[0:28] e [0:58] e [1:28] e [1:58] e [2:28] e [2:58] e [3:28] e [3:58] e e [4:52] [Music] good [4:58] evening good evening everyone we're ready to start thank you [5:05] good evening the regular meeting of the Independent School District 279 School Board is called to order at 6:00 p.m. on [5:13] November 19th 2024 this regular business meeting of the AIO School Board is being conducted [5:19] in the boardroom of the Educational Service Center the meeting can be monitored electronically by streaming [5:25] online from the district website an archived recording of tonight's meeting will also be on the website seated in [5:33] front of you this evening from my left to your right are director Thomas Brooks [5:39] director Heather Douglas director Tanya Prince myself Jackie mosca Jones [5:45] director Sarah Mitchell and director Tamara Grady also present in the boardroom is superintendent Dr Kim H and [5:53] members of the superintendent's cabinet as well as our amazing student School Board Representatives reasen Atkin for [6:00] 279 online Antoinette Brown for oio senior Naomi Cooper uh Greer for Park [6:08] Center Senior High and Gavin chabaka for Maple Grove did I say that right Chaba [6:15] Chaba I used to have the pronunciation in here and I don't sorry sorry Gavin [6:20] all right those of you who can stand please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance director Mitchell will you please lead [6:26] us I pledge Al to of the United States of America and to the Republic for which [6:33] it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for [6:44] all thank you um board members I would um I'm asking permission to change the [6:50] order of the um agenda um before I ask for additions so we would like to [6:58] um request change in the order of one agenda item are there any objections to [7:03] moving the fiscal year 2024 Financial audit results to agenda item seven which [7:09] would be after the student School Board representative reports any [7:17] objections all right so um we will proceed with the um Financial audit [7:22] results after the student School Board um reports um asking that are there any [7:28] other additions or changes to the agenda tonight hearing none is there a motion to accept the AG agenda as revised so [7:36] move move by director Brooks is there a second second second by director [7:42] Mitchell is there any discussion all in favor say I I all [7:47] oppos say nay M motion passes six to [7:53] zero all right our next standing agenda item is recognitions and we are very happy tonight to welcome m members of [7:59] Grove area percussion state champions for percussion Scholastic [8:05] a school board members and Dr H will be moving to the stand uh in front of the [8:10] board Das as we do that we I ask at director Mike Brown um please step up to the podium to introduce yourself um [8:17] share an overview of Grove area percussion and then introduce your amazing Scholars we'd like to take a [8:23] group photo afterwards so please don't run away um after everyone's gone through the congratulations [8:30] all right so with that we're going to move [9:03] hello uh my name is Mike Brown most people call me browny when I came up in [9:08] the drum line marching band circuit there was a lot of Mike's and Michaels so all of us got our own nicknames mine isn't super fancy my last name is brown [9:15] so there you go um this is so grov percussion is the competitive indoor [9:22] drum line for the district we pull from the three uh high schools Park Center oio and Maple Grove and [9:30] um uh this is our 10th year competing so we're going into our 10th competitive [9:35] year so we started back in the fall of 2015 um and this past year was the first [9:41] time that we uh achieved the state championship in the class A so there are [9:47] multiple competitive classes and you kind of pick based on your skill sets and a class in Minnesota has the most [9:54] groups so inherently it's the most competitive group um and we moved to [10:00] that class in 2022 and that year we got third place in 2023 we got second place [10:06] and then last year we got first place yeah and uh the other thing so [10:12] that's the local circuit we also compete in WG which is the national circuit and every two years we go out to lovely [10:19] Dayton Ohio um and compete with groups from all over the nation and uh in 2022 [10:26] we were 17th in the nation in our class and this past year we made it into finals at 13th so to make it into finals [10:33] to to be able to perform three times out at Dayton means you are among the elite [10:39] so we were able to do that this past year as well so that was really cool um and I'll just go through and I'm going [10:45] to read off the names of the kids that are here uh a few of them have graduated and they're not here and a bunch of the [10:51] other ones have a band concert with Maple Grove tonight so um I'll just run through this is [10:57] alphabetical order Allison Bell uh if you can walk up come through and [11:02] inv over there please Allison [11:07] [Applause] buckles Caitlyn [11:15] D Riley gtis Maya [11:23] George Payton cans [11:30] Leah [11:37] McShan Allison Allison stay over [11:42] there uh Leah Adela [11:48] NES Caitlyn Oswell Breen [11:55] Peterson I don't know if Breen came who was on the list nope uh Alia [12:03] Porter Jameson Rodriguez Max [12:11] CAC Kaylee Stark Shay [12:18] Terry and Alex turnam [Applause] [12:32] I don't know if you need anything else from me all [12:41] right yeah so when we first started um [12:46] we incorporated the heow which is what that symbol is kind of into the things [12:53] that make sense for the group like uh ethos you know and so you earn that um [13:01] about halfway through the season before the competitive season starts our seasons are kind of broke up into about three months of training and then about [13:07] two and a half three months of competitions um and so before we move into the competitive side um I [13:13] personally go through and I make all of them with the bead every year you're here you get a blue bead when you're a senior you get a green bead when you're [13:20] on staff you have a different bead um so I go through and I make those and then we hand them out on History night where [13:25] we learn about you know our first days and our current days and everything in between so [13:36] cool okay if the percussion team would move forward here [14:20] two [14:34] okay one more round of applause thank you so [14:44] much don't go anywhere yet at I'm G say [14:49] something at each business meeting we are pleased to share various District programming or performances with the [14:55] public this evening we're showcasing indigenous programming and we're so so very happy to have several students here [15:01] board members will you take a seat in the front please [15:10] [Applause] [15:48] hello relatives it's good to see all of you here my tax name is Ethan ndes my real name [15:54] is I come from the people where the original Nation [15:59] here in this place Mino de moch the land where the waters reflect the skies and [16:05] uh today we're just here to talk a little bit about our languages doot yapi and OJ Moen which [16:11] are the original languages of this uh land base we like to think of English as a foreign language uh when we think [16:18] about ours and so anyways for the past uh several decades the Indian education program has been offering doot noj [16:25] language tables intergenerationally for student students and families within our district it wasn't until uh last year that we were [16:33] able to add our languages for credit in each of the high schools and these classes have been attended by a wide [16:38] array of students both native and non-native a lot of people are not aware that our district has over 550 American [16:45] Indian students from over 90 different tribal Nations here in the district and [16:50] um these language classes are very important if you think uh We've added you know Spanish language Heritage m a [16:56] lot of other languages um that are more recent to this land so there's a lot of uh Strategic investment that goes in [17:03] from our community into bringing these languages back to health um there's not a lot of the same curriculum that you [17:08] see for a Spanish language class or more commonly taught languages so a lot of the burden Falls onto our students the [17:15] parents the elders in our community and especially the teachers and so this evening we have uh three of the Learners [17:21] of the oju language here and they'll be sharing a little bit about themselves the importance of their language [17:26] learning Journey but before that I'll turn it over to their OJ language instructor uh one of my colleagues in [17:32] Indian education Brad [Applause] [17:43] Hagen [17:51] Brad I'm really glad you're all here today uh my real name is OPI um my English name is Brad Hagen uh [18:00] as Ethan said I'm the OJ language teacher here in this District uh really glad uh my students can be here today [18:07] and maybe I should say our students uh since Schoolboard me leaders you know you guys these are your students too you [18:14] know um but yeah I'm I'm not going to talk as much as my boss I want these kids to get up here and say their peace [18:21] you know so thank you thank you I'm really glad to be here and uh also thank you to Dr Brian bass for uh asking us to [18:27] be here today I really appreciate appreciate it thank [18:35] you all [18:45] right hello my fellow two leggeds my name is Michael and I'm from boy oh sorry I'm from boy Fort and sou [18:52] reservation about four or 5 hours north of here my clan is Caribou which is even further north back halfway through [18:59] Canada um I'm in my third year learning our language under Brad Hagen but my second year for [19:05] credit though the classes are still in their baby years just being started last year they are still precious to us one [19:11] of the most important things about any culture is its history and Customs for us as Anisha big most of it can be found [19:17] in our language we are descriptive people over half of our language is verbs we use so many that we have [19:24] different subsections of verbs v a i VA or sorry VII vti and VTA every word has [19:33] its own meaning it's sale we might not have the pages since we're an oral history keeper but all of our creation [19:39] stories have a meaning one of the creation stories is the story of our [19:44] language it has our uncle Spirit the trickster Spirit who goes by many names nanabush wjo nanu being assigned to task [19:52] from the Creator get you mad do to give everything a name the way our classes [19:58] run in my opinion is very helpful Brad gives us many tips for becoming fluent [20:03] like labeling things you use every day for example the pens that you probably have at every desk could be labeled OJ [20:09] gun the pencil OJ Gak the table that you have all of your computers on a [20:16] dupin a lot of what we do is based on what what we're struggling with so for some it could be pronunciation for [20:22] others it's getting down new vocabulary everything that