South St. Paul Public Schools — Transcript
Monday, February 24, 2025
Winter Athletics and Activities Recognition
District Financial Health and Budget Planning
District Policies Review
Girls Hockey Cooperative Agreement
Native American Parent Advisory Committee (NAPAC) Vote
School Wellness Joint Powers Agreement
School Board Member Employment
Program and Position Reductions Resolution
District and Community Updates
Votes (5)
Approval for a Girls Hockey Cooperative Agreement between South St Paul public schools and New Life Academy beginning with the 2025-2026 school year
Dissent: None
Moved by Director W Felton [0:37:01] · Seconded by Director T Felton [0:37:02]
The discussion centered on the necessity of forming a co-op due to changing demographics and declining participation levels in girls' hockey. The agreement ensures the program can continue, with the team playing under the South St Paul banner. It is an initial two-year agreement.
Approval for the South St Paul board to accept the Native American parent advisory committee's vote of non concurrence
Dissent: None
Moved by Director Cummings [0:38:59] · Seconded by Director Weber [0:39:00]
The Native American Parent Advisory Committee (NAPAC) issued a resolution of non-concurrence, stating the district has not fully met the educational needs of American Indian students. Concerns included persistent achievement gaps, attendance, graduation rates, and issues with data collection, though some areas of improvement were acknowledged. The board expressed gratitude for NAPAC's commitment and a desire to address the concerns.
Approval for the South St Paul school board to approve the joint Powers agreement for school Wellness between the county of Dakota and special school district 6
Dissent: None
Moved by Director T Felton [0:40:54] · Seconded by Director Weber [0:40:55]
The agreement secures over $7,000 in SHIP funds from Dakota County to develop an outdoor classroom at Lincoln Center. The project will expand the existing garden and include elements like a canopy, tables, and a wheelchair-accessible surface, aiming to enhance science programs and provide an inclusive learning space. Student representatives also voiced support for the initiative.
Approval for the South St Paul school board to approve the resolution approving employment of a school board member as a coach and substitute in a certified position in the school district
Dissent: None
Moved by Director Weber [0:43:08] · Seconded by Director W Felton [0:43:10]
This resolution allows Director Duffy to be employed as a coach and substitute teacher within the district. The Human Resources Director explained that this action complies with Minnesota Statute 123 B195, which permits such employment given board approval and earnings not exceeding $20,000 per fiscal year. Past practice for other board members in similar situations was noted.
Approval for the South St Paul school board to approve the resolution directing Administration to make recommendations for reductions in programs Andor positions and reasons therefore
Dissent: None
Moved by Director Cummings [0:45:15] · Seconded by Director T Felton [0:45:16]
This is a standard annual process for the board to prepare for the upcoming fiscal and academic year. The resolution authorizes administration to make recommendations for program and position reductions, especially in light of potential unresolved compensatory funding issues at the state capital and the need to right-size staffing due to declining enrollment. It is an initial step in the staffing process regarding potential unrequested leaves of absence for teachers.
Notable Quotes (10)
one of the things that I think we have to kind of recognize is that there's just some changing um demographics and changing participation levels with u our current offerings and opportunities and my goal is to make sure that we're continuing to offer the programs um that we have always offered for our kids that want to compete
are they still going to play Under the banner of South St Paul yes they will play Under the banner of South St Paul that's what part of the agreement was
this year after a comprehensive review the napac has voted to issue a resolution of non-c concurrence expressing their belief that the district has not fully met these needs
I just want to specifically thank Renee and for being here and also all the members of naac for their commitment to bettering our school system to support our Native American students We truly want to do right by all of our students but especially those who have been historically not taken care of and I thank you for your commitment and helping us do that work
Our Hope by having an outdoor classroom that not it only not only expands our science program but just um it can be an inclusive space for all
I think it's a great opportunity for these kids to you know get outside of the classroom and get a little bit more fresh air and learn about new things I think that's a great thing for them
According to Minnesota statute 123 b195 school board members may be employed by the school district as an employee as long as the amount earned does not exceed $220,000 in a fiscal year additionally employment must receive majority approval at a meeting in which all board members are present
because this requires a full board vote we are going to allow you to vote on this please do and it has been our past practice that we have done that
this is a standard process that the board goes through at this time of year as we look towards the next fiscal and academic calendar year as we had heard from Dr zam brino earlier the financial situation of the district is dependent on what happens at the capital but we must be fiscally responsible and prepare for the possibility that compensatory funding does not get resolved
this resolution directs Administration to make the recommendations for reductions in programs and positions this resolution also is the initial step in the Staffing process as it relates to potential unrequested leave of absences for teachers
Ordinances & Resolutions (9)
Student Information Technology acceptable use policy, updated to include a cell phone policy.
Agreement between South St Paul Public Schools and New Life Academy for a cooperative girls' hockey program.
Committee's finding that district educational offerings do not fully meet the needs of American Indian students.
Agreement between Dakota County and Special School District 6 for school wellness grant funding.
Allows a current school board member to be employed by the district as a coach and substitute teacher.
Governs the employment of school board members by the school district.
Standard annual resolution to prepare for potential budget-driven staff and program reductions.
Proposed bill to allow the district to maintain its student count for compensatory revenue funding for one more year.
Open Meeting Law, cited for moving to a closed session.