Edina Boys Swim and Dive Team 2025 State Championship Recognition
Recognition only; no formal vote required
Dissent: None
Athletic Director Troy Stein introduced the state championship team. Coach Scott Johnson noted this was the 16th championship for boys swimming and diving, with all four divers scoring at state—a first for the large class division. Senior Jerry was recognized as a three-time state champion in the 500 freestyle, an achievement not accomplished since the 1980s. The team also achieved the 24th conference championship and 24th section championship. Board members asked about championship times and congratulated the swimmers and coaches.
AVID Program Excellence in Action: Marari Ferrero National Essay Contest Winner
Recognition only; no formal vote required
Dissent: None
Administrative Dean Jeff Pope introduced the AVID program, which has operated since 1980 to close achievement gaps and prepare students for college and career success. He noted that over 900 students nationwide apply for the speaker contest, with only 22% accepted—a highly exclusive opportunity. Marari Ferrero, a senior, shared her award-winning essay 'Becoming My Own Hero,' detailing her journey from depression and peer pressure following her grandfather's and grandmother's deaths to academic recovery through AVID support. She credited teachers Mrs. Taylor, Miss Jarrett, and Miss Disher with providing the community and accountability that helped her refocus on academics and her passion for mathematics and engineering. Board members praised her story and the AVID program's impact.
Food Service Management Contract Extension with Chartwells for 2025-2026
Discussion only; formal action scheduled for May meeting
Dissent: None
Director of Finance and Operations Mert Woodard presented the recommendation to extend the food service management contract with Chartwells for a fourth one-year agreement. Chartwells has been partnering with the district for multiple years and was selected through a robust RFP process in 2022 for a series of five one-year agreements. Woodard reported strong financial performance: 4% increase in reimbursable breakfast participation and 3.8% increase in lunch participation following free school meals implementation; the food service fund added approximately $1 million to fund balance last year and will add considerable amounts this year; the fund operates without subsidy from the general fund. On-site Food Service Director Abby Dollar reported successful expansion of the Discovery Kitchen program in all elementary schools, where students sample fruits or vegetables before they appear on the menu. She noted parent and student feedback requesting expanded vegetarian options and reported quarterly meetings with parents. The Global Eats program was highlighted as successfully introducing students to different cultures through food. Board Member Ellenburg asked why one-year contracts were used instead of multi-year contracts given the track record of success. Woodard explained that USDA regulations and MDE protocol require an RFP process after every five years, after which agreements must be one-year templates due to annual inflationary adjustments to meal costs.
Policy 509 & 510 Discussion: Resident Enrollment, Assignment, and Open Enrollment
Discussion only; no vote taken at this meeting
Dissent: None
Policy Chair Director Alenberg presented updates to Policies 509 and 510. For Policy 509 (Resident Enrollment and Assignment), sections were struck that were deemed redundant or impractical: language about temporarily living beyond district boundaries (redundant because students remain enrolled regardless of temporary living status), and a section about students qualifying for educational benefits (struck because the district cannot implement this in practice). A significant change involved the Spanish dual language program's waiting list management. The policy now maintains separate waiting lists for heritage English speakers and heritage Spanish speakers (heritage speakers defined as those who acquired Spanish through family, cultural, or community contexts rather than formal education) to maintain better balance in the dual immersion program. The previous practice of merging waiting lists after August 1st has been changed to hold separate lists closer to the school year start. An updated DOPRA form was added to the appendix. For Policy 510 (Open Enrollment), the major change involved reordering the priority structure for open enrollment students. The new priority structure is: Priority 1 (currently enrolled K-2 open-enrolled students and inter-district transfer requests); Priority 2 (staff requests including siblings); Priority 3 (siblings of any kind); Priority 4 (currently open-enrolled for any other reason); Priority 5 (residents of the City of Edina); Priority 6 (achievement and integration of non-resident students); Priority 7 (open enrollment requests submitted prior to January 15th); Priority 8 (requests not meeting the January 15th deadline). Board members asked clarifying questions about heritage speaker definitions and tuition payment language. Chair Gabler asked whether Spanish childcare settings would qualify as heritage speaker context; Assistant Superintendent Swenson clarified that heritage is specifically 'learned at home' or 'learned from family' in cultural contexts, not formal educational settings. Board Member Barry asked about clarifying language regarding tuition payments for non-residents, noting that the policy mentions tuition but doesn't clearly specify who pays it. Director Edwards acknowledged the confusion and committed to clarifying whether the policy should specifically reference EVP (Enrollment Options Program) and foreign exchange students.