we do in this class is tailored to each individual so while the [20:28] of the class could be working on a review that comes easy for me I'll learn about something else in our language like a conjugation pattern that we [20:35] haven't talked about the classes run smoothly we rarely have any problems the [20:40] class is a lightweight course this means you don't need to worry about a load of work like you would in calc BC it is an [20:46] elective after all but the class is fun with random discussion work the [20:52] class is helpful it's useful and I enjoy it I enjoyed this class and and learning [21:02] [Applause] [21:13] o [21:19] joken Park Park Center OJ is the language of my people [21:26] growing up I wasn't able to speak ojibway because I didn't know what to think I knew I was ojibway I knew where [21:32] I was from but I didn't know our language nearly 100 years ago the government made Sovereign Nations go [21:37] into residential schools they made us cut our hair and assimilate to their way and in that process we lost our language [21:43] and how we communicate with one another but now there are barely any survivors left but the ones that are [21:49] still here tell their stories and speak their language they've taught their children and their children's children [21:54] who they are and their language I've gotten the honor of learning it of learning ojibway in my sophomore year of [22:00] high school my teacher is Bradley Hagen he has been so excited about teaching ojibway to his students and he is so [22:06] passionate about it and it is exciting to learn all jibway from him we've had [22:12] so many opportunities to go on field trips and learn about our indigenous culture and who we are and learn more [22:18] about the language we've been very lucky to have a teacher like Brad who teaches o jipo and he has put so much time and [22:24] effort into the language course into the language courses in the high schools he's an incredible teacher and is great [22:30] at his job and as the OJ boy teacher and as the Indian teacher [22:37] [Applause] [23:05] classes have value to the curriculum because of the historical context cognitive development it can provide and [23:10] communication and Community has brought thus far and we hope to continue historically indigenous languages have [23:16] been repressed and ridiculed in professional and educational settings the treatment of native people and [23:23] culture has been abhorent at the hands of the American government from suppression to reserve of land and igu [23:31] unambiguous massacres language has been lost there are 573 federally recognized [23:37] tribes in the United States today this is after extensive refinement Tri tribes are wiped out or merged from many into [23:43] one a sign a significant amount was lost to the expansion of European Conquest [23:49] because of that disease so many were so many are disconnected from who they are as indigenous people and some never got [23:55] the chance to see modern day oo schools offer a jibway in school offers a minuscule amount of rebuilding after [24:01] historical mistre treatment my own L syia pitra was a [24:07] survival of residential schools among many other victims supposed education-based facilities where [24:13] assimilation and removing native culture and language was the priority she has since passed in 2019 however she refused [24:19] to speak her language until her very last day I don't want this to be the reality for any more of our native [24:24] relatives putting the historical and possible political Nuance aside a has Val value in its potential to increase [24:32] cognitive development and encourage a deeper understanding of English as you learn another language especially that [24:37] of a somewhat parallel Algonquin language while alju and deota are of topic all indigenous languages should be [24:43] taken into consideration it is of utmost importance to encourage longevity of one of our surviving [24:51] languages such as alj it is also of notoriety that as the original people alju and other um native languages [24:59] alikee should be a priority it is a dialect of the land which has been taken is a very absolute lease to Inc [25:05] corporate classes into the curriculum to me personally oju has value in how it connects me to my family when I return [25:12] to Total mountain or Red Lake OJ allows me to communicate with my relatives in a more personal way AJ brings [25:18] representation to us as a racial cultural and political group it is more than just words it is our way oral [25:24] history is significant within native communities and that history resonates more when Prov WR it in its original form [25:32] [Applause] [26:01] [Music] [26:07] to [26:20] [Applause] [26:35] [Music] [26:57] to they did great didn't they always I I do [27:04] have to have one personal note I brag about our indigenous program to other districts I think we're Ethan does an [27:12] amazing job and so do all the other people with him all right our next agenda item is the student Schoolboard [27:18] representative reports um reason will you please share your report good evening everybody my name is [27:26] re Atkins 279 online 279 online has been focused hard this month on locking in [27:33] for the end of their trimester um we have a virtual beinging onine coming up this Thursday which is great opportunity [27:39] for um Scholars to win Co prizes and other items like that um there are a few [27:45] areas we are working on as a school currently to make us better um but [27:51] giving us a new trimester gives us a fresh start to work on that so I hope [27:57] everyone has a Thanksgiving and that is all I have for you tonight thank [28:05] you thank you Reen Antonette Lee please share your report good evening everyone my name is [28:11] Anette Brown and I'm representing oio Senior High recently U Senior High has had the highest number of students in [28:18] our in our health science magnet program while also having those oec students [28:23] grab up their oec fall Camp recently unified has started something new at oio [28:28] called the oio kindness page on Instagram this Instagram page helps spread kindness throughout the school on [28:35] and off social media once you see a student doing an act of kindness you send it in adding on [28:42] to that asu's black student union has brought a safe space for black students to talk about their experiences [28:47] struggles and mental health at our recent let's talk about it at this meeting each member of the group dressed [28:54] up as a different emotion from inside out that expressed how we were feeling that day well while also having a warm [29:01] invite for Dr how this month this month has been filled with so [29:07] much student engagement academic involvement not only that not only when [29:12] we we don't only embrace our students but our staff as well seven St staff [29:18] members were honored at our school and topped off with the celebration for Veterans Day meanwhile link crew visited [29:24] Second Harvest this month and helped our Brooklyn Park Community where we packed boxes of food we were able to see the [29:32] difference we made at the end of the shift we packed 15,000 meals which weigh 18,000 [29:38] lbs moving on to end of fall Sports quinland run quiz took Ninth Place in [29:43] section finals triaa cross country meet for the third time straight while also [29:49] sending our volleyball team to semifinals Jade Evans made top 25 in the state for Star [29:56] tribute this year we've had had our special senior Spotlight Cindy collie who's also in the crowd right now so you [30:02] can give a little wave um our girls soccer team went 500 [30:08] for the first time in a decade boy soccer John FY making it to State [30:14] finally this wraps up our 100 Years of Excellence for tri [30:22] one thank you Antonette Naomi will you share your report hello again I am Naomi [30:27] Cooper hi re and I represent Park Center November was a month of change growth [30:33] and development for the students at our Park Center High School most of our students are wrapping up classes and [30:40] going through rigorous amounts of final assignments and tests but everybody is making their way through it and ready [30:47] for the Thanksgiving break moving on I'd like to give a Showcase of several of our activities that we have and they did [30:54] outstanding this month I'd first like to start with our fall play that was display played just last week from the [30:59] actors to the directors and even the people in the crew Everybody expressed passion with their craft that they took [31:06] a part in it was a very alluring performance that made the audience feel the emotion of the show next I'd like to [31:12] proceed to our modu team on the Friday the 15th our M team had a conference and [31:19] they made connections with other school like there was no tomorrow they came home with the wars and stuff and I was [31:25] like man I want to be a part of my on you in but speaking of awards our [31:32] adapted soccer team again and again and again they just keep on going to State making us proud they got fourth and [31:40] third place in state they are one of our most highest scoring teams in Park Center they really do need a round of [31:47] applause and I gave them that thank you thank you thank you I'll [31:53] show them this later okay we are so proud of all of our [31:58] activities at Park Center who just bring home that gold inside of our school hours all of our students in our Spanish [32:04] classes were able to experience Park Center's very own Dia de los muerto celebration this celebration was hosted [32:11] by our very own Spanish heretic classes and they put their Heart and souls into the work they were there with bread food [32:19] and other Spanish activities that people were able to try and you know what many [32:24] people they had a good time so that was good moving on to my last topic of the speech [32:32] I would like to give a shout out to our CRC our career and Readiness sources [32:38] where they offered a bunch of college tours we went to the University of [32:44] Minnesota we went to Chicago we even went to some HBCU colleges we just went [32:49] all around the state and I would like to give a big shout out to them to just bringing us a bunch of opportunities and [32:55] resources that our students can go not only virtually but in person so I'd like to give a big shout out to them but [33:01] that's all I got for you guys thank [33:07] you thank you Naomi Gavin will you please share your report yes good [33:12] evening everyone just a quick introduction to those of you who have not met me which is probably all of you [33:17] because I haven't been here yet um my name is Gavin Chaba and I'm here to represent Maple Grove Senior High School [33:24] first off I would like to congratulate all of our fall Sports on their outstanding season girls tenis achieved a historic [33:29] Milestone the season finishing third at State the best result in their program's history girls volleyball had an [33:35] incredible season um going 21- 11 highlighted by a stunning upset over former state champions Zetta