[0:28] e [0:58] e [1:28] e [1:58] e [2:28] e [2:58] e [3:28] e [3:58] e [4:28] e e [5:27] good evening the regular meeting of the Independent School District 279 School Board is called to order at 6: p.m. on [5:35] September 24th 2024 this regular business meeting of the asua school board is being conducted [5:41] in the boardroom of the Educational Service Center the meeting can be monitored electronically by streaming [5:48] online from the district website an archived recording of tonight's meeting will also be available on the district [5:55] website seated in front of you tonight from my left to your right is is director Thomas Brooks director Heather [6:03] Douglas director Tanya Prince myself Jacki mosa Jones director Sarah Mitchell [6:10] and director Tam McGrady also present in the boardroom is superintendent Dr H and [6:16] members of the superintendent's cabinet we are so happy to have our Stu school student School Board representatives for [6:23] the 2425 school year join us this evening we'll be introducing them shortly um [6:30] those of you who can please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and director Mitchell will you please leave thank [6:37] you Al to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which [6:44] it stands one nation under God indivisible with liy and justice for [6:53] all thank you board members are there any additions to the agenda [7:01] um seeing none is there a motion to accept the agenda as written so moved [7:07] all right motion by um director Douglas is there a second second second by [7:12] director Mitchell um is there any discussion all in favor say I I all [7:19] oppose say nay motion passes to [7:27] zero the 202 of 2024 2025 school year is our fourth year of having student [7:34] Schoolboard representatives and we're very pleased to welcome this year's exemplary representatives from Park [7:40] Center Senior High oio Senior High School Maple Grove Senior High School in 279 [7:47] online Dr H please start us off on the introductions yes thank you chair mosita [7:53] Jones I'm honored to welcome this evening our three amazing Scholars seated uh here today this evening as our [8:00] student board representatives for the 20242 school year um our Maple Grove [8:06] Senior High representative Gavin is able to be here this evening as well as an [8:12] toet who uh goes to oio senior high so formal introductions will be done in a moment by uh Miss Amy toson our district [8:19] level principal and Mentor for our student board reps but first I want to thank each of you so much for your [8:25] commitment to serve in this capacity your voices are truly valued and of course we look forward to your reports [8:32] and insights throughout the year so Amy please go ahead and do your [8:40] introductions thank you superintendent Dr hyle I am thrilled to be here today [8:45] um and I have the fortune of working with our student board reps and I can tell you that um we had many amazing [8:52] applicants for this apportunity in the spring and it's always really difficult because we could have so many students [8:57] here sharing their perspective perspective and experience however we do identify one from each school so I am [9:05] going to invite name Naomi Cooper Greer to share her uh report [9:14] first like this yes yes yes okay hello everyone I'm Naomi Cooper [9:21] hyen Greer and I represent Park Center I wanted to join this committee for the people who don't have a voice or who [9:27] feel like their thoughts and opinion aren't being heard I also love leadership opportunities so this is the [9:33] right place for me moving on this is officially the first month of the school year so all of our teachers have been [9:40] doing an outstanding job helping kids and students get back into the groove of school side note I'd also like to give a [9:47] thanks to link crew members and other leaders around the school who help incoming freshmen and new students at [9:53] our new school making them feel welcomed and at home at our great big pirate ship [9:58] the first week of school was an adjustment for everybody readjusting sleep schedules to better fit with the [10:03] school schedules instead of waking up at 12:00 in the afternoon along with being [10:08] back in a learning environment everybody was just excited for the first day of school the lunchroom was filled with [10:15] people and positivity like I've never seen so many people stand up but it felt [10:21] very comfortable and it was a nice place to be in homecoming has been a big topic [10:26] for many people around the school some wondering if the they're going to attend the dance others wondering if they're going to go to the football game some [10:33] wondering if our team is going to win but nonetheless there's a good amount of excitement and anticipation surrounding [10:40] the homecoming dance and game that is coming up within the next few days I believe that our culture and our student [10:47] body at Park Center could use a little bit of work there has been a lot of discussion about how to get people at [10:53] Park Center more involved in the activities more importantly the activities that don't get a lot of attention [10:59] whether it be sitting in the stands or more participation within the activity itself I believe that this is taking a [11:06] step in the right direction for Park Center more importantly it makes our students feel like a family rather than [11:13] split up groups of clicks and people who just see each other on a daily basis and I can't wait to see what this does to [11:19] our school environment finally I just can't wait to see how much our school [11:25] changes and how much our student body flourishes from these changes I just just want this to be one of the greatest [11:30] years for Park Center and thank you all so much for having me here thank [11:40] you thank you so much Naomi reason good evening everyone my name is [11:47] Reen Atkins once again representing 279 online I wanted to represent my school because I'm a very experienced student [11:53] at 279 online or for someone who has been attending as long as I have distant learning academy I believe it's very [11:59] important to have insights on the school's on this District's Virtual School seeing as though it can be [12:05] forgotten about sometimes or have little to no recognition at all I not only am I speaking from from my own point of view [12:11] I'm also speaking for our entire virtual community so thank you once again for allowing me to represent and inform you [12:16] for 279 online's 2024 to 2025 school year September is basically already [12:23] over September is basically already over so as Scholars kiss away the 21st night [12:28] we all grooving away into October 279 online has had a fresh breath this year as we welcome new staff and new Scholars [12:35] the student leadership team is still under development with future plans they have underways high school students are [12:40] putting their thoughts and efforts into creating their first ever in-person prom event for next year conferences will be [12:46] held on October 1st where parents and Guardians will be able to meet with someone with will be able to meet with [12:52] their students teachers for an opportunity to review their performance and during the school year with these conferences teachers can evaluate on [12:58] what areas a schol could improve on and what areas a scholar is succeeding in other than that students have been [13:03] getting back into their normal schedules and habits attendance question attendance has became a lot more serious [13:08] this year as we have swapped out our attendance quizzes for live attendance in class every day we also have a new [13:14] system in place for our wild Wednesday uh blocks students can sign up for teachers and teachers can request [13:19] students as well to come and see them as usual we support as usual we have our homework support and homework help [13:26] classes and we also have more fun classes like game social block and gardening tips 279 online has a lot of [13:32] underw wraps for this amazing school year and I once again honored to be able to share our monthly update with you guys I hope everyone has had an amazing [13:39] start to the beginning of their school year as we grow into the year of 2025 thank [13:49] you thank you so much to our student board reps and we look forward to the rest of the year with having your voices [13:55] be present we're so so happy that you're here thank you welcome back reason [14:01] thanks Naomi okay um at each business meeting of the [14:08] school board um going forward our student School Board Representatives will give a report from their respective [14:15] schools and board members will ask the representatives if they have any input on future meeting agenda items so [14:22] welcome to you all um and again um our representative from oio antoanet Brown and [14:29] representative from Maple Grove Gavin uh cha are not not able to make it tonight [14:35] but we hope to see them next month the next standing agenda item is recognitions we are so very happy and [14:42] proud to highlight the accomplishes accomplishments that are on this evening's agenda we have four [14:48] recognitions I'll be calling each coach to step up to present their amazing Scholars after each recognition we will [14:55] be taking a group photo so don't run away at this time I ask that board members [15:02] superintendent Dr H and student board Representatives please move to stand in front of this um dis so that we can [15:09] offer our [15:25] congratulations after all I don't [15:30] got [15:57] it okay so at this whoa that was really loud um coach Randy [16:06] Glassman will you please step up to the podium to introduce the 2024 state [16:11] champion Maple Grove Senior High girls golf [Applause] [16:21] team thank you very much and we're happy to be back here as [16:27] backtack winners of of the state championship um we'll see uh what next [16:35] year may have in store for us uh perhaps you uh saw it in the newspaper but [16:43] uh for the 2526 school year Maple Grove [16:48] will be Maple Grove golf at least will be participating in the Lake [16:54] Conference so we're going to see a lot of different uh [16:59] teams teams that we know nothing about uh other there was probably going to be [17:05] a little more driving to uh get to Eden Prairie and Edina and buffalo and all of [17:12] the teams that are part of that so uh I'll have to do some scouting this [17:17] season maybe to see uh what we have in store for [17:23] us uh this year's state tournament um [17:29] was fantastic the girls um just let left [17:35] everybody else behind and we had um outstanding play both days and everyone [17:43] uh was able to help the team uh in one day or the other or in some cases both [17:49] days so it certainly was a team effort um but leading up to that we had just an [17:57] amazing season uh we had uh nine conference matches we were victorious in [18:03] all of those we've won every Invitational that we went [18:10] to we won the conference Championship by [18:16] a lot of Strokes uh that advanced us to the state tournament and then of course [18:24] getting to Bunker Hills in the state tournament uh we just hope I'll be back [18:29] here next year for a three repeat and we'll we'll see how that works out [18:36] um we lost two seniors uh from last year [18:42] uh Mia Morton and McKenna Hogan both of which are at uh college right [18:51] now uh McKenna is in Nebraska going uh into a golf um [18:59] program not playing on the team I guess but some type of a a golf program and [19:06] Mia Morton is on the golf team at St Thomas [19:12] University and uh if you ever watch Facebook and uh which I'm sure a lot of [19:18] you do uh Mia has been uh very active with her [19:25] team and um shooting some fantastic scores so I think she's going to U do [19:33] just fine there I'd like to have the girls come [19:40] forward now and I'm just going to go in the order that they handed me [19:47] the the card so if you want to all come up and kind of line up at the end [19:56] there and first of all we have three sophomores this year and Payton [20:03] Anderson [20:09] congratulations Monica [Applause] [20:18] Hendrickson another sophomore Emerson [Applause] [20:27] Soderberg Junior Abby [20:34] stend finally we have Isabella [20:40] unoff that U we did not have a recognition certificate ready for her [20:46] tonight but she will get one and congratulations [20:54] for I guess that's it all right you go back [21:14] they're professionals [21:22] [Applause] [21:39] our next recognition is the 2024 track and field state championship champion in [21:44] P VA PV Vault mapel Grove Senior High School's Henry white coach Sean Heaton [21:50] please step up to the podium to share Henry's accomplishment go Henry [22:01] all right hello everybody and thanks for having us so um talk a little bit about Henry so I've been coaching Henry in a [22:09] number of different sports uh for a number of years my first memory of Henry would have been when he was in either [22:15] seventh or eighth grade I can't remember on the Nordic ski team uh skiing um and refusing to put his hands into the pole [22:22] straps um and I don't think he ever did I can't remember one time he ever did um [22:27] so at that time was was I thinking that Henry might be a state champion one day um at that time I didn't even know he [22:33] was a p Balter so uh no it didn't come to mind but um this past year which was his junior year Henry's now a senior um [22:40] he hit the ground running uh came in right away uh saying things about um you [22:45] know setting school records and and winning state titles and doing these types of things and uh and you could tell that there was an air of [22:51] seriousness to it and that he was going to back that up with some hard work and that was the case um so uh it was a [22:57] school record setting season um you know many uh great meets led to an eventual School record um and then a [23:04] couple you know iterations upon that School record and so one fun thing about that was that uh Henry's coach so I'm [23:11] the head coach but his pole ball Coach Andrew Norman uh was actually the previous School record holder so he was able to take that record from Andrew in [23:18] route uh to a State title and so uh this was our uh first ever P vaal State title [23:24] for Maple Grove so a really special moment uh on quite a windy day and so it was actually the case where they pivoted [23:31] to move the event indoors uh for the day which is not something uh Paul volters [23:36] have especially at the high school level have the opportunity to do a lot of and so um Henry was able to uh pivot not be [23:44] affected by a change in Venue at the last minute um and able to perform on the day so uh Henry uh won the State [23:51] title