The meeting’s central topic was a presentation on the AVID program, which has been a transformative initiative at both Edin Brook Elementary and Maple Grove Middle School. The program, aimed at fostering academic success through skill-building and community involvement, has become an important part of the school’s improvement strategies. Notably, the program at Edin Brook is embedded into the curriculum for all students, rather than being offered as an elective. Principal Krueger and other team members explained that AVID focuses on building relationships, strengthening communication skills, and promoting critical thinking.

At Maple Grove Middle School, AVID, which began in 2019, aims to create a schoolwide culture of literacy that includes reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The program’s comprehensive approach has led to notable improvements in student GPAs and ACT scores, particularly among BIPOC students. Testimonials from students and parents highlighted the program’s role in enhancing organizational skills and fostering a sense of belonging. One student shared how AVID helped them think more critically and gain confidence, while another emphasized the community and academic benefits.

Despite its success, the program faces challenges due to limited capacity. A student representative revealed a waiting list of approximately 40 students, attributed to Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) funding constraints that limit the number of elective sections available. This issue is not isolated to one school, as similar waiting lists exist at other middle schools in the district. The board members acknowledged the program’s impact and expressed a desire to expand it to accommodate more students.

Following the AVID discussion, student representatives shared insights from a recent work session focused on the student stakeholder survey. The conversation included discussions on college readiness pressures and the importance of preparing students without overwhelming them. A proposal for a “world cafe” event was introduced to facilitate discussions among students on topics of safety, belonging, and inclusion, with an emphasis on gathering perspectives from marginalized students.

The meeting also addressed community concerns during the audience opportunity segment. Alyssa Danahe, a parent of two elementary students, spoke about the challenging learning environment at Rush Creek Elementary due to disruptive behavior in her daughter’s classroom. Danahe stressed the need for specialized support for students exhibiting violent behaviors and called for enhanced mental health resources and safety plans in schools. Her concerns highlighted the broader need for effective intervention strategies and mental health support in elementary education.

The report highlighted ongoing professional growth initiatives for staff, focusing on system strategy and return on investment (ROI). The superintendent emphasized the importance of reflection and informed decision-making to foster trust and excellence within the community.

The meeting recognized achievements across the district, including AIO Senior High School’s designation as a National Banner Unified Champion School and the acknowledgment of ten seniors from Maple Grove Senior High School for earning National Merit Commended Honors. Other highlights included student engagement activities, such as tree planting with Tree Trust and the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

The board also discussed upcoming community conversations and information fairs designed to gather feedback and inform families about educational opportunities. The consent agenda was approved unanimously, including financial reports and budget adjustments, and the board expressed gratitude for community contributions totaling over $37,000.