to reach [33:41] their second ever section final they capped off their season with a thrilling final set battle against Champlain at [33:47] oio uh girls soccer Advanced to State and wrapped up a memorable season with a hard fought loss in the final seconds of [33:52] their quarter M quarterfinal Match Girl swim dive had an outstanding performance at State Libby ER placed fifth in the [33:59] 200 IM and second in the 100 back while Ka flattery broke her own School record to secure seventh in the 100 fly Matty [34:05] hland ear in 13th Place and Ellis Landry took fourth overall in diving to conclude an incredible year for the team [34:12] on a personal note the boy soccer team and I had a phenomenal season going undefeated and marching into the bank [34:18] ranked number one although we fell an unlucky overtime thrower the season was filled with an unforgettable moments [34:25] Crimson football has been Unstoppable going undefeated this year they look to avenge the boy soccer team by bringing another championship ring back to Maple [34:31] Grove and their State title game on Friday moving on from Sports let's talk about all the great activities happening [34:37] at Maple Grove Crimson musical theater just wrapped up their final performance of the M Adams Family concluding an [34:42] incredible series of shows the production was a huge success building excitement with each performance and selling out all five nights for the [34:49] first time ever Deca has been actively raising money by selling chocolate bars I've been doing my own part selling [34:56] chocolates though I bought a few for myself when I get hungry just throw a little dollar into [35:03] the envelope it's fine um NHS has been volunteering around the community recently we helped the food group in New [35:08] Hope and I've since learned that pouring corn into bags is very therapeutic um Maple grov model un [35:15] recently had a stand up performance at their fall conference at mallister College Livia walth and Ethan Lee earned the second best delegate award for their [35:22] conference as did Isabella know and svan V [35:28] I sorry if I butchered that um for theirs in addition to these individual achievements Maple Grove delegates [35:33] passed multiple resolutions across various conferences making this one of the team's most successful events to date HOSA welcomed 91 members this month [35:41] which is the most ever since the club's Inception and a 360% increase from last [35:46] year so that's crazy for them um map also welcome welcomed two new amazing [35:52] clubs cancer kids first mgsh and best buddies mgsh both of which are chapters of larger State and National [35:58] organizations cancer kidss first aims to bring joy to Pediatric cancer patients while best buddies advocates for [36:03] individuals in the community with intellectual and dis de developmental disabilities May Grove is also now three [36:11] months into our phone ban policy making it the faculty's Enemy Number One surprisingly I was shocked by this [36:18] Everyone likes it it's weird um engagement in learning has skyrocketed [36:23] and I've never seen the student body so engaged and enthusiastic with learning which was I mean I'm still [36:31] shocked I mean the first week was hard um know I was like trying not to play games on my phone during class but I got [36:37] through it and it's it's been great um as the end of the trimester approaches students are making their final grade [36:44] pushes asking for extensions and trying to turn in assignments from three months ago um and with preparing for finals [36:50] excitement stress and determin are in the air as we had another final stretch and although this is not from this month I believe it was necessary to leave a [36:56] report on the loss of J Kuran a senior from Maple Grove who passed away on September 15th after her Battle of [37:02] cancer and the profound Mark she left on the community in the wake of her passing the response was nothing short of [37:07] extraordinary students rallied to change the football theme to purple in her honor and a moving release of balloons [37:13] filled the sky as a tribute to REM Julia's M Julia's father Mr cran and a beloved teacher and the orchestra [37:20] director was honored in a concert that was breath a breathtaking Crescendo of remembrance and love the entire School [37:25] came together in a powerful display of UN and compassion pausing to celebrate Julia's life and the impact she had on [37:31] everyone around her thank [37:39] you thank you Gavin the student Representatives review the board meeting packet in advance and are prepared to [37:46] answer questions from board members on issues to seek student input related to agenda items for this evening's meeting [37:53] board members do you have any agenda items for which you want student input [37:58] sure so we have a number of policies for their first reading tonight um we'll have another opportunity when we have [38:04] the second reading but I just wondered if there was any feedback on any of those policies that are on their first [38:09] reading tonight cell phone um student uh distribution Yeah by limited cell phone [38:17] and electronic use during passing time and lunch what do you mean by that so I'd have to look at the [38:24] procedure but if I remember right in policy um that there would be the ability to have access to the cell phone [38:30] during those times okay that's see any other feedback on [38:37] any other the policies okay well ask I'll probably ask again on the second reading um if if [38:43] again an opportunity not to put pressure on you thank you I just love what you [38:48] shared Gavin about that the students surprisingly like it so thank you for sharing that feedback it's encouraging [38:57] any other questions for the student it was a heavy it was a real [39:04] nice long packet today so thank you for going through that I appreciate it 500 [39:10] pages um thank you so much thanks SCH y you may go if you [39:18] want our next um agenda item is since we um changed the order of [39:26] our agenda is the presentation of the fiscal year 2024 Financial audit results [39:33] John morstead Executive Director of Finance and operations will you please start us off for the [39:40] presentation or Kelly Bosa I think Kelly setting up the table I'll I'll introduce [39:46] in the meantime so thank you chair moscada Jones yep so I'll just pass it over to [39:53] to Kelly vusa who will introduce the next step thank you John right tag team so good evening chair mosquito Jones [40:01] school board members and superintendent hle tonight our independent auditor will auditor will be presenting the fiscal [40:06] year 2024 audited financial statements we share the preliminary Financial results with the board at the September [40:12] Meeting those results have not changed Jim mikon the managing partner from mmkr [40:18] will be presenting the audit report this evening thank you Jim [40:30] thanks Kelly members of the board Administration my name is Jim Mike and [40:36] I'm here this evening to present uh the audit results for the year ended June 30th 2024 uh first first of all thank [40:42] you for changing the agenda uh to get me on sooner uh uh I always enjoy Schoolboard meetings so uh um but I do [40:51] appreciate getting me move forward uh tonight on the agenda uh again uh this [40:56] uh present ation is to prepare and to present the audit results for the year ended June 30th [41:03] 2024 uh it is a requirement of the district to have an annual financial statement prepared that particular [41:10] financial statement is also prepared um uh using uh a certificate of achievement [41:16] program uh by the Association School business officials called the certificate of review program uh you'll [41:22] find that particular financial statement is quite lengthy and provides a lot of information so if you get an opport to [41:27] read that particular document it's it's an exceptional summary of the annual results for the year uh that particular [41:33] financial statement is required to be audited by an independent certified public accountant of CPA which is my [41:39] role with the district um we as part of our audit process follow a a standard [41:45] protocol that's provided by the uh federal government the office of the state auditor in the state of Minnesota [41:51] as well as the Minnesota Department of Education uh those audit standards require us to do a variety of things [41:56] including audit that financial statement audit your uh Federal awards that you receive um namely the schedule of [42:03] expenditures of federal Awards we also then audit your internal control [42:08] specifically related to financial reporting uh those uh financial reporting uh internal controls are [42:15] mainly uh uh here at the office at the district office here but they do provide it uh are provided on site and [42:22] throughout the district uh we also audit specific controls over the Federal Awards you receive and lastly we audit [42:29] your compliance with state laws and regulations there is a list of state laws that are provided by the office of [42:35] the state auditor again we don't audit every law in that in that area just those that are provided on the list [42:42] provided by the Osa um uh in the my audit process I did [42:49] Issue What's called the management report that particular management report is my document as a firm to summarize [42:54] the results of the audit uh I'm going to go through some of the highlights of that particular document that that uh [43:01] summarized the results as mentioned uh first and foremost the district did receive an unmodified opinion on that uh [43:07] annual financial report it was the opinion you were looking for a clean opinion is a better word probably than [43:14] unmodified uh so uh so that's exceptional uh that particular opinion did emphasize one area we did Implement [43:21] a new standard on Capital assets this year uh government Accounting Standards continually change changes and and when [43:28] there is a standard that changes that impacts the results of the financials we are required to highlight that didn't [43:34] really change the opinion it really just highlights a matter in your report uh continuing on uh uh we didn't [43:42] have did not have any findings in the internal control matters that I talked about previously both in the financial [43:48] audit as well as the single audit uh of federal Awards we did not have any findings in the internal control matters [43:55] uh no findings to report in the compliance with Minnesota laws and regulations uh and then I mentioned the [44:01] single audit of federal Awards we were able to also issue a clean opinion on that schedule as well as no findings uh [44:08] in that uh that area so all in all no findings to report really uh exceptional [44:15] results as uh per usual here at the district as part of my audit I'm going [44:21] to go back before I move on uh it is important to reflect on uh a a requirement in audit and that is to to [44:28] uh we are required to actually go back to last year's findings if there were any and follow up on those findings