Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes

Dissent: None

Moved by Unknown [Early in meeting] · Seconded by Unknown [Early in meeting]

Board reviewed minutes from January 25th regular meeting, January 30th work session, and February 1st work session. No changes or discussion were raised regarding the minutes.

Agenda Amendments

Dissent: None

Moved by Unknown [Mid-meeting] · Seconded by Unknown [Mid-meeting]

Administration requested addition of two items to the agenda: (1) sixth grade course change at South View and Valley View Middle Schools as action item 7g, and (2) updated personnel recommendations as part of consent agenda (items 7h and 7i).

Recognition of Lincoln-Douglas Debate State Champion

Dissent: None

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

Arvid Volley, repeat state champion in Lincoln-Douglas debate, discussed the pressure of defending his title, noting he felt confident he would win again. He emphasized that debate has taught him more than school, particularly regarding public speaking and critical thinking skills. Coach Andy Cherrier noted the debate team was named a School of Excellence in Debate by the National Speech and Debate Association and won the sweepstakes award for novice and junior varsity state competitors.

Recognition of Science Bowl State Championship Team

Dissent: None

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

Edina High School's Science Bowl team won the state championship in their first year of competition. Coach Roddy explained the quiz bowl format with questions in math, physics, chemistry, life science, earth and space science, and energy. Team members Megan Iyer (junior), Bobby Scalia (sophomore), and Matthew Zappa (sophomore) discussed their subject strengths and the seven-hour state competition experience. The team will compete at nationals in Washington DC at the end of April.

Public Comment: Prevailing Wage in Construction Projects

Dissent: None formally recorded

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

Dan McConnell, representing construction workers, urged the board to include prevailing wage requirements in upcoming construction project bids. He argued that prevailing wage ensures qualified contractors, fair worker compensation, and better project value. He cited state legislation requiring responsible contracting that passed 200-1 and emphasized that prevailing wage helps workers support families and invest in skills. The administration noted they are proceeding with bids without prevailing wage requirements despite facilities committee discussion of the topic.

Public Comment: Science Facilities Investment and Outcomes Measurement

Dissent: None

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

David Davison, a physicist and 30-year resident, noted that an $85 million investment in science facilities 12 years ago may have contributed to current student success in science competitions. He requested the board establish measurable outcomes for the planned $125 million in future school improvements to demonstrate long-term impact on student life prospects, reduction in fossil fuel use, adaptation to productivity gains with robotics, and civil projects addressing climate change.

Public Comment: Enriched Language Arts for 10th Grade

Dissent: None

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

Judy Randall, parent of a 9th grader at South View Middle School, advocated for creating an enriched language arts option for 10th grade. She emphasized that students have only one opportunity to be in 10th grade and urged the board to be creative with solutions such as differentiation, clustering, or pilot programs rather than waiting for a perfect curriculum. She also noted that her daughter sent an email to the board two weeks prior and received no response.

Public Comment: Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) PTO Concerns

Dissent: None

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

Sarah Burgess, treasurer of the Edina ECFE PTO, expressed disappointment that the PTO was not consulted during the evaluation of zero to 33-month programming recommendations, contrary to board policy 630 and PTO bylaws. The PTO requested the board review community input before finalizing decisions and reaffirmed commitment to preserving two-year-old programming. The PTO noted that school district leadership characterized the program changes as a 'done deal' despite stating they were not final.

Consent Agenda Approval

Dissent: None

Moved by Unknown [Consent agenda section] · Seconded by Unknown [Consent agenda section]

The board approved multiple routine items including personnel recommendations with modifications, expenditures payable, 2016-17 calendar changes (late start modifications for staff training), board committee appointments (adding Randy Meyer and Lenny Walden Friedman as city liaisons for construction projects), commendations, gifts, and a field trip for the DECA team to nationals.

Leadership Update: Facilities and Construction Projects

Dissent: None

Moved by N/A - Information/Update only · Seconded by N/A - Information/Update only

Rick Dressen provided comprehensive updates on ongoing construction projects. The high school addition received conditional permit from the city and includes a new entrance, commons remodel with tiered eating and study areas, and activities center improvements. The transportation facility land purchase is moving forward with expected completion before spring break. Furniture improvements are planned at all school sites. Temporary facilities will be a major challenge in 2016 as the high school and three elementary schools (Concord, Countryside, Highlands) will be under construction. Conceptual 3D drawings were presented showing the new high school entrance and commons design.

Leadership Update: Budget Planning and Fiscal Challenges

Dissent: None

Moved by N/A - Information/Update only · Seconded by N/A - Information/Update only

Rick Dressen announced that a budget task force of 20-25 community members, staff, and students will meet in three sessions to address structural budget deficits in 2016-17 and 2017-18. The district faces a revenue-expenditure gap typical of Minnesota school districts. The task force will explore reductions, reallocations, and revenue generation strategies. The charge includes prioritizing funds and exploring possibilities while ensuring fiscal responsibility.

