The meeting’s most notable development was the approval of a cooperative agreement for girls’ hockey between Woodbury High School and St. Croix Prep for the 2025-2026 season. This collaboration arose as St. Croix Prep sought a partner to maintain opportunities for its students to participate in girls’ hockey. The agreement is planned for one year, providing St. Croix Prep time to find a long-term solution. A necessary vote is expected to dissolve the co-op post-season.

Attention was also given to the district’s summer educational programs. Jake Winchell, the director of community education, provided an in-depth overview of the various offerings aimed at enhancing student learning outside the traditional school year. The credit recovery program, coordinated by South Washington County Schools Alternative High School, saw 467 students earn a total of 567 credits. Woodbury High School students led with the highest number of credits earned, followed by Eastridge and Park High Schools. Plans for expanding these opportunities are underway.

Special education coordinators highlighted the Extended School Year (ESY) program, which served over 400 students across six locations. This program not only addressed academic needs but also included social, emotional, behavioral, and transitional support, utilizing a range of service providers to enhance individualized instruction. The coordinators explained that eligibility is determined based on students’ regression and recoupment capabilities, assessed during Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings.

The Kids Club program, another summer initiative, was discussed extensively. As a fee-based program, it offers various discounts and funding options for qualifying families. The program maintained an average daily attendance of 800 students and was praised for its focus on inclusion and student support.

Superintendent Julie Nielsen brought forward several policy changes for board approval, including one related to transportation and seven concerning community education. These policies had been reviewed in a previous workshop, and the board unanimously approved them. Additionally, Nielsen presented the preliminary levy for pay 2026, requiring board approval by September 30. This approval allows adjustments based on information from the Minnesota Department of Education, providing the district with budgetary flexibility.

Election logistics for the upcoming November 4 election were also addressed. The board approved a list of election judges and polling places, noting that Woodbury would manage its polling places differently due to a special election. This procedural step ensures that the district is prepared for the upcoming voting process.

Nielsen concluded the meeting by updating the board on the development of the 2026-2027 school year calendar, with a recommendation expected in November. She also announced plans to conduct a community survey in November, seeking feedback from families and community members. This initiative builds on previous survey efforts following a failed bond, with results anticipated by early next year.