Spring Lake Park Schools — Transcript

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

K12 Social Studies Curricular Review and Resource Adoption

Summer Programming Overview

Monthly Financial Report - February 2026

Superintendent's Report and District Updates

School Board Governance and Operations

Votes (6)

Approval of Curricular Study K12 Social Studies

Passed Unanimously

Dissent: None

Moved by Board Member Vala [0:45:51] · Seconded by Board Member McCullen [0:45:51]

Dr. Hopron and the learning and innovation team provided a detailed update on the K12 social studies curricular review. The process involved researching evidence-based practices, gathering parent input on desired learning experiences and skills for beyond high school, and teacher design teams from K5 and 7-12 levels. Resources were scouted, narrowed down based on alignment to the social studies framework and competencies, availability in Spanish, and format (print/digital). Recommended resources include SAVIS for K5 and most 7-12 disciplines, McGra Hill for geography, and specific resources like Open Stacks and BFW for electives. Northern Lights will continue for 6th-grade Minnesota history. The rigor and inclusiveness of the process, involving many teachers and parents, were highly praised by board members.

Award Bids for Spring Lake Park High School Tennis Court Resurfacing

Passed Unanimously

Dissent: None

Moved by Board Member Hennon [0:35:54] · Seconded by Unknown [0:35:54]

The district went out for bids to resurface the high school tennis courts. The project's initial estimated cost was significantly reduced (by about $370,000) because less earthwork was required than initially anticipated. Five bidders submitted proposals, and the recommendation was to award the bid to the lowest bidder, Park Construction. A board member clarified that the resurfacing would not include pickleball striping due to the courts being designated for competitive high school tennis.

Staff Appreciation Week Resolution

7-0 Approved

Dissent: None

Moved by Board Member Forsber [0:38:39] · Seconded by Board Member Mcclullen [0:38:43]

The board considered a resolution to declare May 4th through the 8th of 2026 as Staff Appreciation Week. Board members expressed strong appreciation for the staff's dedication, diverse talents, and continuous adaptation to challenges, emphasizing their critical role in student success and the community. This resolution reaffirms the board's commitment to recognizing the contributions of all Spring Lake Park Schools staff.

Adoption of Proposed Policy Modifications

Passed Unanimously

Dissent: None

Moved by Board Member Skully [0:41:35] · Seconded by Board Member Hennon [0:41:35]

The board discussed the adoption of approximately 12 different school board policies with proposed minor modifications. As per School Board Policy 208, minor changes that do not affect the substance of the policy or result from legal changes can be approved at a single meeting at the board's discretion. No specific policy details were debated during this motion, indicating that the changes were indeed considered minor or legally mandated.

Designation of School Board Meetings for 2026-2027 School Year

Passed Unanimously

Dissent: None

Moved by Board Member Schmidt [0:42:30] · Seconded by Board Member Vala [0:42:30]

The board considered and approved the schedule for regular school board meetings and work sessions for the 2026-2027 academic year. Regular meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m., with communications to the board starting at 6:45 p.m. Work sessions are scheduled for the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. All meetings are to take place at the District Services Center unless otherwise noted.

Acknowledgement of Gifts to the District

7-0 Approved

Dissent: None

Moved by Unknown [0:44:03] · Seconded by Board Member Forsber [0:44:03]

The board reviewed and approved a resolution to accept various gifts to the district, as per School Board Policy 706 and Minnesota Statute 465.03. Board members expressed gratitude for the community's generosity, highlighting the large number of gifts received and their positive impact on the district.

Notable Quotes (5)

Well, they make that all seem real simple. Um, and we didn't do the math, but I'm guessing it's hundreds upon hundreds of hours that have gone into this process, both by these two as co-designers and co-f facilitators, as well as um all of our teacher teams that have been in all last year and then this year as well. So, I just have a lot of appreciation not only for Christy and Jenny, but all the teachers who have been involved in this process so far.

Dr. Hopron [0:15:03]
Approval of Curricular Study K12 Social Studies

Yeah, no questions. But I really do appreciate the rigor that you follow for all of the pro for all of the um subject matter and also the inclusiveness of how many teachers you involve and the parents that you involve um in order to make the final decision. So, thank you.

Board Member Kelly [0:15:23]
Approval of Curricular Study K12 Social Studies

I think the one question that I'll probably get from a couple of friends is the resurfacing will it include pickle ball?

Board Member [0:37:05]
Award Bids for Spring Lake Park High School Tennis Court Resurfacing

Just um I just want to second that. I mean we we appreciate our staff so much and we look forward to getting into the schools and seeing as many of our staff members as we can.

Board Member [0:40:00]
Staff Appreciation Week Resolution

Thank you to the community for their generous gifts. Looks like there's a large number of them and we always do say thank you. Thank you. Makes a lot of difference.

Board Member [0:44:30]
Acknowledgement of Gifts to the District

Ordinances & Resolutions (19)

K12 Social Studies FrameworkFramework

Developed during the social studies curricular review, guiding resource selection.

District Operational PlanPlan

Guides district work, includes advanced curricular reviews.

Northern LightsCore Resource

Recommended resource for 6th grade Minnesota history, undergoing an update.

SAVISCore Resource

Recommended core resource for K5 social studies (print) and 7-12 American studies, US history, world history, economics, government, and civics (digital).

McGra HillCore Resource

Recommended core resource for geography courses (grades 8 and 9).

Open StacksCore Resource

One-off resource supporting social studies elective courses like sociology and psychology.

BFWCore Resource

One-off resource supporting social studies elective courses like sociology and psychology.

Monthly Financial Report for February 2026Report

Cash-basis report detailing receipts, disbursements, revenues, and expenses for February 2026.

School Board Policy 208Policy

Establishes guidelines for policy modifications with minor changes.

School Board Policy 706Policy

Establishes guidelines for the acceptance of gifts to the district.

Minnesota Statute 465.03Statute

States that a school board may accept a gift by adopting a resolution approved by two-thirds of its members.

Curricular Study K12 Social StudiesStudy

Study outlining the recommended resources and process for K12 social studies curriculum.

Resolution (Staff Appreciation Week)Resolution

Official declaration of May 4th-8th, 2026 as Staff Appreciation Week.

Resolution (Acceptance of Gifts)Resolution

Official acceptance of gifts to the district as per policy and statute.

Proposed Policy ModificationsOther

A list of approximately 12 school board policies undergoing minor changes for adoption.

district websiteOther

Source for complete list of monthly events and summer meals information.

springparkschools.orgWebsite

District website mentioned as a source for school news and articles like 'SLP experience'.

SLP experienceArticle

Featured paraprofessionals and their important work in the district.

Blue Ribbon CommissionCommission Report

Legislative commission set to make recommendations, with potential impact on special education funding.

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