Bloomington Public School District 271

This plan outlines the Bloomington Public School District's continuous improvement efforts to advance student learning, increase reading proficiency, close achievement gaps, and ensure all students are career and college-ready through equitable access to Tier 1 instruction. The strategy focuses on explicit, systematic, culturally sustaining, and learner-centered instruction, implemented with high-quality resources. Key components include systematic interventions, enhancing teacher capacity in differentiated and culturally responsive literacy instruction, continuous data analysis for curriculum and student achievement, engaging parents, and providing ongoing professional development in literacy assessment and instruction.

This strategic plan for Bloomington Public Schools aims to empower and equip each learner for success in a rapidly changing world and foster a united, inclusive community. The plan is built upon five core goals: ensuring future-ready instruction, providing an inclusive environment, developing a quality and diverse workforce, cultivating strong family partnerships, and maximizing equitable resources. These goals are designed to provide an outstanding and inclusive education for all students.

The recap covers highlights from two sessions: a special meeting on January 21st and the main school board meeting on January 26th. The special meeting involved adopting a resolution reinforcing the commitment to student safety and access to education. The January 26th meeting saw the formal adoption of the 'Strategic Choices for a Sustainable Future' plan, aiming to reduce the 2026-2027 operating expenses by $5 million. Additionally, the board approved legislative priorities for the 2020 succession cycle, advocating for modernizing testing and school safety policies. The board also ratified the 2025 through 2027 contracts with the Association of Bloomington Clerical and Health Services Units and accepted a $10,000 grant from the Minnesota Vikings to support Kennedy High School's girls flag football program.

The organizational meeting focused on the formal commencement of the new term, including the administration of the Oath of Office to several members. Key actions involved the election of new School Board officers, resulting in Tom Bennett being elected Chair, Mia Olson as Vice Chair, Matt Dymoke as Clerk, Dawn Steigauf as Treasurer, and Rod Zivkovich as Deputy Clerk. The Board also unanimously approved the organizational structure items (letters A-I) for 2026 and confirmed various board representation appointments. Specific appointments included Dawn Steigauf to the Intermediate District 917 Board and Ted Moore as the representative to the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL). The Board also approved grant acceptance and a contract/agreement related to educational access cable television.

The School Board meeting included several recognitions, specifically approving a proclamation for February 2026 as Black History Month, which included the presentation by Equity Specialists and students. The Board also recognized January 19, 2026 through January 25, 2026 as Paraprofessional Recognition Week. Key actions included the approval of Part A items, acceptance of a Memorandum of Understanding with Lutheran Social Services, acceptance of the New America Student Support Grant totaling $137,500, and approval/ratification of the 2025-2027 Master Contract for Clerical staff and the 2025-27 Negotiated Contract for Health Services. The Board accepted donations totaling $99,000.94 and ratified the award of the sale for $41,515,000 General Obligation Alternative Facilities Refunding Bonds, Series 2026A. Furthermore, bids were accepted for mechanical improvements at Jefferson High School and Kennedy High School. The Board approved a list of $5.0 million in budget adjustments for the 2026-27 budget, approved a cooperative sponsorship agreement for sports, approved a Master Services Agreement for virtual reality software, approved an exclusive listing agreement for real estate, and approved the 2026 Board Community Engagement Plan and the 2026 State Legislative Priorities.