Preston Palokangas

This Local Literacy Plan outlines the Cedar Mountain School District's commitment to enhancing evidence-based structured literacy instruction and achieving grade-level reading proficiency for all students. Key priorities include implementing consistent, data-driven systems, evaluating and aligning Tier 1 curriculum and intervention resources, and providing extensive professional development for educators. The plan details specific goals, including comprehensive screening for foundational reading skills and dyslexia (K-12), targeted interventions (FastBridge, UFLI, Functional Morphology, REWARDS), and continuous monitoring of student progress. Strategic initiatives for 2026-2027 focus on strengthening literacy outcomes by implementing a district-wide assessment calendar, developing research-based intervention protocols, and synchronizing standards-based curriculum through PLCs, aiming to increase students meeting reading benchmarks and decrease characteristics of dyslexia.

The board discussed reports from various committees and administrative staff, including updates on senior recognition, wellness assessments, facility projects, and academic reporting. Action was taken on several items, including the approval of a resolution for unrequested leave for a teacher, declaring surplus property, and a memorandum of understanding regarding coaches' leave. Additionally, the board approved bids for lawn mowing services and engineering for the bus lane project. Other approvals included an adjusted school calendar, new board policies from the 600 series, and the senior class trip to Sioux Falls. A second reading of a policy regarding the responsible use of artificial intelligence was also conducted.

The agenda includes a land acknowledgment, a consent agenda covering financial transactions, donations, and personnel actions, and various departmental reports. Key discussion topics involve the final reading of a policy on the responsible use of artificial intelligence, an update on daycare operations, and a presentation by the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee. The board will review a wellness policy report, approve a CPA agreement for the upcoming year, and authorize the sale of surplus property. Additionally, the meeting will address teacher qualification reviews and the approval of contracts for non-tenured teachers for the upcoming school year.

The Cedar Mountain Public Schools' strategic plan outlines a roadmap for collaborative development, high expectations, and high achievement for every child, in partnership with parents and the community. The plan focuses on four core areas: Student Success and Civic Readiness, Staff Support and Professional Excellence, Facilities and Fiscal Responsibility, and Communication and Family Engagement. Through these pillars, the district aims to foster academic excellence, provide quality instruction, ensure safety, maintain strong partnerships, and become the 'First Choice' district for families.

The Board meeting included a recognition of long-standing service, reports from the Superintendent and principals regarding district operations, enrollment trends, facility planning, and various grant and programming updates. New business actions involved several staffing changes including contract non-renewals, terminations, and new hires, as well as the approval of the 2026-2027 school calendar, the elimination of a bus route, policy reviews, and the authorization of facilities maintenance bonds.