One item at the meeting was the comprehensive update on the Summer Rise program, presented by Dr. Amy Cochran, Principal of Fridley Middle School. The program, aimed at addressing educational gaps during the summer months, focused on literacy and math for students from 8 AM to noon, Monday through Friday. The initiative, run over five weeks, saw 127 students attending daily out of a total of 180 registered. Significant improvements were noted in student performance, with a 25% increase in proficient scores in math and a 53% increase when combining proficient and basic scores. Literacy proficiency rose from 3% on the pre-test to 24% on the post-test, and the percentage of students scoring below basic decreased from 31% to 16%.

Dr. Cochran emphasized the positive feedback from parents, with 85.7% stating their children found the lessons engaging and 94% affirming the academic content’s benefits. The program also included students already at or above grade level. The collaboration between teachers and the Levinia Group was praised for enhancing student outcomes and providing valuable professional development for educators.

The Rise program included a range of enrichment activities from noon to 3 PM, offering students opportunities to engage in board games, Legos, bracelet making, fiber art, watercolor, pottery, and calligraphy. The program also featured community education camps like babysitting and home-alone camps, as well as a basketball camp. Feedback from families was positive, with many noting that the program helped ease transitions for fifth and ninth graders entering new schools. One parent remarked, “My student is brand new but they were at Rise, and they are really excited to start and feel completely comfortable now that they attended Rise this summer.”

Participants raised concerns about the sustainability of the Rise program, which was primarily financed through ESSER funds that will no longer be available. Discussions on future funding options included the 21st Century Grant and Community Schools Grant. The necessity for creative solutions was emphasized, as compensatory aid dollars could not be utilized for the enrichment portion of the program.

Another topic was the update on district construction projects. The move of the Alternative Learning Center (ALC) Program into the high school was completed, allowing students to take elective classes and integrate more fully into the school community. Minor tasks such as mounting televisions and installing doors and signage remained.

A substantial fire alarm project at the high school was also discussed, with new alarms tested, including a voice-activated system that announces emergencies. The final run-through of the new system was scheduled for the week of the meeting. Additionally, remodeling was necessary for two rooms at the middle school due to increased enrollment, and quotes for this work were being obtained. At Stevenson Elementary, a flooring project had been finalized, and the results received positive feedback from teachers preparing their classrooms.

Special education room remodels were nearing completion, with wall padding pending delivery. The community center’s parking lot project had progressed significantly, although an issue with elevation and grading required redoing a sidewalk to meet standards. The cost was borne by the builder, alleviating the district of financial responsibility. Upcoming projects included window replacements and landscaping efforts, with active mulching and weeding to enhance the school’s exterior appeal.

The board also discussed upcoming events, including a fall sports parent meeting featuring hot dogs and a gathering for student athletes and their parents. The marching band was set to perform in the state fair parade, generating pride among board members and attendees.

Business action items included a resolution to accept donations, which were approved without dissent. Donations included $58 from an anonymous donor to Stevenson Elementary, $100 in honor of Tyler Christensen to the high school, another anonymous donation of $14, and 1,000 pairs of socks for the back-to-school resource fair.

Policy first readings were presented in bulk. The consent agenda, including meeting minutes, financial reports, new contracts, and a bid for window replacements, was approved without requiring a roll call vote.

Future dates discussed included various open houses and the first day of school on September 3rd for certain grades, with all students returning on September 4th. The next board meeting was scheduled for September 7th, with a work session at 4:30 PM and a public forum at 7:00 PM.