Edina School Board Work Session 8/20/20: Virtual

Thursday, August 20, 2020

Stakeholder feedback regarding 2020-2021 school year models

2020-2021 School Year Planning

Approval of calendar change for early release days

Approval of school year planning

Legislative Action Committee updates

Board meeting agenda review

Areas of Interest (5)

Conflict between staff demanding safety accommodations and parents demanding in-person instruction.
Internal union tension regarding whether leadership accurately represents the diverse views of the teaching staff.
Equity concerns regarding communication gaps for non-English speaking families during the pandemic.
Board's struggle to find in-person meeting space while maintaining virtual access for the public.
Potential impact on student regression versus staff health risks as the primary debate for the 2020-2021 school year.

Votes (1)

Approval of the agenda with changes to move Legislative Action Committee and board review to end

ApprovedVoice vote

Moved by Not Specified · Seconded by Not Specified

Notable Quotes (5)

I feel strong that students need to be provided with face-to-face instruction the safest way possible this fall.
— Anonymous Teacher

School reopening modelsAdvocating for in-person learning despite union concerns.

We believe that it is possible that many families still need to be contacted via the language line and have simply been marked as hybrid.
— Multilingual Learners Team

Equity and communicationRaising concerns about inequitable communication with non-English speaking families.

Many of these people have serious health conditions and are left the choice of either losing their income or potentially losing their life.
— Anonymous High School Teacher

Staff safety and accommodationsCriticizing the denial of health-related accommodations for staff.

We have seen severe regression in her learning and mental health since March... If EPS decides to go 100% virtual will you offer an extra year of eligibility?
— Anonymous Parent

In-person learning necessityAdvocating for in-person school for students with disabilities.

I'm asking you to protect Edina Public School students, teachers and staff to start the school year online. Do not treat us like disposable items.
— Anonymous Teacher

Staff safetyPersonal appeal from a teacher with high-risk health conditions.

People (3)

EricaBoard Chair

Leading the meeting and facilitating the board discussion.

JohnBoard Member

Presenting agenda items and reading stakeholder feedback emails.

Tom McConnellUnion President

Sent emails to the board that drew criticism from some staff members for not being representative.

Places Mentioned

Edina, MinnesotaHighlands Elementary SchoolEdina High School

Events & Meetings (2)

August 20th, 2020: School Board Work Session
August 6th, 2020: Previous board meeting on learning models

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