Welcome everyone. I would like to call to order the August 26, 2025 regular school board meeting. If you are able, please stand for the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Wonderful. All right, with that we'll have member Pway if you could please do roll call. >> Absolutely. Pool >> here. >> Granland >> here. >> Palmer >> here. >> Pway here. Mirus >> here. >> Smith >> here. >> Superintendent Stick >> here. Wonderful. In Columbia Heights Public Schools where we create worlds of opportunity for each and every learner. All belong. All succeed. Our core values are community, excellence, collaboration, integrity, respect, courage, and innovation. Okay. So, moving into the agenda approval, adjustments, and announce announcements. Can I have a motion to accept the to approve the agenda? >> So moved. >> Thank you, Julie. Second. >> A second. >> Thank you, Michelle. Any discussion? All right, we'll move forward with a vote. All those in favor say I. I. >> I. Opposed. Abstained. Motion carries. I know I don't have to say abstain, but now it's just wrote for me. [laughter] >> All right, announcements. Uh, one week from today, September 2nd, is the first day of school for students. Welcome back. Uh, September 9th at 6 PM, we will have our regular schoolboard meeting here in the community room. On the 16th of September at 5:30, we will have our schoolboard work session also in the community room. And on the 23rd at 6 PM is our regular schoolboard meeting uh here in the community room. Those are all in September. All right, moving on to communications from the board or to the board. Is there any communication to the board? No, there's no. All right, we will move forward then into the consent agenda. Can I get a motion to accept the consent agenda? >> Laura, can I get a second? Julie, thank you. Any discussion? >> All right, we'll move forward into a vote. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Abstained. Motion carries. The consent agenda contains the personal report and the minutes. All right. Discussion, reports, and information items. We'll move into reports from members of the board. Um I can actually start. Uh last week I had the joy of attending the scaling the heights where we um introduce the new teachers to our school district um and have a lunch. It was really great because as chair I get to go on the bus tour with them and talk about the you know important things in our community and share um just our love of the community with the new teachers. It's always a highlight. I got to do it last year as well. Um and it's just such a joy. Uh and this year I had director Stunle with me and it was a lot of fun. So uh I also had a chair meeting uh last Tuesday uh as well as the work session. Um I also had a lot of phone calls uh with I had phone call with member Pway. I had some families reaching out to me. Um I also had a conversation with Superintendent Stenick. And then prior to this I had the chair meeting. All right. And then I will move on to Laura. Okay. Um, it's starting to start up for the beginning of the next this next year here. So, kind of looking at things and kicking off with the um the new teacher um lunchon which was which was kind of a new venue for me. Um I was kind of used to [clears throat] doing the uh the uh breakfast. So, it was kind of fun to go over to Merion Hall and be able to actually sit with um all the new staff at the schools and you know and and see what brought them to the district and everything. So that was really awesome. Um last week I also attended the the chair meeting and the work session. Um earlier today um I I attended the um uh the executive committee um uh meeting over at 9:16. Um uh with regards to um uh our superintendent evaluation. Um we kind of went over some of the evaluation there. Um some of that stuff that we're going to we do as well here. We do it over there as well. Um, and one actually one item of note too that she was telling us about which I thought was really cool was about the new teacher apprentice program which um which uh uh 916 is currently working as well with the other intermediate districts for being able to get uh uh special educators um certified while they are still working. You know, basically opening access to a lot of individuals that normally wouldn't be able to take a couple of years off to be able to get their full education. Plus, we get to have the advantage of having them work in our schools and with our students. And um so I guess uh this was the second year. So our first year we had uh seven teachers come through the 96 9 through 916 that are training with um their um they have like a journeyman that kind of works with them and then um correspondents with uh with the college, you know, for being able to coordinate all that stuff. Um so that we had one year go through and now our second year uh we have uh five um students that are going to be going through. So where they're we're currently um uh training 12 teachers for that we're going to be able to enjoy and I guess apparently they had like this big signing ceremony and stuff. They made a really big deal out of it just like it was an NFL draft. I really wish I would could have seen it and I'm hoping that she shares some pictures at at the board meeting. So I just thought that was fun. Um I also attended the um chair meeting prior to