The meeting opened with a presentation of the Saint Award to Kelly Lejinsky, a social studies teacher at St. Francis High School, recognized for his innovative teaching in economics and personal finance. Lejinsky, honored as the 2025 educator of the year by the Minnesota Council on Economic Education, expressed his dedication to empowering students through an understanding of economics.

Public comments then took center stage, with multiple speakers urging the board to address the compensation of educational assistants, who are seen as vital to student success. One speaker pointed out a 6% increase in math scores and a 3% rise in reading scores above the state average, attributing part of this success to the efforts of EAs. Concerns were raised about the need for competitive wages to retain these essential staff members, with comparisons drawn to higher salaries offered in neighboring districts. A recurring theme was the potential loss of quality EAs if their pay does not reflect their contributions, which could severely impact the educational support provided to students.

Among the speakers was a teacher from Cedar Creek who detailed the role EAs play in managing classrooms and supporting students with disabilities. She described EAs as “worth more than gold” and emphasized their lower wages compared to many fast-food positions. Another speaker, a parent of a child with autism, praised the support provided by EAs but warned of pay disparities that could lead to staff attrition.

The board also heard from individuals who underscored the challenges faced by EAs, including emotional and physical demands, and the necessity of their presence for student safety and success. A retired nurse now working as an EA shared personal experiences of managing medical emergencies on school buses.

Attention then turned to the state of library resources in the district following a report from the district media specialist. The report highlighted the outdated nature of many library collections, with the average age of books in middle and high school collections dating back to the 1990s. A significant decline in book circulation was noted, particularly among high school students, prompting discussions on the importance of promoting reading for pleasure and developing early reading habits.

Board members debated the necessity of maintaining robust high school libraries, given the decline in circulation. This perspective highlighted a divide in priorities regarding library funding and resource allocation across educational levels.

The meeting also addressed academic achievement, with a presentation on the latest Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) scores indicating improvements in math and reading. Plans for the upcoming school year were discussed, including new educational strategies and the introduction of coaching roles in literacy and mathematics to align with evolving state standards.

In other matters, the board approved the preliminary levy certification for fiscal year 2027, with discussions on the implications of setting the levy at the maximum amount. A community engagement task force was established to advise on long-term planning, and the board approved two legislative resolutions for the Minnesota School Boards Association delegate assembly. Concerns about bus safety and logistics were also raised, with positive remarks about the transportation supervisor’s efforts during the back-to-school period.