The discussion on the proposed calendar change for the 2024-2025 school year took center stage. The Superintendent emphasized a board goal focused on literacy, proposing an additional professional learning day for teachers at the end of the academic year. The proposed modification would change the traditional half-day last day of school into a full day dedicated to teacher training, crucial for implementing new English Language Arts standards and resources. This aligns with the ReadAct memorandum of understanding, which promises kindergarten through fifth-grade teachers an additional professional learning day to prepare for the new curriculum. This proposal, if approved, would change the last day of school from June 10th, traditionally an early release day, to a full school day on June 9th, allowing for teacher training on June 10th. The high school schedules, including finals, would remain unchanged, and community education programs would provide support for families needing child care. Concerns were raised about families unprepared for an unexpected full day off from school, and options for full-day activities were suggested. The administration acknowledged challenges in implementing such options at a late stage but agreed to explore possibilities.

Attention then turned to the district’s immersion programs, with a detailed review of the Stamp assessments used to evaluate language proficiency. Superintendent Law noted that Minnetonka uniquely measures student growth in these programs, emphasizing a positive trend in student engagement with the bilingual seals program. Chinese immersion students demonstrated strong growth in reading and listening skills, while Spanish immersion students excelled in reading and listening, with 10th graders reaching advanced levels. However, writing remained a weaker area, prompting recent changes to criteria for earning the bilingual seal to alleviate pressure on this skill. The report highlighted that Minnetonka students consistently exceed national benchmarks in various categories, with listening skills in both immersion programs outpacing national expectations. The meeting acknowledged concerns about stagnant growth in speaking skills and suggested further focus in this area. Board members discussed the implications of proficiency levels on potential career paths, noting that students reaching advanced mid or high ranges could pursue careers in diverse fields such as marketing, finance, and law.

Another topic was the developmental relationships survey, which collects feedback from students to gauge their feelings of connection to their school community. The survey revealed a discrepancy in relationship scores among non-binary students, who scored five points lower than the average. This finding highlighted a negative gap in the area of providing support, with a seven-point difference. The survey also showed perception gaps between adult perceptions of relationship-building efforts and student experiences. While students reported higher levels of express care, challenge growth, and share power, staff ratings in these areas declined. Despite 95% of students reporting strong or moderate relationships with teachers, approximately 5% did not experience the desired relational dynamics. The board discussed initiatives to respond to survey results, including elevating student voices through focus groups and interviews, and developing plans based on actionable feedback. High school students provided feedback on their experiences, which inspired individual teacher projects. Examples of successful initiatives included a poster design outlining essential characteristics fostering belonging and the MME Pride initiative focused on empathy and integrity.

The meeting also addressed updates to the district’s policies affected by the 2023 legislative session. Changes to policies 216, 217, 601, and 603 were discussed, with an emphasis on aligning them with the district’s teaching and learning framework. Policy 216 would be updated to reflect current practices and communication methods, while policy 217 would be sunsetted due to redundancy. Policy 601 and 603 were deemed compliant in their current state.

In addition, the board reviewed a proposal for a new restroom and concession stand project at Veterans Field, with an estimated cost of $900,000 to $1 million. The proposed agreement includes a cash donation of $500,000 from the Diamond Club and subsequent donations over several years. The project aims to enhance the existing facility, with a design featuring heating, cooling, and additional storage space. The board acknowledged the necessity of improving the facility for athletes and other organizations using the space, viewing it as a positive step toward making the venue more attractive.