Policy 527 Discussion: Student Parking, Vehicle Inspection, and Immobilization Devices
Discussion only; no vote taken at this meeting
Dissent: None
Assistant Superintendent Nate Swenson presented Policy 527, which adds language authorizing the use of vehicle immobilization devices in school parking lots. Swenson noted that this practice is already in use but had not been formally documented in policy. The policy was reviewed by all principals and specifically by Alex Hatstrom and high school security staff who enforce parking regulations. Board Member Barry asked who reviewed the policy from the high school perspective and requested clarification on a statement in Appendix 2 that says 'there will be no lot assignments. All students may park in the lot of their choice.' Barry noted that this appears incorrect because students are assigned to different lots and pay different fees for parking in the main lot versus church lots. Swenson acknowledged the error and committed to clarifying the lot assignment language. Barry also asked whether students sign acknowledgment forms when obtaining parking permits, indicating awareness of parking expectations and privileges. Swenson initially said he did not know, but Board Member Alenberg interjected that students and parents do sign off on parking permit terms. Barry suggested that the policy might need to reference this acknowledgment process. Swenson noted that specific parking information is in the student handbook, which references the policy.
Policy 528 Discussion: Student Non-Discrimination Based on Parental, Family, and Marital Status
Discussion only; no vote taken at this meeting
Dissent: None
Executive Director of Human Resources Sonia Sailor presented Policy 528, which protects students from discrimination based on sex, marital status, and pregnancy. The policy had minimal substantive changes. The policy committee removed the word 'normal' from language describing pregnancy-related accommodations because the word could be perceived as exclusionary. The reporting form attached to the policy was updated to use more inclusive language regarding primary and secondary home addresses and telephone numbers. Sailor noted that the policy follows MSBA guidance and that all changes were semantic or formatting in nature. Board Member Barry asked whether the reporting form is accessible to students and families and whether there is awareness that the form exists. Sailor explained that the form is likely in the student handbook at the building level but acknowledged uncertainty about other locations. She noted that students and families typically report concerns verbally to administration, counselors, or social workers rather than using the formal form, which is more commonly used by employees. Sailor indicated that the form is available if needed but is not frequently utilized even by employees. Barry suggested that the board should follow up on form accessibility and ensure that students and families understand the reporting process and whether a form is needed.
Policy 538 Discussion: Student Records and Related Matters
Discussion only; no vote taken at this meeting
Dissent: None
Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning Bethany Van Osdal presented Policy 538, which had minimal changes consisting of grammar and semantic updates. An application was added to the appendix. The policy includes language regarding insurance for student records. Chair Gabler asked for clarification on the insurance language, specifically whether the district strongly recommends (but does not require) that families obtain insurance for student records. Van Osdal confirmed that the policy reflects a strong recommendation rather than a requirement.
Policy 612 Discussion: Development of Parental Involvement Policies for Title One Programs
Discussion only; no vote taken at this meeting
Dissent: None
Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning Bethany Van Osdal presented Policy 612, which encourages and facilitates parent and guardian involvement for students participating in Title One programming. The policy was updated to be consistent with language in other similar policies and with MSBA model policy. Changes were minimal, consisting of minor punctuation and wording adjustments. No substantive changes were made to the policy framework.
Consent Agenda Approval
Approved unanimously
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp not specified] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp not specified]
Chair Gabler asked if any board members wished to remove items from the consent agenda. No members requested removal. The board voted unanimously to approve the consent agenda.