with a vault of 15 ft uh and 3 in uh which is currently a School record [23:57] but immediately uh be you know after maybe even during I know he was talking about more records and and what to come [24:04] next being that he does have one more year so was a really uh great time uh to be around all of the hard work and [24:10] success this year so Henry if you want to come forward I give you guys your [24:56] did you get a picture mom [25:08] congratulations so many hardworking Scholars and the next recognition is oio Senior High School's Linton mcferson for [25:16] the second place State title in the 110 hurdles coach John runquist will you [25:21] please introduce Linton [25:31] good evening Dr Hy and School Board cabinet and the oio area schools I am [25:36] coach runquist I am one of the head coaches for oot track and field um teamed up with Coach Andy Claire's who [25:42] is who was not able to make it tonight but uh we've got two two groups that we're going to recognize so I did want [25:48] to hand this off to uh for for Lenton for his his primary coach to go ahead and give a nice little little Spiel on [25:55] him hello I am coach Boden and I have the [26:00] honor of representing Linton mcferson who cannot be here tonight he has um [26:07] continuing his education and his track career at Minnesota state Mano so he's [26:12] having a great time with all that and he's going to represent 279 well so I'm [26:18] excited about that but Linton when he was a sophomore qualified first state in [26:25] the same event 110 hurdles got dead last he was the last guy he contemplated [26:32] quitting track like what am I doing here I didn't know all this was going on in his head but the next year he came back [26:37] and he goes I am not doing that again came back got third in state so this his [26:43] senior year he's like I'm doing better and he came back and got second in state [26:49] broke his school record and if anyone's ever done hurdles they're not for the [26:54] the squeamish cuz you were going to fall and you're going to get up and and he's a great example of the hard work and I [27:01] really do believe he does the oio Excellence and everything he does so I'm I'm very proud of [27:07] [Applause] [27:14] Linton thank you coach um I'm going to go ahead and cover the boys 4 by8 who ended up taking third uh at the state [27:21] meet in June uh with this group of boys uh there's um you know 18 seasons of [27:27] track and field that uh for the these the four primary guys that ran at state of Seasons I've had with them so it's [27:34] been just a special Journey um that's one of the things I love about track and field a lot of times you get these kids [27:39] when they're in six or seventh grade and you get six seasons with them and um I will say some of these kids um you know [27:47] it maturity the stories behind the scenes it's just it just makes it all the more special and for them to go [27:52] ahead and and take third to wrap up their careers was was a special thing um and they also broke the a School record [27:59] at AIO um at sections which had stood for about 40 years and uh that was [28:05] something very special with a 753 and so um for this group of boys um [28:12] we had Kate sanvic who just graduated he is not able to make it as he's out at South Dakota State uh continuing running [28:18] there for cross country and track and field for the jack rabbits Earl Peter also graduated out and he is currently [28:25] uh at basic training down uh with the US Air Air Force and then he set it to uh he'll be working his way later the in [28:32] the next year over to the University of Arizona Tucson uh continue his education [28:37] and then our alternates was uh our primary alternates was sea Lakeman who also graduated he's out at Colorado [28:43] State and then we've got Eli Berg who is uh currently uh he's a 10th grader uh [28:48] here with us uh with AIO yet but uh we do have two that are are present and uh [28:53] we've got my I guess it would be technically you are my son you're also of my [28:58] so um we do have uh we've got quinin quinin ranis who is who is a senior uh [29:04] who played a key [29:10] part and also uh current Junior Ben sanvic uh who also uh is uh here to go [29:18] ahead and take this [29:24] recognition so just a just an honor to represent District 279 good things are [29:30] happening and uh we just appreciate your support as a district to make these uh opportunities come to life for these [29:35] children students and athletes thank you [30:10] two [30:28] conat [30:56] congratulations got it [31:08] okay one more hand for those hardworking uh [Applause] [31:16] students okay our presentation this evening is the preliminary fiscal year [31:21] 2024 financial report to be shared by John morstead Executive Director of Finance and operations and Kelly benusa [31:28] Director of Business Services hi hi uh as you will see [31:35] director benusa was unable to make it this evening she is not feeling well but I will take this on and and uh roll [31:41] right through it for you so thank you and good evening chair moscada Jones board members uh superintendent Dr H [31:48] tonight we're presenting preliminary yearend Financial results for the fiscal year that ended on June 30th of [31:54] 2024 the district is required annually to complete independent audit and submit [31:59] our financial reports by December 31st We Begin this process in late June and [32:05] the results are presented to the school board by our independent audit firm for final approval in [32:10] November by September the process provides elimary uh excuse me preliminary year-end Financial reports [32:16] to assist in budget development for the upcoming fiscal year although our numbers are not final we don't [32:22] anticipate any significant changes I'd like to start by thanking Kelly B and the entire Business Services [32:29] team for their efforts during this process would especially like to recognize Mike Huer Assistant Director [32:35] of Business Services Michelle Larson coordinator of business services and Liz lanto District controller um all four of [32:43] these individuals are incredibly instrumental in ensuring that our audit is performed at the very highest level [32:48] of expectation which they have consistently exceeded year-over-year the [32:53] school board has before them a memo along with three attached exhibits which summarize the financial results the [33:00] first being discussed is the general fund this fund includes the primary operations of the district in providing [33:07] Educational Services for students from prek through grade 12 and includes [33:12] Transportation the exhibit one shows the general fund revenue and expenditure budget variance the combined variance [33:19] was a positive 1.57 which is under our planned Benchmark of [33:26] 2% so here's a quick Qui look at exhibit one showing the actual results in comparison with the budget amounts and [33:32] we're going to go through a few of the highlights here um the general operating revenues were more than budgeted by approximately [33:39] 1.3 million or a little under a half a percent so um always good when your Revenue comes in higher than you [33:47] thought tax collections decreased by about $535,000 from budgeted amounts meaning [33:55] we collected less taxes than we anticipated um this is a sign of increasing Financial stress for [34:00] taxpayers so something we want to keep an eye on over [34:07] time investment earnings were more than we budgeted due to the improved um interest rates by a little over [34:15] $400,000 general education Aid was more than was the our budgeted amounts the [34:20] actual students served were 62 more adjusted pupil units and 14 less [34:26] extended time pupil units from previous estimates at the midye total um adjusted pupil units for [34:33] the year was 22578 [34:39] kids Special Education increased from budget amounts combination of increased current year Revenue that was more than [34:46] anticipated based on formula calculations provided by the Minnesota Department of Ed and partially offset by [34:52] prior year over acral special education is a difficult [34:57] ult one to to Peg down so we we ACR and and um kind of rides a little bit of a [35:03] roller coaster year-over-year so this one happened to be a little bit down and the year prior was a little bit up so it [35:08] goes back and forth um also the desegregation Transportation increased by [35:14] $360,000 from our budgeted amounts um that this is a category that [35:19] is refunded at 100% for us but it's on a year lag so typically in the first year [35:26] we have to front the funds for it then we'll get them back over time thirdparty Billings for medical assistance [35:32] decreased by about $180,000 from budgeted amounts this is an area we need to be monitoring during the current [35:38] fiscal year overall revenues were again more than budget by 1.3 million or a positive [35:45] 0.44% when compared to actual as we move to expenditures [35:53] salaries um is the first category they were under budget by almost $2 million or [35:58] 1.1% that variance is due to several factors first 1.5 million in savings [36:04] from open positions overtime casual assignments unused budget capacity and [36:09] contract settlements and also $437 [36:15] $437,000 in adjustments for Grants the variance for employee [36:20] benefits can be attributed to four main areas first employee health insurance and HSA contributions were about a half [36:27] a million less than projected second um FICA was about $94,000 under budget [36:34] third workers comp at 88,000 under budget and finally retiree HRA [36:40] contributions were 73,000 less than anticipated the purchase Services [36:46] expenditures were $4.2 million under budget Transportation contracted [36:51] services and snow removal were under budget by a, 332,000 and 62,000 [36:58] respectively we really didn't have much snow last year so thank you um [37:04] transportation actual costs were lower due to several factors including savings for Route consolidation and adjustments [37:10] to type three transportation and other routing Solutions along with Propane fuel rebates our utilities were under budget [37:17] in several areas natural gas by 62,000 less than budget capacity and electricity was about 474 th000 under [37:25] budget other purchase Services were were under budget by a milon 37,000 um these fall into three main [37:32] areas Consulting and Professional Services under budget by 477,000 [37:37] primarily due to Cost Containment and management of Staff tuition paid to districts and PSO paid to colleges was [37:46] $431,000 under budget and student resource officers or SRO were under [37:51] budget by $141,000 due to the inability to contract for services [37:57] lastly repairs were under budget by about 129,000 due to Cost Containment um [38:02] measures Again by management staff in the supplies capital and other [38:08] expenditures category we were under budget by $990,000 General instructional [38:13] supplies was the the majority of this at 926 th000 again uh credit is due to Cost [38:20] Containment by management and staff at the buildings they're really what what is controlling this number um new for [38:26] fiscal year 4 was curriculum capacity of 1.5 million which was [38:32] $461,000 under spent which is included in this item overall a positive variance of [38:40] almost $8 million or 2.75% was achieved when comparing actual expenditures with budgeted [38:46] amounts we're going to move to exhibit two which is the general fund Financial summary the district's planning [38:53] Benchmark is the um is that actual revenue and expenditures be within 2% of our budgeted totals the district size [39:01] operations is a total of just under $600 million when you add revenue and expenditures together um and the [39:08] district's procedures are to analyze our revenue and expenditure budgets um and revise to adopted budgets to try to get [39:14] as close as we possibly can um being within 2% is a a lofty goal and we've [39:21] been able to achieve it multiple years in a row most of our Benchmark districts run a range of 2 to 4% so we we trying [39:29] to run in the 0 to two on purpose again I will give that credit to our financial staff that are excellent and do just a [39:36] great job of not only estimating but staying on top of it throughout the year so for fiscal 24 our net revenue [39:43] expenditure variance was 9.3 million or [39:48] 1.57% okay so now last exhibit is the fund balance summary for all [39:54] funds um don't be shocked by this number I can explain it overall the fund [40:01] balance for all funds as shown at the bottom of exhibit three increased from the prior year amount of 138 million to [40:09] 410 million on June 30th of 2024 a combined increase of 272 [40:17] million we'll go through the funds to kind of explain this the general fund in blue increased in fund balance by 24.6 [40:24] million which includes non-operating funds like grants gifts and Student [40:29] Activities capital expenditure land proceeds fund which is the yellow fund here decreased in fund balance by almost [40:36] 2.1 million the fund balance of almost 7 point or excuse me 5.7 million is [40:42] restricted by state statutes for facilities equipment textbook technology and long-term facility [40:49] maintenance the food and nutrition services fund increased its fund balance to almost 5.8 million or 34% of ual [40:57] expenditures we will continue utilizing these resources to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of [41:03] operations through the um through future Capital Improvements within Food [41:08] Service community service Fund in green decreased fund balance by just over $300,000 to 6 million or 32% of [41:17] expenditures under state law all revenue and fund balance are reserved for Community Education [41:23] programs and finally the big one building construction fund balance increased by [41:29] $24.6 million the increase is due to the issuance of [41:34] 23835 million in General Obligations School building bonds and Facilities maintenance bonds series [41:42] 2024a which was from the voter approved building projects and board approved long-term facility maintenance projects [41:49] and also the $21 million spend down of current and prior bond issuances for building projects and ltfm projects [41:55] already in process The Debt Service fund balance increased [42:00] by 11.3 million Debt Service fund revenue and expenditures represent the amounts necessary to meet our principal [42:06] and interest payment schedules associated with the long-term debt of the [42:11] district so this is a familiar slide you've seen before this is our our one-page highlevel um fiveyear [42:18] projection for the general fund I'm going to break it into its three components just to make it a little easier to [42:24] see the top section is revenue and expens ures differences in fund balance [42:29] the fund balance percentage for a seven-year window that begins with actual in fiscal 23 and 24 adopted for [42:36] fiscal 25 and projections for 26 through 29 you would typically see some sort of [42:41] operational adjustments right underneath the chart um if needed um assumptions [42:47] and I'll talk about that a little bit more in a minute um the the Assumption section shows also our revenue and [42:52] expenditure assumptions that that we're using in the 26 through 29 projections [42:58] the next section shows the budgeted projection for revenues in blue and expenditures in red trend lines in the [43:04] same color show the general trajectory of each of these items as you can see [43:09] expenditures are projected to outpace revenues beginning in 2025 and [43:15] continuing the final section is a look at fund balance projection for the same overall time periods the green bars [43:21] represent our actual projected actual and projected fund balances for each year the orange bar shows the minimum [43:28] required fund balance of 5% as said in board policy and again trend lines show the trajectory of the fund balance [43:34] related to the minimum as you can see fund balance is starting projected to start to decline in 25 and we'll need to [43:41] monitor our financial projections in order to maintain the board required minimum fund balance of 5% in the future [43:48] under this model we're not currently planning any operational reductions through 2029 however as we learn more about our [43:54] tactics for revenues and expenditures coming in like contracts for services um [44:00] and our settlements for our bargain groups as soon as we know that information and can include it we will [44:06] actually add it to an update this chart okay next steps in summary the [44:14] year-end results are considerably better than we anticipated due to several factors including the continued efforts [44:21] again of both staff and administration these combined efforts have reduced the need for future budget reductions [44:27] through 2029 based on our current projections the fiscal 24 Financial results will be incorporated into the [44:33] longrange financial planning process as designed as usual the board will be providing direction to take action in [44:39] three different fiscal years over the next few months this action will be impacted by positive year and results [44:45] from this current fiscal 24 report first on November 12th we will continue the [44:52] formal fiscal 26 budget planning process at the board's work session these year [44:57] and results will be incorporated into that lrfp process second Auditors will be presenting the final fiscal 28 audit [45:04] report on November 19th at the school board meeting and lastly these results will be utilized in the fiscal 25 [45:11] midyear budget update and brought forward for approval to the board on February 25th thank you and I will turn it back [45:18] to chair Mada Jones for any comments or questions thank you so much um board members are there any questions or [45:24] comments uh you mentioned the within the 2% [45:31] that's just phenomenal um and I know that we look at the numbers regularly throughout the year um our audit reports [45:38] are always fantastic so a lot of appreciation to you and the finance department as well um I think for the [45:45] community members who see all of this detail um I think it's it's great that we adjust at midyear so we don't drop [45:52] every dollar to the bottom line we do look at midye we do make adjustments where we need to but hopefully this [45:59] demonstrates that um as a district and as a board the fiscal responsibility to [46:04] ensuring that we do um drop those budget numbers that we're not um needlessly [46:10] redeploying them um because we're looking at this from a long-term perspective year over year over year um [46:15] so thank you for the presentation and phenomenal as always thank [46:23] you and again I want to thank our financial department um um I'm in another school district and there are a [46:28] lot of school districts that are that are cutting and we do not have to do that here in AIO so thank you again [46:34] you're very fortunate so thanks to everyone who makes that happen thank you thank [46:41] you okay the next agenda item is the opp audience opportunity to address the school [46:47] board um before sharing some guidelines for audience participation I'd like to remind us all that everyone here this [46:54] evening regardless of their point of view on matters before the board have the best interests of our scholars in [47:01] mind we want our children to care about each other even when there's disagreement we strive to be one [47:08] community and in so doing decorum matters in this public space since this is election season we [47:17] would like to remind everyone that this is not the forum for campaigning we need to concentrate on [47:23] our role as a governance body and champions for our Scholars and [47:29] families speakers will be called to the podium in this order student parent [47:36] staff community and others when I call your name please come to the microphone and state your name the topic and [47:43] whether or not you are a district resident please keep your comments to three minutes and address the entire [47:50] board that means we're not addressing an individual board member or the audience verbally or with posters or literature [47:57] the board and audience will listen and not respond back at this time if you'd like someone to follow up with you on [48:02] your questions or comments please let the board um secretary Sherry know [48:08] comments and interactions between board members and the public are expected to be respectful courteous professional and [48:13] civil and for the good of our community Personnel concern should be directed to individuals in the following order [48:21] building principal Executive Director of Human Resources assistant superintendent [48:27] superintendent and finally in writing to the school board I just want to thank you for your cooperation and for your [48:32] advoc advocacy of Scholars regardless of our Viewpoint we know that everyone here is um advocating for our Scholars we [48:40] continue to lead with our mission to inspire and prepare each and every scholar with the confidence courage and [48:47] competence to achieve their dreams contribute to community and engage in a [48:53] lifetime of learning and with that our first speaker is Natalie [49:06] Sonic good evening my name is Natalie Sonic I have a student in the district and I'm here to express my concerns [49:12] regarding the failed leadership of the school board our district website States our goal is to help each student [49:18] graduate with confidence courage and competence yet 35% of our students meet [49:24] state standards in Reading 27% % in science 27% in math this is a failure of [49:31] the school board and a sign that you have not been placing education as your main goal you say that the safety of our [49:37] children is your highest priority yet a year ago three of you voted to limit the role of our safety resource officers in [49:44] our school which then triggered the temporary removal of the sro's from our schools for months this done even after [49:50] the local law enforcement officer spoke directly to you regarding the concerns with this change in the recent school [49:57] shooting in Georgia the local paper indicated that the hero in stopping the shooter was a safety resource officer [50:04] you say that every voice H is important and you want freedom to read yet when you cons when a concerned parent or [50:10] Community member attempts to read excerpts from a book found in one of our libraries they're they are censored from [50:16] reading it because the content is too sensitive for young listeners or when a page is shown of one of these same books [50:22] suddenly new rules are put into place to censor parents from community members from seeing any content of these books [50:29] so let me get that straight that is in censorship you tell the the that the book is fine for students but not for [50:36] the people sitting in these board meetings that's hypocrisy you tell people concerning um with concerns [50:42] coming forward with a book said their concerns are strictly because it's lgbtq themed the five that I'm aware of are [50:48] not allg all lgbtq themed there's a National Organization gaze against [50:54] groomers which has over 800,000 followers and have spoken at many Schoolboard meetings regarding these exact books one [51:00] of their posts that they had on on a social media site says yes we're advocating for the removal of [51:06] inappropriate books from school libraries kids should explore curiosity sexuality naturally at their own pace [51:13] not through explicit content in schools stop sexualizing children you say that you want teachers [51:20] to have the freedom to teach yet I've heard teachers come here and express that they want to be allowed to focus [51:25] their teaching strictly on course subjects of expertise and yet their voices are dismissed that is not freedom [51:31] to teach continue with the same theme that every voice should be heard three individuals from the school board [51:36] recently attended a policy meeting which reviewed the policy 652 the right to [51:41] challenge a book one member of the committee made the recommendations to strike members from the policy community [51:47] members from the policy this restriction makes a clear statement that if you're a Community member without a student in [51:52] the district your voice does not matter unless there is referendum that needs to be passed which entails the needing [51:59] needing your vote and and your money it is clear we are in need of new leadership leaders who will empower the [52:05] voice of the family ensure our children's safety and will put the focus back on where it needs to be back onto [52:12] education thank you thank you Natalie Julie Smith [52:31] hi my name is Julie Smith I'm a Community member who truly cares about the safety and mental health of our [52:37] students I don't want to be here but I think people should know what recently happened a school board member a [52:43] district council and a coordinator of media tried to make my voice null and void by editing policy 652 and removing [52:51] the ability for community members to voice concern over what is being taught and offered in schools Why by the way [52:59] this is illegal according to the 2023 Minnesota statute 120b point11 sub [53:04] division 3 it states that community members must be included in District advisory committees my journey in this [53:11] began well over a year ago when I found out that there were sexually explicit and pornographic materials being offered [53:17] to our students I was shocked I thought that only happened somewhere else I started reaching out in September 2023 [53:24] to let our once trusted official know so that they could correct this situation I reached out to principals the [53:30] coordinator of digital instructional media and the board I kept getting the runaround everyone was pointing to [53:36] somebody else I let the board know the process to review materials in the school was cumbersome and not functional [53:43] I thought things would be corrected they weren't so on February 8th 2024 I began [53:49] the process to challenge a book in our schools because multiple parts were extremely sexually explicit and [53:54] potentially harmful for immature youth youth the school level re-evaluation committee chosen by the principal and a [54:01] coordinator of media voted to keep offering this book to kids as young as 14 even though a number of the committee [54:09] members admitted the book was dark a hard read depressing Etc I can't remember all the exact quotes because [54:16] yet another rule got added to the committee rules that said we couldn't record why that makes a person wonder [54:22] what is going on and at this level my trust was Zero I petitioned to ch ched the book to the district level I got [54:28] blown off now I know why they knew the changes they were pushing on policy 652b [54:33] they knew my youngest was a senior last year I'm no longer a parent of a student I'm just a taxpaying Community member I [54:41] and others were written out with these edits of 652b a few people and a board member [54:47] were able to add this back in but it was a fight this was sneaky and underhanded [54:53] we don't want to ban books we want safety measures to be taken and parents to know about these materials we want [54:59] our students safe and protected I and others suggest that we rate books with [55:05] topics typically not deemed appropriate for youth like movies TV shows Etc we were told it would take too much time to [55:11] protect our kids from very graphic materials and of course more of our taxpayer dollars this process has been [55:18] very disappointing I think we can recover but trust is hard to rebuild I [55:23] hope all of you work for Less Division and more teamwork so we can truly achieve the mission that is stated by [55:30] this District thank you thank you [55:44] Leon good evening Leon San District resident and concerned parent my topic tonight is the intersection between [55:51] School Board autonomy and the state so right around the time that a few of us were challenged ing a handful of [55:57] sexually explicit books here in our district a ban on book Banning came down from the state and I found the timing [56:03] fascinating we've heard the cliche that the wheels of government move slowly but the trifecta we have in St Paul was very [56:10] fast and swooped in with the Bill signed it into law mayate 17th and effective [56:15] August 1st as you already know the law known as the access to library materials [56:21] and rights protection prevents public libraries and libraries and public schools from removing moving materials [56:27] based on messages or opinions it conveys I find it foolish that this same vague law was written to cover Public public [56:33] libraries and school libraries while other state statutes such as 134.5 wisely recognize the vital difference [56:40] between public and school libraries and the wording of the second part almost tries to paint a caricature of us as [56:46] extremists who want to ban messages and opinions so I'd respectfully ask you as a board to reject this narrative if [56:53] we're going to be criticized for wanting to shelter children from sexually explicit content so be it it's an honor [56:59] to be criticized for that I was just thinking the other day even dogs fiercely protect their young and so who [57:07] am I as a human being to not want to protect my young and their generation [57:12] here's a quote from Governor