The meeting began with a moment of silence for Bart Caspersonson, a beloved Apple Valley High School social studies teacher who had recently passed away. The board then celebrated the accomplishments of several students who excelled at national competitions. Scott Vos, head coach of the Apple Valley High School speech team, praised the team’s impressive performance at the National Speech and Debate Association competition, where the school ranked in the top 10 nationally. Students Year, Isra Yassin, and Annayiah Bastic were recognized for their significant achievements. Year, who had joined the speech team as a senior, delivered a dramatic piece advocating for undocumented immigrants, emphasizing their humanity and worth. Yassin, a state champion in original oratory, spoke on civil rights, describing them as “fragile” and needing protection. Bastic, the national champion in program oral interpretation, explored the relationship between people of color and water, earning accolades for her performance.

Annayiah Bastic also received the prestigious Triple Threat award, entitling her to an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City to learn from industry professionals. Her contributions to creating an inclusive environment in theater were commended. Additionally, Molly Pittson, a recent Rosemount High School graduate, was honored with the state spotlight education student publicist award for her theater involvement, earning a $1,000 scholarship.

Superintendent Michael Bolsoni acknowledged the Valley Middle School of STEM’s conservation crew for their first-place win in the Conservation Minnesota program. The meeting also introduced new elementary principals, Sarah Stratton and Christine Maguire, who expressed enthusiasm for their roles.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the district’s technology levy, which has generated approximately $60 million over a decade, with $9.1 million allocated for the current year. Concerns were raised about the potential consequences of not renewing the levy, emphasizing the importance of sustaining digital tools and resources in education. The district manages over 30,000 devices, including student Chromebooks, with 14.5 full-time positions funded through the levy. The need for consistent community engagement and support was underscored, with a call to action for community involvement in the upcoming referendum to renew the capital projects technology levy.

The meeting also addressed the integration of technology in classrooms, noting its role in fostering inclusivity and creativity among students. The use of iPads and other digital tools was highlighted, with educators encouraged to embrace curiosity in navigating the evolving technological landscape. The importance of digital citizenship was emphasized.

The board reviewed attendance and course completion data, with a focus on maintaining positive student attendance and successful course completion as part of the district’s strategic priorities. Consistent attendance was defined as attending more than 90% of school days, with strategies in place to support student success. Data showed positive trends in attendance across all school levels, with the district’s consistent attendance rate reaching about 84.8%, above the state average of 74.5%.

Course completion data revealed a general increase in passing rates, though a decline was noted in the third trimester. The board discussed the implications of these trends and considered further research to explore the correlation between attendance and graduation rates. The need to address existing disparities in attendance and course completion rates among demographic groups was also highlighted.

The meeting concluded with a presentation on the technology levy and its implications for student education. The potential for additional STEM and career and technical education programs was identified as a key area for growth, alongside enhancing operational efficiencies by updating legacy systems. The community’s perception of technology in education was addressed, revealing strong support for the district’s efforts.