Edina Schools Board Recognizes Champions, Plans Budget Engagement
The Edina Public Schools Board met on December 2nd to celebrate the boys cross country state championship team and approve a new community-driven budget planning process. The board also discussed curriculum updates and policy changes affecting students across the district.
The board opened by recognizing the boys cross country team and coaches for winning the state championship. Student athletes and coaches shared their experiences, with Assistant Principal Troy Stein highlighting how the team balanced academic and athletic commitments.
In a segment called "Excellence in Action," teachers from Southview Middle School and the Early Learning Center presented the "Belonging Buddies" program, where middle school students mentor preschoolers. Teachers Mart Oberly, Elena Zapata, and Britney Armstrong described how the program builds leadership skills and confidence in students of all ages.
The board approved a new budget engagement process called the Enhanced BURG (Budget Reduction, Reallocation, or Revenue Generation). The plan will create a task force of 50-70 community members—including staff, parents, students, and business leaders—to analyze the district's finances and develop budget options. The task force will present recommendations for the 2027 budget by fall 2025. This approach aims to increase community understanding of budget challenges the district faces in coming years.
Finance Director M. Woodard presented a five-year financial forecast showing the district is in a stronger position than expected due to better-than-projected performance in 2024. However, the forecast warns that budget cuts may be needed starting in 2027 if current trends continue.
The board also discussed several curriculum and policy updates. Director of Teaching and Learning Jodi D. St. Hubert presented changes to English language arts courses and middle school science pathways. A key change allows all sixth graders to take a common science class, with accelerated options moving to seventh grade. The board also updated graduation requirements to include a new personal finance course, increasing total credits needed from 43 to 44 for students graduating in 2028. Additionally, the board discussed clarifications to policies on student dress code, emergency medical response, and student activities programs. The board held required public hearings on taxes and school achievement initiatives.
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Votes (1)
Ordinances & Resolutions (19)
The current meeting's agenda, which was approved.
A required annual public hearing in Minnesota for communities to review property tax levies.
A required annual public hearing, formerly known as 'World's Best Workforce'.
A document outlining the district's legislative priorities presented by students.
A financial planning document outlining projected revenues and expenditures for the district.
A district initiative and process for engaging the community in budget decisions.
Legislation mentioned in the LAC platform related to teacher training and curriculum.
Legislation mentioned in the LAC platform related to operating referendum and debt service levies.
Federal legislation for special education, mentioned in the LAC platform for full funding.
Student Dress and Appearance policy under discussion for minor language adjustments.
Do Not Attempt Resuscitation policy under discussion for changes to align with MSBA model policy and legal advice.
Student Disability Non-Discrimination policy, discussed in relation to Policy 607 and proposed for renaming.
Policy cross-referenced for graduation requirements, noted for needing an update from 43 to 44 credits.
Special Accommodations and Services for Students with 504 Plans policy, proposed for sunsetting but instead recommended for renaming Policy 521.
Graduation Requirements policy, updated to reflect the new personal finance requirement.
Student Activities Programs policy, under review for language cleanup and minor updates.
An item removed from the consent agenda.
Document cross-referenced in Policy 628 regarding volunteers.
Organization to which the district renews its membership annually, mentioned in Policy 628.
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Other Topics from This Document
Excellence in Action: Southview Early Learning Flex - Belonging Buddies Program
Truth and Taxation Hearing and Achievement and Integration Hearing
Legislative Action Committee (LAC) Platform Update
Fiscal Year 2026-2030 Five-Year Financial Forecast
Proposed Enhanced Budget Reduction Reallocation or Revenue Generation (BURG) Process
Secondary Courses: English Language Arts (ELA) Two-Year Recommendations
Secondary Courses: General Change Recommendations
International Travel Trips for Students
Policy 504: Student Dress and Appearance (Discussion)
Policy 518: Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (Discussion)
Policy 607: Special Accommodations and Services for Students with 504 Plans (Discussion)
Policy 613: Graduation Requirements (Discussion)
Policy 628: Student Activities Programs (Discussion)
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