District 196 highlights AP success while addressing equity gaps
The Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan school board heard two informational reports on August 11 about the district's Advanced Placement program and community education services, both showing strong overall performance but revealing significant disparities in participation among Black and Latino students and families.
Nearly 3,000 District 196 high school students took Advanced Placement courses this year, with over 5,800 exams administered and an impressive 83.2% pass rate, according to a presentation by Dr. Todd Beach and Eric Hanson. The district plans to add two new AP courses—Business and Personal Finance, and US Government Politics—to meet new state requirements. However, the report identified a troubling equity gap: while Black and African American students make up 14.5% of the district's high school enrollment, they represent only 5% of AP test takers. Despite this disparity, those students who do take AP courses pass at high rates, suggesting the barrier is access rather than ability. The district committed to expanding outreach to underrepresented groups and enhancing student support systems.
A separate Community Education needs assessment, based on responses from 1,170 adults, found that 97% of respondents are highly satisfied with current programs. However, the survey revealed six areas for improvement: cost, scheduling conflicts, program variety, website usability, location access, and cultural responsiveness. The assessment also found that Black and Latino respondents were underrepresented in the survey by two to three percentage points compared to district demographics. Community Education staff outlined 2026-27 goals including pricing analysis, a lottery system for popular classes like swim lessons, expanded intermediate programs, and increased outreach to diverse communities. The department also announced the return of the District 196 Community Education Parenting Conference on November 7.
In other business, the board recognized several students and staff for achievements, including HOSA members who placed internationally, Apple Valley High School student Anisa Somerville for placing in the top six nationally in speech and debate, and Eastview High School teacher Mia Battistone as a national finalist for Teacher of the Year. The board also heard a request for a cooperative girls hockey sponsorship between Apple Valley High School and either Eastview or Burnsville High School due to declining roster numbers at Apple Valley. Superintendent Bolsoni announced that the new activity center at Eastview High School will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 26 and a community open house on September 20. The first day of school for students is August 31.
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Votes (2)
Advanced Placement Testing Update
Dissent: None
Dr. Todd Beach and Eric Hanson presented an informational report detailing District 196's Advanced Placement (AP) program performance, participation, and impact. In 2026, nearly 3,000 students took AP courses, with over 5,800 exams administered, achieving an 83.2% pass rate. The report emphasized that AP courses correlate with college readiness, higher GPAs, and better test scores. While access is open to all 9-12 graders, an equity gap was identified for Black/African American and economically disadvantaged students in participation, despite their high pass rates. The district plans to introduce AP Business and Personal Finance and AP US Government Politics courses. Future efforts will focus on expanding access for underrepresented groups, enhancing student supports, and replicating successful program practices.
Community Education Needs Assessment
Dissent: None
Kaya Bruce, Michelle Gowans, and Lara Robichaud presented the findings from the Community Education needs assessment, based on 1,170 adult respondents. While 97% of respondents expressed high satisfaction, six key themes for improvement were identified: cost/affordability, scheduling conflicts, program variety, registration/website usability, location access, and inclusive/cultural responsiveness. The survey also revealed an underrepresentation of Black/African-American and Hispanic/Latino respondents. The department outlined 2026-27 goals to address these, including pricing analysis, implementing a lottery system for popular classes like swim lessons, expanding intermediate program options, and increasing outreach to diverse communities. The return of the District 196 Community Education Parenting Conference was announced for November 7th.
Notable Quotes (6)
The rigor of high school coursework is more important than parent education, family income, or race ethnicity in predicting post-secondary success.
Black African-American students currently represent about 14 and 1/2% of our total high school enrollment. And this is our one of our biggest gaps that we certainly are taking a look at. They represent only 5% of our AP test takers.
The numbers are really, uh, you know, very indicative the culture that we have in a district that we value advancement and also options for our students. I mean, when we give a students so many options, right? Options that are going to help them, you know, save money in college because these are courses that will transfer uh, and then also uh, that they have options to explore to find out what subjects they like or not uh, early on and a low cost.
Our adult respondents do not fully mirror the demographics of ISD 196... Black or African-American respondents and Hispanic or Latino respondents are underrepresented by uh two to three percentage points respectively compared to the communities that we serve. That gap is meaningful and it's part of why theme number six and priority number two, which you will see shortly, carries the weight that it does for us.
97% of respondents are highly satisfied with current programs and 90% are likely to recommend District 196 Community Education to others... 'District 196 Community Education is one of the most valuable resources for families in our community.'
We're really excited about being able to have the time and the space to go out and do outreach go out into different communities meet different businesses form those relationships so that we can create classes and events that are more um receptive and inclusive of our of our entire community.
Ordinances & Resolutions (9)
A formal request for the board's approval to form a cooperative sponsorship between high school girls hockey programs.
A new state requirement for high school students, addressed by the new AP Business and Personal Finance course.
A new state requirement for junior year students, addressed by the expansion of AP US Government Politics.
An agreement for school-age care programs approved as part of the consent agenda.
An agreement for clinical experience approved as part of the consent agenda.
An agreement for student teaching experience approved as part of the consent agenda.
An agreement for student teaching experience approved as part of the consent agenda.
A new user-friendly and ADA compliant registration system implemented by Community Education.
A statewide survey cited in the Community Education report regarding district support and fund effectiveness.
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Other Topics from This Document
Proposed MSHSL Cooperative Sponsorship for Girls Hockey
District Operational Updates
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