Waltz the day he signed the new law he said protecting access to books means protecting access to the knowledge that [57:18] our kids deserve and I cannot fathom defining the explicit content from the [57:24] book that I challenged as knowledge that our kids deserve his quote continues if [57:29] you're Banning books you're always on the wrong side of History I know some who have tried to equate our book [57:34] challenges with the historic book Banning in Hitler's Germany or the Banning of books about apartheid in South Africa Etc which is over the top [57:42] even the book Banning verbiage is over the top as if we're Banning certain titles from the entire planet we are [57:48] simply trying to remove sexually explicit content from school libraries not County Libraries not Barnes & Noble [57:55] and by the way Barnes & Noble has a big display right now for banded books which I wouldn't have known about except one [58:01] candidate who's trying for a seat on this board took a photo up in front of it uh so if people must access books [58:08] with erotic themes there are plenty of places to find them I don't recommend it because God says to set our minds on [58:14] whatever is noble and praiseworthy 30 seconds dark compulsion to do so the items are sadly out there last two facts [58:22] I want to mention about the new law it mandates challenged books be reported up to the Minnesota Department of Education [58:27] so again interesting tension between local boards in our state and Minnesota state librarian Tamara Lee clarified the [58:34] new law stating book Banning is different from book challenging as challenging books is still supported [58:44] thanks Brett Stuy thank you [59:07] good evening my name is Dr Brit stusy and I'm a district resident I got involved in the book reevaluation [59:12] process because I wanted to exercise my rights as a community member to call into question the appropriateness of [59:18] explicit obscene and harmful materials and publicly funded School libraries I got involved in the re-evaluation [59:24] process because I understood what it felt like to be a depressed and hopeless teenager I was manipulated and coerced [59:30] into believing casual sex would make me confident and solve all my problems believing this world view led to me [59:35] being raised at 17 and 23 that is why I'm here because oio students deserve [59:41] better they deserve to have books in their libraries that do not promote and normalize subject matters such as casual [59:47] sex violence suicide beastality and instructions for accessing porn policy [59:53] 652b serves as a means of accountability the ability for parents and community members to audit the district to make [59:59] sure funds are being spent on quality educational materials that Empower an equip District students to make sure tax [1:00:06] dollars are not being misappropriated on instructional materials that are intended to manipulate and coer students [1:00:11] into harmful ideologies it is the duty of District parents and community members to regularly audit materials in [1:00:17] the library and draw attention to the school board in inappropriate books one such example is Choke by Chuck penck at [1:00:25] mapl High School some of the major themes in this book are sex addiction and sexually deviant [1:00:30] behavior on the copyrights page it reads quote portions of this book have previous appeared in Playboy chapter 20 [1:00:37] appeared in the June 2000 Playboy and chapter 40 appear in the January 2001 [1:00:42] Playboy from chapter 40 on page 248 quote another woman two Knuckles deep [1:00:48] and disappearing into herself a different man his four inches dancing between his thumb and forefinger primed [1:00:54] and ready to cough up little white soldiers end quote on page 10 a woman spreads peanut butter on her vagina and [1:01:01] has a dog lick it off for those of you that are visual Learners does this book as stated by the [1:01:08] AIO Mission quote Inspire and prepare each and every scholar with the confidence courage and confidence to [1:01:14] achieve their dreams end quote was this book a good use of taxpayer funds is it [1:01:20] appropriate to have a book that appeared in a pornographic magazine available to high school students the majority of of [1:01:26] whom are under 18 policy 652b exists so parents and [1:01:32] community members can ask questions like these to school board members in a public forum parents and community [1:01:38] members deserve transparency if the oio district and School Board believes these books serve a purpose then they should [1:01:43] defend their positions publicly most importantly the district should work with parents and community members to [1:01:49] put guardes in place to protect impressionable young students from explicit obscene and harmful content [1:01:55] well some school board members are making this issue political and adversarial I believe in Partnership to [1:02:01] work with the district in order to better serve students to help them achieve their dreams thank you for your [1:02:06] time and I look forward to our continued partnership time thank [1:02:13] you that was our last um card and the next agenda item is the superintendent's [1:02:18] report Dr Hy good evening chair mosquito Jones and school board members it's with pleasure [1:02:25] that I welcome everyone to the 2425 school year I'm thrilled to report [1:02:30] we are off to an exciting start to the Academic Year our students both returning and our new uh students have [1:02:37] brought a renewed sense of energy back into the district and into our classrooms and is wonderful to witness [1:02:43] the power powerful interactions and positive interactions that are occurring across K through 12 um we're excited uh [1:02:50] to welcome a new cour court of students as well this year I'm confident they'll quickly fill it at home with us [1:02:57] alongside that we also are welcoming new staff members this year who we sure will make a positive impact on our our babies [1:03:03] or our Scholars we also have several existing staff members stepping into new positions bringing in those fresh [1:03:10] perspectives to their roles and our team is looking stronger than ever and I look forward to the year ahead with this [1:03:16] outstanding group of Educators today I had the privilege of having the first meeting of the year [1:03:22] with my superintendent student Advisory Group this group of except I Scholars 22 [1:03:27] of them represent the voice of our high school students and I was incredibly impressed today two of the ladies that [1:03:33] was here today also sit on that committee I was incredibly impressed with the level of Engagement and [1:03:39] motivation we discussed a variety of topics including changes they would like to see in the district and changes they [1:03:45] would like to see in their schools and they also provided us some valuable input for the new cell phone policy and [1:03:51] you'll be quite interesting of what they had to say it's probably the opposite of what you may be thinking [1:03:56] um their ideas and the insights were thoughtful and it shared Innovative steps that we can take to ensure that [1:04:01] all of our Scholars are set up for Success no matter what their pathway is when they leave o seal area schools this [1:04:07] group will continue to serve as a critical advisory body and I'm confident their contributions will lead to me [1:04:14] meaningful change in our district as well so I'm excited for what this year holds and grateful for the dedication of [1:04:20] our staff uh the enthusiasm of our students and always the support of our community because we could not do it [1:04:26] without you so let's continue to work together to make AA area schools one Community for all where all voices are [1:04:33] valued and heard so thank you so we're going to go into the regular report of [1:04:38] the superintendent's report of points of Pride for our district sharing these points they contribute to the [1:04:44] accomplishments of our mission and our mission which most people probably know is to inspire and prepare each and every [1:04:50] scholar with confidence courage and competence to achieve their dreams contribute to the community [1:04:56] and to engage in a lifetime of learning and so this evening we do have with us members of our district cabinet to [1:05:02] assist in sharing some examples of this from the last month in the area of achieving dreams superintendent Dr H and [1:05:09] staff across the district were excited to welcome back Scholars to another great year of learning on the first day [1:05:15] of school we are dedicated to making oio area schools one Community for all where [1:05:21] all voices are valued and heard [1:05:26] students from across the district were recognized for the work at the Minnesota State Fair K 12 competition the K12 [1:05:34] competition presents an annual exhibition of the work of students in kindergarten through grade 12 students [1:05:41] enter uh students enter exhibits in 31 different categories The Works were [1:05:46] displayed in the education building at the State Fair oio Senior High School student Luke Scott first in the 11th [1:05:54] grade wheel throne Ceramics category and Ty Swanson play second in the 12th grade [1:06:00] wheel thrown Ceramics category Maple Grove Senior High School student recent [1:06:07] graduate Madison Hills Camp header peace Nature's Fray received a grand prize for [1:06:13] the whole K12 exhibition and a blue ribbon first place in its category recent graduate cityon K oer [1:06:22] received third place in category in the in its cat category for its work handmade teapot and cup oio education [1:06:31] center students Katherine Kellerman Abraham Wallace and William hyid had [1:06:36] their crap art displayed as well congratulations to Maple Grove [1:06:43] Senior High School seniors Matthew Hoy Gabe Hackett Samantha Leonards and [1:06:48] shobani re for being named 2025 National Merit Scholarship semi-finalists [1:06:55] these students were four of four of more than 16,000 semifinalists named [1:07:03] nationally on the first day of the new school year CCX media visited North U [1:07:08] Middle School with superintendent Dr Kim H to see the results from the student summer renovation from excuse me from [1:07:14] the school summer renovation project which brought flexible learning spaces and a new library media center to the [1:07:21] school along with other improvements and modernization [1:07:28] before school started many students and community members gathered to cheer on the Maple Grove Senior High and oio [1:07:34] Senior High football teams in their season opener in the area of contributing to [1:07:40] community on September 21st The District 279 foundation's 14th annual reading is [1:07:46] Fund 5K took place at Elm Creek Park Reserve nearly 300 community members [1:07:51] registered for this year's familyfriendly event and raised $113,000 to purchase learning resources for media [1:07:58] centers in uary schools the event highlights included a stretching activity with music a community [1:08:04] Gathering a 1K and 5K in the area of lifelong learning [1:08:10] students from Ukraine recently visited oio area schools meeting the students and teachers and experiencing a day at [1:08:16] Maple Grove Senior High School these International students were a part of you lead program sponsored by the global [1:08:22] Synergy group that are visiting the country for 4 weeks as part of a leadership program the visiting students [1:08:30] partnered with link crew leaders attending their classes and launch with them as well as participating in a pep [1:08:35] Fest to celebrate the first week of school Crestview Elementary will be [1:08:40] celebrating 65 years this 2425 school year the Year kicked off with a prep pep [1:08:47] rally full of excitement and good cheer this school year will be filled with opportunities to celebrate crestview's [1:08:54] past and present students and staff as they prepare for its repurposing go [1:09:01] Cardinals Aaron Bo spends each day fostering a sense of community and belonging in her art classes at Maple [1:09:08] Grove Senior High School in recognition of her her outstanding work Bo recently [1:09:14] named art educat educators of Minnesota or am art educator of the Year B said I [1:09:22] truly quote I truly feel like I found the perfect job for my personality and my values every day uh I get to Foster [1:09:29] inclusion and belonging and create Community my extroverted self just loves chatting with people every day and just [1:09:36] being around people and laughter unquote staff members from sites across [1:09:43] the district gathered before school started for a fantastic all staff event [1:09:49] the day included food trucks yard games caricature artists a mascot race and a [1:09:54] speech Pursuit from superintendent Dr Kim H and in the area of mission driven [1:10:01] employees a few of our elementary school students sat down with the six new [1:10:06] Elementary School principles to introduce them to our district Community please check them out check out the [1:10:12] videos on our website and social media pages to get to know our new [1:10:18] principles as schools welcomed 167 new certified staff members this school year [1:10:24] these new staff members members attended a new teacher Workshop event at Park Center Senior High School on August 19th [1:10:30] which included information resources and Technology support offerings lunch and speeches from District leaders we're so [1:10:37] happy to have these new professionals on our team for the 2024 2025 school [1:10:42] year the O area school's grounds crew was hard at work recently installing artificial turf in the Elm Creek [1:10:49] Elementary School Gaga pit thanks for all you do for our students [1:10:55] in September Minnesota school boards Association is sponsoring Minnesota school board recognition month Public [1:11:02] School boards have heart to recognize school board members for their commitment to Minnesota's public school [1:11:07] students I'm going to turn it to Dr H for some additional words thank you Brian historically the Minnesota School [1:11:14] Board Association had designated February of each school year at school board recognition month uh change has in [1:11:22] made to implement this year to recognize the school board members Statewide in the month of September to coincide with [1:11:28] the start of the school year so this year's theme as Brian has shared as public school boards have heart so the [1:11:35] recognition is to build awareness and understanding of this vital elected school board members play in our society [1:11:43] I Area Schools is joining other public school districts from across the state to celebrate School Board recognition [1:11:48] month to honor our local board members for the commitment to