to [44:34] verify that the district followed and made Corrections uh um and we did as [44:40] part of our audit last year have a finding related to procurement in the uh Federal uh single audit space uh and we [44:47] did uh do followup testing in that particular area and did not have any findings to report this year which is [44:53] ultimately very important a come with findings they come with items but the corrective action plan is the most [44:58] important uh uh item of that result so in my report uh I did uh [45:05] provide um information on what I call the second part of the audit which is the financial results as Kelly mentioned [45:12] uh these particular Financial results have been provided to the board uh uh uh [45:17] probably a month ago maybe even two months ago uh those results didn't change from the information that was [45:23] provided to you my report just provides more information on uh um uh trend lines [45:29] some information on uh Trends and budget to actual information and the like uh [45:35] this particular graph which you'll find in my report shows uh information on fund balances both uh at the Statewide [45:41] level but also the district level uh this particular presentation is a [45:47] percentage that's widely used by the Department of Education to show fund balances your Equity position in your [45:53] funds compared to the overall operation your expenditures uh this particular uh [46:00] graph the yellow graph is the Statewide Trends and and we've experienced a few years back when the pandemic hit some [46:06] increases in fund balances uh mainly due to the some of the changing environment uh in operating schools um since that [46:14] that particular time you'll see fund balances are starting to decline as we get uh into normal operations at school [46:21] levels uh the blue graph is really this the district's uh fund balance is as it [46:27] as it correlates to that particular uh percentage uh you'll note for 2023 um [46:33] the the fund balance at the district did go up which was uh very planful the uh [46:39] increases in fund balance relate back to really strategic planning that the district does in terms of planning for [46:45] fund balances and and that increase will uh um uh be used as over time as the [46:52] referendum dollars are used over the next few years [46:57] uh this particular presentation which shows the revenues on a per student basis uh this uh this is shows your [47:05] governmental funds of the district as a whole compared to the number of students you have so uh revenues on a per student [47:11] basis were $2,695 for the year uh some of the [47:17] things that stand out in this particular presentation to me uh reflects the increase in the the the property taxes [47:23] the referendum dollars that you received the long and facility maintenance Levy did go up this past year as well as a [47:30] capital project referendum which is reflected in that property tax line the district also receives some additional [47:37] state aid uh both in the regular aid but in special education Aid uh and you're [47:43] also seeing a decline in federal aid as some of those pandemic dollars are starting to wne and be used up you're [47:50] seeing some declines which is uh being experienced pretty much all over the uh School District communities that we work [47:56] with this particular graph is the uh uh the [48:01] opposite of the earlier one which shows general fund expenditures on a per student basis the district spent [48:09] $2,576 per student this past year on a variety of areas including the general fund and other operating funds um what [48:17] stands out to me in this particular graph is you can see that the general fund uh uh increased per student [48:23] increased almost $1,000 per student but almost all of that is in the classroom [48:28] if you look at the lines this uh Elementary and secondary regular instruction as well as special education [48:35] instruction all of those increases really show up on those two lines so some of those increases in in revenues [48:41] or not some of not all are going right to the classroom which should can be highlighted in this particular graphical [48:50] presentation um we do in our report show uh some information on operating results [48:56] in this particular particular graph shows the financial uh results of the general fund uh the the uh yellow graph [49:05] on the presentation is the district's fund balance the equity position um you can see that particular graph when I [49:12] look at it anyway as a as an auditor uh I see stability I see very consistent [49:18] audit results when it comes to fund balance and and and really consistent Financial results this past year the [49:24] fund balance did increase uh but but that was planned that was planned in the district's budget as uh uh um as [49:31] anticipated the results here are very very close to budgeted expectations uh which has always kind of been the case [49:37] uh at the district we do provide information here on very specific information on fund [49:43] balances you can see uh this particular presentation shows the district's fund [49:48] balances by category uh we also show fund balance as a percentage of operations which is really the [49:54] district's calculation in that percentage uh again I look at the five years presented and really show what [50:01] stands out to me is the stability of it all uh uh Financial results of the district have always been very [50:07] consistent and stable and this year is no different um a couple of other graphs [50:14] that we present here that I wanted to talk about uh specifically this particular graph uh this one shows the [50:21] general fund uh operating results specifically with Revenue uh overall the [50:26] district's general fund revenues uh in total about $362 million so consider [50:34] yourself a district that's running an operation of almost 362 million uh which [50:39] is significant organization at the end of the year the the results of of your [50:44] actual results compared to budget were within $20,000 which is incredibly close um to [50:51] to be able to analyze and look at revenues that are coming to the district and get though them within 20,000 on a [50:58] $362 million budget is incredible anybody that's a finance person myself I look at that and just wow that's that's [51:05] outstanding uh exceptional results when it comes to the operating uh account [51:11] this year on the expense side you can see here that the this particular general fund um uh the financial results [51:18] reflect that expenditures were less than budget by about $10 million and most of that if not all of it was in in staff [51:26] positions that went unfilled a significant portion of them which is something that we're we're seeing all [51:31] over in our economy and in school districts as well as comparable [51:36] organizations uh the district also saw some other Savings in things like Transportation snow removal utility cost [51:44] uh those kind of things uh this particular graph does show some information on other funds the [51:51] district has uh um these particular funds include the capital account you [51:56] also have a food service fund you have a community service fund uh the capital account uh as shown here didn't decline [52:03] this past year but again very planful that Capital does go up and down depending on uh uh operations and timing [52:10] of projects uh so no real concern there uh Food Service fund did show an increase in fund balance um this past [52:17] year again uh um very very much anticipated you're seeing very solid uh [52:22] Equity position in that particular fund and then lastly the community service [52:28] fund did show some increases in revenues uh this past year compared to expectations uh in a variety of programs [52:35] uh which is very positive trend line as well when you look at some of those [52:41] programs there uh that's the last graph I'm going to present um overall I wanted [52:47] to uh um summarize the audit results for the year I was able to provide as I said a clean opinion on the district's basic [52:54] financial statements I mentioned that the uh District's financial report is a [52:59] certificate of achievement in financial reporting we will We and us as a team [53:05] will be submitting that for achievement and hope to get a certificate of again this year uh the third bullet point [53:11] shows there were no no findings reported this particular year uh uh as well as [53:16] the finding that was initiated last year did not reoccur which is very uh positive I mentioned some of those [53:23] financial results reflected inheritance the budget which is probably the most important part of the board you're [53:29] getting information constantly from from Administration and to know that the audit results are going to mimic that [53:36] particular information is really helpful to know at the end of the day uh lastly [53:41] uh and I wanted to say two last things the district continues to have a focus on long-term funding both from the debt [53:48] obligation side but also the current operations side we you have a long-term focus on using utilizing the resources [53:56] you have both in the current year but looking forward in long-term planning and lastly I I do want to say the [54:02] financial records here are in excellent condition um um when I had a minute to [54:09] talk with the superintendent as part of our exit conference I did reflect uh with her our our consideration that that [54:16] your district is considered Best in Class and and and the internal controls [54:21] of the organization the business office and everything you do in the financial result is is exceptional and um that [54:29] shows in this particular audit results shows in everything I view as part of this audit process and it really give [54:35] kudos to the district for for that particular item so with that I'll open [54:41] it up to anything or any questions you might have for [54:48] me any questions or comments [54:54] oror I just want say thank you again um this is my last audit that I get to sit [55:00] through so um as our as the daughter of a CPA which you know um it was it was a [55:09] really good one to land on sure excellent and Kudos and Excellence to Kelly and [55:17] John and the whole team I appreciate it very nice work thank [55:23] you yeah you um you make a good hype man for our [55:30] district I so I know um a lot of things Goose to our finance team and staff uh [55:38] for a number of reasons you listed but um you know thank you for that presentation and I hope that the [55:45] district um and the community gets to hear at least a part of that um in the coming days [55:50] so thank you just echoing um fantastic results by our team and the processes we [55:57] have in place and it's just um it's so essential that we have um strong [56:03] financials and that we've got good systems um because if we don't it does impact instruction it impacts our [56:08] students so um the work that the finance department the business department and everybody does you are um creating the [56:16] opportunities for our students as well so thank you