In a meeting rich with recognition, the Minnetonka School Board celebrated a range of student achievements. Notably, the adapted bowling team was applauded for having ten students qualify for the state tournament. Of particular mention was senior Brady Mallay, who achieved a fourth-place finish in the state for the third consecutive year. The team coach highlighted individual achievements, and team members shared personal highlights from their season, reflecting on the camaraderie and support they received.

The board also honored students excelling in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. A total of 24 Minnetonka students received top honors in art, and 12 students earned awards in writing. One student, Ra Gomez, spoke about the significance of storytelling and cultural identity in her award-winning novel excerpt, “Against She Rises.” Additionally, the robotics team, Chickenbot Pie, was recognized for qualifying for the Minnesota State Tournament, with members sharing experiences that emphasized teamwork and skill development.

In the realm of language proficiency, 15 students were recognized for achieving high marks in the national French contest, LRO Concur. Moreover, several students were selected for the American Coral Directors Association Honors Choir.

A standout individual recognition was given to Maya Sandy, a senior selected as a Borlo Ron International for the World Food Prize Foundation. Her forthcoming research opportunity at Earth University in Costa Rica highlights the global opportunities afforded to students. Additionally, fifth grader Wade Selby was acknowledged for qualifying for the Scripps National Spelling Bee, underscoring Minnetonka’s emphasis on academic excellence.

The board also took pride in the Minnetonka Community Education program’s recognition as one of the top ten community programs in North America by the Learning Resources Network.

On the administrative front, the board approved the 2026-27 school year calendar. In a presentation led by Angie Flowers, the recommendation to begin the school year before Labor Day was highlighted, a change prompted by the late date of Labor Day in September 2026. This adjustment aims to maintain a more traditional school year end date. The committee involved in the calendar’s development was praised for its diverse representation and review process, which included inputs from parents, students, educators, and administrators.

Additional adjustments to the calendar include starting winter break on December 23, which was well-received by parents. The calendar also transitions to full non-student contact days for professional learning, aligning with best practices for educator development. The board unanimously approved the calendar, following a motion and brief discussion.

In another key agenda item, the board reviewed the district’s recruitment and retention efforts. Superintendent David Law highlighted the district’s ongoing strategies to attract high-quality candidates and retain staff. The board learned about recent partnerships and recruitment tools, such as the careers page launched last year and outreach through platforms like LinkedIn and Diversity in Education. A noticeable increase in job fair attendance and the success of virtual job fairs were reported.

The district’s efforts to maintain a strong substitute staffing pool were also discussed. A total of 46 reserve teachers, 28 paraprofessional substitutes, and 10 proctors were hired this year, providing essential coverage for teacher absences.

The board further addressed the upcoming Tour to Tonka, a bike ride event celebrating its 20th anniversary. The event’s planning, involving community education staff and local partnerships, was discussed, with an emphasis on safety and community involvement. The board learned about the event’s fundraising efforts and its historical contribution to local food shelves.

Lastly, the board approved a resolution for a school board election and authorized the sale of general obligation bonds for facility maintenance projects.