Excellence in Action: Southview Middle School Recognition

Southview Middle School was celebrated for being recognized as a School of Distinction by the Association of Middle Level Education (AMLE), one of only 11 nationwide and the only one in Minnesota. Principal Trisha Pettis and Assistant Principal Dr. Tammy Joe Cook detailed the school's commitment to AMLE's 18 essential characteristics, emphasizing their work in fostering belonging and agency through various programs like advisory, student leadership, and standards-based grading. Board members expressed profound gratitude and pride, highlighting the positive impact on students and staff, and parent satisfaction. The school funds its professional development through site visits from other educators, further cementing its leadership role.

Public Comment: Off-Cycle Election Costs

Sarah Patoff, a former school board member, addressed the board regarding the significant cost of running off-cycle school board elections. She stated that the district incurs approximately $150,000 for these elections, especially when it's the only entity on the ballot, unlike neighboring city council elections. Patoff highlighted that fewer than 10% of school districts conduct off-cycle elections and argued that the funds could be better used to support teachers and classrooms. She urged the board to move elections to coincide with the city's schedule for cost savings and increased voter turnout.

Public Comment: Teacher Contracts and Compensation

Multiple teachers and the president of Education Minnesota Edina spoke passionately about the need for a fair and competitive contract. They presented data showing that Edina teacher salaries and benefits have fallen behind inflation and neighboring districts, leading to a financial penalty over a career ($184,000 over 30 years). Speakers emphasized that this disparity creates a 'revolving door' for talented educators who seek better compensation elsewhere, risking Edina's reputation for excellence and impacting student learning. They urged the board to value teachers through a contract that addresses these issues.

Public Comment: Electric School Buses Initiative

Students and community members presented a compelling case for transitioning to electric school buses. They highlighted significant health benefits for students and drivers, citing that bus riders can be exposed to up to four times the diesel exhaust of those in cars, leading to asthma triggers and other health detriments. Academic benefits, such as improved test scores and reduced absenteeism, were also linked to lower diesel emissions. Speakers noted long-term cost savings in fuel and maintenance for electric buses despite higher upfront costs, and emphasized alignment with the Edina Climate Action Plan. They urged the district to apply for the EPA School Bus Program rebate by January 31, 2024.

Community Partner Report: Edina Give and Go

Carolyn PapaJohn from Edina Give and Go updated the board on their mission to ensure equal access to extracurricular activities for all Edina students, particularly those from lower-income households. The organization provides micro-grants (up to $1,000/year and $500/summer) for academic, arts, and athletic programs, enabling students to discover passions and build a sense of belonging. They highlighted their strong partnership with Edina Public Schools and Community Education, detailing that they've distributed $253,000 in grants last year and $1.3 million over their lifetime. The presentation emphasized the need for broader community contributions to support the 1,700 students who qualify for assistance.

Discussion: Countryside Spanish Dual Language Update

The leadership team provided an update on the Countryside Spanish Dual Language program, detailing its growth from a single kindergarten class to a K-5 model. They explained the program's unique two-way immersion approach, aiming for biliteracy and academic proficiency in both Spanish and English, with an 80/20 Spanish-to-English allocation in early grades. The program seeks a 50/50 balance of Spanish and English home language speakers. Construction delays for the new classrooms, due to specialized windows, have pushed the move-in to spring break, but the team reiterated their commitment to integrating the students into the Countryside community. Teacher recruitment for future grades and waitlist management were also discussed.

Discussion: Elementary STEAM Programming Update

The elementary STEAM design team presented an update on their framework, which is built on inquiry, integration, authenticity, and partnership. The program aims to create robust, systemic Cornerstone units starting in grades 3-5, leveraging Mystery Science to integrate ELA, math, and arts. Examples like the Student Spaceflight Experiment Program (SSP) and 'Trout in the Classroom' illustrated how real-world problems and professional partnerships foster deep student engagement. The team emphasized that STEAM units are designed as replacements for existing content, not additions, to manage teacher workload and ensure a consistent, high-quality experience for all students across the district.

Discussion: Data Metrics Plan Update

The presentation provided an overview of the district's data metrics plan, conceptualized as a 'funnel' for continuous improvement. The plan's highest level, the district data metrics, captures comprehensive data points, disaggregated by demographics, that align with the strategic plan. This data informs Continuous District or Department Improvement Plans (CDIPs) developed by cabinet members and departments. The process ensures that actionable steps are taken based on data analysis, and the board will receive regular updates on specific components and overall progress through various reports and cyclical presentations.