School-Based Mental Health Partnerships Update

Tony Boyden, Director of Student Services, presented on the district's 25-year history of school-based mental health services, emphasizing its pioneering role and current partnerships with People Incorporated, VEMA, and Vona. The program is largely funded by the DHS School Linked Behavioral Health Grant. Key services include identification of mental health needs, increased accessibility by removing barriers, and coordination of care. Current data indicates 459 students served with 496 referrals this year. Discussion included grant funding, the cost per therapist, and legislative efforts to increase grant funding, particularly in light of an anticipated funding 'cliff'.

Consent Agenda Approval (excluding pulled items)

Dissent: Director Long voted No. Director Bassett voted Yes for specific items only, explicitly excluding the pulled items.

Moved by Director Wotow [15:20] · Seconded by Director Hillenbrand [15:22]

Director Bassett requested to pull tentative agreements for Equity Allies, Program Assistants, Program Directors, and Cabinet from the consent agenda for separate discussion. The remaining items on the consent agenda, including property and liability insurance renewal, the dairy bid award, financial reports, and personnel reports, were then voted upon.

Tentative Agreements for Robbinsdale Equity Allies, Program Assistants, Program Directors, and Cabinet

Dissent: Director Long voted No. Director Bassett abstained.

Moved by Director Hillenbrand [24:26] · Seconded by Director Bowman [24:28]

Director Bassett and Director Long raised significant concerns about approving these contracts without a prior closed session for contract negotiation discussions, arguing that parameters were not adequately set or discussed, and prioritizing the larger teacher contract negotiations. Chair Evans Becker asserted that negotiation parameters were established in closed sessions in July last year, and the current agreements fell within those parameters. Director Long specifically voiced strong opposition to the Cabinet agreement. Debate also touched on board transparency and process.

Intermediate District 287 Long-Term Facilities Maintenance Approval

Moved by Director Bowman [26:17] · Seconded by Director Brenneman [26:19]

CFO Holsen presented this as an action item with no outstanding questions following prior presentations. The item proceeded directly to a vote.

Robbinsdale Public Schools District 281 Fiscal Year 25 SOD Notification Approval

CFO Weisel notified the board that the Department of Education approved the district's Fiscal Year 25 Strategic Operating Decisions (SOD) plan on April 23rd. Director Bassett sought clarification on whether the plan's approval was predicated on specific elementary school closures (six or seven), to which CFO Weisel confirmed the plan acknowledges likely building reductions but does not specify a precise number.

Reimage ARD Vision 2030 Phase 1/2 Update (Facility Planning and Funding)

Dissent: Director Long expressed general concern about any tax increases.

Michael Hart presented financial models for the district's facility plan, including voter-approved bonds (projected $450-$515 million) and board-approved Long-Term Facilities Maintenance (LTFM) funding. He detailed tax impacts for an average home ($24-30/month for referendum, $12-21/month for LTFM-only scenarios, with a recommended 'paygo' LTFM option at $16/month). Key assumptions included a November 2026 referendum, interest rates with a 0.75% cushion, and a 20-year payment schedule. Discussion focused on bond rating's reliance on fund balance, the transparency of tax impact projections, and the timeline for submitting plans. The CFO sought and received board direction to proceed with LTFM planning based on the recommended flexible option.

Robbinsdale Area Schools Portrait of our Learners Adoption

Moved by Director Bowman [36:31] · Seconded by Director Bassett [36:32]

The 'Portrait of our Learners' document, which had been presented at previous meetings, was brought forward for adoption. There were no changes made to the document since its last discussion.

Resolution Accepting Donations

Moved by Director Bassett [37:25] · Seconded by Director Hillenbrand [37:27]

The board considered a resolution to accept donations totaling $13,891.40 for the month.

Achievement and Integration Three-Year Plan Presentation (FY 27-29)

Beth Tepper and Tony Patterson presented the Achievement and Integration plan, mandated by Minnesota statute. The plan aims to increase racial and economic integration, reduce academic disparities, and enhance access to diverse teachers. It outlined definitions for 'protected class,' 'racially isolated district' (which Robbinsdale is), and 'racially identifiable schools' (Meadow Lake and Northport Elementaries). Specific goals for K-5 and 6-8 literacy growth, 4-year graduation rates for protected classes, and a 1% annual increase in licensed staff of color were detailed, along with strategies like Science of Reading, AVID, and 'Grow Your Own' programs. Discussion included the implementation of restorative practices and the use of the Dream Catchers project to inform cultural inventory tools.