yeah I Echo all of the sentiment um [56:23] expressed already but I also just wanted to say for anybody who's interested um in the audience that's not here but [56:29] people viewing online hopefully um if you want to know where every penny is being spent this is so comprehensive and [56:36] detailed like there's nothing nothing that you could possibly uh leave out of [56:42] this it's so inclusive but it's also really descriptive which really helps understand where we're spending money [56:49] how we're spending money and how it impacts kids so thank you [56:57] thank you thank you board members will be taking action on that later in the agenda um our next agenda item is the [57:03] superintendant report Dr H all right thank you good evening chair mosquit Jones I'm sorry oh I jumped ahead oops [57:11] it's the audience opportunity to address the school board I apologize um I will um review a few of [57:18] the guidelines for those who will speak we have one speaker so I will make it quick because I'm pretty sure she knows [57:24] all those rules I so just a reminder that we're all one [57:30] Community um normally I would call the to the podium student parent staff [57:35] community members um when I tell you Tina you get to come up and talk for [57:41] three minutes and uh just a reminder to address the entire board and that we [57:46] will be listening and not um respond back at this time and interactions must [57:51] be um respectful and courteous and professionals civil so with that Tina [57:58] come on up come [58:09] on hi everyone I think this is the smallest audience I've ever had it's like hello esteemed board [58:17] members fellow District employees and members of our beautiful [58:23] Community my name is Tina Collins and I have been in ESP in the oio district [58:28] since 2008 I have held many different positions over the years currently I [58:36] have found a wonderful work family where I've been employed for the last 15 years Through The Years my employment [58:43] with the district has become not so much of a job but a passion I've been entrusted with the [58:50] care and safety of over 2,000 students in my years with the district and I [58:56] remember most of them um I take my duties very seriously [59:01] one of my roles is as a recess ESP and I am one of two adults designated to keep [59:07] 120 to 150 children safe on an open playground 10 yards from swampy areas 10 [59:15] yards from open wooded areas and about a thousand yards from two major roadways [59:20] the actual play areas consist of a large open field about two football fields in length and width [59:26] two large climbing structures with multiple slides two gaga pits and a four goal Sport Court this play area also has [59:34] many swings and Spinners once in a great while we actually have a third adult with [59:39] us not only are we supposed to keep all of our kids safe but we frequently have to let them in to use the restrooms get [59:46] hats gloves or even jackets that they forgot continuously help them solve problems or conflicts that occur help [59:53] them learn compassion sharing taking turns kindness fairness how to be a friend and a lot of times simply how to [1:00:00] make a friend we are also on the spot nurses we wipe tears bandage OES and comfort [1:00:06] anyone who is either hurt physically or emotionally we are overwhelmed and underst staffed and while we do all of [1:00:14] the above we still have to keep an eye on all of the other children outside we are also expected to build a meaningful [1:00:20] and trusting relationship with all of the children on our care so that they can feel safe and nurtured personally I [1:00:27] give everything I have in me to my job as an ESP and keeping our kids safe even [1:00:34] the kids I tell them my job is to keep you safe you have to help me that goes our administrators on site do the [1:00:42] very best that they can but they too are overwhelmed with the responsibilities that we all are entrusted with my story [1:00:48] is just one of hundreds just like it across our district we need funding in our district to not only hire qualified [1:00:56] and committed ESP staff but also to retain all of us that truly truly care [1:01:01] so much for our community's children thank you thank you Tina and thank you [1:01:06] for your work we appreciate it thank you for having now it's time for our [1:01:13] superintendent report thank you Tina all right good evening chair mosquito Jones and school [1:01:19] board members I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible work that is happening around a area school district [1:01:26] and to Express gratitude for everyone who makes our district Tina place of excellence and belonging has becoming a [1:01:31] Tina show so uh first I like to extend a warm welcome to our new school board members uh your leadership will be vital [1:01:38] to the success of our Scholars as we strive for excellence your role in guiding and supporting our vision will [1:01:43] make a lasting impact thank you for stepping up for this important work our a area school team is looking forward to [1:01:50] working alongside you and building off of the incredible work that has been done by our current board [1:01:56] so one of the greatest Joys is my happy Fridays is visiting our schools and witnessing the magic that happens in our [1:02:02] schools so recently I had the privilege of spending time in Maple Grove senior where I saw a group of students deeply [1:02:08] engaged in the learning and Community they were creating a small building using their newly developed skills and [1:02:15] this was a building building this was like a I called it my she shed um that they were developing and it will go on [1:02:22] sale I'm hearing at some point but this a incredible construction trades course [1:02:27] is also taught at Park C Senior Center Senior High as well this program also [1:02:33] equips our students with similar handsonic uh skills in both cases as well as opening doors to Future careers [1:02:40] of course this is just one of many examples of how we Empower our Scholars to explore their passions and prepare [1:02:46] them for life beyond graduation it was really a treat to see I'm continually [1:02:52] inspired by the creativity and the care our staff brings to celebrating our babies or our Scholars last Friday we [1:02:58] saw kindergarteners adding their own personalized feathers to the class turkey each feather a small piece of [1:03:04] their unique identity another school embraced the family history by creating medieval style Crest reminding us how [1:03:11] important is to honor every Scholar's background and their stories these moments may just seem really small but [1:03:18] they are huge where they reflect our commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and pride for each and every [1:03:23] one of our staff and their families and students and as always we continue to amplify our students voice this can be [1:03:30] seen through academic projects this can be seen through our student leadership opportunities or Creative Expressions [1:03:37] our Scholars are showing us who they are and who they Inspire to be so when we listen to their ideas and their dreams [1:03:44] we not only support their growth but we work to shape our future of our community our community where everyone [1:03:50] will be heard and valued so as we look ahead I'm confident that I area schools will keep building that strong [1:03:57] Foundation together we'll continue to work towards that Excellence support one another and to ensure every scholar has [1:04:03] what they need to thrive and to achieve their dreams so thank you for being part of this journey and I'm excited about [1:04:09] what lies ahead so it's time for points of pride a regular part of the superintendent [1:04:15] update is the points of Pride by sharing this we're taking a time to recognize and acknowledge our Scholars staff and [1:04:21] our community members accomplishments uh following our mission which is to to inspire and prepare each [1:04:26] and every scholar with confidence courage and confidence to achieve their dreams contribute to community and [1:04:32] engage in a lifetime of learning so this evening once again we'll have some of our district cabinet here to assist in [1:04:37] sharing some of these examples from the last month in the area of achieving dreams [1:04:44] several District athletes and teams have made their way to Minnesota State High School league fall state tournaments [1:04:51] students from three area high schools competed in the cross country state tournament the Maple Grove Senior High [1:04:56] boys soccer team plays second in the state tournament Maple Grove Senior High girls tennis team plays third in the [1:05:02] state tournament and Maple Grove Senior High football team defeated Shaka 26 to [1:05:08] 14 to advance to the class 6A state championship game they will take on [1:05:14] minnona this Friday the 22nd at 7 p.m. at the bank you can visit KP website to [1:05:20] learn more about how you can watch that game and cheer them on [1:05:25] Minnesota lieutenant governor Peggy Flanigan stopped by Oakview Elementary school on October 23rd to serve [1:05:31] breakfast and share a big milestone Minnesota kids received 150 million [1:05:36] School meals during the First full year of prechool breakfast and [1:05:42] lunches on October 10th through the 11th five students from the oio area Learning [1:05:48] Center attended a fall leadership conference hosted by the Minnesota Association of alternative programs or [1:05:55] map Stars program at the conference the oalc student leaders connected with [1:06:01] other alternative school students made new friends and represented their school proudly the team had the unique chance [1:06:08] to explore a camp witness the northern lights and participate in valuable leadership training adviser Tori ngi [1:06:15] said our Scholars left the conference with new ideas and big plans for our [1:06:24] school scholar at Maple Gro Senior High School worked hard to get ready for [1:06:29] their production of The Adams Family the musical follows the ghoulish Adams Family who have an affinity for all [1:06:36] things mauret as their daughter Wednesday falls in love with a normal Boy The Talented [1:06:43] crew was accompanied on stage by elaborate choreogra chore choreography [1:06:49] spooky set and the orchestra thank you to everyone who joined us for the first school choice [1:06:56] Fair families had the opportunity to visit booths for various schools and programs explore kindergarten classroom [1:07:02] ride a school bus get a temporary tattoo and try out a virtual reality experience [1:07:08] if you still have questions or are interested in Rolling visit our website Maple Grove oio and Park Center [1:07:16] Senior High School students joined others from the Northwest Suburban Conference on October 11th at the minona [1:07:22] Center for the Arts for a day of Arts focused learning and exploration the workshops included activities like racu [1:07:29] firing cover art illustration acrylic Horizons watercolor Expressions wire [1:07:35] sculptures jewelry beading and