this. >> Right. Thank you, [snorts] >> Michelle. >> Yeah. Um I also attended the um lunch with the new teachers which was a lot of fun. Um I'm going to be at uh Columbia Academy and there were two tables. Um so it was nice to get to kind of bounce around, get to meet um not just the teachers but actually acquaint myself with the principal, assistant principal as well um since I'm not as familiar with the middle school. So that was pretty fun. And then um I attended um the work session last week and um I've been with the we've been trying to create this um districtwide bipok family affinity group. Um you know it started at North Park and uh we are in the planning phases and um you know figuring out all the logistics behind actually making it a district group um so that we can be at the other elementary schools and at the middle school and high school level too. So that's been a lot of uh fun. I'm going to call it. Um, but yeah, there's a lot behind it. So, it feels good to be able to be able to, um, help that grow in a way that it it needs to instead of being at one of our schools. So, um, that's what I've done. >> Awesome. >> Thanks. >> Thank you, Jessica. >> Yeah. Um, I feel like we all have been attending the same things in preparation for the fire hose of a new activity uh, for the new school year. So, I also attended the Scaling the Heights lunchon for um new teachers in the district and I always appreciate that invitation and the opportunity to meet all of the new staff. I was able to go um tableto table, building to building and and meet everybody who is new. So, that was exciting to welcome them. Um and then I also attended the work session like all of you last week. Um, and then additionally, I've been helping uh through PTO at Highland with some organizing for kickoff events the beginning of the year, including um some of the activities that are going on there for orientation. Um, and I know that uh several of our buildings are um changing up the way they've been doing back to school events. And so I've been um excited to see how that's rolling out at Highland in addition to other buildings across the district. um and then talking to um families about um what's involved in some of those event nights and um answering questions. So, thank you. >> Wonderful. Thanks, Karina. >> Yeah. Um like everyone else, attended the Scaling the Heights uh teacher orientation, the work session, and also had some correspondence and a brief meeting with Superintendent Senic. >> Wonderful. Thank you, Julie. I attended the work session last week and had a brief texting messages with you. So, [laughter] That's right. I did reach out to you. Thank you for that. Yeah, Super Dick. Uh staff are back on campus this week and involved in lots of training and preparation. Tomorrow, of course, is our all staff convocation and picnic. So, I hope to see everyone there. Um, of course, as we are preparing to welcome students back next week, I did want to extend an invitation to each of the board members aligned with u my goals and um potentially the board goals for this year um to join me uh on the first day of school and w either welcoming students early in the morning at 7:30 at Valley View. Uh Representative Sandra Feist will be there with me as well or in the afternoon at 2 p.m. waving goodbye to children at Highland Elementary. Um and Senator Kunesh and Representative Kaggel will be there. So good opportunity one to um you know just see the joy of the first day of school. Um connect with staff members, families, students, and then local representatives. So um you know if you're available and I' I'd love for people to join me, board members to join me 7:30 a.m. at Valley View or 2 PM at Highland. Either one. >> Wonderful. Thanks. Thank you. Um I just want to add one thing that happened. Um when we were at the lunchon, I think one of the biggest joys was seeing um we there was a staff member who had been here previously left and is now returning. So he was in the new school or the new teacher orientation and to see somebody who was his student who is now a teacher. Um it was really really wonderful to sort of see that reunion and you could see that it was very impactful for for both of them as well as for for those of us that were right there. So um so a warm welcome to both of those and everybody else. All right, moving on to our action items. First up we have the youth outreach officer agreement. Chair Granlin. Um, at our last regular board meeting, uh, Director Henkkins and, um, police chief Markham presented the youth outreach officer agreement as well as some data from the police department. And so this evening, I'm seeking approval of the agreement. Wonderful. Thank you so much. Board members, you have um you should have both of those in your packet uh or online right in front of you. Um at our work session we had uh a lot of discussion about this um and the information that we received um from the chief. We also, you know, very very lucky and very grateful that um we did try something new with this with the youth outreach officer model uh here in Columbia Heights and it was very wonderful to see the data that said that we are moving forward with it. So or things are going well. So anyway, the youth outreach officer agreement. Um can I have a motion to approve the youth outreach officer agreement? >> So moved. Laura, can