17:24The most compelling discussion focused on the district’s support for its homeless student population. With 1,073 students identified as homeless, the board examined the breadth of services provided to these students under the McKinney-Vento Act. The law mandates that districts ensure educational continuity for homeless students, which at times involves coordinating transportation from as far away as Minneapolis. A presentation by the transitional services team, led by the transitional services coordinator, outlined the district’s strategies for addressing the holistic needs of homeless students, emphasizing the importance of equitable access to education.

The discussion revealed the district’s collaboration with 16 community agencies to provide essential resources, such as food and clothing, and to facilitate school placement and transportation. Board members expressed concerns over the high number of homeless students, representing over 10% of the total district enrollment of approximately 9,500 students. The conversation highlighted the complexities of categorizing students as homeless, noting that some may not currently be without stable housing but have been identified based on interactions throughout the year.

29:04The board acknowledged the broader societal issues affecting education, such as housing instability and safety, which must be addressed before academic success can be achieved. The importance of meeting basic needs was underscored, referencing Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, and the challenges faced by students in “survival mode” were discussed. The board emphasized that the responsibility for these challenges does not solely lie with the education system or its teachers but reflects broader societal issues.

38:01Programs like Ruby’s Pantry were mentioned as instrumental in distributing food and resources to families, ensuring that students’ physical needs are met, which is important for their ability to learn effectively.

48:59In preparation for the end of the school year, Dr. Jason Harris, assistant superintendent of secondary education, and Molly Kenzie, Tech High School principal, provided insights into upcoming graduation ceremonies. The ceremonies, scheduled for May 31, will mark significant milestones for students, with 308 Apollo students and 384 Tech students meeting state graduation requirements. The board unanimously approved the graduation lists presented.

43:39Graduation events are set to include various celebrations, such as a senior picnic at Apollo and an activity day at Tech, fostering community engagement and recognizing student achievements beyond academics. Special attention was given to alternative programs and students with disabilities.

55:28The board also reviewed summer school plans, with Nikki Hansen, assistant superintendent of E5 learning, and Christa Potter, director of title programs and multilingual student services, presenting an overview of the summer programs. These include extended school year programs for students with individualized education programs (IEPs), K5 targeted services, and credit recovery initiatives. Efforts to increase participation and opportunities, particularly for elementary students, were discussed, with a focus on social-emotional learning alongside academic skills.

01:10:00Policy revisions were another focal point of the meeting. Changes to procurement policies were recommended to align with Minnesota statutes and federal guidelines, addressing thresholds for sealed bids and equipment categorization. The district’s cybersecurity measures and mandatory disclosure practices were also highlighted.

01:20:21During the superintendent’s report, Dr. Lori Putnam announced the appointment of a new district safety coordinator, funded by a Department of Justice grant, and introduced a therapy dog now working with students at Katherine Johnson School.