4:56In addition to the cell phone policy, the board moved forward with two revised policies concerning policy formulation and adoption and electronic technology acceptable use.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a report by the student representative from Mounds View High School, who detailed the school’s recent and upcoming activities. The boys’ swimming and diving team was highlighted for its successful season, with several athletes qualifying for the state competition. The wrestling team also had a commendable performance, with ten wrestlers advancing to state and seven securing winning positions. In music, the high school’s orchestras collaborated with elementary school students, resulting in a performance featuring around 300 participants. The ensemble received accolades at the Best of Sight regionals contest, and the choir hosted a themed open mic fundraiser. The robotics team, known as “Potential Energy,” qualified for state and prepared for national competitions in April.

Looking forward, the representative announced the National Honor Society’s benefit concert, “Music for Mounds View,” scheduled for March 15. The art fair, coinciding with parent-teacher night, and a 2025 social studies trip to Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic were also noted as upcoming events of interest.

Following the student report, the board acknowledged the receipt of gifts totaling $5,517 for schools and programs and $3,527 for the Raler food shelf, recommending acceptance and expressing gratitude to the donors. Superintendent Lennox announced that teacher Zoe Courage had been named a semi-finalist for the 2025 Minnesota Teacher of the Year Award, recognizing her excellence in education.

15:18The board then heard from Darren Johnson, the executive director of school management, who outlined the summer operations projects for 2025. These projects included necessary updates such as painting, concrete repairs, and cafeteria flooring at schools like Pinewood, Island Lake, and Snail Lake. Irondale High School’s geothermal project was a focal point, with plans to complete the installation of underground wells. Additional remodeling of science and art rooms was scheduled, involving new casework, flooring, and lighting. At High View Middle School, the first phase of a geothermal project was set to replace domestic water distribution lines and convert boilers.

Johnson also provided an enrollment update, noting that projections for the 2025-2026 school year had exceeded initial estimates, with current numbers at 11,228 students. Efforts to reach a target enrollment of 800 kindergarten students were ongoing, with considerations for non-resident students on a space-available basis.

Legislative updates were provided, discussing the Association of Metropolitan School Districts (AMSD) and the current legislative climate. A significant reduction in the projected state budget surplus raised concerns about funding implications for schools. The updates included discussions on school policies, including cell phone regulations and election dates, emphasizing the district’s advocacy for local decision-making. The importance of community engagement in legislative advocacy was highlighted, with an invitation extended to board members to attend the AMSD Day at the Capitol on March 23.

An update on a partnership with Northeast Metro 916 and Souls for Souls was shared, detailing the distribution of new tennis shoes to over 200 students, with a focus on popular brands such as Air Jordans. The positive impact of this program on students was emphasized.

Finally, a board member recognized the Irondale band strings ensemble’s performance at the Minnesota Music Educators Association event, commending their hard work and dedication. The ensemble’s challenging music under the direction of CJ Longo was acknowledged.