Approval of Meeting Agenda

Dissent: None

Moved by Unknown [11:12] · Seconded by Unknown [11:17]

The board approved the agenda with removal of a presentation from Intermediate District 287 due to illness of the presenter (Marc D). The agenda was streamlined to focus on consent items, legislative action committee platform, curriculum discussions, fiscal planning, and policy reviews.

Recognition of Outgoing Board Members

Dissent: None

Moved by N/A - Recognition item · Seconded by N/A - Recognition item

The board formally recognized Julie Green (2012-2023), Regina Neville (2010-2017, 2022-2023), and Janie Shaw (2020-2023) for their service. Julie Green was commended for leadership of the Legislative Action Committee and advocacy for funding and policies; Regina Neville was recognized for 13 years of service and integration of equity work into district policies; Janie Shaw was praised for her role as Board Treasurer and Clerk and commitment to student excellence. Each received a plaque.

Community Comment Period

Dissent: Significant community division on student suspensions; no board vote or formal response during meeting

Moved by N/A - Public comment period · Seconded by N/A - Public comment period

The board heard extensive public comment on multiple topics, with particular focus on student suspensions related to the chant 'From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free.' Speakers presented sharply divided perspectives: some argued the chant is anti-Semitic and the suspensions were justified; others contended the chant represents a call for equal rights and that suspensions violate First Amendment protections. Additional speakers praised the board's work and urged respectful dialogue. The board chair repeatedly reminded speakers of the three-minute limit and audience conduct expectations.

Legislative Action Committee Platform Approval

Dissent: None

Moved by Unknown [1:17:07] · Seconded by Unknown [1:17:07]

Director Dan Arum presented the 2024 Legislative Action Committee platform, developed in collaboration with the Metropolitan Association of Metropolitan School Districts and Minnesota School Board Association. The platform includes six priorities: (1) increasing mental health support for staff and students, (2) strengthening and supporting special education programs, (3) stabilizing education funding (including discussion of local optional revenue), (4) ensuring safe and modern school facilities, (5) increasing and diversifying the workforce, and (6) prioritizing student-centered learning with enhanced local decision-making. Board members asked clarifying questions about local optional revenue ($724 per pupil unit, unchanged since inception, now worth ~$850 adjusted for inflation) and the decision to focus on federal rather than state special education funding. The board noted that special education funding improvements from the state (increasing cross-subsidy aid from 6.43% to 44%) still do not fully cover the district's cross-subsidy costs.

Social Studies Guiding Change Document Discussion

Dissent: None

Moved by N/A - Discussion item only · Seconded by N/A - Discussion item only

Director of Teaching and Learning Jody D. St. Hubert and Assistant Director Bethany van Ozel presented the Social Studies Guiding Change document, prepared in anticipation of new state social studies standards releasing in 2026-27. The document aligns with district values, mission, and vision. A board member asked whether the new ethnic studies statutory requirement would impact the work; the response was that ethnic studies will be integrated into social studies curriculum in alignment with the guiding change. The board praised the document's focus on literacy integration and informed consumer skills. The implementation timeline follows the state standards release, with full understanding of current resources and instruction to be completed by year-end, followed by curriculum changes for 2026-27 implementation.

International Travel Recommendations

Dissent: None

Moved by N/A - Discussion item only · Seconded by N/A - Discussion item only

Assistant Principal Carter presented international travel proposals for 2024-25, marking the first full year of international travel resumption post-COVID. Six proposals from Edina High School and one from Normandale Elementary were presented. Notable proposals included: (1) a rescheduled Portugal science experience for students previously affected by two cancellations, (2) two science experiences to address the Portugal cancellation, and (3) a Zimbabwe service-learning partnership with Rotary involving student observation of Rotary-funded projects. The board discussed equity, access, and the educational value of extended travel. The Rotary partnership was clarified: Rotary is not chaperoning or sponsoring; Edina staff will provide supervision while students participate in service-learning projects.

