02:40:17The renewal of the operating levy, which amounts to $17 million over the next decade, was a focal point of the meeting. Concerns were raised about managing and governing community-approved funds, especially as priorities may shift with new residents in the district. The operating levy funds essential programs such as elementary art and fifth-grade band and supports staffing needs. The board underscored the necessity of flexibility and additional resources, including hiring more counselors and an assistant principal for pathways at the high school level. These staffing enhancements are seen as critical to meeting the diverse needs of students.

02:41:35Simultaneously, the capital projects levy, set to generate $4 million annually over ten years without increasing tax rates, was considered vital for sustaining district infrastructure. These funds support initiatives such as career pathways, K-12 STEM programming, and district-wide security improvements. The board highlighted the levy’s role in maintaining educational technology and security infrastructure, which are key to fostering a safe and innovative learning environment.

01:06:22Beyond the levy discussions, the board addressed the importance of expanding concurrent enrollment options. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on post-secondary options (PSO) that require the district to pay other institutions for student enrollment. By increasing concurrent enrollment, students can earn college credits within the district, potentially saving resources and providing students with smaller class sizes and more personalized attention.

01:02:34The meeting also tackled the challenges of class sizes and flexible scheduling. Current class sizes often exceed 35 students, presenting logistical challenges. Smaller class sizes were advocated to improve teacher-student interaction and intervention capabilities. The existing six-period schedule was critiqued for limiting students’ access to electives and advanced courses. There was a call to explore a transition to a more flexible model, despite the financial implications of hiring additional teachers to accommodate such a schedule.

40:42The board reviewed the district’s program of studies, emphasizing its more than 200 high school courses, including over 25 Advanced Placement (AP) courses. However, concerns were raised about student performance metrics. Notably, a significant proportion of students did not meet Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) benchmarks, raising questions about the effectiveness of the current academic approach.

55:56In addition to academic offerings, the board discussed the expansion of student support services, particularly the addition of new counseling positions in high schools. Each high school now has three counselors, which has increased student accessibility to support services. The counselors’ roles have been instrumental in academic planning, schedule changes, and stress management, with juniors and seniors being the most frequent visitors.

01:43:39The Lakeville Area School Board is also focused on enhancing early childhood education and related services. Despite capacity limitations, the district strives to serve a portion of its potential early childhood population through various programs. However, the lack of available space often forces families to seek services in neighboring districts, potentially affecting long-term district enrollment.

02:01:35Community education programs were another area of focus, with discussions on adult basic education and its funding structure. While the program is growing, it operates at a deficit, highlighting the need for strategic financial planning. The board emphasized the importance of community engagement and feedback to inform programming decisions and ensure alignment with community needs.

02:52:21As the board navigates these issues, it recognizes the importance of public engagement. A proposal to form a public engagement committee was discussed.