Leadership Update: Community Education Strategic Plan

Dissent: None

Moved by N/A - Information/Update only · Seconded by N/A - Information/Update only

Val Burke reported on the Community Education Strategic Plan's mid-year progress. Key initiatives include: conversion of volunteer-run homework help program to targeted services program with certified teacher direction at three schools (Countryside, Cornelia, Creek Valley); traditional success center programs at five of six elementaries serving almost 250 students; summer learning program combining EL and targeted services that served 340 students; volunteer recruitment resulting in 115% increase in one-on-one volunteers; partnership with Chinese and International Chinese Association for volunteer diversity; successful TEDx event partnership; relocation of fourth and fifth grade school-aged care program (Wise Guys) to home schools in phases.

Leadership Update: Early Childhood Programming and Partnerships

Dissent: None

Moved by N/A - Information/Update only · Seconded by N/A - Information/Update only

Dr. Dressen acknowledged partnership challenges with the ECFE PTO regarding zero to 33-month programming decisions. He apologized for failing to respond meaningfully to a student email about enriched language arts and committed to improving communication processes. He explained that the administration had internal conversations about the student email but failed to close the loop with the student. He acknowledged that the PTO partnership is governed by board policy 630 and committed to finding ways to enhance that partnership. He noted that challenges arise from trying to bring together multiple early childhood programs (early childhood special education, early childhood family education, and other early childhood programming) under one initiative.

Leadership Update: Staff Development and Hiring

Dissent: None

Moved by N/A - Information/Update only · Seconded by N/A - Information/Update only

Rick Dressen reported on a February 16th staff development day focused on personalized learning led by Randy Schmazel and his teaching and learning team. The district is posting for South View Middle School principal, Highlands Elementary principal, and Valley View assistant principal positions. Additional staff openings will launch in early March.

Leadership Update: Community Event - Shiraki Holly Presentation

Dissent: None

Moved by N/A - Information/Update only · Seconded by N/A - Information/Update only

Dr. Dressen invited the community to a presentation by Shiraki Holly, a cultural responsiveness consultant from Southern California, on Thursday, March 3rd from 7-8:30 PM at the Edina Performing Arts Center. The presentation will focus on how the world, state, and community are changing and how to become more culturally responsive.

Guiding Change Plan for Next Generation Assessment, Grading, and Reporting

Dissent: None; board members raised implementation questions but no formal opposition

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

Randy Schmazel presented a guiding change document outlining a shift from points-based grading to standards-based assessment and reporting. The three-step process includes: (1) ensuring standards are aligned to learner experiences, (2) ensuring standards-based assessment practices are in place, and (3) grading and reporting based on standards progress. The document includes context/reality descriptions, desired results, and unacceptable means/results. A district-wide assessment advisory committee (five teachers, five administrators) will be established to assess current practices and prepare recommendations by fall 2016. Board members discussed how this differs from traditional grading, the relationship to personalized learning, and implementation challenges such as managing retesting windows and teacher workload. The resolution is for discussion only; final approval will occur in March after incorporating feedback.

Policy Review: Student Attendance (Policy 503)

Dissent: None

Moved by N/A - First reading/discussion only · Seconded by N/A - First reading/discussion only

The board reviewed Policy 503 (Student Attendance) which was simplified by removing redundant language from appendices that duplicated body text and clarifying communication charts in section three. No substantive changes were made to policy content. The policy will return for final approval after policy committee review.

Policy Review: Use of School District Facilities and Equipment (Policy 902)

Dissent: None

Moved by N/A - First reading/discussion only · Seconded by N/A - First reading/discussion only

The board reviewed Policy 902 (Use of School District Facilities and Equipment) which was revised by moving detailed language to appendices while maintaining existing facility use priorities. The priorities listed in section four of the appendix were cleaned up and simplified but not changed substantively. The policy will return for final approval after policy committee review.

