Aaron Forsythe

The board conducted a regular meeting that included a review of the superintendent's annual performance, emphasizing her steadfast leadership and contributions to academic initiatives such as literacy planning and AVID programming. The board also approved donations and grants for the district and discussed a cooperative agreement with Washington County for the Safe Routes to School project, which includes trail construction, road improvements, and the installation of pedestrian safety measures.

The board meeting included the recognition of the outgoing student representative and the introduction of his successor. Key discussion topics included an update on the preliminary 2027-2028 budget, a first reading of several policy updates, and a review of a proposed first-day-of-school schedule for the middle and high schools. Action items featured the tabling of the 2027-2028 academic calendar proposal, the approval of several annually reviewed policies, and various personnel actions, including teacher contracts, leaves of absence, and resignations. The board also approved a resolution to designate the Superintendent as the official authority for MDE secure website access and finalized revisions to the upcoming school board meeting calendar.

The board received updates on district facilities, including construction timelines, architectural renderings for various school improvements, and safety upgrades. A presentation was provided regarding the Mahtomedi Youth Hockey Association's proposal for modernization of the district's rinks. The board reviewed the preliminary budget for the upcoming fiscal year, discussed the draft of the student handbook, and conducted a second reading of several district policies. Additionally, an update was provided on legislative activities related to special education funding and a ballot measure. The board approved a new first-day-of-school schedule for specific grades and extended the district's transportation contract. A closed session was held for the purpose of the superintendent's evaluation.

The board meeting included a recognition of a long-term volunteer for the Zephyr Gala and an overview of classroom grants and scholarships funded through the Mahtomedi Area Education Foundation. The superintendent provided a review of the school year, celebrating student achievements in athletics, theater, and education. Action items included the approval of donations and grants for the school district and the approval of the fiscal year 2028 long-term facility maintenance allocation for the Northeast Metro 916 cooperative.

The board meeting featured a showcase of student learning and presentations, including nature preschool programs, Project Citizen middle school competitions, and elementary reading incentive plans. The meeting honored the outgoing student representative for their advocacy and service. The board also received updates on various community and school events, such as teacher appreciation week, AP exams, STEM expos, and art exhibitions. Finally, the board discussed the current status of the preliminary budget, noting a surplus and unassigned fund balance that exceeds the minimum required by policy, with further budget details to be reviewed at a future meeting.