I get a second? >> Second. >> Second for Michelle. Discussion. I jumped right into discussion. I gotta screw something up. >> Was going too quickly. [laughter] >> Jessica. >> Um well, as Chair Granlin noted, we have had um lots of discussion about this at numerous sessions. Um but I also just wanted to make clear to anybody watching that this is an annual agreement. And so this is something that the board will take up you each year. Um in addition to having lots of discussion about this um this agreement does look quite different from our um agreements with the city and the off the police off the police department in the past. Um for two reasons. one because um our district like every district in the state need that has a uh an officer in our buildings has to have a um has to comply with the the changes to state law and how that was uh rolled into the post board's model policy. Um but more importantly, we had the opportunity as a as a district and in partnership with the city to really look at um what our current relationship is with the city and the officers in the school um and create an agreement that not only incorporates requirements under state statute, but that really um is a good representation of um what what that relationship looks like, how it serves our buildings, how it serves our families. amilies and our staff. Um, and it's really a a Colombia Heights um, specific agreement. And so for that, I'm very thankful for everybody who was involved in all of the discussions within and outside of board meetings for putting this together and I'm in support of this agreement. Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Laura. Um, I I would like to further and thank you. That's a lot of wonderful points there. Um, I would also like to um also be uh very grateful to the the uh the city and the police department in particular for the frequent check-ins that that we're doing um with regards to this contract and the um the openness of being able to uh to be able to um innovate and um look at new solutions if something comes up. Um it's more of a we're going to work together and figure it out. Um, I think that uh we are extraordinarily fortunate um to live in a community that um that really uh puts the needs of their of their constituents first. And I I'm very much in appreciation especially for all of the endless questions that we [laughter] that we have we have had with regards to this contract and the data. So anyway, but thank you. >> Thank you. >> And I'm in support of course. >> Thank you Laura Julie. Um, I just want to mention that um, I know there's some people in the community that are concerned about the police having a presence on school campuses at times. And so when Chief Markham was here, we discussed the data and um, just want to say that I am so appreciative of our police department being able to have a youth outreach officer on campus. We the statistics show that we have a safer campus here in Columbia Heights because of that. And so I just wanted people to know that, you know, there is no fear from our police department. They're here to serve and help and and take care of incidences before they become serious. So I'm really glad they're here. >> Yeah. Thank you, Julie. Um, I will just add that overall, Chief Markham, um, as you know, I I had requested that we have a little bit of a look back at some previous statistics to see where we are, um, and what trends we could make, um, from that. And one of the things that I think is is wonderful because we don't have the, as was noted, the police are in our schools, but differently now. Um, and there was some worry about whether or not that was going to have a negative impact. And I think that looking at the data, as um, as Julie said, we are we are safer um, and in a lot of ways. And I've actually had some families reach out to me uh, because there was an article written about that in the newspaper. Um, and I'm just I'm, you know, as was already said, I think that this is a really good marriage of um the city and school district needs and our putting our students first. Um, so I am very pleased to to move this forward. With that, if there's no other discussion, um, then we'll have a vote to accept the youth outreach officer agreement as presented. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Abstained. Motion carries. All right. Next, we have Oh my goodness. Superintendent Stenick, you're presenting again. >> All night. This is on your superintendent goals for the 2025 2026 school year. >> Chair Granland, members of the board. Last week at the schoolboard work session, um we discussed my annual goals. Um and I was able to seek feedback from the board members. And so this evening I'm here seeking approval of my annual goals. So goal one is aligned to the Minnesota Schoolboard Association standard number three, communication and community relations. And that goal is to foster meaningful and reciprocal relationships with the community including student staff, families, local organization, legislatores, local elected officials in order to build trust, enhance student learning opportunities, and promote a shared commitment to school success. The second goal is aligned to the Minnesota Schoolboard Association standard five, which is human resources. And the goal is to cultivate a collaborative school district culture