StoryStrategic Directions A and BJune 10, 2026

Brooklyn Park School Board Advances Key Strategic Directions for Student Equity

Council members reviewed detailed data and plans for Strategic Directions A and B, focusing on continuous improvement and addressing disparities in student outcomes during a recent work session.

Published Jun 17, 2026

The Brooklyn Park City Council, convening for a work session on Tuesday, June 9th, 2026, delved into the specifics of "Strategic Directions A and B," a crucial component of the district’s ongoing commitment to enhancing student outcomes and fostering equity. The session featured a comprehensive presentation on Vision Cards A and B data, outlining the strategic alignment of priorities, strategies, and measures designed to guide the district's continuous improvement efforts.

The discussion, led by Dr. Dass, Sunny Burken, Director of Student Services, and Dr. Michael Walker, Director of Educational Equity, highlighted the intentional framework underpinning these directions. The team detailed how Strategic Directions A and B are central to weaving together the district's overarching vision with actionable steps and measurable results. This strategic review is a fundamental step in ensuring all district initiatives are cohesively working towards shared goals.

Focus on Equity Transformation

A significant emphasis was placed on the "Equity Transformation Cycle," a year-long process designed to deepen leaders' understanding and application of equity principles across the district. Dr. Michael Walker elaborated on this cyclical approach, which involves sustained engagement and learning among participants.

As we think about the year-long process, we kind of met in August, November, February, and then in May, allowing for sustained engagement and learning.
— Dr. Michael Walker, Director of Educational Equity

This systematic engagement, including the use of a "street data" methodology that prioritizes listening to student and family voices, aims to uncover and address systemic inequities. The goal is to move beyond broad data points to understand the lived experiences of students and apply that understanding to strategic planning and intervention.

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
Continuous Improvement Magnifier
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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