Edina Schools approves athletic partnership, cancels Croatia trip
The Edina Public Schools Board unanimously approved a formal partnership with the Minnesota State High School League on September 11, committing to standards for inclusive and respectful environments. The board also voted unanimously to cancel a planned summer international trip to Croatia due to safety concerns with the travel vendor.
The school board took two significant actions during its September meeting. Directors voted 5-0 to formalize the district's commitment to Minnesota State High School League standards, which establish expectations for inclusive and respectful conduct among athletes, officials, and spectators. Board Chair Allenberg emphasized the scope of these standards, noting that behavioral expectations extend beyond student-athletes to spectators attending events.
In a separate 5-0 vote, the board approved canceling a planned summer 2023 international travel experience to Croatia. The administration recommended the cancellation citing safety concerns and issues with how the travel vendor responded to previous incidents. Jody De-Saint Hubert, Director of Teaching and Learning, stated the decision was made "with the deep knowledge of our responsibility to prioritize the safety of our students."
On a more positive note, the district reported strong progress on substitute teacher availability. HR Director Sonia Saylor announced the district achieved a 100% fill rate for substitute teachers during the first 10 days of the 2023-24 school year, up from a 63% average the previous winter. The improvement came from new Friday incentives and the addition of "building substitutes" stationed at every school site.
The board also heard presentations on several other matters, including teacher compensation concerns raised by Education Minnesota president Jason Doctor, who noted Edina's teacher salary growth of 8.26% over six years lags significantly behind neighboring districts' 15-18% increases. Additionally, the district reported that summer 2023 community education programs served 5,500 people—54% of the student population—and successfully expanded unified camps for students with special needs.
Looking ahead, Superintendent Dr. Stacy Stanley recommended extending the district's strategic plan from seven to ten years, ending in 2030, to better manage long-term goals. The board also discussed revisions to student discipline policies to align with new Minnesota law, shifting toward non-exclusionary practices that emphasize self-regulation and student belonging.
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Votes (3)
Substitute Teacher Fill Rates Update
Dissent: None
Moved by N/A [Discussion Only] · Seconded by N/A
HR Director Sonia Saylor reported that new Friday incentives and the addition of 'building substitutes' at every site resulted in a 100% fill rate for the first 10 days of the 23-24 school year, up from a 63% average the previous winter.
Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) Active Partnership
Dissent: None
Moved by Director Gabler [1:43:15] · Seconded by Director Shaw [1:43:21]
The board discussed a formal commitment to MSHSL standards regarding inclusive and respectful environments for athletes, officials, and spectators.
Cancellation of Croatia Travel Experience
Dissent: None
Moved by Director Shaw [1:48:06] · Seconded by Director Gabler [1:48:11]
Administration recommended canceling a planned summer 2023 international trip due to safety concerns and issues with the travel vendor's response to previous incidents.
Notable Quotes (3)
We are at a hundred percent feel rate as of 10 days into the new student year so we're very happy with that.
This is not just for students it's for spectators and there's behavioral expectations for spectators.
It is not a decision that we take lightly and it is done with the Deep knowledge of our responsibility to prioritize the safety of our students.
Ordinances & Resolutions (4)
Student Conduct and Discipline policy, heavily revised for legislative compliance.
Alcohol and Drug-Free Environment policy updated to address legal cannabis/THC products.
The district's long-term roadmap, proposed to be extended to 2030.
License Status policy updated to include reporting of teacher terminations/hires by race and ethnicity.
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
Community Education Summer 2023 Performance
Strategic Plan Extension and Wellness Revisions
Student Conduct and Discipline Policy Alignment
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