The meeting’s central topic was the presentation on the partnership between Kids Club, Avid, and Sashco Cares. This collaboration, supported by a nearly $25,000 Innovation and Service Learning Grant from the Minnesota Department of Education, was introduced with enthusiasm by a director of community education. This grant enabled Woodbury High School Avid seniors to work with Kids Club students at local elementary schools, focusing on the winter clothing program, which assisted over 450 students. The initiative also included a significant fundraising campaign, raising over $55,000 for snacks, with future plans for a school supply program.

Key contributors to this project included a community engagement coordinator and founder of Sashco Cares, who elaborated on the district’s achievements. She highlighted the program’s success, noting the involvement of various departments and the importance of community engagement. The Kids Club representative provided insights into how the partnership began post-COVID, emphasizing the challenges Avid students faced in finding service-learning opportunities. A structured collaboration emerged, growing from 35 to 100 participating students, with a focus on academics and social-emotional connections.

Students shared personal experiences about the program’s impact. One student, Gabby, highlighted the beneficial experience of working with younger students, aligning with her aspiration to enter the education field. Tenzin recounted a story about inviting a girl in a wheelchair to join his football team. Stephanie AB Broqua reflected on her privilege and the meaningful connections formed with younger students.

Discussions included the potential expansion of the program to other high schools, although it was noted that Woodbury High School’s involvement would persist. The collaborative efforts across various departments within the school district were emphasized as important to the program’s success.

The meeting also addressed the design progress of a new facility to house two existing programs under one roof. Presented by an architect, the design aimed to create a nurturing learning environment with flexible learning spaces that adapt to various needs. The facility is planned to accommodate approximately 120 students, with secure administrative offices, a multi-purpose room, and a culinary lab designed to teach independent living skills. The architectural designs and site plans were discussed in detail, emphasizing community engagement and student needs.

The meeting included a discussion about a new horticulture maker space lab designed to provide indoor and outdoor learning experiences. The lab, located in the southeast corner of a building, features large windows for natural light and flexible furniture to foster an informal learning environment. The space connects to a culinary lab and an independent learning area, with plans for a large window to enhance the sanctuary space for various activities.

The project’s timeline was outlined, with construction drawings expected by late April or early May and completion anticipated by the fall of 2026. A discussion about the program’s enrollment revealed it currently hosts about 82 students, with capacity for up to 120. The new facility’s design and community engagement focus aim to increase enrollment and enhance educational experiences.

The board also reviewed a revised budget, reflecting updated state aid and local revenues. The budget projects a $1 million surplus, a positive shift from the anticipated $5 million deficit. This change is attributed to a 4% revenue increase against a 2% increase in expenditures. The presentation included graphical representations of revenue and enrollment data, highlighting stability and projected growth in student numbers.

The board discussed special education funding and policy updates presented by Superintendent Julie Nielsen. Policies under the 400 series were reviewed, with revisions recommended for the Title IX policy to align with the latest version. The management of student technology and acceptable use policies, particularly regarding cell phone usage, was clarified, with positive trends in student behavior noted following new restrictions.

The meeting concluded with reports on recent weather challenges, the success of a food rescue program, and upcoming testing schedules and spring break dates. Future board meetings were announced, with a business meeting scheduled for March 27, 2025, and a workshop on April 10 at the district service center.