0:01Major David Brown, who leads the Alternative Learning Center, was honored for his service with the 34th Infantry Red Bull Division. The district’s support during his deployment was acknowledged as exemplary, with Brown expressing profound gratitude for the actions taken to support him and his family. He praised the district, stating, “Your actions speak as loudly as your words in supporting me; you’re a model employer for service members.” This sentiment was echoed by Nick Swagger, a volunteer with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, who explained the significance of the Department of Defense award bestowed upon the district. Swagger highlighted the district’s role in supporting national security by accommodating service members within their workforce, acknowledging the efforts of individuals like Michael Thomas and others.

In a expansion of the district’s inclusivity initiatives, Dr. Michael Thomas announced the growth of the Unified Champion Schools program, which rose from two to eleven schools within a year. This program is designed to promote inclusion and leadership among students with and without disabilities. Michelle Chuka, who oversees student support services, commended the staff and students involved, emphasizing that inclusion is a core belief of the district. The program’s origins trace back to a student proposal in the 2018-2019 school year, with ongoing community support, including fundraising efforts like the Polar Plunge, which raised approximately $3,200 for the initiative.

The meeting delved into the various activities within the unified program. Educators from across the district shared their experiences, highlighting specific initiatives such as inclusive libraries and partnerships with community education for events like Down Syndrome Day. High school students Ethan Glenn and Lucy Sadland, presidents of the unified club, shared insights into the club’s activities. This program has positioned the district as one of 17 Unified Champion Districts in Minnesota.

35:20Financial concerns were a significant topic, with discussions on the district’s budget revealing a drop in the unassigned fund balance below the board policy threshold. The balance, initially at 6.21%, is expected to rise to approximately 9.1% following an upcoming payment. The board addressed these financial challenges, noting the need to align funds with categorical programs and to mitigate overspending on transportation, which exceeded projections due to unexpected contract increases.

33:28The meeting also addressed curriculum advancements, particularly the implementation of the Bridges math curriculum in elementary schools and the CPM curriculum in middle schools. Despite some concerns over student math anxiety and homework completion, initial feedback from students and parents regarding the new teaching approaches has been positive. The board underscored the importance of experiential learning, as opposed to rote memorization, in fostering student confidence in mathematics.

1:10:25The board explored the implications of curriculum changes, particularly for advanced math pathways. Concerns were raised about the availability of advanced math options, especially for students transitioning from programs like Sage, which previously offered more rigorous instruction. There was a call for deeper analysis of the math pathways to better understand the needs of advanced learners and to address potential dissatisfaction among parents regarding the current curriculum.

1:46:29A motion to revisit the discussion on math pathways was proposed, with suggestions to postpone it until more comprehensive data could be gathered. Ultimately, a decision was made to schedule a study session in June, allowing time to collect relevant data and feedback from teachers and parents.