Cindy Andress

The meeting included a School Report from Groveland Elementary where students presented on creating a sense of belonging in a Spanish Immersion classroom. A community member addressed the Board regarding the district's long-term financial plan and advocacy for increased state funding. The Board unanimously approved changes to Policy #703 regarding Fund Balance, specifying the management of unassigned fund balances for the General Operating, Nutrition Services, and Community Education Funds. Two course changes for the 2026-27 school year were approved: renaming the 'Aviation Maintenance' course to 'Aircraft Maintenance' and replacing two half-credit courses in the Health Sciences 2 VANTAGE strand with a full-year IB Sports, Exercise and Health Science course to increase enrollment potential. A Capital Projects Fund Technology Update detailed the shift toward modernizing the technology ecosystem across four pillars, including cybersecurity and infrastructure. The Board also held a significant discussion regarding the goal of long-term financial stability, considering strategies such as increasing the enrollment target over two years to avoid staff and program cuts, in light of uncertain legislative support for funding. The Consent Agenda, approved unanimously, included personnel items, payment of bills, and numerous gifts and donations for various school funds and programs.

The Special School Board Meeting agenda included four primary items. First, the agenda itself was approved. Second, the Board addressed the approval of Health and Dental Premium Rates for FY27, based on analysis showing a need to increase Medical Plan rates by 11.0% and Dental Plan rates by 2.84% to maintain break-even operations, noting trends like increased GLP-1 prescriptions. Third, the Board authorized the sale of 2026B General Obligation Refunding Bonds, bundling existing debt to lower principal and interest rates, aiming to save taxpayers a total of $500,372.71 across annual payments through FY39. Fourth, the Board authorized the sale of 2026C Certificates of Participation Refunding Bonds, which is projected to lower outstanding principal by $440,000 and reduce annual payments by $19,016 annually through FY42.

The School Board met in a closed session to discuss the Superintendent's mid-year review, as permitted under Minnesota Statute 13D.05. The proceedings were recorded in accordance with District Policy #205.

The study session included citizen input where an employee raised concerns regarding trauma experienced by students, staff, and families following a recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation. A presentation was delivered by the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC), which announced a vote of non-concurrence due to the district's perceived failure in statutory obligations, specifically citing inadequate staffing/funding for the American Indian Education program, lack of dedicated Language and Culture classes, denial of AIPAC representation on the Curriculum Advisory Board, lack of consultation on curriculum, and insufficient professional development for staff. Recommendations included hiring a dedicated coordinator, hiring two full-time positions including a licensed educator, and allocating General Fund dollars to support these roles. The Board also reviewed Policy #707 regarding the Transportation of Public School Students, with planned return for approval in March. Discussions were held on updated 2026 Legislative Position Statements, adding new interest areas such as enhancing school safety and stabilizing compensatory funding. Finally, the Board discussed long-term financial stability and enrollment targets, agreeing that a decision on increasing the enrollment target to temporarily delay expenditure cuts would be brought to a vote at the March regular meeting. A review of health and dental premium rates for FY27 was conducted, showing a necessity to increase medical plan rates by 11.0% and dental plan rates by 2.84% based on actuarial calculations and recent claims experience.

The meeting covered several key items, including recognitions for various student achievements, a school news report from Minnetonka Middle School West, and a presentation on school safety and security efforts, including physical improvements and training initiatives. Updates were provided by various districtwide committees, such as the Calendar Committee and the Teaching and Learning Advisory Committee. The Board approved changes to Policy #707 regarding the Transportation of Public School Students. A significant discussion and subsequent approval centered on increasing the enrollment target over five years to support a balanced budget amid uncertain legislative funding. The Board also approved the 2026 Legislative Position Statements advocating for increased state funding. Furthermore, the low bid from Northwest Asphalt, Inc. for the MHS NW Parking Lot Expansion was accepted, contingent upon permitting. Finally, the Board approved a resolution allowing a current Board Member to serve as a substitute teacher within the District.