South St. Paul Public Schools — Transcript
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Student Board Representative Report
Lincoln Center Outdoor Classroom Presentation
Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness Report (CACR)
Achievement and Integration Plan Update
Student Achievement and Resource Allocation
Stakeholder Comments and Curriculum Concerns
Board Work Session Highlights
District Update and Upcoming Events
Votes (8)
Approval of District Policies (Various)
Moved by Director Cummings [0:38:09] · Seconded by W. Felton [0:38:10]
The board approved twelve district policies (2011, 202, 203, 203.2, 203.5, 203.6, 423, 507, 507.5, 598, 519, 520) that had undergone no to very minor changes, primarily updated legal citations, and were reviewed in a single cycle. Two other policies (532, 905) were noted as being on their second of three readings.
Approval of Resolution Authorizing Employment of Board Member Ryan Duffy as Substitute
Moved by T Felton [0:40:11] · Seconded by W. Felton [0:40:12]
The board discussed the annual process of authorizing board members to serve as substitutes in classified positions within the school district, with Dr. Zambbrino confirming it is a standard procedure requiring a board vote.
Approval of Resolution Authorizing Employment of Board Member Kim Hume as Substitute
Moved by Duffy [0:41:33] · Seconded by T Felton [0:41:34]
This item followed the standard annual process for authorizing board members to work as substitutes in classified positions within the district, with no additional discussion beyond the motion and vote.
Approval of Resolution Authorizing Employment of Board Member Wendy Felton as Substitute
Moved by Director Cummings [0:42:43] · Seconded by Duffy [0:42:44]
Continuing the annual process, the board approved the resolution allowing board member Wendy Felton to be employed as a substitute in a classified position. No specific discussion points were raised for this individual item.
Approval of Resolution Authorizing Employment of Board Member Tim Felton as Substitute
Moved by W. Felton [0:43:51] · Seconded by Director Cummings [0:43:52]
The final item in the series of substitute employment resolutions, this approval for board member Tim Felton also passed unanimously. The process was noted as a routine annual vote for board members.
Approval of Resolution Supporting Form A Application to Minnesota State High School League Foundation
Moved by T Felton [0:44:54] · Seconded by W. Felton [0:44:55]
Dr. Zambbrino explained that the Minnesota State High School League collects fees from events and makes a portion available for schools to apply for. These funds would be used to support student activities and athletics, potentially covering fees, supplies, or uniforms. It was clarified that the application is for need-based funds.
Approval of Preliminary Field Trip Request for High School IB History Class to Spain and Portugal (March 2027)
Moved by Director Cummings [0:47:56] · Seconded by W. Felton [0:47:57]
The board approved a preliminary request for the IB history class to plan an international field trip to Spain and Portugal in March 2027. Director W. Felton enthusiastically supported the educational value of such an experience, drawing on her own high school travel history.
Approval of the Acceptance of Gifts Report
Moved by Duffy [0:48:51] · Seconded by W. Felton [0:48:52]
The board approved the acceptance of the gifts report, which included a notable monetary donation of $1,500 from Thomas and Jane Simmer specifically for the Lincoln Center outdoor classroom. The donation was recognized as a valuable contribution from the community.
Notable Quotes (4)
I think you said it right. It's an annual process that all board members vote on and we're always happy to bring that forward.
So, the Minnesota State High School League, of course, charges fees at events. And so, they get um a pool of money that they that they build from that. And what they do is they make this pool of money available to schools to apply for. And it would work in a similar fashion to like how our open does where uh if if you all approve this, the money will instead of going to the open, it comes to the district, but it would be used in a similar manner to help with um fees for activities and athletics or even potentially supplies, uniforms, other materials that the our athletics and activities might need for the students.
You absolutely do because I did it 50 years ago. [...] It was phenomenal, extremely educational and I had had Spanish classes for almost five years alto together way back then. So it is a wonderful, wonderful opportunity for students to do those things.
Having said that, there's a monetary donation for $1,500 by Thomas and Jane Simmer for the outdoor classroom. Uh the former presentation that that that all of us saw here. Just phenomenal. So, I just would recommend the full board to accept this generous donation.
Ordinances & Resolutions (29)
Annual state-mandated report on district achievement, language proficiency, graduation rates, and attendance goals, formerly known as the World's Best Workforce report.
Assessment data used to measure kindergarten readiness in the fall of 2024 and spring of 2025.
Developmental assessments used by preschool teachers to track student progress.
State legislation that now requires separate reporting on students' reading proficiency at grade level.
State indicators used to review districts receiving title funds, focusing on achievement, language proficiency, graduation rates, and consistent attendance.
Tool used for progress monitoring, including tracking student graduation targets throughout high school.
A state-funded, three-year plan focused on supporting integration and achievement, particularly for students of color, with an annual reporting requirement.
District policy approved with minor changes.
District policy approved with minor changes.
District policy approved with minor changes.
District policy approved with minor changes.
District policy approved with minor changes.
District policy approved with minor changes.
District policy approved with minor changes.
District policy approved with minor changes.
District policy approved with minor changes.
District policy approved with minor changes.
District policy approved with minor changes.
District policy approved with minor changes.
District policy on its second of three readings.
District policy on its second of three readings.
Annual resolution approving a board member's employment as a substitute within the school district.
Annual resolution approving a board member's employment as a substitute within the school district.
Annual resolution approving a board member's employment as a substitute within the school district.
Annual resolution approving a board member's employment as a substitute within the school district.
Resolution supporting an application for funds from the Minnesota State High School League to support student athletics and activities.
Preliminary request to plan an international field trip for IB history students in March 2027.
Report detailing monetary and in-kind donations received by the district, including a $1,500 donation for the outdoor classroom.
New district publication showcasing district work, commitment to engagement, education, empowerment, and positive student outcomes.