Emilie Levinson

The Special Study Session focused on Operational Performance Oversight and Organizational Direction. Key discussions included the process for approving the Statutory Operating Debt (SOD) plan and using enrollment trends for future planning submissions to the Minnesota Department of Education. The Board also discussed additional options for the Phase I Vision 2030/SOD Plan. Specific actions taken included a motion that prevailed to remove magnet transportation from elimination consideration and instead close an additional school. Another motion passed to remove FAIR Crystal programming, repurpose the building as an elementary school, and relocate students; this motion also involved closing FAIR Pilgrim Lane. A unanimous motion passed to eliminate Minneapolis open enrollment transportation. There was no official vote regarding the elimination of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, but there was a split showing a lack of support, with a desire for further programming discussion. The session also included discussions regarding School Board Officer roles for 2026 and committee assignments.

The meeting included the acceptance of the agenda, which passed. The Consent Agenda was largely approved, except for the 2026-2027 District Calendar, which failed to pass after a discussion. Unfinished Business resulted in the approval of a resolution for 2026 Election Combined Polling Locations. New Business involved the approval of a resolution accepting donations totaling $9,213.91 and approving calendar changes to incorporate additional Listening Time sessions on January 5, 2026, and December 22, 2025. Policy changes for several employment-related policies were approved. The Public Hearing segment involved deliberation and action on resolutions concerning school facility closures, resulting in the approval to close Robbinsdale Middle School, Noble Elementary School, Sonnesyn Elementary School, and the Education Service Center, while the resolution to close Lakeview Elementary School and Neill Elementary School failed.

The special study session began with a Land Acknowledgement Statement recognizing the Dakota and Ajiway people. The primary focus of the session was operational performance oversight and organizational direction concerning the statutory operating debt plan, which is due January 31st. Key discussions involved continuing work on Phase One of the Vision SOD plan, site consolidation, and budget reductions necessary to meet the statutory operating debt requirements. The board also discussed school board officer nominations for 2026 and committee assignments. Furthermore, the administration detailed the severe financial context, noting the district's unassigned fund balance after the previous year, the requirement for immediate deficit discontinuation, dollar-for-dollar budget balancing, and the stipulation that any future legislative aid formula improvements must be used to reduce the existing deficit.

This Strategic Plan outlines Robbinsdale Area Schools' commitment to inspiring and educating all learners for career, skilled trades, and college readiness, fostering their unique potential and community contribution. Grounded in equity, the plan focuses on four strategic themes: Academic Achievement, Student Engagement and Wellness, Collaboration and Partnerships, and Staff Investment and Impact. Key priorities for 2025-2026 include enhancing culturally relevant curriculum, expanding literacy and responsive teaching, preparing students for life and career, improving student-staff connections and safety, strengthening stakeholder communication and engagement, cultivating an inclusive culture, and increasing accountability for district practices.

The meeting commenced with the formal call to order and a role call confirming all members were present. Key agenda items included the approval of the agenda and a presentation by faculty and student leaders from Plymouth Middle School (PMS) regarding their 'Igniting Student Leadership' initiatives. The presentation highlighted the work of the student leadership group and the Principal's Student Advisory Team, focusing on improving school culture, promoting kindness, running anti-bullying campaigns, and organizing spirit weeks. Students shared personal reflections on leadership and community impact. The theater program also presented musical selections from "Beauty and the Beast Jr.". The board then approved the consent agenda, which covered the language access plan, meeting minutes, financial reports, and personnel reports. Unfinished business included a brief presentation on the continued statutory operator (SOD) plan, focusing on site consolidation and budget reductions.