The evening began with a celebration of achievements within the Minnetonka Public Schools community. Superintendent David Law and School Board Chair Patrick Lee-O’Halloran led the recognition portion, honoring various students and staff for their accomplishments. One of the highlights was the recognition of elementary student artists, with art teachers introducing students whose artwork is displayed at the district service center until early January. Jane Meyer expressed her pride in the students’ work, stating, “We are so incredibly proud of you and we’re excited to celebrate you along with the beautiful artwork you’ve created.”

Athletic achievements were also celebrated, with the board acknowledging state qualifiers from fall sports teams. The boys varsity cross country team, which placed seventh at the Minnesota State High School League state meet, was commended, with coach Jeff Renland praising team members including Ishach Algapen, Christian Bach, and Sha Fes, who won the state individual championship and set a new course record. The girls varsity cross country team and the girls tennis team were recognized as well, with athletes like Evie Malik and Emily Levton sharing their experiences and gratitude for team support.

The SALE program, an acronym for Students Achieving Independent Life, was a focal point in the meeting, aligning with Inclusive Schools Week. Executive Director of Student Services Christine Breen discussed the program’s growth, now in its fifth year, with enrollment increasing from 26 students in its inaugural year to 37 students currently. The program is designed to foster community engagement post-graduation, with students involved in business initiatives that generate revenue to support the program. Breen noted the program’s success in integrating students into the community through job placements and life skills development, drawing interest from neighboring districts.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing legislative strategies to address projected fiscal challenges. The board reviewed a proposed legislative platform to tackle disparities in funding per pupil between Minnetonka and the average Minnesota school district. The board considered proposals to increase local optional revenue and restore operating referendum caps, which could result in millions of additional dollars annually.

While there was consensus on the importance of the proposals, the board decided to defer approval to gather input from the Community Action for Student Education (CASE) group. This group, which has grown significantly, is expected to provide valuable insights into the legislative platform. The board plans to hold a special meeting in mid-January to finalize the platform after incorporating CASE’s feedback.

The board also addressed budgetary changes, including fee increases for programs such as the Explorers and preschool programs. Proposed fee increases aim to cover additional staffing and operational costs, with a 5% increase for K-5 students and a 10% increase for the Junior Explorers program. Discussions included ensuring financial assistance for families in need and improving program accessibility.

The board approved revisions to various policies, including nutrition services and school assignments, reflecting statutory changes and aligning with internal feedback. A notable policy revision was the complete rewrite of the conflict of interest policy, incorporating standards for financial conflicts and reporting processes.

In the financial overview, the board discussed budget allocations, with teacher salaries accounting for a portion of expenditures. The board approved the amended budget for fiscal year 2026 and projected budget for fiscal year 2027, with a surplus anticipated for both years due to increased special education funding and student enrollment.

Finally, the board reviewed the fiscal year 2025 audit, receiving a “clean opinion” on financial statements, with a minor finding related to internal controls. The district’s unassigned fund balance was above the minimum policy threshold.