly in front of students, was deemed essential. This dialogue included reflections on past incidents where consultants were brought in to guide board conduct, stressing the need for self-awareness and accountability among board members.

In addition to governance concerns, the board reviewed the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) data, which highlighted significant student opt-outs, notably in the 11th-grade math test. Approximately 75 students opted out, leaving only 90 participants out of a class of around 150. This raised concerns about the reliability of the data, a challenge faced by many high schools. Discussion centered on the importance of encouraging participation to ensure that data accurately informs curriculum alignment with state standards.

The review of MCA data revealed slight increases in student test scores over the years, despite the absence of 2020 data due to the pandemic. Concerns were expressed about students not achieving proficient reading levels, with Foley’s performance compared to state averages. The board underscored the need for principals to act as instructional leaders, collaborating with staff to close achievement gaps. A shift towards early literacy was noted, with discussions on intervention strategies needing to start before kindergarten.

The board also tackled policy reviews, including policy 203.2 on the order of regular meetings and policy 524 on internet technology use. A debate on public comment procedures highlighted the balance between procedural integrity and public engagement. The financial report presented a budget of $5 million, higher than the previous year, with $471,000 in expenditures thus far.

Amidst these discussions, the board acknowledged the retirement of a long-serving staff member, expressing appreciation for her dedication. The meeting also celebrated the Minnesota Honor Society induction of 31 juniors and seniors, one of the largest groups in recent years, and highlighted various seasonal sports activities and the upcoming fall musical.