Fiscal Year 2025 Cost Containment Recommendation

Dissent: None during discussion; board member raised question about whether facility use fees should be reconsidered as part of BURG process

Moved by N/A - Discussion item; formal approval scheduled for February · Seconded by N/A - Discussion item; formal approval scheduled for February

Director of Finance Woodard presented a comprehensive fiscal analysis showing the district will end FY2024 with an unassigned fund balance of 5.7% (below the 6% board minimum policy) and face a $2 million deficit in FY2025. The administration recommended a $3.6 million cost containment target to bring the fund balance to 6.9% by end of FY2025. Alternative options considered were $2.56 million (bringing fund balance to exactly 6% but requiring significant cuts in FY2026) and $4.4 million (providing two years of stability at 7.45% fund balance). The board will formally approve the $3.6 million recommendation in February, with preliminary reduction items to follow and final approval in March. The district will conduct community engagement through virtual and in-person Budget Reduction (BURG) meetings starting January 25, with electronic surveys also available. Board members noted that despite state funding increases, the district still covers only 50% of special education costs and faces rising energy and salary expenses that outpace state funding.

Policy 406: Public and Private Personnel Data Discussion

Dissent: None

Moved by N/A - Discussion item only · Seconded by N/A - Discussion item only

Director of Human Resources Sonia Sa presented updates to Policy 406, which governs employee and applicant data privacy. The policy clarifies that only superintendent finalists become public (as the board is the only appointing authority for that position), and that employee salary, benefits, work experience, training, and education are public information. The policy was updated to reflect new statutory requirements regarding union notification of new hires within a specified timeframe. A board member raised concerns about the clarity of Section 4D regarding 'applicants for appointment to a public body,' noting that the term 'public body' is defined elsewhere in the policy but the reference is unclear. The board requested that the policy committee consider adding parenthetical clarification or improving the definition section to enhance readability.

Policy 506: Student Conduct and Discipline Discussion

Dissent: Board member requested clarification before approval

Moved by N/A - Discussion item only · Seconded by N/A - Discussion item only

Assistant Superintendent Randy Smle presented minor updates to Policy 506, including clarification that suspension does not apply to discipline lasting less than one day (per new statutory language) and updated language on carpool driving infractions. The updated carpool language applies infractions to the entire carpool permit rather than just the driver, based on administrator feedback that the previous language was not working effectively. Board members raised concerns about holding entire carpools accountable when not all members were present at the time of the infraction. The board requested that administration provide clarification on how the policy has been applied in practice and whether students not present in the vehicle should be penalized. The board also noted that the policy should be clearly communicated to students and families, as the change may surprise many people. The policy is reviewed annually.

Policy 514: Bullying Prohibition Discussion

Dissent: None

Moved by N/A - Discussion item only · Seconded by N/A - Discussion item only

Assistant Superintendent Randy Smle presented updates to Policy 514, which now includes clearer definitions of malicious and sadistic conduct, cyber-bullying, and building report-taker roles. The policy streamlines the purpose section and adds online reporting forms accessible to students, families, and staff. The policy emphasizes restorative practices to help students understand the impact of their actions and repair harm. A board member asked whether the district provides student education on bullying and appropriate behavior; the response was that such education occurs through advisory at the elementary level, homeroom at the middle level, and through incident-specific education when infractions occur. The policy will be updated to align the bullying and hazing reporting forms (Policy 526) for consistency.

Policy 526: Student Hazing Prohibition Discussion

Dissent: None

Moved by N/A - Discussion item only · Seconded by N/A - Discussion item only

Assistant Superintendent Randy Smle presented updates to Policy 526, which now includes language on restorative practices and aligns the hazing reporting form with the bullying reporting form (Policy 514) for consistency across the district. The policy defines hazing as acts creating substantial risk of harm for student organization initiation or school-related purposes. The electronic reporting form will mirror the paper form in the policy appendix.