more the art students had their chance to work with professional teachers in their [1:07:42] respective fields and work in a professional Arts [1:07:47] Studio in early November students at Maple Grove Middle School put on their fall play the students presented juny be [1:07:55] Jones toothless wonder for the F their families fellow students and community [1:08:03] members on Veterans Day so in the area of contributing to community on Veterans [1:08:08] Day students across oio area schools spent time on a wide variety of activities to learn about and celebrate [1:08:15] our nation's veterans including an escape style uh puzzle room visits from [1:08:21] veterans and crafts made in appreciation of veterans [1:08:27] service on October 15th high school students in Dr hil's student cabinet met [1:08:34] to talk about topics that were important to them including what students need to feel welcome and centered in oio area [1:08:41] schools the students discussed how how to let their peers know what resources [1:08:46] are available for mental health what resources would be beneficial for students in how to define climate and [1:08:52] culture in the area of lifelong learning on a [1:08:59] recent beautiful day students at oio education center o oec participated in [1:09:05] an all School event in partnership with the outdoors programs of friends of The Boundary Waters students experienced [1:09:12] various activities that help develop important outdoor [1:09:18] skills reading teach teachers at Garden City Elementary School have spent two [1:09:24] recent Saturday morning Mornings in the school cafeteria where Young Learners and their families came to participate [1:09:30] in literacy games and activities Fiona ke who helped to organize the event said [1:09:37] we know students do better academically socially and emotionally when parents in schools work [1:09:46] together and on October 31st students at Maple Grove oio and Park Center senior [1:09:52] high schools had the opportunity to try out a new meal during lunch as part of nutritious uh nutrition services [1:09:58] Spotlight on Cuisine the spotlight on Cuisine featured s Salvador and Honduran [1:10:04] food including papusas which is a Masa or corn griddle cake filled with beans [1:10:10] and cheese Ora beef and cheese and ctio a traditional spicy SLA made with [1:10:16] cabbage jalapeno onions carrot cider vinegar and oregano the goal of the [1:10:23] spotlight on Cuisine is to educate at students on different cultures through Cuisine three three or four times um a [1:10:30] year with fun and exciting menu items for the 18th year students at Elm [1:10:36] Creek Elementary participated in a pumpkin run during their physical education class this fall students who [1:10:42] completed the Run in under 11 minutes were entered into a drawing to win a pumpkin and other fun [1:10:48] prizes students at asio and Park Center Senior High Schools recently attended College fairs students in all grade had [1:10:55] the opportunity to talk to representatives and learn about local and National colleges including technical colleges community colleges [1:11:02] and state schools the full student body of Birch Grove School for the Arts recently met [1:11:08] Outdoors for the school's first Birch Grove cares assembly of the school year [1:11:14] the action-packed and energetic event included dancing egg and Spoon races and games related to the school's positive [1:11:20] behavior intervention strategies the student body also had a chance to give a [1:11:25] to give their interim principal Miss Margo claven a warm Birch glove [1:11:31] welcome on October 15 Community education's early childhood and family education ecnf staff hosted a free [1:11:38] family fun night at arborview Early Childhood Center and Willow Lane Early Childhood Center the event brought in [1:11:45] more than 100 families between both School locations for an evening of activities Story Time snacks food and [1:11:52] fun with EC and Fe staff fa Oaks Elementary was a hub of activity [1:11:59] the morning of October 29 when the school hosted a books and pumpkins event [1:12:04] books and pumpkins allowed families to enjoy eating breakfast together and reading books to one another in the school's library media center which was [1:12:12] decorated with many colorful pumpkins students and their families decorated pumpkins based on books together at home [1:12:18] in advance of the event and the school displayed their pumpkin Creations next to the books they were based on [1:12:26] Zanewood Community Este steem school students spilled the school's gymnasium October 29 to learn from The Local [1:12:32] Company Lumen Technologies students rotated to four different stations during the hourlong [1:12:38] event including stations that explain fiber optics and how they get the internet into people's homes and [1:12:43] businesses how the internet works how fiber optic cables are spliced and much [1:12:52] more at oakie as a reward for meeting the school's fund run fundraising goal [1:12:58] in September all students got the chance to move and groove to their hearts content recently during silent disco [1:13:05] parties the silent disco parties took place during each class physical education time in late October where [1:13:12] each student received a headset that played three different options of [1:13:18] Music Park Center Senior High School Spanish Heritage class transformed the school's media center last week when [1:13:25] they put on a two-day Dia day Los maratos or Day of the Dead celebration [1:13:31] the student planned and student run event featured activities such as frame decorating paper flower making card [1:13:38] writing masks hand painting a photo booth and culturally specific snacks and [1:13:44] candy teachers could sign up for times to send their classes through the exhibit on October 30th and 31 given [1:13:51] most of the school an opportunity to learn more about the holiday and its cultural significance for counties and [1:13:58] cultures countries and cultures who celebrate the Day Community education's kid stop and [1:14:05] fourstar express students staff and families gathered on October 23rd and 24th to celebrate the 25th Annual lights [1:14:13] on after school a nationally recognized annual event that showcases the many [1:14:18] ways after school programs supports students and Families [1:14:25] in the area of mission driven employees each October National principles month [1:14:30] recognizes the essential role that principles play in making a school great [1:14:35] thank you to all of our principles for all that you do each day for our students what a good-looking Bunch [1:14:43] huh in our latest staff Spotlight meet Maple Grove Middle School sixth grader teacher Allison fiser principal Patrick [1:14:51] Smith said Mrs fiser is as kid centered as they come she comes out of her she [1:14:57] goes out of her way to ensure students feel welcomed and supported I hear students say all the time they love [1:15:03] being in Miss Fischer's class check out our latest staff Spotlight on our [1:15:09] website as a reward for meeting their fundraising goal students at Basswood Elementary School gathered outside on [1:15:16] October 24th to watch their building staff members compete in inflatable [1:15:21] Olympics staff wearing inflatable uh flatables including a dinosaur a lobster [1:15:27] a snail and a few sharks competed in a variety of act activities including soccer kick beach ball throw hurdles [1:15:36] pool noodle relay and an inflatable race the afternoon was filled with laughter [1:15:41] cheers and some healthy competition and no [1:15:49] injuries all right a few final notes of reminders for this evening please join us on December 4th from 300 to 6: p.m [1:15:55] for the CBB winter cell and open house it's a perfect place to get all of your [1:16:00] holiday gifts and our students have worked very hard on them so once again last week we had a very successful [1:16:06] school choice fair if you're interested in attending but you weren't able to come please we encourage you to connect [1:16:12] with our school or our schools that you're interested in and you can schedule a tour and this can be done [1:16:17] simply by scheduling clicking on schedule Tour on school websites or by calling the school directly we look [1:16:24] forward to to hearing from you so thank you this evening this it concludes tonight's superintendent [1:16:30] report thank you our next agenda item is Schoolboard reports director Brooks do [1:16:35] you have a report no report director Douglas no director Prince I do I have [1:16:41] three that all met last week so it was a busy week uh so the deac committee uh [1:16:47] met and uh the the bulk of the time was spent uh with the committee reviewing the stakeholder survey report so digging [1:16:54] in really deep understanding the methodology um and reviewing the results of that so um there'll be I think some [1:17:01] more observations on that um as part of their work um and then uh The District [1:17:06] 279 Foundation also met um covered a lot of uh Financial updates um and [1:17:12] investment updates additionally uh the you can purchase tickets now for the uh [1:17:19] the the night out um it's a western theme [1:17:25] um and a portion of the tickets are tax deductible um so be sure to go out there and start uh filling up those tables I [1:17:33] think it's going to be a really fun one this time well it it always is they're always fantastic they like the the decor [1:17:38] the decorations the G it's just an amazing evening so I really encourage everybody um to check that out and get [1:17:44] your tickets um and then lastly uh bbay the Brooklyn Bridge Alliance For Youth [1:17:50] met and I do want to share some of the results of their youth to uh youth [1:17:55] survey um so the youth Toth survey is administered um by young people at bbay [1:18:01] um and they were able to um receive responses from 411 yeah youth um so uh it'll I'll just [1:18:10] take a few minutes to cover this um but the youth student survey um wanted to [1:18:15] capture the diverse perspectives and lived experience of Youth today um and [1:18:21] there there's some categories of their findings the first category is gold goals and dreams um and the youth's top [1:18:27] three goals and dreams came out to be Financial stability meaning having enough money for needs and wants owning [1:18:34] a home Etc um second going to college After High School and third getting into a career of their choosing under mental [1:18:41] health having time for myself was chosen as the top feeling true for Youth and [1:18:47] having positive mental health followed by having positive relationships with others and feeling selflove [1:18:55] um category relationships top qualities youth think are most important for [1:19:00] adults when interacting with youth were being respectful um being um adults being [1:19:06] supportive of them and understanding how they feel under safety one in five youth [1:19:12] indicated that they have been the target of hate or bullying based on their identity at school within the last year [1:19:19] with only 53% of