The board opened with a recognition segment, lauding the achievements of students and teams who excelled in extracurricular activities. The boys varsity baseball team was commended for their second-place finish at the state tournament, with coaches and standout player Dashel Dewy sharing highlights of the season. The girls flag football team was recognized for an unbeaten regular season and their advancement to the state quarterfinals, outscoring opponents significantly. The girls golf team, under coach Sarah Martinson, received accolades for securing the school’s first state championship, boasting an undefeated season and numerous individual honors. The boys tennis team and boys track and field team also garnered recognition for their impressive performances in state tournaments, with notable individual achievements highlighted.

Minnetonka Theater was acknowledged for its production of “Anything Goes,” which earned multiple state spotlight awards. Additionally, the Pit Orchestra and specific students like William Baron and Sam Roseworn were celebrated for their contributions and achievements on state and national levels.

Transitioning from recognitions, the board discussed the introduction of a new bullying prevention program, replacing the previous OAS system. The new initiative features a two-pronged approach that integrates bullying education with social skills development, emphasizing respect, empathy, and friendship. The program is designed to be incorporated into daily classroom activities, fostering a common language among students with directives like “stop, support, and report.” The curriculum includes a 36-week sequence with resources for teachers and a focus on family engagement through monthly newsletters that provide conversation starters and activities for parents to support learning at home.

The board also delved into social and emotional learning (SEL) updates, with Superintendent Law and Executive Director of Student Services, Dr. Christine Breen, discussing efforts to support student mental health across all grade levels. The SEL initiatives aim to instill a sense of belonging and well-being, with monthly themes and evidence-based instruction aligning with the school board’s goals. The presentation included a video illustrating the district’s SEAL framework, highlighting the connection between academic excellence and social-emotional well-being.

In elementary and middle schools, the SEL curriculum focuses on character traits, self-reflection, and critical social skills, with a tiered teaching approach that grows more complex with each grade level. The high school has embraced a theme of respect, integrating it into the curriculum and encouraging students to embody values of kindness and community involvement. High school initiatives also emphasize the development of strong student-teacher relationships and the importance of social-emotional learning in academic success.

The board approved several bids for upcoming infrastructure projects. The Deep Haven window and gym HVAC replacements were scheduled for summer 2026, with the board approving a bid from Daring Pearson Group for $1,111,000 despite being slightly over budget. The Excelsior Elementary School gym HVAC replacement bid from CM Construction was accepted at $242,000, well below the budget estimate. Additionally, a bid from Northland Mechanical Contractors for Minnetonka Middle School West’s boiler room component replacement was approved for $636,900, under the projected $750,000 budget.

Board members expressed support for the new bullying prevention strategy and family engagement components, particularly the effectiveness of the newsletters. A discussion on the importance of using consistent language across school and home settings was emphasized.