The meeting commenced with a presentation on Project Search, an initiative that prepares students with disabilities for employment in partnership with Mayo Clinic. Nicole Mueller, the director of special education at secondary schools, and Carile Corson, the Project Search instructor, introduced the program. Interns currently enrolled in the program shared their experiences, detailing personal and professional growth. Crael, one of the interns, noted improvements in patience and tone, while Andrew Otis expressed initial hesitations that transformed into appreciation for the program. Jose Hernandez highlighted his enhanced punctuality due to Project Search. Xander Stewart and Chase Pearson reflected on learning to control temper and improving professional appearance, respectively.

The board’s interaction with the interns revealed the program’s impact on their career aspirations and personal development. Interns expressed gratitude towards their mentors, describing them as supportive “rock stars.” The discussion included advice for prospective participants, emphasizing punctuality and preparation. The board concluded their engagement with the interns with applause, recognizing their upcoming graduation.

Alongside the Project Search presentation, the robotics team’s achievements were celebrated. Superintendent Kent Pekel praised Team 2530 Inconceivable, comprising students from Century, John Marshall, and Mayo High Schools. The team shared their experiences from a competitive season that began in January, culminating in qualifying for the World Championships in Houston, Texas. They won the Phantom Lakes regional competition in Wisconsin and placed second at the Northstar tournament in Minneapolis. Two team members received awards from the Minnesota Robotics Coaches Association for their contributions in robot design and strategy.

The robotics team highlighted their commitment to community engagement and outreach. Plans include purchasing FTC kits to establish a new team and facilitate recruitment of younger students. The team’s budget, exceeding $104,000, covers technological upgrades and competition expenses. A board member acknowledged the community’s financial support, reflecting investment in the program.

The board meeting also delved into the district’s deeper learning initiatives. Mark Miles, the deeper learning coordinator, presented updates on the initiative funded by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative grant. Over 260 educators have engaged in prototyping deeper learning practices, focusing on mastery, identity, and creativity. The initiatives aim to integrate deeper learning into curriculum, instruction, and assessment frameworks across the district. Superintendent Pekel emphasized that deeper learning should not be seen as an additional layer but integral to the curriculum, benefiting all students, especially those struggling academically.

The board discussed challenges in implementing deeper learning, including balancing student engagement with academic content mastery. Teachers in the district expressed a strong desire to maintain these initiatives. To illustrate deeper learning in practice, examples included redesigning a Gibbon habitat in collaboration with a local zoo and a Shark Tank-style project where students pitched innovative ideas.

The board also addressed the challenges faced by special education and early intervention programs in implementing deeper learning frameworks. The framework is inclusive, extending from early childhood through grade 12, aligning with the principles of mastery, identity, and creativity.