0:07The meeting commenced with an update on the Minnesota Department of Education after-school Community Learning Grant programs. The district, one of only four to receive this grant statewide, secured approximately $1.4 million over three years, equivalent to nearly $500,000 annually. The grant is dedicated to fostering connections between schools and communities, delivering culturally affirming and enriching educational opportunities, and promoting school attendance and academic performance. The district’s summer programs, funded by this grant, commenced shortly after its award, featuring two summer learning programs that began in July. These initiatives included a four-week summer camp and the Freedom Schools program, which expanded to accommodate more students.

13:27The summer programs emphasized student engagement and learning opportunities, offering a variety of activities such as field trips to Big River Farms and the Science Museum. Students participated in outdoor learning experiences and project-based learning activities tailored to their interests, with themes like “The Great Outdoors” and “Science Tech Engineering and Math.” The program’s success was highlighted by the significant number of courses offered and the participation of 319 students, despite falling short of the initial goal of 400.

26:47Discussion of the funding sources for the Freedom Schools program highlighted the use of Ani dollars, achievement integration dollars, and Target Services. The board examined the allocation of the $1.4 million grant, addressing concerns about prioritizing goals and ensuring measurable outcomes. The importance of community partnerships and strategic alignment was emphasized, with feedback suggesting the need for quantifiable goals.

The meeting then transitioned to updates from Mariner Middle School and Willow Lane Elementary. Mariner Middle School, in its inaugural year, shared its mission focused on family, diversity, and student success. The school’s goal-setting process was described as streamlined, empowering teachers to focus on behavior management, student engagement, agency, recognition, and literacy achievement. The engagement committee’s efforts in developing a “student engagement toolbox” and fostering a sense of belonging were noted, alongside the importance of academic excellence in alignment with state mandates.

41:35Willow Lane Elementary provided updates on its initiatives, highlighting the school’s caring community environment and focus on literacy and student support. The school’s curriculum included outdoor experiences and service learning projects, fostering reading skills and community involvement. The principal emphasized the importance of creating a sense of belonging and the commitment to teaching students how to read, supported by staff training on the science of reading.

1:12:14The board also delved into transportation concerns, focusing on rising expenses and the evaluation of providers. The district explored different methods of providing transportation services, considering in-house management, contracting out, or a combination of both. The complexities of the transportation program were highlighted, including the need for personalized service and the challenges of securing long-term contracts. The district’s total transportation costs for fiscal year 2024 were reported at approximately $9.3 million, with efforts to negotiate better rates and improve efficiency.

1:28:33The meeting concluded with plans to review transportation quotations, conduct negotiations, and present recommendations to the school board by March 24. Discussions also touched on legislative matters, particularly concerns over potential reductions in special education reimbursement. Advocacy efforts were suggested to mitigate the impact of such cuts, emphasizing the need for careful management and planning in transportation contracts.