Cindy Andress

This document is a transcript of a video titled 'VANTAGE: Health Sciences', which describes an educational program designed to provide students with hands-on learning experiences and a glimpse into health science careers. The program offers medical courses such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), and includes labs, guest instruction, site visits, and mentorship opportunities.

The Study Session agenda covered several critical areas for the District. Discussions included an update on student well-being initiatives, focusing on mental health support, social and emotional learning, and analysis of recent Minnesota Student Survey results. The Board reviewed proposed changes to Policy #703 regarding Fund Balance, aiming to maintain an unassigned balance of at least six percent (6%) of the General Operating Fund operating expenditure budget. Updates were provided on the MME and MMW Construction Projects, which are utilizing bond proceeds approved in November 2025 for science labs and venue additions at middle schools. Further items involved a history and update on the Self-Insurance Fund for employee health and dental benefits, an overview of the Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Trust Fund's status and liability considerations, and a discussion on ensuring Long-Term Financial Stability, which included proposing an increase in the enrollment target over two years to avoid immediate staff and program reductions.

The meeting incorporated the Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness Annual Meeting and the Truth in Taxation Hearing. Discussions during the CACR meeting focused on goals and strategies related to school readiness, closing achievement gaps in reading and math (with specific quantitative targets for 2026 and 2030), career and college readiness benchmarks utilizing ACT, AP, IB, VANTAGE, and MOMENTUM programs, high school graduation rates, and preparing students for lifelong learning through developmental relationships and extracurricular involvement. The Truth in Taxation Hearing provided information on the proposed Payable 2026 property tax levy, noting an increase of $3,572,498 (5.09%) from 2025, with the School Board subsequently certifying the levy. Other key actions included the approval of the FY26 Amended Budget, which projected a surplus of $3,917,599 for the General Operating Fund, acceptance of the FY25 audit which resulted in a 'clean' audit report, authorization of the sale of $55M in 2026A General Obligation School Building Bonds, approval of new course proposals and changes (including Aviation Maintenance and renaming of 'Power & Energy' to 'Introduction of Engines'), fee adjustments for Community Education programs (0% for ECFE, 5% for Preschool, 5% for K-5 Explorers, 10% for Junior Explorers), approval of several policies (including updates to Nutrition Services, School Assignment, Conflict of Interest/Nepotism, and Leaves of Absence Without Pay), and tabling the approval of the 2026 Legislative Position Statements pending review by the CASE Committee. A report was also given on the Students Achieving Independent Life (SAIL) transition program.

The meeting included several significant agenda items. Recognitions were given to honored artists, state qualifiers, AP Scholars, and charitable giving campaign leaders. Student representatives were welcomed. The board heard a report on the S.A.I.L. transition program, including its work experience opportunities. Approvals were granted for new course proposals for the 2026-27 school year, and fee increases for Community Education programs (ECFE, Minnetonka Preschool, and Explorers) were approved, with Explorers registration remaining first-come, first-served with staggered times. Five existing School Board policies related to nutrition services, student assignments, conflict of interest, nepotism, and leaves of absence were approved with changes. The board authorized the sale of $55 million in 2026A General Obligation School Building Bonds, noting it would result in no net overall increase to the levy. The FY26 Amended Budget was approved, projecting a $3.9M surplus for the General Operating Fund. The board accepted the FY25 Audit from CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, which resulted in an unmodified opinion. The approval of 2026 Legislative Position Statements was tabled pending review by the Community Action for Student Education (CASE) committee. Items approved under the Consent Agenda included minutes from the previous meeting, recommended personnel items, and authorization of reserve teacher wage increases.

This report from Minnetonka Public Schools details progress on its Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness (CACR) goals for the 2024-25 school year and outlines new goals and strategies for 2025-26. Mandated by Minnesota Statutes, the plan addresses five key areas: ensuring school readiness, closing racial and economic achievement gaps, preparing students for career and college, achieving high school graduation for all, and fostering lifelong learning. The overarching vision is to promote extraordinary achievement and prepare students for active community membership post-graduation.