our district and to our Scholars school boards I don't [1:11:55] have to say this play a crucial role in shaping the future of our students and strengthening the bonds within our [1:12:01] communities their mission goes beyond their setting policies they are dedicated to improving student [1:12:07] achievement and fostering Community engagement that represents all of our stakeholders creating a thriving [1:12:13] environment for Education by setting a Clear Vision for the district establishing strategies to achieve key [1:12:20] goals in holding the system accountable for Progress which they do if you don't know that and they ensure every scholar [1:12:27] has opportunity to meet and exceed performance standards the responsibility [1:12:33] of guiding Learners from prek through adulthood is Monumental School Board uh [1:12:38] service carries profound influence impacting not only the future of our children but also the quality of life in [1:12:44] our communities while many understand that significance of the board's work fear May realize the intense Dedication [1:12:51] that it requires board members spend countless hours preparing for meetings engaging in work sessions studying [1:12:57] educational issues and laws and listening to the voices of parents staff and the community the work is Relentless [1:13:04] and ever present but is done with passion and a deep commitment to make a lasting difference in keeping with this [1:13:10] year's theme you're all receiving your iHeart ISD 279 Scholars cookie as well [1:13:16] as a motivational notebook I truly from the bottom of my heart I thank each one of you for your service we appreciate [1:13:22] all that your of your time and service you have committed Ed to oil area schools [1:13:28] congratulations thank you I think for all of us it's an honor to be on the board with you oh thank [1:13:36] you that came back okay thank you all right for our next slide we're [1:13:41] just going to wrap this up just some small notes and reminders oio senior high will be celebrating Centennial [1:13:47] anniversary this Friday September 27th before the school's homecoming football game so alumni former staff and [1:13:54] community members are all welcome to arrive at 3:30 p.m. and the school will have food trucks yard games student L [1:14:00] School tours from 3:30 to 5:30 prior to the start of the game alumni and past staff members will be lined up on the [1:14:07] football field and recognized by their decade I don't know if I want that or not the homecoming game will then begin [1:14:13] at 6 PM uh and also just a reminder we do need help for uh your school by [1:14:19] filling out those educational benefits form even though u schools have free and reduced lunch we do need those forms [1:14:24] filled out out for other items here in the school district so please visit our website to learn more uh tonight was the [1:14:32] first night of three School preview nights for our Crest viiew families they have the opportunity this evening to [1:14:38] check out Edinbrook and they also will be checking out Zan wood and Fair Oaks as they transferring School options for [1:14:44] next fall so if you remember this change is due to crestf being repurposed a lot [1:14:49] of communication has gone out to our impacted families and our communic community is welcome to learn more at [1:14:56] district279.org repurposing also a very important item [1:15:01] we do want our community members to know is to be aware that a community engagement process has started for [1:15:08] attendance boundary change process over the next several months Elementary and Middle School attendance boundaries will [1:15:14] be reviewed to determine needed changes these adjustments will reassign elementary middle schools for some of [1:15:21] our households that are zoned to attend so our community support is very important to us for building better [1:15:27] future 2023 to help minim minimize as much as possible the impact of that [1:15:33] change so please make sure to take your time and provide feedback your voice is important on the attendance boundary [1:15:39] considerations by October 9th and that can also be found online at two district279.org [1:15:46] boundaries thank you and that concludes tonight's superintendent report thank you thank you our next agenda item is [1:15:52] Schoolboard reports director Brooks do you have a report no school uh director Douglas no right [1:15:59] tonight director Prince yeah I have the 279 uh Board of Trustees met which Emily [1:16:06] leis on too not a trustee or voting member but um we had a review of the [1:16:12] year- end financials um and for those that may not know all of the things that the foundation does there's three big [1:16:18] events that was just mentioned the 5K event which was fun and the lightning [1:16:24] and rain cleared out just in time for it to be successful um so thank you to the 300 uh F 300 community members who [1:16:31] signed up to run and participate and contribute and sponsor um we also have a night out and that's every year in [1:16:37] February and that's um a significant Revenue driver again all of the dollars [1:16:42] go to supporting additional um classroom experiences and experiences outside the classroom as well um through grants and [1:16:50] then the investment in Youth and that's the uh May Awards where we recognize [1:16:55] students and staff across the entire District so um I just ask that the community uh keep your eye out for those [1:17:01] things go to the 279 Foundation uh website to learn more we also have a number of uh organizations and [1:17:08] individuals who contribute directly with funding um and it's just very generous [1:17:13] I'm just looking um from our reports everywhere from um $1,000 contributors [1:17:18] up to over 8,000 from different organizations that support the foundation um and then of course all of [1:17:24] them employees in the district also um have a giving campaign to support the foundation as well um so do go out there [1:17:30] take a look see who the trustees are because it's a very small group it was just mentioned that it's a working board [1:17:37] um where the board members the trustee members are also the volunteers um and the there's also opportunities if you go [1:17:43] to the website to volunteer for these different events as well um and already the planning and the activities and the [1:17:50] um construction for the night out is beginning so check out the website and if you want to help out for that event [1:17:56] uh register to be a volunteer so thank you to our community for supporting our Scholars with exceptional [1:18:04] opportunities thank you and the night the date for the night out again is Brian February February first Friday [1:18:11] in February can we share the theme yet yeah Western team will try to raise over [1:18:17] $50,000 for class room grants in one night so yeah sign up look for registration what's that what kind [1:18:24] Western Western ye you have plenty of time to buy your [1:18:30] cowboy thank you thank you all right director Mitchell do you have a report yeah just [1:18:36] we had the kickoff meeting for um also with Brian he's a busy man with um for CPAC Our Community Education Program and [1:18:44] um I appreciate hearing from the variety of community members we have some that have been um many years almost 20 years [1:18:50] um involved and we had a good recap of um some summer successes and collabor [1:18:55] priorities for the new year so more on that to come director Grady nothing tonight okay [1:19:02] at this time I have two quick reports um with District 287 um we uh approved several student [1:19:11] policies that were reviewed by students and um change because of student input [1:19:17] and then we um Extended the superintendent's contract um and then [1:19:23] there was introduction to new Business Leaders at Northwest Suburban integration School District um the main [1:19:31] uh item from that meeting last Wednesday was the Strategic plan and um goals for [1:19:39] that so the next agenda item is the consent agenda board members are there [1:19:44] any items you would like to remove for separate [1:19:50] consideration hearing none is there a motion to approve the consent agenda as [1:19:57] printed uh moved by director Brooks second second by director Prince um is [1:20:04] there any discussion again the consent agenda um [1:20:09] includes minutes of meetings and financial reports and um School field [1:20:15] trips things like that um all in favor say I Al POS motion passes six to zero [1:20:27] uh our first action item on is the recommendation for approval of the 2024 pay 2025 preliminary [1:20:35] Levy um information will be shared by John morstead again Executive Director of Finance and [1:20:41] operations um so thank you it's the John show a little bit of the John show [1:20:58] okay thank you chair Miss Gada Jones again board members and superintendent Dr H good evening um this evening We'll [1:21:05] be asking for the board to approve the 2024 payable 2025 preliminary [1:21:12] Levy um State Statute requires that the school board certify a preliminary Levy limitation by September 30 of each year [1:21:19] the purpose of this is to provide information to henpen County Auditors so the proposed text statements can be [1:21:25] prepared and mailed to taxpayers by November 24th the final certification will take [1:21:31] place at the December 17th 2024 regular school board meeting after the truth and Taxation hearing which gives um the [1:21:38] school board an opportunity to review the level the the levy prior to final certification and also the public to [1:21:45] make comment legislature has authorized Minnesota school districts to Levy and [1:21:51] collect property taxes for specific elements of school funding about 50% of the dollars levied are authorized [1:21:57] through voter approval the remainder of the levy is authorized by state statute as a mechanism to provide spec specific [1:22:04] funding for student programs or operational expenses this is a unique time of the year as the business [1:22:10] services staff are currently working across three different fiscal years we are um wrapping up the close out of the [1:22:16] audit which we spoke about earlier and also actively working obviously on our current year and then preliminary Levy [1:22:22] here is the start of the fiscal 20 six budget we'll now take a look at the [1:22:28] preliminary Levy I will start with the caveat of the numbers that I have in front of you here [1:22:33] are all wrong um and the reason they're wrong is the levy gets updated every single day um typically in September and [1:22:40] there was another Levy run today so we know this number is not quite right I'm still going to walk through it because we're really really close um it's it's I [1:22:48] think that the run I saw today had us at 0.51% um but in general most of our [1:22:55] major categories are going to be spot on um it just kind of highlights that the levy process is very very complicated [1:23:00] especially for the Department of Ed to run and track everything um so it takes a lot of time and it just because we're [1:23:06] on an approval on the 24th of September um they're they really need up to [1:23:12] towards close to the 30th of September to make sure that they have most everything correct so um a little bear [1:23:17] with us but this is pretty normal um so here's this information is also included in exhibit a and the board [1:23:23] materials that were provided Ed it summarizes the total Levy changes um [1:23:28] from last year and then also the proposals for this year so as of this [1:23:33] one which was yesterday's um a 200 [1:23:39] 27259 or 0.19% though um other than specific [1:23:46] voter approval there are four major ways that the local Levy can change first is through changes in state law second is [1:23:52] pupil unit or specific population changes third is changing market value or tax [1:23:57] capacity of the district property which is an important factor for levies some levies are equalized which means a [1:24:04] portion of the funding formula is paid through state aid and the remainder is paid through the local Levy as the [1:24:09] market value grows these types of levies are designed to De decrease the [1:24:14] proportion of levies picked up by the state aid and increase the proportion picked up by local Levy the final way levies can change is [1:24:22] when expenditures change um for those programs whose revenue is based on actual expenditures we when we Levy we [1:24:29] do an estimation of those expenditures this slide summarizes [1:24:35] information and Exhibit C of the board materials again the [1:24:41] $272,000 I want to highlight net tax capacity net tax capacity in the [1:24:46] district is changing by growing by 2.6% this is the number that we use to calculate our capital projects [1:24:52] technology Levy which is taking that this number and multiplying it by [1:24:59] 4.7% referendum market value uh is a term that is essentially what you use to calculate the overall value of all the [1:25:06] property in the district so from last year to this year we increased by about 1.5 billion or [1:25:13] 6.17% that is good news if you are a taxpayer because the the pi that is our [1:25:19] Levy just got spread across another $ 1.5 billion dollar worth of property so your piece individually should be [1:25:29] smaller the next set of slides covers line items in the general fund Levy uh this is also in exhibit B of the board [1:25:36] materials First Column of the numbers represents the proposed pay 25 Levy for each category the next columns you can [1:25:42] see the comparative dollar amounts for last year's Levy and the change from year to year the single largest line [1:25:48] item in the levy is the voter approved operating referendum several factors influence this the formulas calculated [1:25:54] based upon pupil numbers the voter approved formula also includes an inflationary factor which for the 2026 [1:26:01] school year is estimated at 2.43% when the um this brings the voter [1:26:07] approved operating referendum to about $2,772 per [1:26:13] pupil the decrease you see here is primarily due to the increase in market value of the district also in this line [1:26:20] are prior adjustments of 735 ,000 due to [1:26:26] um inflation adjustments and also adjusted student Counts from the previous year local optional Revenue the board [1:26:33] approves a levy this is a board approved Levy for $724 per pupil this per pupil [1:26:40] amount um will increase in the manner much like the operating referendum it's an equalized Levy so the state aid [1:26:47] portion of this formula has declined with our increasing tax capacity in our district this Levy is 100% covered by [1:26:55] the local Levy and there is no state aid we're expecting an increase of about 118,000 or 