by providing all staff with regular meaningful opportunities to share input, influence decisions, and engage in continuous school improvement efforts. And these goals will be there'll be a mid-year check-in with the board and then an end of the year check-in with the board for these goals. >> Wonderful. >> Thank you. >> Thanks. >> Um I will just note that we had a very large discussion about this uh at our work session last week. Um, so can I have a motion to approve this superintendent goals? >> So moved. >> Laura, can I get a second? >> Second. >> Second by Jessica. Discussion. >> Quick comment. Um, I I I do want to commend you um about um listening to a lot of the a lot of the survey from the staff, especially with regards to about whether or not they felt like they were a part of the of the decision-making process and to be able to focus on that as as your goal, I think um I think is a a wonderful thing. And paying attention those surveys matter. We look at them and we read them and especially our superintendent does. So, please um give us give us your feedback and uh and uh we can continue growing from there. So, thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anybody else? Julie, >> I also just want to point out that Superintendent Stenvvic, this is her two goals that for the year, but it doesn't mean she's not focused on the other MSBA recommended um goals, standards. So, um, these are just the focus for the year and the board does monitor that and has that mid midyear check-in, um, as well as her reporting to us, you know, every once in a while at a board meeting and just how things are going. So, um, I just wanted the community to understand that this isn't just the two things she's working on. [laughter] We could have those done by 8:15 in the morning and take the rest of the day off. Right. [laughter] >> Right. No, I don't think so. >> Anybody else have things that they'd like to add? >> I apologize. That was inappropriate. >> No, you're fine. >> Okay. >> I just want to say I've had ample opportunity to speak with um Superintendent Stenvic about these goals. Um and I think that they align very well with um where our district is at. um in terms of you know financially and you know we're a little bit more settled than we have been in the past and I think it's really um thoughtful to move forward into looking at um instead of the emergency things what do we need to do with now like what what's right now it's more now we can sort of build on a lot of the um a lot of the work that you've already put into place. So, all right. If there's no further discussion, we'll move to vote to approve the superintendent goals for 2025 2026 school year as presented. All those in favor say I. >> I. Opposed, abstained. Motion carries. Oh my, you guys are never going to believe this, but [laughter] Superintendent Stunic is presenting again. Superintendent Stunic, uh, if you could talk about building capacity. >> Thank you. Uh, Chair Granley, members of the board, um, on Friday in your weekly update, I uh, informed the board that we were looking at, um, Valley View grade three being very full. And I also forecasted that we're looking at the Columbia Heights High School grades 9, 10, and 12 being at or above capacity. Um, and this morning I had a conversation with Principal Jenkee at Highland about their kindergarten enrollment. Um so the kindergarten at at Highland Elementary um we are seeking to close that to open enrollment. Um the staff at Highland have called all of the families that have enrolled and they are anticipating that they're coming. Um you know sometimes we wait to see well will they show up or not. So rather than waiting they've been proactive and called. Um and um I tell you the staff has the enrollment staff has just been really processing packets um fa fast and so uh seeking to close Highland Kindergarten to open enrollment um for the remainder of the year or until a time where there is capacity. As a reminder, we do save spaces for resident students. So anyone moving in who resides within that attendance area would have a spot. Um, Valley View, I'm seeking to close Valley View Elementary or elementary school grade three to open enrollment. Same thing. Resident students would have a spot in grade three. And then, um, just a note for the elementary, when we do close a grade level at elementary, um, because we have three elementary schools, when families do want to open enroll, you know, most likely we have a spot in another school, just not that particular school. Um and then Columbia Heights High School grades 9, 10, and 12 are bursting at the seams. Um so they are at or above um capacity and so seeking to close those three grades and all of them for [clears throat] the remainder of the school year or until we reach a time and the board knows we have weekly enrollment reports that we're reviewing and and checking. So, um, if we if we have space, we'll seek to reopen those those grade levels and, um, if they're continue to be full, we'll we'll keep them closed to open enrollment for the remainder of the year. Thanks. Well, thank you. All right. Um, can I get a motion to close Highland Kindergarten, Valley View Grade 3, and Columbia Heights High School 9, 10, and 12th grades to open enrollment for the 202526 school year or until enrollment numbers decrease? >> So moved. >> Thank