01:24:12The most pressing topic during the meeting involved the concerns raised by teachers about the middle school schedule’s effectiveness. An educator compared the current state of the school to a “five-star restaurant” serving “substandard meals,” indicating a decline in the quality of education due to the new schedule. The teacher suggested that despite attempts to maintain essential structures like teams and professional learning communities (PLCs), these systems are not operating as intended. This analogy highlighted the urgency for the board to explore creative solutions to address these issues. Another teacher, Sally Ditenbach, echoed these concerns, focusing on the detrimental impact on behavior management. Ditenbach explained that the previous schedule allowed for better collaboration among teachers, which has been disrupted, leading to increased behavioral issues. She expressed disappointment in the district’s lack of responsiveness to teacher feedback and called for transparency regarding the financial implications of the new schedule.

Ditenbach’s plea for accountability emphasized the need for the district to evaluate whether the cost savings from the new schedule justified the negative impact on the educational experience for both students and teachers. She highlighted that despite the administration’s willingness to listen to her concerns, no tangible changes had been made. The lack of effective systems for managing student behavior and the absence of a collaborative environment were issues highlighted by both educators.

37:24In addition to these concerns, the meeting celebrated notable achievements within the district. Superintendent Chace B. Anderson recognized Chris Tine, the athletic trainer at Wayzata High School, for his 26 years of dedication to student-athletes, awarding him the Fred Zamberi Award. Tine expressed surprise at the recognition, emphasizing his focus on student well-being and the extensive effort required to support athletic programs.

42:58The meeting also recognized the accomplishments of students who excelled in the Scholastic Arts Awards program. Dne Hodgeges commended several students for their impressive artwork, highlighting the strong performance of Wayzata High School in this prestigious program. Six students received gold keys for their artwork.

46:01Further recognitions included the Employees of the Month from Gleon Lake Elementary School, Corey Riley and Annie Stokes. Both were praised for their exceptional dedication and contributions to creating an inclusive and supportive educational environment. Corey, a special education teacher, and Annie, a behavior support paraprofessional, were acknowledged for their commitment to adapting lessons to meet diverse student needs. Their accolades emphasized the board’s recognition of staff members who go above and beyond to ensure a high-quality educational experience for all students.

52:56In the school spotlight segment, Gleon Lake Elementary presented their strategic goals focused on student engagement and effective instruction. Principal Mary Mackey explained that their approach emphasizes collaboration and discussion among students, moving away from traditional teacher-led instruction. The presentation introduced the concept of building thinking classrooms, encouraging rigorous engagement with complex problems and collaborative learning. This model aims to improve student achievement and enhance the overall student experience by fostering a classroom environment where students share ideas and learn together.

The presentation included various interactive methods employed in classrooms, such as “walk and learn” and “envelope questions,” which students described as enhancing their understanding and engagement. These methods emphasized the importance of student-led discussions and collaborative learning, aligning with the school’s strategic goals.

01:36:49In addition to these discussions, the board addressed administrative matters, including the approval of Intermediate School District 287’s long-term facilities maintenance capital expenditure plan for fiscal years 2027 through 2036. This plan involved Wayzata Public Schools’ portion of expenditures for the fiscal year 2026-2027, amounting to $180,147.11. The board unanimously approved the plan.