Stillwater Area School District 834

The meeting included a recognition ceremony for state champion Nordic skiers and information regarding student activities, athletics, and recent academic assessments. The superintendent clarified that middle school athletics will be restructured and remain active despite budget reductions. The board discussed administrative actions, including the approval of a modified agenda and a resolution for the release of probationary teachers due to necessary budget adjustments.

The meeting included the review and approval of the Summer Multi-Site Long-Term Facility Maintenance Improvement Plan, covering various facility projects across the district such as door replacements, lighting upgrades, fire suppression piping, and HVAC enhancements. The board also approved the Bayport and Lake Elmo Elementary School playground equipment and fall surface projects. Additionally, staff presented the three-year Achievement and Integration Plan along with the Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness (CACER) goals, focusing on early literacy and numeracy, closing achievement gaps, increasing enrollment in advanced coursework, and improving high school graduation rates.

The meeting included a special recognition for the high school theater department, who participated in a globally distributed safety video produced in collaboration with the I Love You Guys Foundation. Students and staff shared their experiences filming the production, which utilizes the Standard Response Protocol. The board also received a report from the superintendent regarding a $5 million budget shortfall and the necessity of continued spending reductions.

The board conducted a study session covering policy updates, including a review of committee structure and employee-student relationship guidelines. The board also acted to approve updated graduation requirements. A workshop portion of the meeting focused on an assessment update, specifically analyzing student data from the FastBridge screening tool, including performance in early reading and math across various grade levels and buildings, and discussion on the impact of new curriculum implementation.

The board meeting included a special recognition for the food service department for their achievements in a state nutrition contest. The superintendent provided a legislative update and recognized the contributions of administrative assistants. Additionally, the high school staff presented an update on the newly implemented online programming and course registration trends, focusing on meeting student demand for flexibility and academic opportunities.