Youth indicating they would be likely to report an incident if it happened to them um under technology [1:19:27] top reasons technology helps youth um included entertainment [1:19:33] 77% um connect to friends um and while top reasons technology harms youth [1:19:40] included distraction and losing sleep um and then last category [1:19:46] interests youth want to see these in Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center areas uh for sports uh Sports basketball [1:19:53] volleyball things to do Art and Science art and dance movie Nights safe spaces VN facilities bigger Park swimming pool [1:20:00] theater and movie theater so um so that's some of the key themes from it and I think everybody receives the full [1:20:07] report if you don't let me know I'll make sure that you get that those are my reps thank you director Mitchell I have [1:20:13] the fiscal um advisory committee Thursday night so I'll report on that next time okay director Grady um nothing [1:20:20] okay um I have one report at this time um in District 287 which is our [1:20:26] intermediate um school district for um kids with special needs [1:20:32] um we had a retreat last meeting with the school board um talking about equity [1:20:39] and um identity and all the interactions of all those pieces in um working with [1:20:47] students and as a as a board member and then um mostly um all the regular [1:20:54] Financial uh some spotlights and [1:21:00] um oh and we have policies that um that went forward and um came back for a [1:21:07] revision and I was at the policy meeting today right before this meeting and the [1:21:13] amount of input that they have on their policies from students and staff in the [1:21:20] um honesty of Staff reporting um is really amazing they just um did a big [1:21:29] work up on the ADA accommodations and how that um works out for staff they're [1:21:35] really good at with with students and um found that there were some things that [1:21:41] um they had been working on but are increasing um the options for those and [1:21:48] that is my report the next agenda item is a consent agenda board members are consent pres [1:21:54] agenda items this evening include meeting minutes and financial reports for September [1:22:00] 2024 fiscal year 2025 budget adjustments uh extended educational trips Personnel [1:22:07] items construction bid approvals and we have 25 grants requiring approval as [1:22:13] well are there any items that you would like to remove for separate [1:22:18] consideration hearing none do we have a motion to approve the consent agenda as [1:22:23] written so moved moved by director gas is there a second second second by [1:22:30] director Brooks uh any discussion um I just want to say thank you to all of the people who put all the [1:22:37] work into writing um these grants so that we could get them approved I know that it's a [1:22:43] huge huge undertaking in many cases so um this helps our district in so many [1:22:49] ways and we just really appreciate that effort absolutely all in favor say I I all [1:22:56] oppos say nay motion passes 6 to [1:23:02] zero our next agenda item is um the acceptance of the fiscal year 2024 audit [1:23:09] report the information was um shared by our auditor and John Mora do you have [1:23:15] anything else to add uh no nothing additional thank you thank you is there a motion to accept [1:23:21] the fiscal year 2024 audit report which includes the fiscal year 2024 financial [1:23:27] management report the fiscal year 2024 annual comprehensive financial report [1:23:33] and the fiscal year 2024 special purpose report motion so moved a motion by [1:23:41] director Prince is there a second second second by director Mitchell any [1:23:46] discussion all in favor say I I I'll oppose say nay motion passes six to zero [1:23:55] the next action item is the recommendation for approval agreement on the terms and condition of employment [1:24:00] between Independent School District 279 Schoolboard and custodians Minnesota [1:24:05] Teamsters Local 320 um for the time period of July 1st 2024 to June 30th [1:24:13] 2026 the information will be shared by um Ivan schland Executive Director of [1:24:18] Human Resources Ivan thanks [1:24:24] so um thank you uh Vice chair mosquito Jones and board members um so we do have [1:24:30] three contracts waiting awaiting approval and I will go through um provide a high level overview as you all [1:24:36] know your board packet contains materials including the marked up copies in a memorandum for um that aligns with [1:24:43] each contract so for the first one it is um uh the custodian [1:24:53] contract um with local 320 uh again effective date uh July 1st [1:25:01] 2024 through June 30th 2026 and I will summarize the changes um [1:25:08] effective July 1st 2024 um we have uh class uh increases um with this contract [1:25:17] uh for fiscal year 25 starting July 1st 2024 class one pay will start at 192 8 [1:25:24] per hour class two um goes up to 2075 um classes 2 through 9 will receive [1:25:33] a 2% increase and step four um of uh the [1:25:38] highest class will receive a 4.5% increase um with this same contract [1:25:44] in the second year of the contract the um class one starting pay will be $20 an [1:25:50] hour um Class 2 through 9 again first three steps will rece receive a 2% [1:25:55] increase step four will receive a 3% increase this contract also includes pay [1:26:01] differentials for specialized licenses and shift differentials um with the exception of [1:26:06] the high high plan um also an increase in employer uh um cost sharing for health coverage this two-year contract [1:26:14] results in a 6.61 total package compensation package and the total [1:26:20] Financial investment is $1,220 [1:26:26] $668 and the contract is aligned with the parameters set by the school board [1:26:32] and it is the superintendent and my recommendation that the board approve um this [1:26:38] contract thank you um is there a motion to approve the contract agreement on the [1:26:43] terms of conditions of employment between between Independent School District 279 Schoolboard and the [1:26:50] custodians Minnesota Teamsters Local 320 July 1st 2024 to June 30th 2026 so move [1:26:59] uh motion by director Brooks is there a second second second by director Grady is there any [1:27:05] discussion we just want to say thank you to the custodial um staff and uh [1:27:10] everyone on this contract you have a very important job we appreciate it thank you for coming to an agreement um [1:27:17] all in favor say I I I I'll oppos say nay motion passes six to zero [1:27:24] the next action item is recommendation for approval agreement on the terms and conditions of employment between the [1:27:30] Independent School District 279 Schoolboard and hourly technical for the period of July 1st 2024 to June 30th [1:27:39] 2026 ion thank you this contract consists of 48 uh excuse me 46 uh [1:27:46] employees in various um hourly technical positions and a summary of the changes [1:27:51] follows um starts with a 5 % base increase for the 2024 25 fiscal year [1:27:59] followed by a 1% base increase for the following year 2025 through [1:28:05] 2026 um the ranges were increased so the salary ranges were increase by a total [1:28:11] of 99.3% pay for performance will be paid as a stipend instead of um added being [1:28:18] added to the base consistent with other contracts this contract also includes some educational STP open this 2-year [1:28:25] contract results in a 5.33 total package increase the total Financial investment [1:28:31] is 269 thou 100,000 100 26900 [1:28:38] 185 um over the term of the contract and this uh the hourly [1:28:43] technical contract also is consistent with the financial parameters established by the school board and the [1:28:48] superintendent and I recommend approval thank you is there a motion to [1:28:55] um approve the agreement on the terms and conditions of employment between Independent School District 279 school [1:29:02] board and hourly technical from July 1st 2024 to June 30th 2026 it's motion by [1:29:10] director Grady is there a second second second by director Brooks is there any [1:29:16] discussion again thank you to all the Orly technical um staff you have very [1:29:21] important jobs as well um is there okay sorry all in favor say I I [1:29:29] I I'll oppose say nay motion carries 6 to [1:29:35] zero the next action item is recommendation for approval agreement on the terms and conditions of employment [1:29:41] between the Independent School District 279 school board and management I through M July 1st 2023 to June 30th [1:29:50] 2025 Ivan thank you and and um I do want to point out you just read the effective [1:29:57] dates of the contract I do want to point out that this contract is in the last cycle so it was in the odd cycle of uh [1:30:04] contract negotiations um this group consists of 58 employees that serve in a variety of management um uh positions [1:30:11] throughout our system for the first uh fiscal year of the contract 2023 through 24 there is a 5% um [1:30:20] increase to the base followed by a 3% increase to the base in the [1:30:25] 20242 fiscal year consistent with other contracts um the uh nonwork days were [1:30:32] changed to vacation days and uh there was also an increase in deferred [1:30:38] compensation um life insurance and again um uh increase in the share cost sharing [1:30:44] for the cost of health coverage this contract also contains um several newus [1:30:50] memorandum of understanding and as well as say um for the pay for performance [1:30:56] move to the a stien instead of um being added to the base this two-year [1:31:03] contract excuse me results in a 8.9 of course right when I have to talk [1:31:10] excuse me this two-year contract results in an 8.91 total package increase um the total [1:31:18] Financial investment is 877,000 [1:31:24] and this uh the I through M management contract also is consistent with financial parameters established by the [1:31:31] by the school board the superintendent and I recommend approval of this contract thank you Ivon uh is there a [1:31:38] motion to approve the agreement on the terms and condition of employment between Independent School District 279 [1:31:44] and management I through M for the period of July 1st 2023 to June 30th [1:31:50] 2025 so moved motion by director Douglas is there a second second second by [1:31:55] director Grady is there any discussion I just want to say this was a lengthy process to get to an agreement [1:32:02] so I appreciate um all the hard work of everyone on negotiations to get to a final agreement um all in favor say I I [1:32:11] I'll oppose say nay motion passes 6 to zero the final action item is the [1:32:17] approval of gifts to the district is there a motion to approve gifts to The District in the amount of 99 , [1:32:27] 38542 so all right we're going to give the motion to director Mitchell and the [1:32:32] second to director Douglas is there any discussion Collective thank you um that [1:32:39] is a lot of money we really appreciate all the donations and gifts that we get [1:32:44] all in favor say I I I'll oppose say nay motion passes 