7/10 of a perc primarily due [1:27:02] to changes in enrollment capital projects Levy will increase as tax capacity Rises this [1:27:09] again is a voter approved Levy that is calculated as that percent of net tax capacity um again the [1:27:18] the current authorization was approved in November of 2022 at 4.71% of net tax [1:27:24] capacity so the increase from the previous year is 97,000 or [1:27:29] 6.7% and is a direct reflection of the increase in that net tax capacity and the increase in the number of or value [1:27:36] of the homes in the district operating Capital Levy is increasing as it's linked to our [1:27:42] building age which increases each year and student enrollment so you're looking at 224,000 [1:27:49] there this slide covers the next several lines of the general fund Levy um I'm just going to highlight one item here [1:27:55] being re-employment Insurance the legislature changed laws um in 2023 to [1:28:01] include summer unemployment that first year what the legislature did was gave a lump sum of [1:28:06] $135 million to cover the costs for school districts some are unemployment [1:28:12] for staff that previously hourly staff that weren't eligible that now are the first year we that cost our district [1:28:18] about $850,000 which was again fully reimbursed by the state um this most [1:28:23] recent summer we saw our cost almost double to a m570 [1:28:29] th000 it's expected that and now the state's fiscal year catches a little bit of next June where this June's went to [1:28:36] last year but we're expecting that at the end of fiscal 25 without legislative [1:28:41] changes although director Grady did mention to me this is already on the agenda so it's great news um without [1:28:48] that that 1.57 million would become the responsibility of the district's general fund to pick up that cost so it becomes [1:28:55] a a pretty big um piece that we need to account for um unless there are [1:29:00] legislative changes that pick it up what you're seeing here that $200,000 that's our estimated regular unemployment costs [1:29:07] um because the summer Levy unemployment we're not allowed actually the summer unemployment piece we not allowed to put [1:29:12] on the levy this slide covers the last several [1:29:18] lines in the general fund Levy long-term facility maintenance being one of the biggest um our lfm line item includes [1:29:25] the pay as you go portion of ltfm funding which provides part of the funding for the rolling 10year deferred [1:29:31] maintenance plans and projects pay as you go Levy is decreasing under this plan as we've shifted um many of the [1:29:38] expenditures to um bond that you'll see in our debt service here shortly there it offsets there so the the large almost [1:29:45] $15 million decrease will be offset in the debt Levy next want to highlight the building [1:29:52] lease category among other leases that we have this Levy includes principal and interest payments for additions to [1:29:57] buildings such as Rice Lake Elementary and some Senior High additions along with leases for activities and our [1:30:05] portion of intermediate 287s leases the negative amount includes adjustments as we reconcile estimated [1:30:11] expenses with actual expenses in previous years so again the summary of the total [1:30:16] general fund lever is a decrease of 14.6 million or- [1:30:22] 12.2% moving to community service the primary change in this fund [1:30:28] is increasing our estimation for school age care as we are now fully staffed and [1:30:34] can offer service to all residents with no weight lists nice job Brian um and [1:30:39] and it also includes a little bit of previous year adjustments overall this fund's Levy is [1:30:45] increasing by 214,000 or 7.7% as you know the vast majority of [1:30:50] revenue for community service fund comes from fees for services so assciated with each individual [1:30:56] program finally we'll take a look at The Debt Service fund the top line for regular Debt [1:31:02] Service are the plan principle and interest payments for current debt as mentioned previously the increase here [1:31:08] is offset by a decrease in the general fund as we issue ltfm bonds and reduce our pay as you go ltfm Levy um debt [1:31:16] excess one thing to to note on here too is we are required by law in our regular Debt Service to Levy 105 % of our [1:31:24] principal and interest just in case as I I mentioned in the previous presentation we had a a negative amount of tax [1:31:32] collection the the 105% is meant to cover cover that in case our tax collection doesn't come in enough to [1:31:38] cover our own debt that we have a little bit of a backup when we have extra which routinely happens that's called debt [1:31:45] excess so we give that back when we can so this year we are giving back 88,000 [1:31:51] in change um a little bit less than last year um just as how the the payments [1:31:57] came in but uh we're able to return that additional amount back to our [1:32:05] taxpayers so that our total debt service Levy is increasing by about 14.7 million [1:32:10] the percentage is kind of scary but it's it's not that bad overall so total proposed Levy increased [1:32:17] currently calculated at 272,000 or1 n% as I mentioned before the update that I [1:32:23] saw about an hour and a half ago is at 0.51% we are aware of there still being two errors in that so still working [1:32:30] through that process but that will lead us to kind of the next portion as as we get to the action item I just wanted to [1:32:36] give you a quick timeline of of how the levy process works so mde gives the first run of Levy data to us um we start [1:32:44] actually loading information in July and August for the state and then we get the first output of information on um [1:32:49] September 6th from there to the end of the month we have 16 working days is to make all Corrections update our [1:32:56] information and and try to create the most accurate Levy possible for the board to [1:33:01] approve final step is on December 17th of 2024 following the truth and Taxation [1:33:07] hearing which will include that opportunity for public comment the school board would be asked to approve the final Levy amounts for the taxes [1:33:13] payable in 25 all right so with that going to ask the school board to [1:33:21] take action but you do not have to make a final decision today we are going to request that the school board approve the 24 pay 25 Levy at the [1:33:29] maximum as in previous years we're requesting approval at the maximum to provide maximum flexibility for the [1:33:35] school board and for the district to allow our staff to continue to work with mde and finalize that data to ensure its [1:33:42] accuracy we will bring the final Levy back with an exact dollar amount to the penny in [1:33:48] December oops and I'll turn it back to you all right [1:33:54] so is there a motion to approve the preliminary 2024 pay 2025 Levy at the [1:34:00] maximum as presented all moved mov by Dr Grady is there a second second second by [1:34:07] director Prince um any discussion John can you tell me again um [1:34:13] the per pupil we get for um levies it was 2,100 something for for the [1:34:19] operating capital is 21 or I mean excuse me our operating referendum is 21 77 and [1:34:24] a little bit of change 21 cents something like that and we still per pupil it's per per pupil unit correct [1:34:31] not per per adjusted pupil unit yep and what that means is if you're at prek we [1:34:37] get about 0.5 per pupil from first grade through sixth grade I believe we get one [1:34:44] and from Seventh through 12th we get 1.2 so it's weighted with the understanding that it just costs more to operate [1:34:50] higher levels of of grades and so they f it a little bit for us thank you that's [1:34:56] what I wanted to clarify for everyone all right any other questions or discussion yeah so I always say so um [1:35:04] was interesting because I was talking with some city council members and the cities set a budget and they Levy for [1:35:10] their budget for us it is as John outlined a number of different elements [1:35:16] it is tightly governed and regulated by the state there's the state allocations there are their requirements for our [1:35:22] share later we'll see that lovely line item [1:35:27] that all the that show what is what we required to do and so um but it's also [1:35:33] the result of our choices so our choices with the bond referendum and the support of the residents of our community as [1:35:39] well so it's a combination of um what the community has authorized us to do the decisions this board has made [1:35:45] leading up to this this is kind of lagging those decisions um and what the state decisions are um so it's the [1:35:52] combination of all those things so it's very um pleasant when we see that n number be much smaller um than maybe in [1:36:00] other years as all of those shift um and kind of in talking with other local [1:36:06] elected folks we know that hennipin county is coming in at 5 and a half Maple girl at 6.96 I haven't seen [1:36:12] Brooklyn Parks yet but when the residents when you get your tax statement you'll see all of those [1:36:17] components that um impact you um and so being able to be a the smallest contrib [1:36:23] of that is definitely another good thing for us and I would even say kind of [1:36:29] piggybacking along that the the roughly half a percent that we're expecting that number to be when you offset that with [1:36:36] the growth of the district I I can't make promises to anyone but I actually anticipate most people to be either [1:36:41] completely flat or a decrease in the school portion of your property taxes [1:36:46] and we'll be able to provide a little more information on that in December that actually charts out the rough value [1:36:51] of your house and so forth but I I it's in it's it's very favorable numbers for us so it's it's nice to see when you see [1:36:58] some big numbers in other places yes thank you any other questions or [1:37:07] comments okay um all in favor say I I I I'll oppose say nay motion passes six to [1:37:16] zero thank you John our next action item is the [1:37:23] recommend ation for approval the agreement on the terms and condition of employment between the Independent [1:37:28] School District 279 school board and School Executives July 1st 2023 through [1:37:34] June 30th 2025 information will be shared by Amy Moore general counsel Amy thank you uh [1:37:43] School Executives is a group of eight employees comprised of associate superintendents and executive directors [1:37:50] the agreement contains language changes to reflect current District practices in addition changes have been made to [1:37:56] compensation and conditions Group Insurance leaves of absence memoranda of [1:38:02] understanding sections terms and conditions uh in the compensation conditions section um language was [1:38:09] modified to include a 5% increase to base salary in year 1 3% in year two [1:38:14] this uh this is consistent with other groups that you have approved the ranges [1:38:20] were also increased by 99.3% to the minimum and maximum salary [1:38:26] ranges uh in addition salary advancement has been changed to pay for performance and will be paid as a stipend instead of [1:38:33] adding on to the base salary um work condition second section was changed from 225 workday uh to [1:38:43] 260 261 depending on the year work dayss um in the same section we the employees [1:38:50] will receive 12 paid holidays and 25 vacation days um deferred compensation [1:38:57] District contribution was increased from 2,000 to 4,000 the group Insurance section um [1:39:04] employees reive District contributions as outlined in the contract that is [1:39:10] posted um and the salary investment outlined above or outlined in in [1:39:18] entirety is consistent with the financial parameters established by the school board for the 2325 contract [1:39:25] negotiation the 2-year agreement results in a 99.95% total package increase the [1:39:31] total additional Financial investment is [1:39:52] $339,500 279 school board and School Executives July 1st 2023 through June [1:39:58] 30th 2025 so moved uh motion by director Douglas is there a second second second [1:40:06] by director Mitchell um any discussion I just want to say on behalf [1:40:12] of the board thank you for um Coming to an agreement on this um we really appreciate your work um all in favor say [1:40:19] I I I I'll post say nay motion passes six to zero and again [1:40:26] thank you executive directors for the hard work that you put in um we know you work many many many hours over your time [1:40:35] the final action item is gifts to the district is there a motion to approve the gifts to the district totaling [1:40:45] $1,945 so Mo um motion by director Douglas is there a second second second [1:40:51] by director Prince any discussion we all say thank you um all in favor say I I [1:41:00] I'll oppose say n and that motion passes um 6 to zero our next agenda item is [1:41:08] informational items General councel Amy Moore will share the information for the first reading of policy and procedure [1:41:16] 432 teacher inv voluntary transfer process policy 441 digital Technologies [1:41:22] and digital systems accept acceptable use policy 640 class size and student [1:41:29] teacher Staffing ratio policy and procedure 652 instructional and Library material [1:41:35] selection and re-evaluation and policy and procedure 57 corporal punishment and prone [1:41:43] restraint Amy you got a job ahead of you we do um but we're here for it um so as [1:41:49] you said first reading um they these policies will will be posted then for the next month and uh up for board uh [1:41:57] vote next October at the regular meeting so we'll start with policy 432 teacher [1:42:03] involuntary transfer process you see it's a very short policy and is covered [1:42:08] in our collective bargaining agreements and that's why we're recommending this for repeal any [1:42:16] questions kind of go policy by policy so that also has a procedure then that would be repealed um policy 441 digital [1:42:24] Technologies and digital systems we have executive director pedos here as well if there are any uh questions but the main [1:42:32] thrust behind the changes for this policy um was to put it in language [1:42:38] about how to be a responsible user of technology versus the don't don't don't [1:42:45] um and then updating um some kind of uh pieces that um were outdated um um and [1:42:53] reflecting um some legislative changes I know you've had the policies [1:42:59] and be able to go through them um is there anything in particular that you have questions on I have I have a [1:43:07] question um one of the questions is [1:43:14] um so this is in Personnel the 400 series um but some of this also applies [1:43:20] to student use and so I'm wondering