you, Jessica. Can I get a second? >> Second >> by Michelle. Discussion. >> Go ahead, Jessica. >> I just wanted to comment that it's really exciting to see such strong enrollment across so many buildings in our district. And I think in particular looking at um kindergarten being closed because enrollment in kindergarten is such an early indicator for what our enrollment might look like into the future. And so that's just really fabulous. Um, and then I just also wanted to point out um, as Superintendent Stenvik did that this recommendation is to close those grades um, for the school year or until enrollment numbers decrease. And so I appreciate that we're not going to require additional board action for uh, the superintendent Stenic and our building principles to act if we have the ability to take u more students. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Michelle. >> Yeah, I just had a question. Um, so I know we leave space for um, you know, our residents to still attend um, if they're here, but I guess I just wanted to know what percentage or like number is that. I know it's different for each building. So, I didn't know how >> it is different for each building and different for each grade level as well. Um, you know, when we're staffing elementary, we aim to have overall 24 students to one teacher, but that oftentime means that kindergarten classrooms are smaller and fifth grade classes might be bigger. Um, so it really is, you know, depending on the on the grade level and the context. So there isn't one perfect answer. Um, at the high school when we get to close to 300 students at a grade level, um, that's when the that's when we find capacity issues there. At the middle school, when we get close to 800 students total, that's when we have capacity issues there. >> Um, so >> that's what I was actually asking about capacity, but yeah. >> Yeah, good question. >> Thank you. Anybody else? I just want to say that um closing open enrollment is not something that we take lightly. Also, it's state statute um sets out the when and the how and the why we can do it. We can't just do it because we want to because the vibe check um it has to be because of capacity issues or um other ones specifically laid out within the law. So um and this is obviously within the statute for that. So, no further discussion. Then, um we will vote uh to close Highland Kindergarten Valley View Grade 3 and Columbia Heights High School 9, 10, and 12 to open enrollment for the 2025 2026 school year. Uh or until the enrollment numbers decrease. Um all those in favor say I. >> I. Opposed, abstained. Motion carries. We're just speed running this one tonight, guys. Way to go. Uh, board topics. >> Jessica, >> have a board topic. Um, I, as you know, am a huge fan of the parent and me cooking classes u in our district. And so, I just wanted to let everyone know that there is another one coming up. Uh, it was supposed to be earlier in August. They had to reschedule, which means there's some openings now. So, they're going to be doing a parent and me class on ravioli making. Um, >> oh, what kind of class? >> Ravioli. >> Ravioli making. >> Oh, that's right. I saw that rescheduled. >> Um, yes. And of course, I had it up on my phone and now I don't know, but I believe it's September 10th, which is a Wednesday, from 4:30 to 6:30 here at the high school. Um, and when I checked just before this board meeting, they still had some open spots. So, um, I recommend it those classes to everybody. They're lots and lots of fun. >> Thank you. Anybody else? I just want to say I'm very much looking forward to convocation tomorrow. I'm sorry. Sorry you won't be able to join us, Laura. >> Um, >> but it should be a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to it and even though I have to do a speech, >> but >> I want to see the band. >> I know the band is really the band. >> We're very, very lucky. For those at home who maybe don't know, um, our music teachers get together and they, um, they practice music and practice songs to sing during convocation. And it really has been a highlight of the past few years. So, I'm very grateful for for uh, Superintendent Devik, who I believe came up with that idea. Um, and it supports our our staff to be able to do that. So, >> do they have a name though? I feel like they need they need a name. >> They call themselves staff band. the staff band. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. [laughter] That's what they call themselves. >> Feel like we can do something a little punchier. Punch it up a little bit. >> We got to come up with like a contest. [laughter] >> Get a lot of leeway in what they do. Um because I just so incredibly grateful and I've received a member request to film to send a video. >> Please say they're starting to play weddings and [laughter] you know all of that. >> You get multiple requests from uh like local fundraising kind of >> That's cool. >> That's awesome. [laughter] They're really good. I mean, they're really good and it's so much fun. >> Yeah. >> You know, it's hard to believe it's 10 a.m. in the morning. Actually, when you get out of there, you're just like, "Wow, it should be dark." You know, [laughter] rock concert. >> It's a rock concert. Exactly. >> Right. Exactly. Okay. Well, if there are no other board topics, then I will adjourn the meeting at 6:29.