Delano Public Schools

This strategic plan establishes broad curriculum parameters aligned with Minnesota Graduation Standards and federal law, aiming for comprehensive achievement and civic readiness for all students. It outlines district policy to address school readiness goals, close academic achievement gaps, promote career and college readiness, ensure high school graduation, and cultivate lifelong learning. Key components include defining goals and benchmarks for instruction and student achievement, assessing student progress, evaluating curriculum and instruction effectiveness, implementing strategies for continuous improvement, ensuring equitable teacher distribution, adopting education effectiveness practices, and maintaining an annual budget.

The meeting commenced with public comment guidelines, followed by a program review featuring students reading original compositions about the 'Tiger Way' philosophy, which encompasses kindness, grit, respect, and responsibility. Key agenda items included the approval of the consent agenda, which covered financial reports and bills paid. A resolution for the acceptance of gifts totaling significant amounts for various school programs and supplies at Delano Elementary School, the Dance team, and Robotics team was presented and approved. Personnel matters were addressed, including noting the retirement of Joe Finn, the DEH Industrial Technology teacher after over 20 years of service. The Superintendent provided updates on the ongoing planning for a new community education building to replace the nearly 100-year-old structure, including engaging architects for a 12-17 month process. He also reported on the planned partnership with the youth lacrosse association to install a practice wall on campus, funded entirely by the association. Furthermore, the status of the principal selection process was updated, confirming finalists have been identified, with subsequent interviews planned. The Intermediate School report highlighted staff confidence in emergency protocols and planning for the 2026-2027 student handbook review. Professional development centered on state-required 'Redact' training. The High School report celebrated a successful winter athletic season, including Section Championships for various teams, and detailed progress on fall scheduling and registration planning. A major focus for the high school handbook review is the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence usage policies, with teachers piloting practices in the third trimester. The implementation of the 'Edge Climber' platform for data-driven decision-making, including an early warning system based on attendance, behavior, and academic grades, was also detailed.

The meeting included a segment for public comment, where patrons were given the opportunity to address the board regarding items not on the agenda. The main discussion focused on a program review presented by Brian Nutter, the Executive Director of Wright Tech Center. The review covered the vocational cooperative's structure, including Wright Tech's 12 technical programs and Wright Academy (alternative learning center), noting current enrollment figures, including 68 Delano students in technical programs and 85 students in the ALC. Specific program highlights included the heavy equipment operations and maintenance program, which is fully funded through partnerships with organizations like the 49ers union and equipment providers, and the entrepreneurship opportunities program which pairs students with business mentors. The construction technology program was noted as being full in its return after a hiatus. The law enforcement program shifted focus from EMR training to investigations. Significant updates were shared on the early childhood and elementary careers program, which received an MBE grant to implement concurrent enrollment classes from Henipin Technical College at no cost to students. Financial updates indicated an improvement, moving from three consecutive years of deficit to a reduced stabilization fee need, due to paying off a large bond. Finally, the presentation concluded with a request for $10.5 million in capital bonding funds to address critical facility needs, including a new roof, HVAC renovation, and remodeling space to better accommodate programs like cosmetology and early childhood education.

The meeting included a Truth and Taxation Hearing where the levy certifications for the 2025-2026 fiscal year were reviewed, noting a decrease in the total levy despite an increase in operating referendum revenue due to inflation adjustments. Budget summaries for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years were compared, showing changes in fund balances across various funds. Key administrative updates covered the initiation of a process to investigate options for a community building, with conceptual ideas to be reviewed with architects in January 2026. The hiring process for the Director of Finance and Operations and the new High School Principal was detailed, with position postings expected in early January 2026. Principals provided updates: the Intermediate School team is researching optimal formats for parent conferences to boost engagement, and they are administering universal screening assessments in January. The High School recognized two seniors as AAA award winners and reported a significant decrease in failing grades (Fs) for Trimester 1 compared to previous years. The Elementary School shared positive data from their SAAVERS assessments, showing high percentages of students in low-risk categories for behavior, and reported a notable decrease in logged disciplinary referrals for December compared to the previous year.

The meeting included a presentation of the audit results, covering the independent auditor's report, financial communications, and a review of the general fund. Key topics included general education aid, student counts, revenue sources, expenditures, and fund balances. The discussion touched on the district's revenue and expenses compared to state averages, budget performance, and the community service fund.