Jeff Ansorge

This document outlines the organization's mission to inspire scholars with confidence, courage, and competence for lifelong learning, with a vision to unleash their brilliance to thrive and change the world. The strategic directions focus on five key areas: creating safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environments; building a culture of achievement through rigorous and individualized pathways; promoting inclusive community participation and effective communication; establishing a system of operational innovation, excellence, accountability, and sustainability; and addressing systemic disparities and inequities for continuous improvement. This serves as a strategic roadmap for all new programs and services.

The work session focused on student perspectives regarding standards-based grading practices. Key discussion points included what grades currently measure versus what they should measure (learning and growth versus effort), the perceived impact of poor grades on student self-perception, and the need for empathy and flexibility from educators regarding student lives outside of school and mental well-being. Students strongly advocated for the consistent implementation of retakes as beneficial for learning from mistakes, suggesting retakes should be available across all classes universally, rather than depending on individual teacher policies. Furthermore, the discussion covered the inconsistency in grading scales and policies between teachers within the same department, leading to student confusion. Students recommended standardizing grading scales within subject departments and minimizing formative assessments that feel like unnecessary busy work. Concerns were also raised regarding the difficulty in translating the 1-4 grading scale to national percentage-based systems for college applications.

The work session focused on reviewing the legislative platform for the upcoming 2026 session, which is a policy-focused session rather than a budget-setting one. Key discussion points included updates on the state's economic outlook, noting a significant surplus for the current biennium but anticipating budget reductions for the next due to projected deficits in healthcare and slower economic growth. The legislative priorities discussed included maintaining the current general fund formula and inflationary index, funding for summer unemployment insurance, expanding safe schools funding and allowable uses for facility maintenance (to include cybersecurity), addressing workforce shortages (especially for teachers of color), and reducing unfunded mandates. Additionally, the board discussed including specific items on the platform related to stronger gun safety laws and expanding mental health resources, following input from student representatives regarding policy review and community engagement structures.

The meeting included discussions on several key areas impacting American Indian students. The American Indian Parents Advisory Committee (APAC) presented its annual resolution of concurrence, noting progress in areas such as hiring a Dakota language teacher and strengthening cross-departmental professional development. However, APAC also highlighted ongoing needs, including improved literacy outcomes, addressing disproportionate discipline data, increasing staffing (specifically an American Indian school counselor), and formalizing the American Indian Education program as a standalone department. Separately, the board reviewed the recommended bid awards for media center renovations at Maple Grove Middle School and OIO Middle School, which are scheduled for summer construction. During the audience opportunity segment, community members discussed concerns regarding the presence and tactics of ICE agents near school property and requested continued support for protective measures. The Superintendent's report emphasized focusing on student safety and belonging, noting recent engagement with students and staff, and celebrating staff recognition.

The regular business meeting included several key presentations. One presentation highlighted Targeted Services at North View Middle School. Another presentation covered the Park Center Senior High School Renovations and the Crest View Rebuild. During the audience opportunity to address the board, topics included a resolution affirming student safety and access to education in response to immigration events, health center concerns, personnel matters, insurance costs, contract negotiations, teacher bargaining, and board communication. The Superintendent's Report featured Points of Pride and upcoming events. The Board approved the 2026 Legislative Platform and a resolution affirming student safety, legal compliance, and access to education in response to recent immigration-related events. The Board also approved general obligation school building and refunding bonds, Series 2026A, and approved gifts to the district totaling $128,597.00. Additionally, the board reviewed the first reading of several policies related to the school district mission statement, student records, medications, DNR/DNI orders, wellness, academic shared time, and age of entrance. Approval was granted for the Park Center Senior High School Renovations Award, amended to include construction of a health clinic.