Edina Public Schools - School Board Regular Meeting June 9th, 2025
Monday, June 9, 2025
Overview of core planning team feedback
District policy updates
Legislative action committee report
Operating levy renewal opportunities
Fiscal Year 2026 preliminary budget action
District assessment plans
Excellence in Action recognition for Science of Reading/LETRS program
Public commentary regarding Southview special education staffing changes
Areas of Interest (5)
- Controversy over a district pilot to reallocate special education staffing from Southview to Valley View/Early Learning Center.
- Parental and staff concerns regarding the potential loss of National Unified Champion School status due to staffing cuts.
- Potential legal and financial risks identified by parents regarding IDEIDA compliance and due process hearings.
- Allegations of lack of transparency and unilateral decision-making by district leadership regarding special ed staffing.
- Success of the 'Science of Reading' (LETRS) initiative which has transformed reading proficiency among students.
Notable Quotes (3)
So, we are looking at these as our unsung heroes today. We're going to sing their praises because they deserve to be sung.
Equity demands collaboration and data, not subtracting excellence from South View to patch Valley View.
Changes like this don't create balance, they create strain.
People (5)
Dr. BitmanDistrict Administrator/LeaderPresented the evening agenda and facilitated board proceedings.
Presented the evening agenda and facilitated board proceedings.
Bethany Van OdellAssistant Director of Teaching and LearningRecognized the 'unsung heroes' behind the LETRS/Science of Reading professional development initiative.
Recognized the 'unsung heroes' behind the LETRS/Science of Reading professional development initiative.
Whitney BrockaSpecial Education FacilitatorSubject of a controversial district pilot program to reallocate her time between Southview and Valley View.
Subject of a controversial district pilot program to reallocate her time between Southview and Valley View.
Marie JohnsonParentAdvocated against splitting the special education facilitator role at Southview.
1 quote
Advocated against splitting the special education facilitator role at Southview.
“The plan cuts Whitney to halfime at South View and halftime at Valley View, doubling her case load.”
Describing the negative impact of the proposed pilot.
Jack LeeParent/AlumArgued the pilot program threatens the integrity of the Southview Unified program.
1 quote
Argued the pilot program threatens the integrity of the Southview Unified program.
“This pilot is going to result in a tear down. We have a dreamhouse... We wouldn't tear down our dreamhouse.”
Using a housing analogy to describe the proposed staffing cut.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (1)
- School Board Meeting - Date and time unspecified