Minnetonka Schools Tackles Technology Use, Seeks Community Input
The Minnetonka Public Schools board met on May 5 to discuss end-of-year celebrations, student achievement, and emerging challenges facing the district—particularly how much technology is appropriate in classrooms and how to better engage the community in school decisions.
Superintendent David Law highlighted promising student data showing that the longer students remain in the Minnetonka system, the more likely they are to graduate on time and achieve proficiency. The board recently completed a planning session to set goals for the 2026-2027 school year, with technology use emerging as a top priority. "One of the things we're hearing a lot about is technology in our school system both across the nation and locally," Law said. "Are we using the right amount? How do we give guidance to teachers? How do we support parents with that?"
The board is studying appropriate screen time limits, particularly for younger students, while recognizing that older students need technology skills. Student input highlighted concerns about addiction and excessive early access to devices. The district plans to establish clear expectations for teachers and develop guidance for parents.
To strengthen community connections, the district is launching a "Citizens Academy" program starting in fall 2026. The initiative will invite a small group of community members to learn about school operations including human resources, finance, and teaching methods. "Those 20 people, those 15 people, become great ambassadors for understanding what's happening in the school system," Law said, citing success from other districts. Applications open in June.
The board also celebrated a successful pilot program giving high school students non-voting seats at board meetings. Student representatives, elected by peers, attend meetings and gather feedback from classmates. Participants reported the experience made district operations feel "more real" and left them better informed about school decisions.
Looking ahead, the district is monitoring the state legislative session, which focuses on policy rather than funding this year. Key concerns include a proposed $250 million cut to special education funding and unfunded mandates like the READ Act, which requires reading instruction screening. Superintendent Law advocated for adequate funding and cautioned against new mandates given current teacher workloads. The district maintains strong relationships with local legislators who regularly consult with school officials and parents.
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Notable Quotes (6)
So, during that planning session we did a little bit of that. We looked at some student data. Really promising data. Not surprisingly, the longer our students are in our school system, the more likely they are to be proficient. The more likely they are to graduate on time.
one of the things we're hearing a lot about is technology in our school system both across the nation and locally. Are we using the right amount? How do we give guidance to teachers? How do we support parents with that? So, we had a little bit of a discussion about that. We have that as a board goal for the 2026-2027 school year.
Yes. One of the board goals since I've been here is to look for new and innovative ways to connect with the community. And uh our communications department uh looking at some national models for community engagement, as you know, came up with a citizens academy.
where other districts that have done this have reported that those 20 people, those 15 people, become great ambassadors for understanding what's happening in the school system.
And the board processed that model and then agreed in last spring to pilot it this year.
Their feedback, if you listen in April, is it made the process more real. They felt like they were behind the scenes. Now, they weren't really behind the scenes, but they were much more informed about it.
Ordinances & Resolutions (5)
State legislation concerning reading instruction and screening, currently in its third year of implementation, which has financial implications for school districts.
A state funding mechanism for special education; a proposal to cut $250 million from it is a current legislative concern.
A type of local school funding that a school board can authorize; the district advocates for revisiting caps on this revenue source.
A type of local school funding that requires community voter approval; many districts are reaching their cap.
An organization that provides guidance and training to school boards, particularly on practices for high-functioning boards.
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Other Topics from This Document
School Board Planning, Goal Setting, and Data Review
Technology Use and Screen Time in Schools
Community Engagement Initiatives
Student Voice and Representation on the School Board
State Legislative Session Impact on Education Funding and Policy
District's Relationship with Local Legislators
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