Jack Baker

The board discussed three primary agenda items: medical and dental plan renewals, ELA core resource recommendations for grades 9-12, and a quarterly data review. The session focused extensively on the district's self-insured medical plan, the competitive bidding process for administrative services, and the recommendation to carve out the pharmacy benefit management to Express Scripts to maximize cost savings and rebate potential. The board also analyzed claims performance, the impact of high-cost specialty drugs, and strategies for managing medical trend and rising utilization.

The Board of Education meeting covered several recognitions and reports. The Superintendent presented good news highlighting the achievements of various student athletic teams, including gymnastics, wrestling, swimming, adapted floor hockey, curling, and hockey, as well as the success of the Science Olympiad, Mock Trial, and DECA teams. Technical and financial staff were recognized for implementing ClassLink and receiving a Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting, respectively. The board discussed the upcoming paraprofessional appreciation week and heard a presentation from students regarding the speech team. Additionally, information regarding an upcoming referendum for school space needs was shared, and the meeting agenda was formally approved.

The board discussed mandatory and recommended school policies, the role of MSBA model policies, and the process for conducting policy audits. A representative from the Minnesota School Board Association provided an overview of policy classifications, explaining the legal requirements and the distinction between mandatory and recommended policies. The board also reviewed the progress of a proposed school construction project following a positive review and comment from the Minnesota Department of Education, and addressed the upcoming referendum bond vote.

This document outlines the vision for Lakeville Area Schools to provide a safe, respectful, engaging, rigorous, and collaborative learning environment where all students, families, and staff belong, are valued, and can succeed. The core mission emphasizes student success, focusing on providing educational opportunities to ensure academic, social, civic, and personal readiness. The strategic approach is guided by core values including honesty, stewardship, collaboration, student-centered decisions, and high expectations for all.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call, followed by introductions of cabinet members and guests, including directors of teaching and learning, integrated improvement, and various school principals. Good news segments recognized an employee named Hillary Morlock as a semi-finalist for the 2026 Minnesota Teacher of the Year Award, celebrated School Bus Driver Appreciation Week, and acknowledged numerous athletic achievements by Lakeville North and Lakeville South students, including hockey, dance, and skiing accomplishments. Student achievements also included recognition for band members selected for honor bands and delegates participating in the YMCA Youth and Government Conference. Theater students at Lakeville North High School received multiple awards for their production of 'Anything Goes,' and a fourth-grade student earned second place in a regional art contest. A significant portion of the meeting featured a performance by the Kenwood Trail Middle School Kazoo Band. Board communications focused on an upcoming bond vote on May 12th regarding securing more space at middle schools, with encouragement for community engagement. Public comments addressed ongoing frustrations regarding logistics and communication with community education and facilities departments, particularly concerning the Lakeville South Senior Party graduation event planning. The consent agenda included the approval of board minutes from February 5th and February 10th, employment recommendations, leave requests, bill payments, extended field trips, and the ELA core resource recommendation for grades 9-12. Additionally, several policies (502, 526, 533, 701.1, 705, 706, 708, 902, 904) were presented for approval as minor updates following policy audits.