Caitlin Barnier

This Language Access Plan for ISD 622 outlines the district's strategy to ensure effective communication with its multilingual students and families. It details how the district will identify language needs, provide comprehensive spoken interpretation and written translation services, and implement staff training and coordination. The plan emphasizes compliance with federal and state requirements, fostering equitable access to education, and maintaining culturally responsive language assistance through ongoing review and community engagement.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and approval of the agenda. Public comments addressed transparency surrounding elections. The Consent Agenda was approved, with one item regarding Grant Acceptance being discussed separately and subsequently approved. Student representatives from Tartan High School and North High School provided updates on academics, athletics, and upcoming events, noting social media promotion for levy discussions. The Finance Director reviewed the 2023-2024 audit and fund balance. Updates were provided on Achievement and Integration, focusing on proficiency gap improvement and staff retention reflective of the community. The Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness (CACR) was also presented, covering student demographics and attendance goals. Following budget discussions, the Board accepted several contributions, approved the 2024 audit reports, and approved the 2025-2027 North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale Association for Nutrition Services Agreement. The Board also adopted the calendars for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school years and revised several policies, including those related to Unpaid Meal Charges, Transportation, Disposition of Obsolete Equipment, and Crisis Management. The schedule and agenda for a December 9, 2025, work study session, and a special meeting on January 13, 2026, were set. Additionally, the time, location, and agenda for a January 13, 2026, work study session were established. Board communications included a farewell message for the former Board Treasurer.

Discussions during the work study session included a review of the fund balance for 2024-2025 and the final levy certification payment. Board Members reviewed committees and officers for 2025, which is a continued discussion from the previous session with action pending at a future special meeting. Key topics covered included Benefit-Based Accountability, 622 Online Eligibility Criteria, and the Naming of 622 AHS. Additionally, eleven policies were reviewed for proposed revision, including those concerning the Code of Ethics, Textbooks and Instructional Materials, Video Surveillance, Public Data Requests, Chemical Use & Abuse, Student Promotion, Interviews of Students by Outside Agencies, Curriculum and Instruction Goals, System Accountability, Literacy and The READ Act, and Student Transportation Safety Policy. An update was provided on the immersion program, specifically outreach efforts and the potential expansion of the Spanish immersion program. Board check-in items included commentary on a cell phone policy observed in another district and attendance at recent delegate assembly events.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda. Public comment focused on concerns regarding a new curriculum, specifically defining civic readiness and the balance between teaching what to think versus how to think. Another speaker addressed accountability and oversight for district programs not meeting stated goals, emphasizing the need for public discussion on corrective actions. A third speaker raised issues concerning process, inclusion (specifically regarding union influence and the inclusion of pronouns in official communications), and student well-being in light of increased federal immigration enforcement activity and resulting community fear. Student representatives provided updates on recent events, including the winter band concert, Holiday Helping Hands community service, sports team performance, and recognition of National Honor Society awardees. The student board members also advocated for disciplinary action against students posting discriminatory or racist language online, mirroring policies from other districts, and requested clarification on the district's policy regarding pronouns in official emails. Concerns over the impact of federal immigration activity on students and families, including fear of ICE encounters, were also heavily discussed by student representatives.

The special session of the school board was convened to canvas the returns of the school district special election. The board addressed resolutions concerning the levy and a capital project levy to fund technology, both of which did not receive the required majority approval. Additionally, the board certified the election of a new school board member and authorized the issuance of a certificate of election to the winning candidate.