StoryContinuous Improvement MagnifierJune 10, 2026

Brooklyn Park Schools Intensify Focus on Equity with 'Continuous Improvement Magnifier'

District leaders and educators are employing a targeted framework to analyze and rectify disparities in student outcomes, with a spotlight on Black students receiving special education services.

Published Jun 17, 2026

Brooklyn Park, MN – Brooklyn Park School District leaders and board members recently convened for a work session to scrutinize the effectiveness of their "Continuous Improvement Magnifier," a strategic framework designed to meticulously analyze and rectify disparities within the school system. This initiative highlights the district's unwavering commitment to fostering equitable outcomes for all students, particularly those from historically underserved communities. The discussions, held at the Educational Service Center, underscored efforts to align strategic directions with actionable measures, driving targeted improvements across various school sites.

During the session, district officials and school leaders shared concrete examples of the Magnifier in action. Kari Sawyer, Early Childhood and Family Education Coordinator, offered insights into its application within early learning settings, emphasizing its role in fostering foundational equity from a young age. A key presentation focused on Northview Middle School's intensive efforts to address specific disparities.

Our transformational cycle was grounded in the idea of being focused on the disproportionality in student outcomes for students who identify as Black and receive special education services.
— Randy Henderson, Assistant Principal at Northview Middle School

Northview Middle School's comprehensive approach included a series of empathy interviews, meticulously designed to gain firsthand perspectives directly from students. These interviews formed a critical part of the 'street data' methodology, moving beyond traditional metrics to understand the nuanced experiences and challenges faced by students.

Other Topics from This Document

Legislative Update
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School Board Work Session Purpose
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Vision Cards A and B Data Presentation
Strategic Directions A and B
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Data Measures for High Priority Initiatives
Alignment of Priorities, Strategies, and Measures
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Student Sense of Safety, Belonging, and Inclusion
Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS)
Minnesota Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
Tier 1 Cultural System
Tier 2 and Tier 3 Supports
Minnesota Student Survey Data
OIO Student Survey Data
Family Survey Data
Equity Transformation Cycle
Disproportionality in Student Outcomes for Black Students Receiving Special Education Services
Empathy Interviews with Students and Families
Peer Culture
Cell Phone Prohibition in Schools
Screen Time Limitations for K-2
School Safety Aid and Mental Health Grants
Permanent School Fund Ballot Question
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Teacher Pension and Earnings Limitations
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Special Education Funding Cuts
Compensatory Revenue Formula
Unemployment Insurance Funding for Districts
Mandatory Health Insurance Pool for Educators
Minimum Compensation Requirements for Staff

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Areas of Interest (18)

Concerns over a potential $250 million cut to special education funding if a blue ribbon commission fails to find savings.

The district is actively preparing for the 2027 legislative session, which will include a new administration and significant turnover in legislators.

The compensatory revenue formula is under review by a task force, with a new formula expected to be proposed.

A statewide mandatory health insurance pool for educators is a growing concern, with legislation advancing.

Data from student and family surveys reveal persistent disparities and areas for improvement in safety, belonging, and inclusion.

The school board is examining strategic directions and their alignment with system strategies and outcome measures.

A ballot question in November will propose changes to the distribution of the permanent school fund, potentially increasing per-pupil funding.

The legislative session passed an 'anti-grooming' bill following a student advocacy effort, impacting teacher licensing and reporting requirements.

Districts are allowed to use operating capital revenue for utility costs and have an extended option to reduce teacher instruction time for read training.

The district is implementing a more intentional focus on Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) braided with MTSS for academics and social-emotional learning.

A proposed bill to ban cell phones in schools, with exceptions for medical or IEP/504 accommodations, did not advance but remains a topic of discussion.

Legislation to prohibit screen time in grades K-2 is being monitored and is expected to be a future discussion topic.

The supplemental budget bill provided $10 million in one-time funding for a hold harmless on compensatory revenue, though $55 million was deemed necessary.

Ongoing challenges with state fraud and state programs, including 'Operation Metro Surge', preceded and impacted the legislative session.

The equity teams engaged in a year-long process using the 'street data' framework (listening, uncover, reimagine, move) to address disparities.

Northview Middle School is focusing on disproportionality in student outcomes for Black students receiving special education services.

A survey on health insurance data for school districts will be distributed by the legislative budget office in September.

The effectiveness of continuous improvement cycles and processes in addressing and eliminating disparities and inequities in achievement is being analyzed.

Notable Quotes (16)

And to be honest, it was quite hard to track. I don't know how anyone from the public would have followed along.
— Valerie Dosland

Legislative UpdateDescribing the complexity of tracking multiple bills and provisions during the legislative session.

So the supplemental um so there wasn't one education budget bill like we're used to. There was uh many different bills and provisions put in different pots here and there.
— Valerie Dosland

Legislative UpdateExplaining the fragmented nature of the education budget during the legislative session.

Uh, a big issue this session was whether or not school districts would receive school safety aid. Because of a disagreement with the governor and the house and senate, the Democrats and the Republicans on aid for non-public schools, no agreement was reached.
— Valerie Dosland

Legislative UpdateDiscussing the legislative stalemate on school safety aid.

What that means is it would mean about right now districts get about $68 per pupil. The same districts get the same everywhere. This means districts would get about $40 to $50 more per pupil.

People (28)

Tanya Princeschool board member