One item at the meeting was the presentation of a tree planting project in partnership with Tree Trust, a nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental and community improvement. This initiative, dubbed “Plant a Tree Day,” engaged students, parents, and community members in a hands-on activity that took place on September 16th. Each classroom at Caposia Elementary was assigned a designated time to participate, allowing students to dig holes and plant indigenous trees, transforming the school’s landscape. Participants noted the immediate visual impact, with one parent remarking, “You instantly see it just looks different.”

Volunteers, including parents, played a role in the planting process, guiding students in naming the newly planted trees with creative monikers such as “the unbelievable bee tree” and “Jeff.” This interaction not only beautified the school grounds but also aimed to instill lasting memories and a connection to nature among the students. The project was part of a broader theme for the school year, encouraging outdoor activities to reduce reliance on electronic devices.

The initiative also sought to address the loss of trees in the region due to disease and weather conditions. By planting 26 new trees, the program focused on providing shade and enhancing the community’s green spaces, with the hope that students will reflect on their contributions as they grow. The project received commendation for its collaborative approach, involving Caposia staff, community partners, and Tree Trust representatives. A board member expressed eagerness to witness the project’s impact, sharing a personal connection to the area and the significance of the endeavor.

In addition to the tree planting initiative, the meeting delved into academic progress within the district. The high school recorded an impressive 8.4-point increase in math scores. Despite these gains, it was acknowledged that achieving a target growth of 10 to 20 points could be challenging due to socioeconomic factors affecting the district. The board recognized the dedication of teachers, particularly in their voluntary pursuit of science of reading training, which is now required.

The meeting also addressed the district’s accountability performance metrics, presented by Dr. Candace Burkhart and Amy Winter. The analysis focused on attendance, graduation rates, and Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs). South Saint Paul had notably improved its attendance figures, nearly doubling the state’s growth rate from 2021 to 2023. However, challenges remained, especially among high school students and specific subgroups. Strategies to combat these issues included appointing an attendance and student engagement specialist and fostering partnerships with Dakota County to address truancy.

Graduation rates were a point of concern, with figures reflecting a decline to 70.6%, below the state average. The district outlined proactive measures to monitor progress and support students at risk of falling behind, including targeted interventions through the Community Learning Center.

The presentation on MCAs revealed positive trends in district performance, with reading scores increasing by 1.1% and math scores by 5.8%, outpacing state averages. The importance of desegregating data to inform instructional planning and support for English language learners and students with special education needs was emphasized as ongoing priorities.

A discussion on literacy programming and the implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) revealed efforts to enhance educational outcomes through new curricula and a strengthened intervention model. The district is developing guidebooks and utilizing Professional Learning Communities to improve teaching practices and student achievement.

In administrative matters, the board approved several critical measures, including the proposed 2025 payable 2026 levy and transportation contracts with Safeway, amidst rising costs. The self-insured health insurance contracts for 2026 and 2027 were also approved, following discussions on the financial impact of increasing healthcare costs on employees.