Lisa K Birno

This document details the strategic direction for Eden Prairie Schools, largely centered around the "Designing Pathways" initiative, a ten-year outlook. The core purpose is to enhance academic programming and facilities from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, ensuring students receive personalized, real-world, and hands-on learning experiences. Key focus areas include facilities renovation, such as improvements at Central Middle School; the expansion of career-oriented classes; and strategic staff development and retention through mentorship programs to uphold academic excellence and a supportive community environment.

This strategic plan, titled 'Flight Plan 2035,' outlines Eden Prairie Schools' vision for the future of student experiences, with a primary focus on wellbeing. It addresses challenges posed by an evolving landscape, including technology and social media, and aims to ensure student success by fostering belonging, supporting physical and emotional health, and promoting safety, kindness, and personal responsibility through strong communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity.

The committee discussed strategies for promoting student wellness, including the dissemination of wellness information to elementary schools and results from recent student surveys. Efforts to increase student consumption of vegetables through partnerships with local farmers were reviewed, alongside an overview of school lunch operations and menu planning. The discussion also covered the purpose of the SHIP Grant, focusing on mitigating chronic illness through healthy eating and physical activity initiatives like Smart Snacks and classroom movement and mindfulness techniques. Additionally, the group explored potential adjustments to lunch and recess scheduling for younger students to improve eating habits.

The board meeting involved several key actions, including the adoption of the fiscal year 2018-2019 budget, a resolution regarding the Intermediate School District 287 10-year facilities maintenance plan, and a resolution for TIES dissolution and authorization of legal documents. Policy monitoring discussions took place concerning executive limitations and various educational goals. Additionally, the superintendent's consent agenda was addressed, covering donations, human resources reports, business services, and various district agreements. The board also received reports on committee activities and updates from partner organizations.

The meeting included decision preparation items such as the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 school calendars, fiscal year 2019 budget timelines and assumptions, and approval of the 2017-2018 mid-year budget. Additionally, the board addressed self-evaluation and policy monitoring records, reviewed superintendent consent agenda items including human resources reports and donations, and received updates from various committees and regional education service districts.