A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to the financial strains caused by inadequate special education funding. The district is facing a substantial cross-subsidy gap of around $17.6 million, echoing a statewide issue where the costs of special education surpass the received funding by $726 million in fiscal year 2023. Predictions suggest this shortfall could widen to approximately $455 million by fiscal year 2027. The finance report highlighted the legislative formula for school funding, which hasn’t kept pace with inflation since 2002-2003. If adjusted for inflation, the district could have realized an additional $155 million in revenue this year. The unmet needs in special education funding raise concerns about sustainability and necessitate systemic changes.

The board noted that a portion of the district’s budget, around 78%, is allocated to the general fund, with more than 80% of this fund covering salaries, wages, and benefits. The tax levy proposed for the upcoming year has increased by approximately 4.98%, or $3.2 million. However, the district’s voter-approved operating authority remains lower than neighboring districts, exacerbating financial challenges for a district serving a high-needs population.

Discussions also centered on the financial burden of sending students to external programs, such as the 916 programs, for specialized education, which can cost between $50,000 to $80,000 per student annually. The board contemplated strengthening in-house programs to alleviate costs and reduce waiting lists for these services. This approach aligns with efforts to address disparities in funding compared to districts like Robinsdale and Bloomington, which have received higher voter-approved funding.

The board acknowledged the need for community advocacy to secure increased funding from the state legislature, emphasizing that adequate support is important for unfunded mandates like special education. Suggestions were made for community members to contact local elected officials to highlight the financial pressures faced by the district.

In tandem with financial discussions, the board reviewed strategic plans for improving student attendance and mental health support. Attendance was identified as critical to academic success, with efforts to reduce the number of students missing significant portions of the school year. Strategies include advisory teachers monitoring attendance and engaging with students and families to address barriers. Improvements were noted, with a reduction in the percentage of students missing 10% or more school days compared to the previous year.

Mental health support initiatives were also discussed, including a partnership with the Search Institute to implement a developmental relationship framework. This framework aims to enhance students’ feelings of safety and connection to adults in the educational environment. Professional development for teachers is a key component, equipping them to foster student achievements and social-emotional learning.

The meeting also celebrated student achievements, recognizing outstanding accomplishments in academics and athletics. Students like Jon Janetta, Caitlyn Hoppy, and Jer Bource were commended for their leadership roles and achievements in sports and fine arts.

In the realm of communication and family engagement, the board discussed efforts to strengthen ties with families, particularly in supporting student attendance and academic achievement. Initiatives include home visits, newsletters, and direct communication to reinforce the importance of consistent attendance and the resources available to support student success.