Citizen Input: Proposed Change to Policy 429 - Leaves of Absences Without Pay

Dissent: Jennifer Lipsky, Minnetonka Teachers Association President, expressed strong opposition to the proposed policy change.

Jennifer Lipsky, President of the Minnetonka Teachers Association, voiced strong opposition to a proposed change in Policy 429 that would mandate intermittent leaves of absence without pay to be taken in 8-hour, full-day increments. She emphasized the district's 'human-centered' values, illustrating how the current flexibility benefits teachers and students (e.g., for medical treatments or childcare emergencies) without requiring full-day absences. Lipsky argued the proposed change would lead to increased substitute costs, reduced consistency for students, and is a term of employment requiring negotiation. She urged the board to reject the policy change.

Presentation by Vantage Students: Equitable Solutions to Minnesota School Funding

Four Vantage students (Satie Sters, Danny Beg, Isabelle Chin, Jack Arrington) presented their public policy project focusing on Minnesota's school funding crisis. They detailed the current funding layers, highlighted inequities due to difficulties in assessing low-income student populations, and proposed a two-part solution: 1) referendum reform to increase funding caps based on district-specific needs (e.g., special needs, English language learners, free/reduced-price meals) using a 'needs multiplier,' and 2) a voter awareness campaign to ensure informed ballot decisions on referendums, leveraging clear language on ballots, social media, and student advocacy. They cited potential benefits like reduced funding gaps and increased voter turnout for education funding.

Review of New Course Proposals, Changes, and Deletions

Ala, Director of Instruction and Learning, and Emily Rosenrren, High School Assistant Principal, presented updates to Minnetonka High School's course offerings for the upcoming academic year. New courses proposed included AP African-American Studies, AP Business with Personal Finance, AP Cyber Security (offering industry certification), an online Architecture course, Aviation Maintenance (Momentum program), Fashion Merchandising (a course correction for the Fashion strand), and an online Zoology and Beyond class for younger scientists. They also outlined minor title changes (e.g., 'Power and Energy' to 'Power and Engines,' 'Higher Algebra' to 'Algebra 2') and the deletion of several computer science, science, and world language courses due to low enrollment or curriculum updates. Board members inquired about the choice to offer state-required subjects as AP courses and appreciated the student-centric approach and responsiveness to feedback.

Policy Reviews

The Executive Director of HR and Legal Counsel, with Kristen Turnblad, Director of Nutrition Services, presented updates to several policies. Policy 719 (Nutrition Services) was revised to reflect legislative changes making all meals free and to clarify terminology. Policy 535 (Student Assignments) standardized its purpose, clarified superintendent's purview, updated language regarding Clear Springs Elementary student assignments due to capacity, and added 'safety' as a criterion for exceptional assignments. A new, comprehensive 'Conflict of Interest and Fiduciary Duty' policy was introduced, replacing an older version and detailing ethical standards, prohibited conduct, nepotism guidelines, and disclosure requirements, including reporting to the Minnesota Department of Education. Policy 429 (Leaves of Absence) was updated due to the Paid Family Medical Leave legislation, specifically regarding concurrent leaves and a proposed 8-hour minimum for ongoing intermittent leaves. This specific clause in Policy 429 generated significant discussion from board members, who sought clarification on its distinction from regular sick time and partial-day absences, noting potential confusion for employees. Staff agreed to review the language for greater clarity.

Review of Fiscal Year 25 Audit Financial Statements

Troy Gabler and Grace Tresinski from Clifton Larson Allen presented the results of the District's Fiscal Year 2025 audit. They reported an unmodified opinion, indicating excellent financial record-keeping and controls. Key points included no uncorrected misstatements, successful navigation of finance department turnover, and strong overall compliance. Financial trends highlighted a planned decrease in the general fund balance (still above policy minimum), consistent student enrollment growth, and disciplined general fund budgeting. The audit affirmed the robust financial health of various district funds like Food Service and Internal Service (self-insurance), and noted Minnetonka's relatively low state aid per pupil, effectively augmented by local operating referendums to achieve median funding levels.

Review of Fiscal Year 26 Amended Budget and Fiscal Year 27 General Operating Fund Projection

Paul Bourgeois, Executive Director of Finance and Operations, presented the Fiscal Year 2026 amended budget and projections for FY27 and beyond. The FY26 budget showed a substantial $3.9 million surplus, a significant increase from the adopted budget, primarily due to higher student enrollment and unexpected special education revenue. This positive adjustment means no budget reductions are anticipated for FY27. However, projections for FY28 indicate a potential deficit, largely attributed to a statutorily mandated reduction in special education cross-subsidy aid. Bourgeois also detailed the significant financial benefit of open enrollment, which contributes over $2,000 annually per resident student, and highlighted the district's unique financial position of ranking very low in state aid per pupil, relying heavily on voter-approved operating referendums to reach median funding levels. Comprehensive reviews of other funds (e.g., self-insurance, art center, dome, aquatics, Pagel Center, LTFM, building construction, tech fund, OPED trust) demonstrated their sound and often self-sustaining financial management.