Timothy Berndt

The meeting commenced with the swearing-in and administration of the oath of office to newly elected school board members. Key organizational business included the adoption of the agenda and the nomination and election of board officers for the year, such as Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Clerk. The board affirmed several operational policies governing conduct and parliamentary procedure. Student representative reports highlighted achievements in bowling, singing, and debate competitions, as well as food drives and DECA community giving initiatives. The superintendent reported on the Mounds View High School principal being named the 2026 Minnesota High School Principal of the Year and recognition of both high schools on the College Board's Advanced Placement honor rolls. Financial oversight involved reviewing and discussing the 2026-2027 budget assumptions, which projected pupil units and planned for a 2% state funding increase while prioritizing keeping class sizes within approved ranges. Reports were also provided regarding the Association of Metropolitan School Districts (AMSD) meeting, including positive trends in student survey data compared to the COVID-19 period, and an update from the Northeast Metro 916 school district concerning assistive technology resources and a documentary on intermediate school districts.

The board meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda. Student representative reports were deferred to the January meeting due to weather. Discussions included recognizing gifts received for schools, programs, and the Ralph Reider food shelf, with special acknowledgment for record-high food donations. Upcoming meeting dates for January 2026 were announced. The Superintendent's report emphasized the significant increase in food shelf donations. A substantial portion of the meeting involved reviewing annual progress reports aligned with the Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness plan. Key areas covered were kindergarten readiness (meeting the goal of 76% accomplished), graduation rates (meeting the goal, though the English learner subgroup was slightly below 90% but showed improvement), and career/college readiness as measured by the ACT (exceeding the goal with 51% meeting three or four benchmarks). Furthermore, progress on closing racial and economic achievement gaps in mathematics proficiency was reviewed, noting a dip to 27.6% but confidence in meeting the 35% goal by 2026. Discussions also addressed reducing racial disparities in Advanced Placement course participation and strategies for fostering lifelong learning skills. Finally, the board approved the certification of the final 2025 payable 2026 property tax levy.

The meeting included student representative reports from Mountains View and Irondale, covering marching band achievements, trunk or treat events, blood drives, debate team successes, and drama productions. The board recognized National Merit Semi Finalists and Scholars from both high schools, acknowledging their academic achievements and future aspirations. The board also recognized fall activities, including theater, girls' soccer, girls' tennis, and National Honor Society initiatives.

The meeting addressed the final placement of certified staff on unrequested leave, particularly those from the Early Childhood Family Education program, with intentions to rehire them based on further guidance and funding. The 2020-2021 budget was presented and adopted, focusing on general fund revenues and expenditures, aiming to replenish the reserve fund. The termination of probationary staff contracts due to funding uncertainty was discussed, with plans to reinstate them later. An enrollment update for the 2020-2021 school year was provided, highlighting projected student numbers and enrollment trends.

The meeting included student recognition for winter activities, featuring presentations from the robotics group, winter guard, and drumline. The robotics team discussed their robot, cicada, and their participation in regional and world championships. The winter drum line shared details about their show and their upcoming performance at the World Championships. The winter guard described their show and their preparations for WGI in Dayton, Ohio. The wrestling team discussed their successful season and state entrances. The Science Olympiad team discussed their win at the state competition and their upcoming participation in Nationals. The speech team discussed their success in recruiting new members and their achievements at sections, and the start of a debate team.