Early Childhood Recommendations Action Item

Dissent: None; one board member expressed concern about block care loss but voted in favor

Moved by Unknown [Action items section] · Seconded by Unknown [Action items section]

The board approved comprehensive early childhood recommendations addressing zero to 33-month programming, facility improvements, and program enhancements. The recommendations were developed by a leadership team including Val Berg (Community Education), Lori Din (Family Center Coordinator), Susan Bratt (Director of Communications), Jeff Jorgensen (Director of Support Services), Lisa Hawthorne (Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator), and Dr. Dressen. Key decisions include: (1) expanding three to five-year-old programming with expanded hours for four-year-old preschool starting 2016-17 and piloting all-day four-year-old program in 2017-18; (2) continuing the two-day two-year-old program with creative modifications including one day with parent education and one day with student independence; (3) sunsetting zero to 33-month block care services due to regulatory constraints and mission alignment; (4) working with local legislators on regulatory barriers to 24-33 month programming; (5) supporting parents in accessing zero to 32-month drop-in care through partnerships with community providers; (6) expanding early childhood family education offerings for infant and parent education programs; (7) enhancing sibling care options; (8) designing an early childhood education center with varied learning spaces. A board member expressed concern about the loss of block care services but acknowledged the regulatory constraints and appreciated the administration's efforts to preserve the two-day two-year-old program.

Capital Projects Request 2016-17

Dissent: None

Moved by Unknown [Action items section] · Seconded by Unknown [Action items section]

The board approved the capital projects request for 2016-17, which allocates general fund capital dollars for site equipment, buses, textbooks, building and grounds equipment, and emergency repairs. Margo noted there were no changes from the previous month's report. A board member corrected a typo in the document (2106 should be 2016 for elementary schools).

Approval to Proceed to Public Bidding

Dissent: None

Moved by Unknown [Action items section] · Seconded by Unknown [Action items section]

The board approved proceeding to public bidding for high school addition and three elementary school projects (Concord, Countryside, Highlands) as well as ECC turf work. Bid openings will occur in March with award recommendations between late March and early April. The administration brought this item forward for board awareness of the bidding timeline and process, which is atypical but appropriate given the size of the bond funds and construction projects.

South View Middle School Pool Filter Replacement Bid Award

Dissent: None

Moved by Unknown [Action items section] · Seconded by Unknown [Action items section]

The board approved awarding the South View Middle School pool filter replacement contract to Horizon Commercial Pool Supply. The bid was favorable, and Eric Hamilton (Director of Buildings and Grounds) has had very favorable experience with the vendor. A board member asked for clarification on whether the total contract cost of $259,000 includes fees, testing, printing, and contingency or if those are separate, noting that the total project cost is listed at $420,000. Margo agreed to clarify this for future bid presentations.

American Indian Education Parent Committee Resolution

Dissent: None

Moved by Unknown [Action items section] · Seconded by Unknown [Action items section]

The board accepted the American Indian Education Parent Committee resolution. Mary reported that the district is required to have a parent committee for any school district with 10 or more Native American students enrolled. The committee has met twice this year with plans for quarterly meetings. The committee has made recommendations regarding positive curriculum portrayal of Native American students, scholarship awareness for Native American students, and heritage celebration in schools. Mary noted this is the most engaged group of parents the committee has had in several years.

Joint Agreement with Edina High School Band Boosters

Dissent: One board member abstained

Moved by Unknown [Action items section] · Seconded by Unknown [Action items section]

The board approved a joint fiscal agreement with the Edina High School Band Boosters to manage funds for marching band uniform replacement. The band boosters are undertaking an ambitious project to replace marching band uniforms. The district will serve as fiscal host for the fundraising efforts through fall 2017. Rick Dressen explained that this is not a typical direction for the district but is necessary given the time constraints and size of the initiative. The administration is still studying broader booster policies and will continue to work on this issue. A board member abstained from voting due to involvement with the band boosters.

Policy 619: Student Assignment to Teachers and Classes

Dissent: None

Moved by Unknown [Action items section] · Seconded by Unknown [Action items section]

The board approved minor revisions to Policy 619 (Student Assignment to Teachers and Classes). The only substantive change was removing the word 'balance' from section three to clarify classroom structure considerations. Regina noted this was a minor change from the December version.

Policy 905: Advertising

Dissent: None

Moved by Unknown [Action items section] · Seconded by Unknown [Action items section]

The board approved Policy 905 (Advertising) with a minor change replacing 'school board' with 'district' in section 2b. Regina explained that the policy establishes parameters for managing district advertising while not restricting or expanding advertising overall. The policy was unchanged from the December version except for the terminology correction.

Course Name Changes at South View and Valley View Middle Schools 2016-17

Dissent: None

Moved by Unknown [Action items section] · Seconded by Unknown [Action items section]

The board approved renaming 'Pre-Trans Math' to 'Math 6' and 'Trans Math' to 'Pre-Algebra' for 2016-17 at South View and Valley View Middle Schools. Randy Schmazel explained that the name changes were recommended by the math team led by Susan Tennyson and Scott Wilbur to eliminate confusion about course content and student placement. 'Pre-Trans Math' is actually a grade-level course, not a below-grade-level course, and 'Trans Math' is equivalent to pre-algebra. The clearer titles will help families understand course placement. Parent meetings have already occurred regarding course registration.