if this is the appropriate category for it [1:43:27] um so that's just something that I think maybe policy should evaluate uh where [1:43:32] the appropriate series that this policy falls under um and then also that I am [1:43:39] wondering about a little bit of crossover between um Tech the this is [1:43:46] the digital technology acceptable use um but then it kind of crosses over a [1:43:51] little bit with like cellone use policy for students and so I'm wondering if [1:43:57] policy committee will be kind of looking at these in conjunction with each other um at some point and U particular with [1:44:04] regards to like social media um in the expectation piece um because social [1:44:11] media is used as a tool for staff to engage with students regarding certain [1:44:17] activities like group me and WhatsApp and things like that um and so so that's [1:44:23] one area that I'm wondering about um as we move forward and and look at those [1:44:29] things and then I have one other question um which is for the [1:44:36] uh sipa sea I don't know CI paa child [1:44:42] internet protection act thank you that act yes so uh my question about that is [1:44:49] um sorry I'm trying to pull it back up again where okay went [1:44:54] um so some of that I guess what I'm wondering about that piece of it is is [1:45:00] if that crosses over into the uh 652 policy that we're reviewing tonight [1:45:07] um because we deliver instruction via the Internet and digital um mannerisms [1:45:15] and so those two things kind of go together and so I'm wondering like has that been looked at together are we [1:45:21] going to incorporate that aspect into the instructional [1:45:27] material selection um and the reason I asked that is partly because of the discussion that [1:45:33] um or sorry comments that were brought forward by um community members [1:45:42] tonight um which made me think about this internet piece which specifically [1:45:47] prohibits um explicit content and um um the way that children [1:45:54] may be impacted by the use of those materials and so I'm really wondering [1:46:00] like where where are we going with that has that been evaluated yet um is policy [1:46:06] committee looking at that do we need to bring both of these back for further [1:46:12] evaluation um so that's kind of a lot but so I can share having sat on policy [1:46:18] committee um you know we have have had a lot of discussion for many months [1:46:24] particularly on the instructional um side of things so I would say we have [1:46:29] not been able to you know make these completely perfect to every piece of [1:46:35] input or um every situation so I think um the spirit of these improvements um [1:46:41] was to advance good solid policy forward um and it will continue to work on them [1:46:47] I I don't think that the policy committee um I think with the work we've done so far I'm not sure that we should [1:46:53] be sending things back to policy at this point I'd say that those are really great questions to keep working toward [1:47:00] and building into our continued work and even in policy committee when we discussed moving forward the 6 [1:47:06] 652 um we we had the discussion that doesn't mean we stop working on it that we can continue to refine and especially [1:47:13] with further input that will come through this the reading process as well so those are really good questions we [1:47:19] did not explicitly um look at the technology um components or cross [1:47:25] reference those with the 652 but I think we had the spirit of those conversations [1:47:30] and policy I don't if any other policy committee members would want to add to [1:47:37] that no I just want to say we heard you um great questions great [1:47:42] concerns um I think with all of these policies um we've all operated under the [1:47:49] assumption that these would come back to policy committee at some point for further discussion um so I think just [1:47:55] given um you know we can only talk about you these policies so much in policy committee so um incremental progress um [1:48:04] and you know contining to take in that feedback and make improvements as we [1:48:09] do on the question of uh social media and the use of apps um I don't know if [1:48:15] there wanted to be any remarks on that and the work that's being done to kind of monitor systems of adults [1:48:21] communicating with students I don't know so we do have um pieces in our [1:48:28] employee handbook about our expectations of Staff interacting with students um we [1:48:34] have discussed and it is um potentially uh bringing forth uh looking at a social [1:48:42] media policy uh in particular we just haven't gotten to that yet um in [1:48:49] relation to cell phone policy we will actually bringing forth the cell phone [1:48:54] policy that currently in place uh and any updates uh to that um to the [1:49:03] extent that um you know child internet protection act is implicated in any [1:49:10] curriculum that happens that's of course going to be followed um so they they act [1:49:17] together um to the extent that it would apply um um I hear your comment about [1:49:25] oddly numbered and there's there's some other policies too and I think as we [1:49:31] start continue through our cycle of review and maybe get to the 500s um some of them we have kind of uh [1:49:38] broken out but there are some that are just naturally probably going to be a bit awkward and maybe calling that out [1:49:45] more um as we get to them but I don't know if there's anything else I would just say historical context on that the [1:49:51] last time um acceptable use policy was reviewed there was a 400 series and a [1:49:57] 600 series and at that time we merged um to build a comprehensive um acceptable [1:50:03] use policy that applied to both students and staff um which is how it ended up [1:50:09] Landing in 441 at the time but I think it's you know a good question to kind of wonder where where it might fit long [1:50:17] term okay thank you [1:50:24] any other questions okay so the next is policy 640 class [1:50:31] size and student teacher Staffing ratio again a very short policy uh that is [1:50:37] covered in our collective bargaining agreement so we're recommending this one for repeal as [1:50:45] well and uh policy 652 and you will see we've included uh procedures 60 [1:50:54] 652a and B as well as the form that would be utilized for requests for re [1:51:01] evaluation and then um we've also included guidelines uh for audience [1:51:06] members and guidelines for the committee just so you could have a full understanding of everything that we've [1:51:12] kind of been discussing and trying to update um I can go through every [1:51:21] change um and I will look to you as to what you think would make sense now [1:51:26] you've had the materials um there's been a lot of back and forth you can see the red lines um I [1:51:34] think we've landed in a place that recognizes a lot of discussion uh back [1:51:40] and forth and um this would is one way for us to kind of move forward uh some [1:51:47] improvements uh to the policy um that has hasn't been reviewed for some some [1:51:52] time now so maybe I'll pause and look for questions and if you do want to go [1:51:58] through things we can certainly go Page by [1:52:03] page so the policy committee's seen this I guess I defer to the other board members who are looking at it more in [1:52:09] depth for the first time if you want to go line by line or if you'd rather I don't need to have it read to me line by [1:52:17] line because I've read through it but if other board members do I do have questions though [1:52:24] okay we can go to questions then did yeah anybody else want to go first or no okay so um and I did speak [1:52:34] with um Amy Moore about most of these questions actually prior to the meeting [1:52:40] um but I wanted to bring them up for policy committee um to consider as well [1:52:46] um so regarding policy 652 and procedures A and B I do have some thoughts and questions [1:52:53] um that I hope will be considered for discussion uh the revisions proposed in policy 652 eliminate language regarding [1:53:01] producing materials and I do recall having a conversation about the removal of that language in reference to [1:53:08] materials that are physically produced in the district and that's no longer a [1:53:13] common practice um but while we don't Mass produce printed instructional materials [1:53:20] I am wondering about electronic materials that are created to supplement instruction and how that is factored [1:53:26] into this policy if there was discussion around that um and I'll just keep going [1:53:32] through I don't need like answers to all of these questions right now um so moving on to uh policy 652 [1:53:41] section V or 5 F6 which is Library materials shall meet [1:53:47] high standards of quality in one or more of these categories and there are seven categories I'm specifically looking at [1:53:54] category number six which is high interest for intended audiences so I'm [1:54:00] wondering what does high interest mean and is there a threshold for that and [1:54:07] furthermore are we referring to intended audience of the book or our student [1:54:14] population and if we're referring to our student population which is what I think is the um intent um how do we determine [1:54:21] the age range of that audience uh moving on to [1:54:28] section six regarding individual student access to specific Library materials the [1:54:35] policy reads that the school district shall take reasonable steps to fulfill this request when a parent or Guardian [1:54:43] has asked for specific materials to be restricted um from their personal students I'm wondering uh what steps are [1:54:50] currently available and and if there are plans to implement a specific process or [1:54:55] procedure for those requests and then um that's those are my [1:55:01] questions for the policy itself looking at procedure [1:55:07] 652a um I would like to have discussion around a few potential language changes [1:55:12] for clarity and to ensure that we aren't placing the burden of responsibility on [1:55:18] a single person um under the general statement a 1 A and [1:55:24] B um sorry there's so many like 1 a b 2 3 um so I do apologize but let me just [1:55:34] pull it Forward here so I can remember exactly what it is [1:55:40] um so under this is the general criteria for [1:55:45] selection under one instruction libr instructional and Library materials must [1:55:51] be evaluated on the B basis of the purpose for selection set forth in policy 652 Etc um there is uh [1:56:01] subcategories a through f c d e and f are concrete they're not dependent upon [1:56:07] anything else however A and B um State a I'll just read what they [1:56:14] say um they basically they're denoted as one or the other um or I suppose it [1:56:19] could be and but it just says or and so my question is um section A States [1:56:27] instructional and Library materials will have favorable recommendations based on [1:56:32] examination by District instructional Personnel or and then B States [1:56:39] instructional Library materials will have favorable reviews found in standard review [1:56:44] sources so what I'm wondering is if we are unintentionally reducing a check and [1:56:49] balance by using this specific language um and it would help me to understand [1:56:56] how we're defining District instructional Personnel the way I read it initially would make me think that it [1:57:02] means an individual District staff person um that any staff person that [1:57:09] provides instruction or is involved in the process of choosing instructional materials um and if that isn't the ca [1:57:15] case please let me know um but if that isn't the case I'm wondering uh if we [1:57:21] should refine that language to specify which Personnel roles or teams were [1:57:26] referring to a bit more directly so as to be clear that no one individual is solely responsible for the selection of [1:57:34] materials um and if we are talking about any individual um person who provides [1:57:39] instruction I suggest that we consider changing the language or separating that [1:57:46] um separating instructional materials and Library materials in this particular [1:57:52] instance um uh or I guess coming up with some check and balance because I don't think [1:57:59] any individual person should be solely responsible for um the selection of [1:58:05] materials I guess ultimately is what I'm getting to I think that poses a problem both for that person and as well as [1:58:12] people receiving the content um so then moving on to section c I'm [1:58:19] sorry I have a few but I am I am almost done um in uh procedure 652a section c b [1:58:29] I noted that the materials review plan is supposed to include both DPAC and the [1:58:35] human sexuality advisory committee as part of their review process and um in order to provide them [1:58:42] the opportunity to review the materials and provide input and that has not been a consistent standard practice but it is [1:58:50] an important part of the process and so I'm wondering how we can ensure that we're consistently following this [1:58:56] procedure going forward um and that was all I had for [1:59:01] 652a and with 652b um and I talked to Amy about this I [1:59:07] noted just a couple of like inconsistencies in the way that we [1:59:12] worded certain phrases from the policy to this procedure um and the example is [1:59:19] just the order in which like students parents Guardians residents is listed [1:59:24] and so I just suggested that we make that language consistent across documents um but the actual um that [1:59:33] that's really minor the concern that I have though is in reviewing this um [1:59:39] document there uh several places where I feel like we could build in [1:59:46] some uh more transparency in our process particularly regarding um appointed [1:59:52] positions um and Amy and I had talked about this a lot of the um positions on [1:59:59] the challenge committee are appointed by a specific person and my concern is that [2:00:05] creates a um a situation where it may appear that the committee is being [2:00:11] stacked or um that people are being handpicked to have a particular outcome [2:00:18] um and so I think that it would be wise for us to consider evaluating some of that language to create a process which [2:00:25] is more um number one more transparent but also [2:00:31] um will uh ensure that it isn't always the same people on every challenge [2:00:39] committee um and I understand that there might be some difficulty with that um just finding people who want to [2:00:45] participate in the process um one suggestion that I had given is uh if a [2:00:50] principal or assistant principal is required that maybe we have like a rotation of which building you know like [2:01:00] if there's a challenge