Policy 665: Library Materials Selection and Reconsideration Discussion (New Policy)

Dissent: None

Moved by N/A - Discussion item only · Seconded by N/A - Discussion item only

Director of Media and Technology Monos Sty presented a new policy (665) establishing consistent procedures for library material selection and reconsideration across all district buildings. The policy was developed by media specialists in collaboration with the Minnesota Library Association, American Library Association, and neighboring districts. Currently, the district has no formal policy; objections are handled informally by media specialists and building principals. The new policy establishes a three-step process: (1) informal review with the media specialist, (2) formal committee review if needed, and (3) appeal to the superintendent and ultimately the board. The policy specifies selection criteria and the reconsideration process. A board member requested that the policy committee add clear language specifying how committee members will be selected to ensure transparency and avoid bias, particularly given the potentially contentious nature of material challenges. The board praised the comprehensive work on the policy.

Policy 715: Food and Nutrition Services Program Discussion

Dissent: None

Moved by N/A - Discussion item only · Seconded by N/A - Discussion item only

Director of Finance Woodard presented updates to Policy 715 to bring the district into compliance with state and federal law. The policy now defines procedures for deeming meal debts uncollectible and requires that all students qualifying for free or reduced meals receive at least one free breakfast and one free lunch per school day. The policy also prohibits forcible removal of meal trays once a student has placed a meal on their tray. The board noted that while all Minnesota students currently receive free breakfast and lunch, the policy memorializes the district's moral commitment to providing nutritious meals for all students, which may be important if the state program changes in the future.

Policy 807: Closing of Facilities Due to Hazardous Weather or Emergency Discussion

Dissent: None

Moved by N/A - Discussion item only · Seconded by N/A - Discussion item only

Superintendent Stanley presented minimal updates to Policy 807, primarily involving wording clarifications and updates to protocols. The policy appendix was updated to include Community Education programs and to reflect protocols developed over the past two years for facility closure decisions.

Policy 810: Safety and Security of Students, Employees, Visitors, and Buildings Discussion

Dissent: None

Moved by N/A - Discussion item only · Seconded by N/A - Discussion item only

Director of Media and Technology Monos Sty presented updates to Policy 810, primarily reflecting organizational changes (director oversight transferred from Buildings and Grounds to Media and Technology) and alignment with Policy 806 (Emergency Management). The policy now references Building Emergency Response Teams (BERT) and District Emergency Response Team (DIRT) instead of a separate Safety and Security Committee. A board member requested that acronyms be spelled out on first use in the policy and recommended adding this to the policy checklist to ensure consistency across all policies.

Policy 902: Use of School District Facilities and Equipment Discussion

Dissent: Board member raised question about reconsidering fees as part of BURG process

Moved by N/A - Discussion item only · Seconded by N/A - Discussion item only

Director of Community Education Dr. Anarie Leland presented updates to Policy 902, including minor changes to scheduling and cancellation language and a 3.5% overall fee increase (approved at the previous month's board meeting). The fee increase applies to facility rental rates effective July 1. A board member raised concerns about whether facility use fees should be reconsidered as part of the ongoing Budget Reduction (BURG) process, given the district's fiscal challenges. Administration indicated that the policy would move forward with current rates, but noted that if the BURG process recommends changes to fees, the policy could be updated accordingly without requiring a full re-approval. The board confirmed that the fee structure is part of Fund 1 (general fund) and that rates are competitive with contiguous districts.

Approval of Legislative Action Committee Platform

Dissent: None

Moved by Unknown [1:17:07] · Seconded by Unknown [1:17:07]

The board voted to approve the 2024 Legislative Action Committee platform, which includes six advocacy priorities developed in collaboration with the Metropolitan Association of Metropolitan School Districts and Minnesota School Board Association.

Approval of 2024-2025 Secondary Course Recommendations

Dissent: None

Moved by Unknown [1:17:46] · Seconded by Unknown [1:17:46]

The board approved new secondary course proposals organized into three categories: (1) general course changes (primarily at Edina High School, including Edina Virtual pathway courses), (2) English Language Arts curriculum redesign (Phase 1), and (3) Social Studies curriculum updates. The ELA redesign, led by teacher Tess Berman with support from Heidi Diner and Sarah Bridges, emphasizes equity, student choice, on-ramps, scaffolds, acceleration, enrichment, and college transcript options. The board praised the teachers' work and the intentionality of the curriculum design in supporting the district's strategic plan of ensuring each student sees themselves in the curriculum. The board had previously reviewed these proposals in a December work session.