Stillwater School Board Faces Community Concerns Over Cell Phone Policies and Financial Challenges

Overview: The Stillwater Area School Board meeting was a forum for addressing the issues of cell phone use in schools and potential fiscal challenges due to legislative changes. Community feedback shaped discussions on implementing cell phone policies, and board members reviewed the implications of Governor Walz’s proposed budget on school funding.

South Washington County School Board Reviews Student Leadership and Debates Policy Changes

Overview: The South Washington County School Board meeting on January 16, 2025, focused on the introduction of student ambassadors, financial decisions for the district’s facilities, and a debate over proposed policy changes.

Lake Elmo Elementary Faces Staffing, Capacity, and Legislative Funding Challenges Amid New Developments

Overview: The Stillwater Area School Board meeting primarily focused on the challenges faced by Lake Elmo Elementary School, including staffing shortages, capacity issues, and legislative funding concerns. Discussions covered the implementation of a new dual language program, updates on the new school building’s construction, and financial pressures from legislative mandates.

South Washington County School Board Examines New Math Standards and Financial Health

Overview: The South Washington County School Board recently convened to discuss updates to the district’s mathematics curriculum and to review the fiscal health of the district through the annual audit. The board emphasized the adoption of Minnesota’s 2022 math standards and the district’s financial status, highlighting both opportunities for academic growth and challenges in resource management.

Stillwater School Board Faces Community Divide Over Identity Harm Protocols

Overview: At a recent Stillwater Area School Board meeting, the proposed identity harm protocols became a focal point of discussion, highlighting community division on how bullying related to identity should be addressed. The protocols aim to address bullying based on race, gender, religion, and other aspects of identity, with opinions sharply split between those advocating for their implementation and those questioning their necessity and effectiveness.