a then it's Park Center and Challenge B is oio and challenge C is Maple Grove or some sort [2:01:07] of process where we're having um a rotation where there isn't any like [2:01:13] specific one person um that is doing that and I don't have any like specific [2:01:18] language suggestions I just think that maybe that's kind of a back to the drawing board situation [2:01:24] um but also uh for specifically formal [2:01:30] procedures and that's specifically for formal procedures by the way those what the comments were for um but also When [2:01:38] selecting uh the the people for the committee right [2:01:44] now it's a single person who selects the participants of the committee and I think that it should be [2:01:52] it should be inclusive also of the director of educational equity and the director of learning and achievement who [2:01:58] are also part of this process in other uh areas of the uh reevaluation process [2:02:05] so those are my suggestions I know there's a lot but I have written them down if you'd like me to send them to [2:02:12] you thank you thank you I appreciate the questions [2:02:17] um for transparency sake and Clarity are there any of those questions I know we can't cover them but that we can receive [2:02:23] answers for tonight um or Clarity and um also just going forward how will we [2:02:29] receive answers to um the questions um well like I said everything [2:02:36] will be posted for a month um typically what would happen is I [2:02:44] would then bring back that to the next board meeting um you know given that the level [2:02:52] of comment and uh possible questions are going to be more than what we typically see um if there was an interest in [2:03:02] um communicating before then you know I can I can certainly do that and then make sure that we um from a public [2:03:11] standpoint that they have information as well I have to I have to think through that I don't know exactly but one way [2:03:18] would be to basically use then the October meeting to really go through everything right and then maybe bringing [2:03:23] it back in November for a vote versus October depending on that that could be [2:03:29] one way of doing it okay thank you that would be helpful I'm I'm open to suggestions though that would be helpful [2:03:36] I I wonder I don't know if a work session would be appropriate Forum but that could be another option to address [2:03:43] some of the questions that's a good idea so you can do it little [2:03:49] more no action would question and answer just for those questions um Andy [2:03:57] did you want to talk about the production piece of it thank [2:04:06] you sure so again Andy bedau um coordinator of digital learning and instructional media and um Heather you [2:04:14] sort of already alluded to the the answer you were talking about why production was sort of struck out and [2:04:20] it's it it's a a practice that we no longer do so we have a Publications in a print shop so um in the past even [2:04:28] probably prior to me we did a lot more of creating and making our own um you [2:04:34] know textbook materials things like that so um to your point though like if materials are created um digitally or [2:04:41] even um if people are creating um you know print materials they would still fall under the supplementary [2:04:49] process as part of this Pro process thank [2:04:54] okay um in regards to high interest you [2:05:01] know we uh I think we in our guidelines we talk about utilizing Miriam Webster for what things mean um I don't know if [2:05:08] you have anything to add to that how you [2:05:13] would High interest for intended audience what does it mean is it [2:05:21] students based on the students or the age yeah I just off you know just thinking um how I interpret that a [2:05:28] couple you know just off the top of my head um you know dog man series you know so what are what are things that kids [2:05:34] are wanting to you know have in their hands right away so obviously things that they're asking for um I also think [2:05:41] about high low so we have students who are um reading it at a lower level and [2:05:48] we still want them to be high interest books and topics that they're interested in so they're not you know babyish or [2:05:55] you know seemingly being you know uh Tu or read down to [2:06:01] so I will just touch on the um parents currently in regards to if they have [2:06:08] concerns about their students and materials they can talk to the principal or the media specialist I think that's [2:06:14] happening already informally um putting something up on [2:06:21] our website regarding that is something we can consider we um want to recognize [2:06:29] that uh different media centers will operate differently but you know really [2:06:34] it it can just be sending an email to the library media specialist would start [2:06:40] that process yeah we did have quite a bit of discussion in policy about um you know [2:06:47] how to execute on it and we know that that's kind of all the supplementary actions and internal work of the [2:06:54] district so we'll probably have high interest to kind of know how that comes together but um I know um uh director [2:07:01] Brooks also brought up a lot of those concerns in policy and how do we actually ensure that we can live up to [2:07:07] that promise to parents and um what are the options that we have available to us [2:07:12] so we discuss it a lot and I do really appreciate the questions I think this is um a topic that we need to be thorough [2:07:20] on um and go live line by line and that's what we've been doing for many sessions in policy so I think that's [2:07:26] important that the board members do kind of have that level of scrutiny and ask the questions that need to be asked I appreciate that I think that's part of [2:07:33] what makes this difficult is not being a part of that process I I don't know what you guys have talked about so I have a [2:07:38] lot of questions absolutely um you know we do kind of [2:07:44] come back um so for the public as this is out it's the reading um folks can go [2:07:50] to our district website go on to the about us school board or about US [2:07:56] policies and procedures Schoolboard policies and procedures and there is a place to [2:08:02] provide uh feedback there um so definitely invite the public to do that these materials are all published and [2:08:08] available for everybody to look at um I think the policy committees worked really hard to balance many different [2:08:15] viewpoints and to be very concrete um and I'd say like even with the state leg [2:08:21] isure um adding the language but not be able to um uh to uh make sure I read [2:08:29] this right Library material shall not be banned removed or access restricted based solely on its Viewpoint or the [2:08:34] messages ideas or opinions expressed um that's always I think been in our work in our policy that's already been um [2:08:41] ruling in case law by the Supreme Court we have a list of what standards of quality are um so I think that did not [2:08:49] in my opinion dramatically affect this policy or the work of our policy committee that we're still focused on [2:08:55] what does meet high standards and I think that that was the spirit of our conversation is to balance um all of [2:09:04] those different perspectives and concerns um so I think that again [2:09:09] continues to be a work in process and in discussion but I think that this felt like a good policy to keep moving [2:09:15] forward at this stage and we streamlined a ton of the different steps and I know Amy's worked hard to [2:09:22] um create U more efficient forms and processes with um the book challenge [2:09:27] process as well so I appreciate the hard work that the district's done to be [2:09:33] responsive that's all I got I just I just want to thank the [2:09:38] policy committee for um working so hard on um all of the and I know we have one [2:09:44] more policy to talk about but on all the policies um particularly this one because it's it's it's a difficult one [2:09:51] and I appreciate the question about um transparency and one um person being in [2:09:56] charge of picking because for I mean for both sides of that deal you you [2:10:04] don't want to be a person picking someone and being accused of stacking or [2:10:09] unintentionally stacking or any of that so I appreciate that and our next policy um I'd like to [2:10:17] go ahead I have a couple things to say Thomas did you on this policy no [2:10:23] okay we have put a lot of work on this policy in the policy committee and I'm really proud of the discussions that we [2:10:29] have had and here's what I think works with policy parents have the right to ask a teacher or a librarian to not [2:10:37] allow their child child to pick out a book parents are allowed to ask for a building review to decide whether or not [2:10:44] that book is appropriate in that setting parents can then elevate it to the district level for another check and [2:10:52] balance against whether or not that particular piece of material is um appropriate for children and let me [2:10:58] clarify that this policy is about library book choices now if we all [2:11:05] remember what libraries are they're a place for everything and these books are not required they're [2:11:12] available here's what doesn't work for me in this policy as it is written now [2:11:18] I'm not comfortable with any Community member asking for a book review because this is a parents' decision and parents [2:11:24] should be in charge of making those decisions even more so I am even less comfortable with the continuing book [2:11:31] challenges coming to the school board here's [2:11:36] why last June we enacted more pieces of the lgbtqia plus [2:11:43] resolution and there are small group of community members who shared their concerns about the impacts that this [2:11:50] would have on their their children I think many of them were they were all heard and very well listened to [2:11:57] and sympathized with their concerns however the district has a mission to support every single student [2:12:05] no matter what their identity is I think this small group of parents [2:12:10] some of them were very frustrated that our district upheld our mission to support every single student again on [2:12:18] books that are available for some students students if they want it at the [2:12:26] library these book bands have come after lgbtq students erasing their [2:12:34] identities and they have not stopped [2:12:41] there the next book that might come to our board is Tony [2:12:46] Morrison we talk a lot about what's age appropriate or what's age appropriate but I can't think of anything more [2:12:53] inappropriate than working to seek to remove a book of a pillar of [2:12:58] africanamerican literature from our students in schools again this is a book [2:13:05] that's available to them as a choice for those who need it and those who need to [2:13:11] connect with it because once a small group of people [2:13:18] come after one marginalized group they always come after [2:13:23] another point of order are these comments related to the policy or personal preferences and conversation [2:13:31] that you want to bring to the board I'll let you continue to make your points Tanya to the extent that you are willing [2:13:36] to and then I'm happy to start my discussion over I I think it's wise that our board [2:13:42] keep our comments specific to our issue and not um conject um have conjecture [2:13:48] about intentions of community members Point note [2:13:54] continue I know everybody's here to help kids and wants to support them and I [2:14:00] understand that there are a lot of people who are fearful of seeing marginalized students and identities [2:14:06] supported in schools but more than once folks have [2:14:12] come and quoted gays against groomers which is a hate group designated by the [2:14:18] Southern Poverty Law Center and once again they started with attacking and [2:14:25] erasing lgbtq identities and now they're on to Tony [2:14:31] Morrison thank you I will not be supporting this policy as it as it is [2:14:37] written I have a comment I'm sorry we just have to clarify for the record here this policy is very specifically in the [2:14:44] title instructional and Library material selection that means this policy is not [2:14:50] just for Library book so that's a really inaccurate representation of what this is second of all our taxpayers pay for [2:14:59] those instructional materials and library books they 100% have the right to be a part of the [2:15:05] process let's just get that straight this is not your political platform this [2:15:11] is a policy meant for our community to participate in our process and they all [2:15:19] have a right to participate in it period thank you heather for sharing a point of view it's not a point of view [2:15:25] it's a fact so um again the policy committee has worked really hard to bring this um [2:15:31] forward constructively so I hope we can keep the constructive Focus moving forward through the second reading and [2:15:37] continuing on so thanks again to everybody who's put a lot of work into this really appreciate [2:15:43] it okay the last policy uh policy 507 corporal punishment and prone restraint [2:15:49] uh it is updated to reflect the the legislative changes that came about after the last session uh about uh SRO [2:15:58] uh explicitly not being um School District employees and updating those [2:16:04] language uh so are there any questions regarding that last policy and my [2:16:11] understanding is that's that's been in our contract with SOS it's been in our contract correct so we have been we have [2:16:17] been in a good place with that [2:16:22] that is the last one so these will all be published and um we'll see how the comments come in and kind of decide and [2:16:30] communicate with you how we will move this forward then thank [2:16:36] you at this time the board will take a brief recess and then reconvene in the foreign room for a closed session the [2:16:43] session will be closed pursuant to Minnesota statute 13 d03 for labor negotiations with AA a [2:16:51] esps confidential support Specialists custodians esps hourly technical kidstop [2:16:58] instructor instructors registered nurses and licensed practical nurses and school [2:17:03] nutrition basically the people that are the glue to our district um is there a motion to recess the regular meeting for [2:17:10] 10 minutes and reconvene in the for room for a Clos session so second uh motion [2:17:18] by uh director Prince and second by director Douglas uh any [2:17:23] discussion all in favor say I I I I'll oppos say [2:17:29] nay all right this uh meeting is recessed at 812 p.m. we are all going to [2:17:37] collect our thoughts do some deep breathing and we will adjourn at the conclusion of the closed [2:17:49] session e