Amy Ernst

This document is a comprehensive guide for class enrollment at Worthington High School for the 2026-2027 academic year. It outlines a detailed curriculum across departments such as Agriculture, Art, Business, Communications, Home Economics, Industrial Technology, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education and Health, Post-secondary Planning, Sciences, Social Studies, and Languages. The guide provides course descriptions, credit information, graduation requirements, concurrent enrollment opportunities, and student support services, aiming to prepare students for college and professional careers.

The Regular School Board Meeting agenda included routine items such as the approval of the agenda and financial reports. Key discussions and actions on the main agenda involved the second/final reading approval of several policies concerning textbooks, instructional materials, administrator code of ethics, chemical use and abuse, and video recording; approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with Education Minnesota Worthington; approval of the 2026-2027 School Calendar; approval of a Student Teaching Agreement with Southwest Minnesota State University; approval of a Tax Abatement Request Resolution; approval of Minnesota Paid Leave Administrative Procedures; and declaring specific items like textbooks, robotics kits, and a CNC router as surplus property. Discussions also covered the Monthly Financial Overview and a Special Education Programming Review.

The special board meeting primarily focused on organizational matters and appointments for the 2026 calendar year, including the approval of the agenda. Key actions included unanimously approving board officers for 2026, such as the Board Chair, Vice Chair, Clerk, and Treasurer. Additionally, numerous board members and staff were appointed to various committees, including Instructional, Operations, Classified Negotiations, Licensed Negotiations, Compensation, Meet and Confer, and Curriculum and Instruction Committees, as well as various District 518 Committees. The board also unanimously approved the IRS mileage reimbursement rate for 2026 and established maximum meal reimbursement rates ($75.00 per day) and compensation levels for board positions for 2026.

This Local Literacy Plan for Worthington Public School outlines strategies to ensure all students, including multilingual learners and those with special education needs, achieve grade-level reading proficiency. Key initiatives include enhancing evidence-based structured literacy instruction through LETRS professional development for educators, implementing universal and dyslexia screening using FASTBridge, and utilizing a Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS) for interventions. The plan emphasizes continuous curriculum evaluation, parent involvement, and data-driven decision-making to foster an inclusive and effective learning environment.

This Special Education Program Review aims to ensure that all special education programs meet IDEA requirements, align with evidence-based practices, and promote student growth, inclusion, and postsecondary readiness. The review gathers comprehensive stakeholder feedback across various areas, including program structure, staffing, student outcomes, and family engagement, identifying both strengths and challenges. Recommendations for next steps focus on developing decision-making models, enhancing the SPED administrative team, improving communication with related services, clarifying job descriptions, fostering staff growth, and optimizing organizational finances to improve program consistency and sustainability.