South St. Paul Public Schools — Transcript
Monday, January 27, 2025
Middle School 'Goal-Getters' Program Presentation
School Board Professional Development and Recognition
District Highlights and Updates
Review and Approval of District Policies
Acceptance of Opioid Settlement Funds
Student and Board Member Reports
Votes (4)
Approval of District Policies
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [1:02:45] · Seconded by Unknown [1:02:46]
The board approved a series of district policies after their third and final reading. Director Cummings specifically thanked the senior leadership team, including Dr. Burkhart, Dr. Winter, and Dr. Zambino, for their outreach to frontline staff during the policy development process, which provided confidence in the policies presented.
Approval to Schedule a Special Board Session
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [1:04:15] · Seconded by Unknown [1:04:16]
The board approved scheduling a special session for a board retreat on Monday, February 3rd. Chair Human clarified that this retreat would involve further leadership training from Ray Queener of Teamworks, aiming to establish a common baseline and working norms for the new board members.
Approval of the Acceptance of Gifts Report
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [1:05:25] · Seconded by Unknown [1:05:26]
Finance Director Raj Choth introduced himself and presented an anonymous $5,000 donation earmarked for the girls' softball team uniforms. He noted the donation would save the team time typically spent on fundraising, which was gratefully acknowledged by the board.
Approval for Joint Powers Agreement between Dakota County and South St Paul Public Schools for Opioid Settlement Funds
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [1:07:07] · Seconded by Unknown [1:07:08]
Dr. Zambino explained that Dakota County received opioid settlement funds and is distributing them to school districts. The $5,000 received by the district will be used for opioid prevention efforts and to stock naloxone in schools, which is now a legislative requirement.
Notable Quotes (2)
I just wanted to thank Dr Burkhart and Dr winter and Dr zamb brino and others um from our uh senior leadership team that really did a job um making some Outreach to people who are administering those programs in the front lines.
we are asking you to accept the $5,000 uh stipend or Grant I guess from them and we can use those dollars to help with opioid prevention as well as things like the uh naloxone that we need to stock in our school.
Ordinances & Resolutions (18)
Approved for the current meeting.
Approved from previous work sessions and special meetings (Nov 25, 2024; Dec 2, 2024; Dec 9, 2024; Jan 13, 2025).
Professional development curriculum for school board members, completed by Chair Kim Human.
Current funding source for the 'Goal-Getters' program for the current year.
Student survey whose results were delayed due to school closure.
High school guide detailing academic pathways and graduation requirements for students.
District policy approved on its third reading.
District policy approved on its third reading.
District policy approved on its third reading.
District policy approved on its third reading.
District policy approved on its third reading.
District policy approved on its third reading.
District policy approved on its third reading.
District policy approved on its third reading.
District policy approved on its third reading.
District policy pulled from review due to recent statute changes.
Agreement between Dakota County and South St Paul Public Schools regarding opioid settlement funds.
District's 5-year strategic plan, currently under development by a steering committee.