Minnetonka Public Schools — Transcript
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
School Year Preparations and Summer Activities
School Board Goals and Policy Updates
Building Bond Referendum Projects
Legislative Advocacy and Statewide Funding Initiatives
Minnitankka Schools Perpetual Endowment Fund
Revised Technology Use Policy in Student Learning
Inaugural School District Citizens Academy
Votes (7)
Implementation of Cell Phone Removal Policy in High School Classrooms
The school board approved removing cell phones from high school classrooms to address student well-being and mental health. This decision followed an ongoing evaluation of technology's impact and received positive feedback from students (who reported improved attention), families, and teachers.
Expansion of Experiential Learning Programs
The district has updated its high school goals to ensure all students experience 'real skills for real life' learning before graduation. This involves promoting participation in programs like Momentum (trades) and Vantage (project-based learning) as a key board goal.
Continuation and Expansion of Student Representatives on School Board
The successful pilot program for student representatives on the school board, initially proposed by Vantage students, is continuing and expanding. The model involves electing students from each grade level (sophomores, juniors, seniors, and soon freshmen) to participate in pre-board meetings and offer perspectives. This has been valuable for both students (learning about district operations) and the board (gaining student insights).
Progress on $85 Million Building Bond Referendum Projects
The district is moving forward with projects funded by the recently passed $85 million building bond referendum. Groundbreakings have occurred at both middle schools. Projects include upgraded science spaces, a second gym at Deep Haven Elementary, larger performance/gym spaces at middle schools for school and community use, expanded cafeterias, and various parking and traffic flow improvements across multiple sites.
Establishment of Minnitankka Schools Perpetual Endowment Fund
The school board has approved the creation of a perpetual endowment fund, a new initiative allowing community members to make lasting financial gifts to the district. The goal is to build a principal of $5-10 million, with the interest generated used to fund board-prioritized general education programs like advanced learning or instrumental music. The board will publicly decide on the use of interest funds.
Revision of Technology Use Policy in Classrooms
Dissent: Some teachers have expressed concerns about the loss of specific technology-based tools for skill-building.
The district is implementing a new policy for technology use in student learning, emphasizing that technology should only be utilized when it specifically advances learning and for the necessary duration. This has led to changes such as restricting YouTube at middle schools and limiting elementary devices sent home. While some teachers express concern over losing valuable tech-based skill-building tools, the district is committed to monitoring effectiveness, surveying parents, and addressing the implications of AI.
Launch of School District Citizens Academy
The district is launching its inaugural Citizens Academy this month with 18 participants. The program aims to provide community members with a deeper, behind-the-scenes understanding of district operations, covering areas from staff retention and innovative programming to finance and community education. The initiative is viewed as a mutual benefit, enhancing community knowledge and engagement.
Notable Quotes (12)
One of the action items the board took uh was to remove cell phones at the in the classrooms at the high school. And what we have seen is positive feedback from both the students. In fact, they have noticed, we've spoken with them directly and they have said, you know, I'm paying attention more in school.
At the high school level, one of the things that we've updated as well has been we would like all of our students to have experienced experiential learning when they graduate. And simply that is real skills for real life.
The students really surprisingly for as much as at the board meeting they they sat and listened, they took away a lot. So much so that when we asked the group, the majority of them said, 'I would like to do this again next year.'
It was valuable for the board to hear student perspective several times through the year. uh they could comment on their experience on a certain course or why they thought it was valuable or how they had interacted with technology or even understanding some of the nuances of the calendar.
Both of our gyms or both of our middle schools don't have a space where if they're going to hold a concert or a play, you can fit everyone who wants to come. So, you know, you're limiting access to student activities to just a couple people. Our community said that's a priority.
These in my perspective and the board's perspective, these buildings belong to the community as much as they do to our school system.
The board has approved it. The concept is when it gets to be five or $10 million ideally with generous benefactors or community members... interest can go to fund a board priority.
It's a gift that keeps giving to maintain education Minnotonka.
Our our promise to the community is that we will start without technology and only use it when it will advance learning and only for as long as it advanced learning.
teachers, some teachers have been using these same tools and feel very attached to them. The board has seen uh communications from teachers saying uh something that I really found valuable for students to practice individually. I've lost that ability to do that.
Well, it's a great way for the community members to be able to engage at a deeper level with the district. It's it's a win-win, right?
It's a behind-the-scenes tour for people that want to have that. And if every one of those people tells four or five of their friends, 'Hey, I learned this about the district.'
Ordinances & Resolutions (4)
Community-approved funding for school building upgrades and new spaces.
A bipartisan proposal on the ballot to allow more aggressive spending from a state land trust for schools.
A new fund established by the board to receive long-term gifts for general education funding from interest accrual.
Legislation or initiative influencing staff development.