Recognition of Dr. Stacy Stanley, Superintendent
Recognition only; no formal vote required
Dissent: None
Chair Gabler read a formal resolution commending and recognizing Dr. Stacy Stanley for her service as superintendent from 2021 to 2025. The resolution highlighted her leadership in advancing the district's 2020-2030 strategic plan, developing a comprehensive literacy plan, establishing data metrics and dashboards to track student progress, engaging stakeholders including students, families, staff, and community members, launching the Spanish dual language program, enhancing student enrollment and retention efforts, and advocating for sound fiscal management. The resolution noted that her leadership, dedication, and vision have left an indelible mark on the district. The board presented Dr. Stanley with a card and gift. Dr. Stanley expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and pride in the work of teachers, students, and her administrative team in recovering from pandemic impacts.
Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Revision Approval
Approved unanimously
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp not specified] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp not specified]
Director of Finance and Operations Mert Woodard presented the FY2025 budget revision for formal approval. The revision had been reviewed at the January Finance and Facilities Committee meeting, the February board work session, and the March regular meeting with no changes proposed throughout that time. Board Member Burman asked about considerations for the revised five-year general fund forecast, particularly regarding state and federal funding uncertainties. Woodard reported that the revised forecast is actually more favorable than previously anticipated due to stronger-than-expected enrollment and a 2.74% inflationary increase to state aid (versus the 2.5% initially planned). However, he identified several concerns for future years: (1) Uncertainty regarding federal funding, which represents 1.5% of the general fund budget (over $2 million), with more than $1.5 million directed toward special education; (2) Potential cascading effects if neighboring districts lose federal funding, which could reduce state resources available to all districts; (3) Macroeconomic uncertainties including tariffs and inflation; (4) Continued tight labor market, particularly for teachers, creating upward pressure on wages. Woodard emphasized that the administration is continuing to be conservative in its approach, not adding new positions and maintaining conservative revenue assumptions. He noted that everything appears to be getting more expensive in the short term.
Rapid Review Policies 413 and 705 Approval
Approved unanimously
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp not specified] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp not specified]
Policy Chair Alenberg presented Policies 413 and 705 under the rapid review process, which allows policies with minimal changes to proceed directly from committee to action. Policy 413 updated the definition of familial status to reflect new Minnesota legislative language consistent with Policy 521 approved in March. Policy 705 (Development and Maintenance of an Inventory of Fixed Assets and a Fixed Asset Accounting System) added specification of uniform financial accounting and reporting standards limits. Both policies had minimal changes and no substantive modifications.
Action Policies 517, 519, 534, and 535 Approval
Approved unanimously
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp not specified] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp not specified]
Policy Chair Alenberg presented Policies 517, 519, 534, and 535 for approval. She confirmed that there were no changes to these policies since their review the previous month. Assistant Superintendent Swenson confirmed that the policies remained unchanged. The board voted to approve all four policies.
Leadership and Committee Updates
Updates only; no formal votes required
Dissent: None
Board Member Arum reported on a legislative day at the state capital involving approximately 30 community members and 21 students. The group met with the head of the education finance committee, both Republican and Democratic co-chairs of the committee, local lobbyists, and heard Edina families testify at Senate Education Policy Committee meetings. Arum noted that the legislative session has significant activity ongoing and may extend beyond the typical May conclusion, with potential for further community advocacy opportunities. Chair Gabler thanked Board Members Barry and Arum for their leadership of the legislative action committee and praised the quality of student participation and questions. Dr. Stanley reported on new artwork displayed in the boardroom from Edina High School, showcasing work from 17 different art courses offered in grades 9-12. The display includes foundational works in traditional materials (charcoal, ink, pencil, paint, silver gelatin prints, clay) and digital art (Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator), as well as advanced and AP studio works emphasizing student voices, technical mastery, planning, experimentation, and revision. Art teachers Kim Rascin, Dalon Town, and George Lungren organized the display. Board Member Bourbon commented that 'AI has nothing on Edina High School art students and teachers.'