6 to zero [1:32:56] okay our next um agenda item is informational items we have several policies and procedures up for first [1:33:03] reading information will be shared by um Amy Moore general counsel Amy thank you [1:33:09] uh so as you said this is the first reading of the policies we provide the procedures for uh uh [1:33:17] information um the board acts on the policies uh they will be posted for the [1:33:22] next month and any feedback from our community is welcome and encourag [1:33:27] through the policy web page I'll start with policy 403 discipline suspension [1:33:32] dismissal of School District employees we are working our way almost done with the next C cycle with all the 400s on [1:33:40] Personnel um as you can see there's minor uh updates to this policy no real [1:33:46] substantive updates both with the policy and the procedure just some um more [1:33:52] Precision to some the um like adding procedures and employee handbooks there [1:33:57] in section three on the policy um and uh same with the procedure [1:34:04] no real um substantive updates just some uh language uh Precision [1:34:15] changes all right policy 421 gifts to District [1:34:20] Personnel um for this uh the one substantive change you'll see in section [1:34:27] three number three is providing clearer language of what insignificant value [1:34:32] means um in the policy and then in the procedures we reference budget man [1:34:38] managers as school officials as you can see that $5 value [1:34:47] continues any questions I have questions when people want to meet with me and they want to [1:34:53] pay for my coffee I said it's over five bucks you can't I know it is um yeah [1:34:58] it's um does not know inflation [1:35:05] exactly um okay so policy 443 tutoring of [1:35:11] students um thank you to director uh Douglas for pointing out that I crossed [1:35:17] out from and then added it so it the from comes out uh we'll fix that but um [1:35:23] just some minor clarifications um in that policy um that [1:35:28] you can see no real substantive updates on that [1:35:34] policy questions um policy [1:35:39] 435 this is a policy that uh did have some updates when we had significant [1:35:45] legislative changes um and so the updates that you see right now are kind [1:35:50] of uh further Precision updates and the policy policy focusing on a proper lure [1:35:57] when required um and then consistently referring to pby um the professional [1:36:03] educator licensing and Standards Board um which is referenced in the statute so [1:36:09] that in the policy and then even more so than in the procedure you can see those [1:36:19] updates All Right Moving On um policy [1:36:24] 448 and procedure 448 Workers Compensation Insurance um this is [1:36:30] actually up for repeal that was my M mistake in having it for review um as [1:36:36] you can see there's a one sentence um it doesn't really uh add anything um it's [1:36:44] not a terribly useful policy the procedure has more information but we see all of that information in our [1:36:51] employee handbook so propos this one for repeal as as not [1:36:59] useful all right on to the meet um to uh uh bringing policy 505 student cell [1:37:06] phone and Technology policy um we are in compliance with the state law because we [1:37:13] do have a policy but taking the opportunity to add more definition and [1:37:18] add procedures this policy did not have procedures um what you will see in the [1:37:24] policy updates that we did is again trying to add uh a few more illustrations and precisions like smart [1:37:31] watches and earbuds and airpods um adding a statement that [1:37:37] students are encouraged to not bring cell phones um including all those [1:37:42] devices um and then the biggest update to the policy is really referencing [1:37:48] section five where you as a board would direct the superintendent to an act some procedures [1:37:54] um to um call out consequences um everything in line [1:38:00] within the structure of what you have in that policy um and looking at the policy [1:38:06] it really provides a good structure for those procedures than to flow [1:38:12] from then uh the procedures which are uh first being proposed [1:38:18] um uh put elementary and middle schools together and saying from Bell to Bell we [1:38:23] don't want see cell phones uh describing uh first what the consequences for first [1:38:28] second third fourth offenses and then for high schools uh acknowledging that [1:38:34] uh cell phones could be used uh incidentally as the uh student rep had asked about you know lunchtime during [1:38:41] passing time but during learning time um the expectation is that the phone is not [1:38:47] used or visible and again uh laying out some consequences so received a significant [1:38:54] amount of feedback prior to um when we had the policy as we were doing it in [1:39:01] the policy committee and then once we put the procedures up and went back out and receiving a lot of really good um [1:39:08] much more specific feedback which is nice in what we wanted to see um the [1:39:15] vast majority of folks really like the direction that we're going they like what the policy and the procedures are [1:39:21] looking like um students uh there have been a couple of [1:39:27] Our Community Partners going to Brooklyn Middle School and Park Center and done some more in-depth conversations with [1:39:34] them and the feedback um I uh just got the Park Center one today but it's it's [1:39:40] really great feedback um what you will see kind of uh in some is that they [1:39:48] agree kind of like what you heard from our student rep they agree they kind they like the policy but they um a lot [1:39:56] of times you'll hear about safety concerns and even with parents uh the safety concern that's where they're like [1:40:02] but we want uh cell phones available for what if um uh they also the students [1:40:09] would like to see staff U model um uh what they should be doing [1:40:16] and not doing with their cell phones that was uh really uh reflective good [1:40:21] feedback um they they they don't like the harshness of the [1:40:28] consequences um you know I we've heard uh feedback from staff as well wanting [1:40:35] us to consider looking at those consequences and how they uh uh look [1:40:40] right now this was our first attempt really needing more feedback um so I [1:40:47] what what I because I'm getting still getting really in depth good feedback I [1:40:54] want to finish getting that um I will look at it and consult uh with [1:41:00] superintendent cabinets Associates and and other folks and put up another um [1:41:08] the procedure with that feedback in it um so next month the board will be up [1:41:16] the policy will be up for um for a vote um you know we'll I'll do it I can to [1:41:23] get the procedures in um a place that will reflect the feedback that we're [1:41:29] getting um but because the procedures are more administrative the other thing [1:41:35] that I'm hearing both from staff and uh students is um especially from the [1:41:42] students saying um you know we need time um we like it's we can't go cold turkey [1:41:50] there's kind of an education component to to the to this as well um the student [1:41:56] rep reference referenced like oh you know it took a week to kind of get used to it I think some other students and [1:42:01] staff might need a little more time so uh I can am looking for really getting [1:42:09] the feedback and finalizing the procedures and then having some time to [1:42:15] educate uh put that information out um you know not necessarily uh that it's [1:42:21] implemented yet this year um a lot of our schools already have these policies in place and then uh they [1:42:29] would go full in implementation starting um fall 2025 schools could can utilize it but it [1:42:38] would be an opportunity to uh have that opportunity for a roll out with an [1:42:44] education without necessarily you know uh January 1 a first offense you know um [1:42:50] right away so that's what I foresee with this uh the roll out the policy will be [1:42:56] in place the procedures we will finalize and I'll keep the board updated obviously as well as you know the public [1:43:04] and our staff um how it's developing but we're getting great [1:43:13] feedback okay comments questions what about like a grace period [1:43:19] I'm sorry like a grace period you know like we're implementing this January 1 [1:43:24] but for the first month you'll get verbal warnings before it gets taken away you know where it's less [1:43:31] restrictive but they know like hey you need to get in the habit of this yeah I think it is giving uh the schools um [1:43:39] that opportunity of how it will best roll out within their [1:43:44] Community um and then having the entire School uh District community in on in [1:43:52] the same place [1:43:59] all right then the final policy is a new one um and it's School sponsored student [1:44:05] Publications and activities this is in response to new legislation regarding um the requirement that [1:44:11] districts recognize uh First Amendment rights of student journalists uh so you'll see language regarding protecting [1:44:19] their free speech rates while balancing the district's role Ro in supervising [1:44:24] student um Publications there's definitions regarding what it means to be a school [1:44:30] activity what is school sponsored media what it means to be a student journalist [1:44:35] this is grades 6 through 12 um and then the guidelines it you [1:44:42] know good guidelines on you know student journalists having the right to exercise their freedom um freedom to express [1:44:49] political viewpoints but then also referencing what would be be considered prohibited you know obscenity def [1:44:56] defamation profane harassing threatening um you can can read uh what's prohibited [1:45:03] it's a it's a good list providing that guidance and again framework um talks [1:45:10] about as well when you have student media advisers that of course they will still teach students about Professional [1:45:17] Standards and list some examples of what those uh standards would be as well as [1:45:22] um they're because we're a public entity time place and manner restrictions as well so that is what that new policy [1:45:30] would look like and that's [1:45:36] it any questions board members um again that this is the first [1:45:43] reading so there's no action on this this gives um people plenty of opportunity to um give feedback on any [1:45:49] of these policies and I just want to say um to the Poli polic committee thank you [1:45:54] so much for all your work I've been on the policy committee it's a lot of um detailed work and um and a lot of extra [1:46:02] time so thank you very much for that um tonight there will be no um negotiation [1:46:07] strategies meeting so is there a motion to adjourn the meeting [1:46:13] at 7:41 p.m. so mov motion by director [1:46:18] Douglas is there a second second second by DOR director Prince [1:46:25] um all in favor say I I all oppos say nay motion passes 6 to0 and the meeting [1:46:33] is adjourned at 7:41 p.m. [1:46:38] jaie my last [1:46:51] meeting for