Dave Guild, a resident and member of the teaching and learning committee, voiced concerns during the Open Forum segment. Guild highlighted a decline in the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) test scores in nine out of seventeen categories, attributing this to the impacts of remote learning. He also criticized the school board’s handling of a proposed $110 million referendum, expressing that the rising cost of living and a stagnant student population made the levy unjustifiable. Guild was particularly critical of Chair Mary Frantz for perceived rudeness and lack of transparency during budget discussions.

Following the public comment, the board moved on to discuss the academic excellence presentation, primarily focusing on literacy initiatives in response to the React legislation. Dr. Edwards detailed the district’s selection of the “Ola” training program, designed to ensure all students read at or above grade level. This program includes three hours of synchronous learning and 45 to 50 hours of asynchronous learning, which is intended to be manageable for staff without adding to their workload. The training will cover early childhood to high school teachers, with early release days dedicated to data and curriculum discussions to integrate the new knowledge into classroom practices.

The board discussed the year one plan for the literacy initiative, noting specific dates for professional development sessions, such as January 20th and April 9th, and utilizing FastBridge data on February 5th. The training modules aim to enhance literacy instruction, especially in the context of the Bridges curriculum for K-5 classroom teachers. The presenters emphasized the importance of feedback to refine the year two plan based on experiences from the current year.

Funding for the literacy training remains a challenge due to legislative underfunding, estimated to result in a $100 million shortfall across the state. Despite these constraints, the district has managed to accommodate the training within its existing calendar. Concerns were raised about the allocation of early release days, initially intended for data analysis and student support, which are now being used for the literacy training sessions.

Discussion also touched on the alignment of current assessments with core reading standards and the need for further dialogue in light of the upcoming legislative cycle. The board highlighted the importance of creating a supportive learning environment for both teachers and students.

In a separate but related matter, the resignation of school board director Enrique Velazquez was announced, effective September 13th. The board discussed the procedure for filling the vacant seat, outlining a process for a short-term appointment. Candidates can submit their Affidavit of Candidacy forms between September 10th and September 16th, with no filing fee required. The board plans to review candidate responses in a meeting on September 23rd, but the specifics of whether discussions about candidates will be allowed at that meeting remain unresolved.

The board also addressed personnel items, including the hiring of a 10th Grade B Scot coach due to increased participation and extending the hours of a cue language transliterator to support an elementary student taking a middle school class. These requests were approved unanimously. Additionally, the board approved a tentative agreement with the Prior Lake-Savage area support staff, which includes enhancements to sick leave sharing language, longevity language, health insurance allowances, and salary schedule adjustments, representing a total compounded increase of 7.53 percent over two years.

Further updates included a report on levy certification and audit updates, noting errors in the Department of Education’s Levy certification report that required correction. The board is reviewing the report line by line to ensure accuracy, with an update planned for the upcoming study session.

Finally, the board discussed a resolution for Christopher Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day, aligning instructional time dedicated to indigenous peoples in Minnesota with recent statutory changes. The meeting concluded with the announcement of IT Professionals Appreciation Week and School Board Recognition Month, along with updates on policy reviews and the start of the school year.