Tiffany Brian

The meeting included student representative updates and a Quality-in-Action report detailing curriculum adoption for English Language Arts and Science, specifically mentioning Arts and Letters, Wit & Wisdom, and Amplify Science. Congratulations were extended to Director Kim Humann for receiving the 2026 Director's Award from MSBA. The Chair provided highlights from mid-year evaluations for the School Board and Superintendent, and the Superintendent presented district highlights. Business items involved the approval of a resolution authorizing the issuance of School Building Bonds and calling an election, approval of the June 30, 2025, year-end audit, approval of a resolution directing administration to make recommendations for program and/or position adjustments, rejection of the Packer Activity Center (PAC) ventilation bid, approval of Grow Your Own Candidate Agreements, and approval of the Community Ed Fee Schedule. Consent items covered Financial Claims and Staffing actions.

The School Board Work Session included a follow-up discussion on potential facilities and long-range planning, focusing on the draft Review and Comment document to be submitted to the Minnesota Department of Education for the legal process concerning a possible May 2026 bond election. Key items reviewed for submission included enrollment projections, facility conditions, identified deficiencies, project scope, financing, and state code assurances. The next steps for the election timeline, including a resolution to consider calling a special election in January 2026, were also discussed. Furthermore, the Board reviewed the upcoming Calendar of Events and explored community engagement opportunities. Committee updates were provided, and a special session was scheduled to conduct mid-year self-evaluations for the Board and the Superintendent.

The regular meeting included reports from Student School Board Representatives and an overview of recent Quality-in-Action highlights from activities directors, coaches, and advisors. The board reviewed and approved staffing actions including appointments, resignations, and leaves. Key business items involved the third and final reading approval for two policies regarding student medication/telehealth and policy development. A public hearing was held for the Payable 2026 Property Tax Levy, where the Board certified the levy amount. The Board also approved the Acceptance of Gifts Report, a cooperative agreement for Nordic Skiing, the 2026-27 District Calendar, and the contract agreement with the South St. Paul Educational Support Professionals Local 7312 for the period spanning July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027.

The work session focused on several key agenda items for Board review and discussion. Topics included the proposed 2026--27 Budget Guiding Change presented for feedback to inform the final budget recommendation. The Board also reviewed proposed fee increases for the Kids' Choice and Community Preschool programs for the 2026--27 fiscal year to address inflationary operating costs. An update was provided on the district's mental health and wellness services, covering staffing models, service allocation, and upcoming initiatives like risk assessment protocols and health office procedure streamlining. Furthermore, the Board considered a recommendation to call a special election for May 12, 2026, regarding facility funding and long-term financial planning. The session concluded with a review of the upcoming Calendar of Events and community engagement strategies.

The work session featured an update on the secondary curriculum review process for grades 6--12, ensuring alignment to standards and evaluation of instructional resources. The board received the district's unmodified audit report for the year ended June 30, 2025, which indicated strong financial reporting practices. Discussions previewed organizational items for the subsequent special meeting, including draft ballot language for a potential special election regarding a bond referendum and capital projects levy scheduled for May 12, 2026. The board also reviewed public relations and community engagement strategies, conducted a mid-year self-evaluation using a customized tool, and discussed logistics for the mid-year superintendent evaluation check-in.